Dr. Kasthuri Natarajan

Dr. Kasthuri Natarajan 

Scientist

Phone: 044 4743 2343

Email: kasthurn1@srmist.edu.in
Area: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Bio Medical Sciences, Genetic Engineering, Stem Cell Research, Regenerative Medicine
Affiliation:Department of Translational Medicine and Research, SRM Medical College , Kattankulathur Campus, SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

Education

Other Details:

Courses

• Medical Biochemistry
• Bio-analytical methods
• Cell and Molecular biology
• Clinical biochemistry
• Bio-medical techniques
• Enzymology and Metabolism
• Research methodology
• Biostatistics

Research Interests:

• Human cell culture
• Induced pluripotent stem cells
• Mesenchymal stem cells
• Disease modeling
• Cell and gene therapy
• Molecular cloning
• Drug testing
• Epigenetic screening
• Mechanistic evaluations
• Cancer cells
• Phytocompound analysis
• Nanoparticle synthesis
• Tissue engineering

Selected Publications

• Kasthuri Natarajan, Premila Abraham, Rekha Kota, Bina Isaac. “NF-κB-iNOS-COX2-TNF α inflammatory signaling pathway plays an important role in methotrexate induced small intestinal injury in rats”. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2018 June, 118: 766-783 [PMID: 29935243]
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Premila Abraham, Rekha Kota. “Activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway contributes to methotrexate – induced small intestinal injury in rats”. Cell Biochemistry and Function 2017 Oct, 35(7):378-391. [PMID: 28871597]
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Premila Abraham, Rekha Kota and Dhayakani Selvakumar. “Aminoguanidine pretreatment prevents methotrexate-induced small intestinal injury in the rat by attenuating nitrosative stress and restoring the activities of vital mitochondrial enzymes”. Journal of Basic Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology 2017 May 1;28(3):239-247. [PMID: 28099126]
• Sumitha P Bharathan, Krittika Nandy, Dhavapriya Palani, Nancy B Janet, Kasthuri Natarajan, Biju George, Alok Srivastava, Shaji Ramachandran Velayudhan. “Generation of an induced pluripotent stem cell line that mimics the disease phenotypes from a patient with Fanconi Anaemia by conditional complementation”, Stem Cell Research, 2017 Apr;20:54-57. [PMID: 28395741]
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Premila Abraham, Bina Isaac. “Effect of Methotrexate treatment on iNOS gene expression, protein tyrosine nitration, protein cysteine nitrosylation and the activities of mitochondrial enzymes in the small intestinal mucosa of rats”. Asian Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2016 Jul 25: 04(15):01-12.
• Kasthuri Natarajan and Premila Abraham. “Methotrexate administration induces differential and selective protein tyrosine nitration and cysteine nitrosylation in the subcellular organelles of the small intestinal mucosa of rats”. Chemico and Biological interactions 2016 May 5;251:45-59. Epub 2016 Mar 30. [PMID: 27038877]
• Premila Abraham, Suganthi Rabi, Deepak Vinod Francis, Mohana Priya D, Kasthuri Natarajan, Anita Amaladass. “Increased hepatic gluconeogenesis and decreased glucose uptake, and increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis in rat model of maternal diabetes”. Biomedical research, 2016 Feb;27(3):632-640.
• Kasthuri Natarajan and Premila Abraham. “An Anti-Cancer drug impair and repair mechanism (Methotrexate induced mucositis and its prevention in rat model”. Journal of Cancer science and therapy. 2015 Oct;7(10):119.
• Vk Kolli, K Natarajan, B Isaac, D Selvakumar, P Abraham.  “Mitochondrial dysfunction and respiratory chain defects in a rodent model of methotrexate-induced enteritis”. Human and Experimental Toxicology. 2014 Oct;33(10):1051-65. [PMID: 24347301]
• Kolli VK, Kanakasabapathy I, Faith M, Ramamoorthy H, Isaac B, Natarajan K, Abraham P. “A preclinical study on the protective effect of melatonin against methotrexate-induced small intestinal damage: effect mediated by attenuation of nitrosative stress, protein tyrosine nitration, and PARP activation”. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology 2013 May;71(5):1209-18. Epub 2013 Feb 19. [PMID: 23420439]
• Viswa Kalyan Kolli, Premila Abraham, Bina Isaac, N. Kasthuri. “Preclinical Efficacy of Melatonin to Reduce Methotrexate-Induced Oxidative Stress and Small Intestinal Damage in Rats”.  Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2013 Apr;58(4):959-69. Epub 2012 Oct 10. [PMID: 23053903]
• Abraham P, Isaac B, Ramamoorthy H, Natarajan K. “Oral glutamine attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in the bladder but does not prevent hemorrhagic cystitis in rats”. Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2011 Jun;7(2):118-24. Epub 2010 Jul 27. [PMID: 20661687]

