ASHOK CHEEMALA

Accomplished and resilient vascular neurobiologist with over a decade of experience investigating molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. My research has uncovered critical insights into blood-brain barrier dysfunction, endothelial TDP-43 pathology, alternative splicing, and epigenetic regulation, earning multiple national and international awards, and widespread media recognition, including coverage by The Hindu, Eenadu, and SciSoup.
With expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, transcriptomic profiling, and in vivo disease models, I have led high-impact studies published in Science Advances, Nature Neuroscience, Oncogenesis, and more. I bring a collaborative, solutions-driven mindset, honed through mentoring over 30 trainees and cross-disciplinary teamwork across leading institutions in the U.S. and India.
Fueled by a deep commitment to scientific discovery and translation, I aim to bridge bench research with therapeutic innovation. My journey, marked by perseverance, innovation, and leadership, drives my mission to advance human health while inspiring the next generation of scientists through active science communication and outreach.

cheemalaashok@gmail.com, cheemala@uchc.edu

• Date of Birth: 02/05/88
• Gender: M

Best Poster Award: Barriers of the CNS Gordon Research Conference June 9 – 14, 2024 Colby-Sawyer College New London, NH, United States.

Travel Grant Award: Barriers of the CNS Gordon Research Seminar, June 8 – 9, 2024, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, United States.

Best Poster Award: Brain Barrier Conference April 2023, CSHL, Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, New York, United States.

Outstanding Research in the Field: Readers’ Choice: The Best of Oncogenesis August 2021. (Paper: "E2F1 and epigenetic modifiers orchestrate breast cancer progression by regulating oxygen-dependent ESRP1 expression" (Link to Paper).

Young Science Award: MCB 75: From Molecules to Organisms, December 2015, IISC Bangalore, India.

All India 71st Rank: University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) Fellowship, December 2012.

State First Rank: State Eligibility Test for Assistant Professor / Lectureship, Andhra Pradesh, June 2012

All India 21st Rank: University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (CSIR-UGC-NET), December 2011.

Student Merit Award: Bangalore City College, Bangalore, March 2010.

Secured first Rank: MSc Applied Genetics, Bangalore University, Bangalore, March 2010.

Secured first Rank: Bachelor of Science, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, March 2008.

1. Ashok C, Amy L. Kimble, Jordan D. Tyburski, Nathan K. Leclair, Aamir R. Zuberi, Melissa Murphy, Evan R. Jellison, Bo Reese, Xiangyou Hu, Cathleen M. Lutz, Riqiang Yan, Patrick A. Murphy (2025). Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia Mutation Reduces Endothelial TDP-43 and Causes Blood-Brain Barrier Defects. Science Advances, 10.1126/sciadv.ads0505.

2. Ashok C †, Ahuja N †, Natua S, Mishra J, Samaiya A, Shukla S (2021): E2F1 and epigenetic modifiers orchestrate breast cancer progression by regulating oxygen-dependent ESRP1 expression. Oncogenesis, 10.1038/s41389-021-00347-6.

*** The Oncogenesis Readers' Choice for the Best of 2021 featured an article on my research focused on breast cancer progression. Conducted at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, India, this work gained prominence for its valuable insights. Seeing our research highlighted in such a respected platform was an honor. see link

3. Ahuja N †, Ashok C †, Natua S, Pant D, Cherian A, Pandkar MR, Yadav P, Narayanan VS, Mishra J, Samaiya A, Shukla S (2020): Hypoxia-induced TGF-β-RBFOX2-ESRP1 axis regulates human MENA alternative splicing and promotes EMT in breast cancer. Nucleic Acids Research Cancer. 2(3):1–17 († Equal Contribution).

4. Ashok, C, Selvam, M, Ponne, S., Parcha, P.K., Raja, K.M.P. and Baluchamy S. (2020): CREB acts as a common transcription factor for major epigenetic repressors; DNMT3B, EZH2, CUL4B and E2F6. Medical Oncology, 37, 1-11.

