Renu Sharma
Pittsburgh,USA
Summary
PhD-trained Cancer Biologist and Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in cancer stem cells and therapeutic drug discovery. Proficient in flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture, and molecular techniques including PCR and cloning. Experienced in RNA-seq data analysis and kinase inhibitor studies, with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrated ability to design experiments and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams in translational oncology.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Associate
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Pittsburgh, USA
03.2024 - Current
Researched intragenic gene rearrangements modulating immune response in triple-negative breast cancer samples.
Executed knockdown and overexpression of rearranged genes in established cell lines to determine functional effects.
Extracted RNA from tissue samples, performed PCR validation, and sequenced to identify specific IGR events.
Partnered with hospital pathology departments to secure clinical samples and merge laboratory findings with patient data.
Ph.D. Research Scholar
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
Guwahati, India
01.2016 - 12.2023
Investigated BMP4–RHOA–Wnt signaling pathways in breast cancer progression and resistance to therapy.
Developed expertise in mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and gene manipulation techniques.
Conducted migration, invasion, and drug-response assays to elucidate therapy resistance mechanisms.
Designed experiments to explore signaling effects on cancer stemness and tumor advancement.
Published several first-author papers in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals.
Junior Research Fellow
Indian Agricultural Research Institute
New Delhi, India
01.2015
Conducted plant molecular biology research focusing on genetic engineering for stress tolerance and productivity.
Applied Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transformation techniques to introduce recombinant genes into Arabidopsis thaliana.
Optimized seed inoculation and plant regeneration within controlled growth chambers for effective soil transfer.
Performed molecular assays, including PCR and gel electrophoresis, to validate gene integration and expression.
Established expertise in aseptic techniques, gene transfer methods, and experimental design for cancer biology transition.
Education
Ph.D. - Stem Cell and Cancer Biology
Indian Institute of Technology
Guwahati, India12.2023
M.Sc. - Biotechnology
Gulbarga University
08.2014
B.Sc. - Biotechnology
Kota University
08.2012
Skills
Molecular & Cell Biology: Flow cytometry/FACS, PCR, cloning, siRNA-mediated silencing, transfection, stable cell line generation
Cell-based Assays: Mammalian cell culture (aseptic techniques), migration & invasion assays, drug-response assays, senescence studies
Imaging & Microscopy: Confocal & fluorescence microscopy, live-cell imaging
Genomics & Bioinformatics: Capable of running RNA-seq pipelines, interpreting data (index pathway & enhancer set analysis); currently learning coding skills to expand expertise
Drug Studies: Hands-on experience with kinase inhibitors in breast cancer models; familiar with principles of small-molecule screening
General Research Skills: Experiment design, data analysis & presentation, manuscript writing, student mentoring
Publications
- BMP4 enhances anoikis resistance and chemoresistance of breast cancer cells through canonical BMP signaling., J Cell Commun Signal, 2022, 16, 2, 191-205
- NFATC2 target gene signature correlates with immune checkpoint blockade resistance in melanoma., Am J Cancer Res, 2025, 15, 1, 311-321
- Tumors Hijack Immune-Privileging Regulons via Distinct Cell Types to Confer T Cell Desertion and Immunotherapy Resistance Across Various Cancers., Manuscript under review, Nature Cancer
- Sorafenib inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells., Oncology, 2020, 98, 7, 478-486
Training
- Advances in Bio-Science, Department of Botany, Gulbarga University, 2014
- Food Security – Issues and Suggestions for Effective Implementation, Indian Institute of Public Administration and Gulbarga University, Karnataka, 2013
- Bio-remediation of Environmental Pollutants, Department of Biochemistry, Gulbarga University, 2013
- Food Security and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science and Technology, Gulbarga University, 2012
- Flow Cytometry Techniques and Applications, NECBH, IIT Guwahati, 2020
- ImageJ Training, Research Conclave, IIT Guwahati, 2018
- ZE5 & Droplet Digital PCR-QX200, Bio-Rad Laboratories and IIT Guwahati, 2017
- District Biofuel Information and Demonstration Centers, KSBDB & KSCST, IISc Bangalore, 2014
Awards
- CSIR-JRF, 2017, 067/1335 in Life Sciences
- CSIR-NET, 2015, 026/0750 in Life Sciences
- DBT-JRF (Category-II), 2015
- GATE, 2012, 374/8923 in Biotechnology
- Gold Medalist, B.Sc. (Biotechnology), Kota University, 2014
- Silver Medalist, M.Sc. (Biotechnology), Gulbarga University, 2019
- 2nd Place, Poster Presentation, Role of BMP4 and RHOA Signaling in Breast Cancer, Research Conclave, IIT Guwahati, 2014
- 3rd Place, Poster Presentation, Isolation and Screening of Crude Glycerol Utilizing Microbes, Karnataka Science and Technology Academy Conference, 2015
Languages
- Hindi, Native or Bilingual
- English, Native or Bilingual
Affiliations
CSIR-JRF – Rank: 067/1335 in Life Sciences, 2015 |
CSIR-NET – Rank: 026/0750 in Life Sciences, 2015 |
DBT-JRF (Category-II), 2015 |
GATE – Rank: 374/8923 in Biotechnology, 2012 |
Gold Medalist, B.Sc. (Biotechnology), Kota University, 2014 |
Silver Medalist, M.Sc. (Biotechnology), Gulbarga University, 2019 | 2nd Place, Poster Presentation, "Role of BMP4 and RHOA Signaling in Breast Cancer," Research Conclave, IIT Guwahati, 2014 |
3rd Place, Poster Presentation, "Isolation and Screening of Crude Glycerol Utilizing Microbes," Karnataka Science and Technology Academy Conference
Timeline
Postdoctoral Associate
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
03.2024 - Current
Ph.D. Research Scholar
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
01.2016 - 12.2023
Junior Research Fellow
Indian Agricultural Research Institute
01.2015
Ph.D. - Stem Cell and Cancer Biology
Indian Institute of Technology
M.Sc. - Biotechnology
Gulbarga University
B.Sc. - Biotechnology
Kota University
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