Papers Presented

• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Ethics in Stemcell Research – Bench to Bedside” in International Conference, Bioethicon, Organized by UNESCO and SRM University, Chennai, Nov 2019
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Mechanistic evaluation of Drug – Impair and repair mechanism” in International Seminar, Recent Innovations in Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Organized by UGC-SAP and IBMS University of Madras, Chennai, Mar 2019
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Stem cell Research – Trends and Challenges in Therapy” in
• International conference, Current trends and Emerging Challenges in Biological Sciences at DKM college for women, Vellore, Feb 2018
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Methotrexate - Impair and Repair mechanism in rodent model” in International conference, Recent Advances in Bioresource Technology at Thiruvalluvar university, Vellore, Feb 2017
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a poster on “Disease modeling of fanconi anemia” at InStem, Annual Review of Research and sab meeting, NCBS, Bangalore, Mar 2016
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a poster on “Mitochondrial damage in anticancer drug induced mucositis” in National symposium, Recent Advances in Biomedical Technology at Thiruvalluvar university, Vellore, Feb 2015
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a poster on “Evidence for the role of Mitochondrial damage in anticancer drug (Methotrexate) induced enteritis in rats” in international symposium, Free Radical Damage and Herbal Antioxidants in Health and Disease at Avinashilingam university, Coimbatore, Feb 2013.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Inflammatory mechanism of an anticancer drug” in International Conference, Cancer and Diabetes at Annamalai university, Chidambaram, Dec 2012.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a poster on “Evidence for the role of Mitochondrial damage in anticancer drug (Methotrexate) induced enteritis in rats” in symposium, Chemistry and Biology – Two weapons against Diseases at science city, Kolkata, Nov 2012.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a poster on “Evidence for the Mitochondrial damage in anticancer drug induced rats” in Annual Research Day, CMC, Vellore, Oct 2012.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a poster on “An anticancer drug induced inflammatory mechanism” in Tenth Winter Symposium, Cellular and Molecular Medicine at CMC, Vellore, Jan 2012.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a poster on “Nitrosative stress in intestinal damage” in Annual Research Day Programme at CMC, Vellore, Oct 2011. (Secured Best Poster Award)
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Stress Management” in National Level Management Events at DKMC, Vellore, Jan 2009.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a Paper on “Cystic fibrosis” in Microbiology association meet at DKMC, Vellore, Oct 2008.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Chromium uptake by SFRA” in National Conference, Cancer today-07 at DKMC, Vellore, Feb 2007.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a paper on “Pollution - hazards and analysis" in National conference, on energy and environment at DKM, Vellore, Feb 2007.
• Kasthuri Natarajan, Presented a Poster on “Transgenesis” in State Level Symposium, on “GIDE – 07” at Jaya College, Thiruninravur, Oct 2006.

Working Papers

• Effect of drugs on cancer cells, 2019
• Human chondrocyte culture from cartilage and meniscus, 2019

Work in Progress:

• With Dr. Shantanu Patil, “Human Chondrocyte Culture”
• With Dr. Sundaresan, “Effect of phytochemical on cancer cells”
• With Dr. Vinodhini, “Apo CIII and risk of coronary artery disease”
• With Dr. Meera, “Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease”
• With Dr. Vijayanand, “Biopigment effect on Fibroblasts”
• With Dr. Ramakrishna, “Anemia and Vitamin D Deficiency”