5. Ashok C, Owais S, Srijyothi L, Selvam M, Ponne S, Baluchamy S (2019): A feedback regulation of CREB activation through the CUL4A and ERK signaling. Medical Oncology 36:20.

Co-Author Publications

6. Omar M. F. Omar, Amy L. Kimble, Ashok C, Jordan D. Tyburski, Swati Pandey, Qian Wu, Bo Reese, Evan R. Jellison, Bing Hao, Yunfeng Li, Riqiang Yan & Patrick A. Murphy (2025): Endothelial TDP-43 depletion disrupts core blood-brain barrier pathways in neurodegeneration. Nature Neuroscience, 10.1038/s41593-025-01914-5.

7. Selvam M, Bandi V, Ponne S, Ashok C, & Baluchamy S. (2022): microRNA-150 targets major epigenetic repressors and inhibits cell proliferation. Experimental Cell Research. 415(1), 113110.

8. Parcha P, Sarvagalla S, Ashok C, Coumar S M, M.Pharm, Ph.D; Rajasekaran B, Ph.D (2021): Repurposing antispasmodic drug Papaverine for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Pharmacological Reports. 73, 615–628.

9. Natua S, Ashok C, and Shukla S. (2021): Hypoxia-Induced Alternative Splicing in Human Diseases: the Pledge, the Turn, and the Prestige. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 78, 2729–2747.

10. Saravanaraman P, Selvam M, Ashok C, Srijyothi L. and Baluchamy S. (2020): De novo methyltransferases: Potential players in diseases and new directions for targeted therapy. Biochimie.176,85-102.

11. Srijyothi L, Ponne S, Prathama T, Ashok C, Baluchamy S (2018): Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Transcriptional Regulation. In: Transcriptional and Post-transcriptional Regulation. IntechOpen, London, UK.

• Sudhakar Baluchamy, Ph.D., Professor & Head, Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India, 0413 2654428/788, 8870274581, sudhakar.dbt@pondiuni.edu.in
• Patrick Murphy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, UCONN Medical School, Center for Vascular Biology, 860-679-2829, pamurphy@uchc.edu
• Dr. Sanjeev Shukla, FNASc, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462066, India, 91 755 269 1409, sanjeevs@iiserb.ac.in

• Post-Doctoral Fellow, Epigenetics and RNA Processing Lab, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, 01/01/19, 12/31/21
• Senior Research Fellow, Epigenetics and RNA Processing Lab, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, 01/01/19, 12/31/19
• COVID-19 Volunteer, Covid 19 testing center, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhauri, Madhya Pradesh, 462066, India, 01/01/20, 12/31/21
• Ph.D. Research Scholar, Stem Cell Biology Lab, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, India, 01/01/12, 12/31/19

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Patrick Murphy's Lab, UConn Medical School, Center for Vascular Biology, Farmington, Connecticut, 06030, USA, 01/01/21, present

Additional Achievement:

• Best Poster Award: Barriers of the CNS Gordon Research Conference (June 2024, New London, NH, United States).
• Travel Grant Award: Barriers of the CNS Gordon Research Seminar (June 2024, New London, NH, United States).
• Best Poster Award: Brain Barrier Conference (April 2023, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States).
• Outstanding Research in the Field: Readers' Choice: The Best of Oncogenesis (August 2021) for "E2F1 and epigenetic modifiers orchestrate breast cancer progression by regulating oxygen-dependent ESRP1 expression."
• Young Science Award: MCB 75: From Molecules to Organisms (December 2015, IISC Bangalore, India).
• All India 71st Rank: University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) Fellowship (December 2012).
• State First Rank: State Eligibility Test for Assistant Professor / Lectureship, Andhra Pradesh (June 2012).
• All India 21st Rank: University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (CSIR-UGC-NET) (December 2011).
• Student Merit Award: Bangalore City College (March 2010).
• Secured First Rank: M.Sc. Applied Genetics, Bangalore University (March 2010).
• Secured First Rank: Bachelor of Science, Sri Venkateswara University (March 2008).
• Secured a postdoctoral position with a salary 30% higher than the standard NIH postdoctoral salary.

