Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
New York
Summary
Experienced cancer researcher with expertise in pancreatic cancer, cancer stem cells, tumor metabolism, DNA repair, and therapy resistance. Skilled in developing and utilizing pancreatic cancer mouse models and genetic knockout mouse models to investigate disease development and progression, from precursor lesions to cancer and metastasis. Authored 32+ peer-reviewed publications, including 7 first-author works (4 full-length research articles, 1 comprehensive review, 1 editorial commentary, and 1 book chapter), with research featured in Gastroenterology journal. Extensive experience in cancer etiology, tumor biology, and advanced tools and animal models. Extensive experience in preparation and submission of NIH grants, and have served as a peer reviewer for over 20 research articles across more than 10 journals. Over 5 years of teaching experience at undergraduate level, with strong mentoring focus. Committed to advancing precision oncology through innovative and impactful cancer research.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Research Scientist
Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)
11.2024 - Current
- Investigated the impact of PRAP1 deletion in the KPC PDAC mouse model in vivo using histopathological and confocal studies.
- Exploring the role of PSCA in basal-like/squamous PDAC development and therapy resistance via transcriptomic (bulk RNA-seq) and in vitro therapeutic studies.
- Co-first author on a manuscript entitled “Prap1: A DNA Damage Sensor Regulating AKT-Driven DNA Repair, Therapy Resistance, and Tumor Resilience in Pancreatic Cancer,” currently in preparation for submission.
- Contributing to the preparation of two R01 proposals of mentor (based on Prap1 and Psca studies)
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)
11.2023 - 10.2024
- Developed and characterized a KPC PRAP1 knockout mouse model, applying transgenic mouse breeding, genotyping, and histopathological evaluation.
- Elucidated the mechanism of PRAP1-mediated DNA damage response in pancreatic cancer through molecular assays, including DNA damage/repair markers, immunofluorescence, and western blotting.
- SHARP training in single cell analysis (Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Issued Dec 2023)
Research Instructor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
09.2021 - 04.2023
- Investigated the cooperative role of PAF1 and YAP1 in acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) of pancreatic cancer using cerulein-induced (Kras^G12D; Pdx1-Cre) mouse models, immunohistochemistry/ immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and ChIP assays.
- Evaluated the therapeutic impact of verteporfin and CA3 on inhibition of the PAF1/YAP1 complex, metaplastic ducts, and PDAC in vitro.
- First-author publication on PAF1/YAP1 signaling in ADM and PDAC (Nimmakayala et al., Cell Death & Disease, 2022).
- Contributed to the preparation of PI’s P01 grant proposal.
- Prepared and submitted an R21 grant proposal on PGC-1β and cigarette smoke–induced pancreatic cancer (Impact score: 51; Percentile: 49).
- Mentored 6+ graduate students and junior postdocs in the laboratory.
- First-author editorial commentary published in Gastroenterology.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
06.2019 - 08.2021
- Investigated the role of PGC1α in metabolic and stemness reprogramming of pancreatic precursor lesions using cerulein-induced ADM/PanIN (KrasG12D; Pdx1-Cre) and IPMN models (KrasG12D; Pdx1-Cre; Smad4^-/- and KrasG12D; Pdx1-Cre; GnasR201C), patient-derived IPMN organoids, Seahorse metabolic assays, in vivo subcutaneous studies, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR.
- First-author publication on PGC1α-mediated regulation of metabolism and stemness in pancreatic precursor lesions (Nimmakayala et al., Cell Death & Disease, 2022).
- Second-author publication for major contributions to pancreatic tumor microenvironment and cancer stemness (Nallasamy P., Nimmakayala RK., et al., Gastroenterology, 2021).
- NIH/NCI grant writing experience: Prepared and submitted two K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award applications (2020, 2021).
- Mentored 4 graduate/summer students
Ph.D. Research Fellow, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
08.2014 - 05.2019
- Investigated the impact of cigarette smoking on pancreatic cancer stem cells using a 20-week cigarette smoke–exposed KrasG12D; Pdx1-Cre mouse model, long-term smoke-exposed normal and PDAC cells, autofluorescence-based CSC detection assays, tumorsphere assays, and histological analyses.
- Explored the role of cancer stem cell subtypes and metabolism in organ-specific metastasis using KPC (KrasG12D; p53R172H; Pdx1-Cre) mouse models, organ-specific liver/lung scaffolds, KPC-derived metastatic lines, Seahorse metabolic profiling, and PDAC patient tumor tissue microarrays.
- First-author publication on cigarette smoking and cancer stem cells (Nimmakayala et al., Gastroenterology, 2018).
- First-author publication on CSC-driven organ-specific metastatic colonization (Nimmakayala et al., Oncogene, 2021).
- Awarded UNMC Graduate Studies Fellowship.
- Recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Ingenuity Award and the Harris Award for Cancer Research (UNMC).
Junior Research Fellow
KMS Health Center
10.2012 - 12.2013
- Worked in BSL Class III/10,000 cleanrooms with advanced equipment including CO₂ incubators, fluorescent microscopes, and Attune flow cytometer.
- Isolated, cultured, and trans-differentiated stem cells from blood and bone marrow; performed immunophenotyping using flow cytometry (for approved stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury).