Work Completed

• Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells for haematological diseases, an ICMR project in 2017.
• Generation of fanconi anaemia induced pluripotent stem cells by inducible expression of complementation group protein, a DBT project in 2016.
• A study on the possible beneficial effects of the B complex vitamin biotin, an activator of glucokinase in the treatment / management of experimental gestational diabetes, a CSIR project in 2014.
• To investigate the roles of nitrosative stress and peroxisomal stress in the pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide- induced kidney damage and possible ways to reduce the damage by the administration of selective inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine and peroxisomal proliferation alpha antagonist GW6471, an ICMR project in 2013.
• Identification of nitrated proteins that may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of methotrexate induced small intestinal damage in the rat and possible ways to prevent the damage by the administration of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, submitted to CSIR in 2012.
• A study on the possible role of mitochondrial damage, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of methotrexate induced small intestinal damage in the rat, submitted to CSIR in 2011.
• Oral glutamine attenuates cyclophosphamide induced oxidative stress in the bladder but does not prevent hemorrhagic cystitis in rats, submitted to DST in 2010.
• Analysis of metal toxicity in selected animal model with reference to chromium compound, submitted to D.K.M College for Women (autonomous) in March 2009. Master project
• Chromium (VI) uptake by Sulphonated Ficus religiosa Ash, submitted to D.K.M. College for Women, Thiruvalluvar University in September 2006. UGC project
• Pollution Hazards and Analysis in and around CMC, submitted to D.K.M College for Women, Thiruvalluvar University in February 2006. Enviro project.

Academic Experience

• Adjunct Faculty, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, 2019 to till date
• Faculty, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Madras, 2017 – 2019
• Post-PhD researcher, Center for Stem Cell Research, 2015 – 2017
• Researcher, Christian Medical College, 2009 - 20153

Other Professional Experiences

Scientist, Translational Medicine and Research, SRMIST, 2019 to till date
Research Scientist, IBMS, University of Madras, 2018 – 2019
Visiting researcher, SRMCH, Chennai, 2017 – 2018
Research Fellow, ICMR research project, CSCR, 2015 – 2017
Research Fellow, CSIR research project, CMC, 2013 – 2015
Senior Research Fellow, ICMR research project, CMC, 2012 – 2013
Junior Research Fellow, CSIR research project, CMC, 2009 – 2012

Workshops /Seminars/Conferences

Symposium / Conferences Attended

• Nov 2019 – International conference on “Bioethics in Health Sciences” Organized by UNESCO Chair in  Bioethic Asia Pacific Division and SRM Medical college Hospital and Research Centre
• Mar 2019 – International seminar on “Recent Innovations in Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics” Organized by UGC-SAP and IBMS University of Madras, Chennai
• Nov 2018 – International conference on “1st International proton therapy Educational Program” Organized by PTCOG (Particle Therapy Co-operative Group) and APCC (Apollo Proton Cancer Centre), Chennai
• Feb 2018 – International conference on “Current trends and Emerging Challenges in Biological Sciences” at DKM college for women, Vellore
• Nov 2017 - National symposium on “DNA in Heart” Genetics of Cardiovascular Diseases at Clinical Genetics Unit, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore
• Sep 2017 - 2nd Annual Symposium on “Cell and Gene therapy” at Centre for stem cell research, CMC, Vellore.
• Feb 2017 - International conference on “Recent Advances in Bioresource Technology – RABT 2017”  at Thiruvallurvar University, Vellore  
• Dec 2016 - 8th India Probiotic symposium on “Probiotics in Health – Emerging Opportunities” at SRM institute of Medical Sciences and Gut microbiota and probiotic foundation (India).
• Aug 2016 - 1st Annual Symposium on “Cell and Gene therapy” at Centre for stem cell research, CMC, Vellore.
• Mar 2016 - InStem Annual Review of Research and sab meeting, NCBS, Bangalore
• Nov 2015 - 9th Indo Global Summit on “Cancer therapy- precision therapeutics and curative approaches to curb cancer” at Hyderabad, India.
• Feb 2015 - National symposium on “Recent Advances in Biomedical Technology” at Thiruvalluvar university, Vellore.
• Feb 2014 - 12th Winter symposium on “Haematology : Bench to Bedside” at CMC, Vellore.
• Feb 2013 - Society of free radical research and International Symposium on “Free Radical Damage and Herbal Antioxidants in Health and Disease” at Avinashilingam university, Coimbatore.
• Dec 2012 - International conference on “Cancer and Diabetes” at annamalai university, Chidambaram
• Nov 2012 - 81st Society of Bological Chemists annual conference on “Chemistry and Biology – Two weapons against Diseases” at Science city, Kolkata.
• Jan 2012 - 10th Winter Symposium on “Cellular and Molecular Medicine” at CMC, Vellore.
• Dec 2010 - 40th Annual Conference of the “Endocrine Society od India” at CMC, Vellore.
• Jan 2010 - 8th Winter Symposium on “Evidence Informed Heathcare” at CMC, Vellore.       
• Jan 2009 - National Level Management events on “Stress management” at DKMC, Vellore.
• Jan 2009 - 7th Winter Symposium on “Inegrating Basic sciences into public health” at Christian medical College, Vellore.
• Oct 2008 - National Level symposium on “Recent Trends in Molecular Diagnosis and nanotherapeutics” at Adhiparasakthi College of Arts and Science, Kalavai.
• Feb 2008 - IV Annual National Symposium on “Renal Disorder - 08”, Intersociety of  Biochemistry and Nutrition, DKMC, Vellore.
• Sep 2007 - National Level Seminar on “Stem cells” at Auxilium College, Vellore.
• Aug 2007- State Level Symposium on “GIDE – 07” at Jaya College, Thiruninravur.
• Feb 2007 - III Annual National symposium on “Cancer today-07” ISBN, DKMC, Vellore.
• Feb 2007 - National Conference on “Energy and Environment” at DKMC, Vellore
• Jan 2006 - National level Symposium on “Eke - lore Diabetelogia”, at DKMC, Vellore
• Feb 2005 - National level symposium on “CVD - The Global Challenge” at DKMC, Vellore.

