Faculty

My research focus is to demonstrate the impact of inflammatory mediators on the pathogenesis of diabetic complications: neuropathy, nephropathy and gastroparesis. We have established that replication defective herpes simplex virus-mediated gene transfer of growth factors (NGF, NT-3, VEGF) can prevent diabetic and drug-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy in animals, and that gene transfer mediated release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (Enkephalin, GABA) in diabetic animals reduces pain concomitantly with a reduction in sodium channel NaV1.7 levels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Our recent studies show therapeutic benefits of HSV mediated release of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, sTNFR) in the DRG with a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, subsequently inhibiting painful neuropathy. We have also demonstrated exercise-mediated alleviation of painful neuropathy with a decrease in neuro-inflammation. Currently we are assessing if blocking the release of noxious cytokines improves renal dysfunction and gastric dys-motility in diabetic animals. We are trying to identify novel early biomarkers of inflammation and epigenetic modulators (histone modifications) involved in the progression of neuropathy, nephropathy and gastroparesis in diabetic animals, and are exploring whether inhibiting inflammation or epigenetic changes will alter the progression of these complications. Thus, we are focusing on understanding the role of inflammation and nutritional deficits in the development of diabetic complications and co-morbidities.

Education and academic positions

• University of Calcutta, Calcutta, India: B.Sc. Biology, Zoology (Hons)
• Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India: M.Sc. Zoology
• Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India: Ph.D. Neurosciences
• Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
  
  
• Research Investigator, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan (2004 – 2010)
• Research Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan (2010-2014)
• Assistant Professor, Center of Emphasis in Diabetes and Metabolism, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech Health El Paso, El Paso, TX (2014-Present)

Honors (fellowships, career development awards, endowments, etc.)

• Junior/Senior Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission, India (1993-1998)
• Best Graduate Student Award, Symposium on Frontiers of Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India, 1997
• Peripheral Nerve Society Fellow (2007-2011)
• Member: American Diabetes Association (2010-present)
• Member: Society for Neuroscience (2000-present)
• Member: Peripheral Nerve Society (2005-present)
• Member: Endocrine Society (2014-present)
• Editorial Board Member: World Journal of Diabetes (2013-present); Journal of Hematology Research (2014-present); Journal of Biotherapy (2014-present)
• Associate Editor: Journal of Diabetes Research (2014-present)
• Grant reviewer: American Diabetes Association (2016-present); Indiana Diabetes Research Center (IDRC; external)
• Ad hoc member: SCS study section, NIH (2015-present); Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience IRG, NIH (2015)
• National Science Foundation, Studying Effects of Microgravity (2019-2022)

Link to PubMed publications

View Dr. Chattopadhyay's publications.