• Community Service: Your role as a COVID-19 Volunteer at a testing center (2020-2021) highlights your commitment to public health and community well-being beyond your core research.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Mentoring over 30 undergraduate and graduate students across India and the US showcases your leadership, communication skills, and dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists.
• Scientific Citizenship: Serving as a reviewer for multiple prestigious scientific journals (e.g., Oncogene, Nature Scientific Reports) demonstrates your commitment to the broader scientific community and your expertise in evaluating research.
• Science Communication and Outreach: Your active engagement in science communication efforts, including media coverage, interviews, and outreach programs, shows your ability to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and the general public, inspiring aspiring scientists and promoting scientific literacy. This is further evidenced by your appearances on TV shows and in newspapers where you shared your personal journey and scientific insights.

Media Coverage and Scientific Blogs

1. The Hindu and SciSoup Cover Story (May 2025):Featured in The Hinduand highlighted by SciSoupfollowing the publication of our research in Science Advances, which uncovered the critical role of endothelial TDP-43 dysfunction in blood-brain barrier breakdown and neurodegeneration. The study received notable attention for revealing a vascular mechanism contributing to cognitive decline in ALS and FTD. The research was recognized for its clinical relevance and potential to inspire new therapeutic strategies targeting neurovascular integrity. Science Advances – Altmetric

2. Interview, Act City TV and YouTube Channel (April 2025): Science and Technology in Medical Advancements for Human Development and Progress. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuPlJGkaPBY

3. Andhra Jyothi Newspaper (December 2024): Recognized for my perseverance and success in the field of science, emphasizing how my humble beginnings and resilience shaped my academic and professional achievements.

4. Eenadu Newspaper (June 2024): Recognized and honored with the prestigious Best Poster Award for groundbreaking research on the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease progression.

5. Eenadu Newspaper (April 2023): Featured for my inspirational journey from poverty to a successful career in science. I discussed how growing up in challenging circumstances fueled my determination to excel academically and pursue a career in scientific research.

6. Eenadu Newspaper (April 2023): Recognized and honored with the prestigious Best Poster Award for groundbreaking research on the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease progression.

7. Eenadu Andhra Pradesh TV Show (April 2022): Interviewed on the TV show, where I shared my story of overcoming adversity and financial constraints to obtain a Ph.D. in cancer biology. Highlighted my passion for scientific research and my vision to contribute meaningfully to our understanding of cancer progression. The show received widespread attention with over 330K views and numerous shares on social media platforms. Link to Interview

8. Sakshi Newspaper (February 2022): Featured in an article that highlighted my transformative journey from poverty to a scientist, emphasizing my dedication to harnessing science for the betterment of society. The article garnered substantial attention, amassing over 100,000 views and significant engagement across various social media platforms.

9. Biopatrika” Daily Newsletter (September 2021): Title: "Low Oxygen Levels Crucial for Breast Cancer Progression" Our research revealed new insights into the role of low oxygen levels in breast cancer progression. We believe that understanding these mechanisms at molecular, cellular, and systems levels may offer potential strategies for prevention and treatment, ultimately reducing the burden of breast cancer. Read more: Link

10. Media Coverage and Blogs (August 2021): Our groundbreaking research conducted at IISER Bhopal, which identified the Mechanism of Breast Cancer Progression, garnered significant attention in news and blogs. The research was featured in several prominent publications, including:

India Education Diary, Social News, ProKerala, DaijiWorld, CanIndia, Economic Times Health, India4U, Sify, and NDTV Education

These extensive mentions underscore the significant impact and recognition of our research findings in understanding and addressing breast cancer progression.

11. Scisoup" Science and Technology Blog (March 2021): Title: "IISER Bhopal Scientists Uncover Harmful Effects of Low Oxygen in Breast Cancer". Our research unveils a groundbreaking mechanism governing hypoxia-induced alternative splicing of an EMT-related gene, hMENA, for the first time. Additionally, we showcase how cancer cells adapt to environmental cues, specifically low oxygen levels, to adjust their proteome as a survival strategy. Read more.