Workshops Attended

• The Art of Teaching Bioethics, UNESCO chairs Bioethics Teaching Methodology, SRM, 2019
• Skill on GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, RFLP, Gene sequencing, cell sorting and FACS analysis, 2017.
• Orientation programme of Lab animal facility, CSCR, 2016
• Basics in Molecular diagnostics and analysis, CMC, 2016
• Zotero workshop, CMC, 2015
• Proposal writing, Plagiarism, Patent, in CMC
• Hands-on training in Western blot and Polymerase Chain Reaction, CMC, 2010
• Research Ethics and Good Clinical Practice, CMC, 2010
• Animal handling in CMC animal facility, CMC, 2009
• Fundamentals of Biostatistics and SPSS, CMC, 2009
• Workshop in Molecular Biology techniques, DKMC, 2007
• Instrumental Handling and methods of analysis, VITCA, 2006

Achievements and Awards

Achievements

• Qualified in State Eligibility Test (SET) for Lectureship, Subject BIOCHEMISTRY, UGC accredited 2008
• Reviewer in Journal of Human and Experimental Toxicology, Journal of Cell Biochemistry and Function
• Secretary of Biochemistry Association - D.K.M. College for Women (2004-2009)
• Organizer of National Symposium – ISBN Biochemistry and Nutrition (2004 - 2009)
• Organizer of workshop on techniques – Christian Medical College (2010)
• Organizer of Symposium – Center for Stem Cell Research (2016)
• Organizer of National Seminar – IBMS, University of Madras (2018)

Award or Prize Received

• Academic Excellence Award from D.K.M. College for Women, Vellore for outstanding student and academic record in 2007 and 2009
• Best NSS Volunteer Award from Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, for Dynamic participation and contribution in NSS cell activities in 2008
• Best Research Poster Award from Christian Medical College, Vellore, for Research poster presentation in at Annual Research Day, 2011
• Best Research Poster Award in SFRR international conference, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore, for Research poster presentation in 2013
• Best Research Poster Award in international conference, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, for Research poster presentation in 2015
• Young Researcher Award (Nominee) from cancer drug- omics international group, Hyderabad, for Research paper presentation in 2015
• Best Research Paper Award in international conference, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, for Research poster presentation in 2017.

Memberships

• Board of studies member for PG Pharmacology, University of Madras, 2018
• Cell and Gene therapy member, CSCR, 2017
• Board of studies member for UG and PG Biochemistry, Thiruvalluvar University, 2016
• Society of Free radical research member, 2013
• Society of Biological Chemist member, 2012
• NSS and Enviro club member at DKM college for Women, 2004-2009