- Supported hospital stem cell processing and research & development initiatives.
Senior Lecturer
Little Rose Degree College (Adikavi Nannaya University)
10.2010 - 09.2012
- Taught Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Biotechnology to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Developed lectures and lab modules, emphasizing hands-on molecular techniques (PCR, cloning, electrophoresis).
- Supervised student research projects and dissertations, providing mentorship in experimental design and data analysis.
- Organized seminars and journal clubs to enhance scientific communication and critical thinking.
Lecturer
Little Rose Degree College (Adikavi Nannaya University)
06.2007 - 07.2009
- Taught Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biotechnology to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Developed lectures and lab modules, emphasizing hands-on molecular techniques (PCR, cloning, electrophoresis).
- Supervised student research projects and dissertations, providing mentorship in experimental design and data analysis.
- Organized seminars and journal clubs to enhance scientific communication and critical thinking.
Lecturer
Little Rose Degree College (Adikavi Nannaya University)
06.2005 - 05.2006
- Taught Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biotechnology to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Developed lectures and lab modules, emphasizing hands-on molecular techniques (PCR, cloning, electrophoresis).
- Supervised student research projects and dissertations, providing mentorship in experimental design and data analysis.
- Organized seminars and journal clubs to enhance scientific communication and critical thinking.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE05.2019
Post Graduate Diploma - Tissue Engineering & Regenerative medicine
Manchester University
10.2010
Post-Graduate Diploma - Molecular Cell Biology & Stem Cell Technology
Madras University
06.2007
Master of Science - Microbiology
Andhra University
06.2005
Bachelor of Science - Biology and Chemistry
Andhra University
06.2003
Skills
- KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx-1 Cre (KPC) mouse model
- KrasG12D; Pdx-1 Cre (KC) model
- KPC Prap1 knockout model
- In vivo acute pancreatitis induction
- Orthotopic/Subcutaneous tumor growth assays
- Organoids
- Histology-pancreatic cancer
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunofluorescence
- Confocal microscopy (Zeiss)
- Flow cytometry (DIVA)
- Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer
- Molecular biology techniques
- Single-cell RNAseq data analysis using Trailmaker
Affiliations
- 2015, Associate member, American Association of Cancer Research (AACR)
- 2019, Member of American Pancreas Association (APA), USA
Certification
SHARP training in single cell analysis (Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Issued Dec 2023)
OTHER EXPERIENCES AND CONSULTING POSITIONS - EDITORIAL REVIEW PANELS
- 2022-01-01 to Present, Guest associate editor of 'Frontiers in Endocrinology', Editorial board member of the Journal of Cellular Immunology, Journal of Cellular Signaling, Journal of Cancer Immunology.
- 2021-01-01 to Present, Reviewed over 20 manuscripts for 10 journals
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
- 2020, Course coordinator (BMB-840), UNMC
- 2019, Course Coordinator (BMB-840), UNMC
- 2018, Course Coordinator (BMB-840), UNMC
GRANT WRITING EXPERIENCE
- LIST OF FELLOWSHIPS SUBMITTED (FUNDED)
- LIST OF NIH (NCI) GRANTS SUBMITTED (NOT FUNDED)
- LIST OF OTHER GRANTS SUBMITTED (NOT FUNDED)
Publications
- LIST OF PUBLICATIONS NEAR SUBMISSION/UNDER REVIEW
- LIST OF PUBLISHED PAPERS AS PRIMARY (FIRST) AUTHOR
- LIST OF PUBLISHED PAPERS AS SECOND AUTHOR
- LIST OF PUBLISHED PAPERS AS THIRD AUTHOR
- LIST OF OTHER PUBLICATIONS
- ABSTRACT PUBLICATIONS IN CONFERENCE JOURNALS/PRELIMINARY COMMUNICATIONS
- LIST OF POSTERS PRESENTED AT CONFERENCES
Awards
2019, Recipient of Thomas Jefferson Ingenuity Award, Outstanding performance stipend award for exemplary work, UNMC, 2018, Outstanding performance stipend award for exemplary work, UNMC, Recipient of the Harris Award for Cancer Research, 2017, Outstanding Performance stipend award for exemplary work, UNMC, 2016, Awarded Graduate Fellowship from UNMC Graduate Studies, 2014, Graduate Research Assistantship, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Timeline
Associate Research Scientist
Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)
11.2024 - Current
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)
11.2023 - 10.2024
Research Instructor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
09.2021 - 04.2023
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
06.2019 - 08.2021
Ph.D. Research Fellow, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
08.2014 - 05.2019
Junior Research Fellow
KMS Health Center
10.2012 - 12.2013
Senior Lecturer
Little Rose Degree College (Adikavi Nannaya University)
10.2010 - 09.2012
Lecturer
Little Rose Degree College (Adikavi Nannaya University)
06.2007 - 07.2009
Lecturer
Little Rose Degree College (Adikavi Nannaya University)
06.2005 - 05.2006
Post Graduate Diploma - Tissue Engineering & Regenerative medicine
Manchester University
Post-Graduate Diploma - Molecular Cell Biology & Stem Cell Technology
Madras University
Master of Science - Microbiology
Andhra University
Bachelor of Science - Biology and Chemistry
Andhra University
Doctor of Philosophy - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
University of Nebraska Medical Center
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