Raveen Illangeswaran

My PhD focused on blood cancer Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I studied a family of factors known as Nuclear Hormone receptors (NHRs); finding they were less functional in AML compared to healthy cells. Using advance techniques, I identified an anti-worm drug Mebendazole could activate a master NHR, RXRA. In both invitro (laboratory) and mouse models Mebendazole potentially inhibited the growth of AML cells. I also identified another molecule NRIP1 which was highly active in AML cells. Depleting NRIP1 using molecular techniques improved AML cells differentiation when treated with retinoic acid (vitamin A). I also developed specialized cell lines models to study therapy resistance in AML. In addition to my PhD work, I have collaborated with others in my lab to identify factors that could improve the outcomes of patients undergoing bone marrow transplant. This comprehensive research has resulted in 11 publications, along with abstract achievement awards, and a senior fellowship award.