Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan | Tissue Engineering | Excellence in Research

Associate Professor | B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | India

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan is an accomplished biochemist and cancer researcher with over a decade of academic and research experience across India, the United States, and Malaysia. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, since . His expertise lies in molecular oncology, particularly focusing on colon and breast cancers, ulcerative colitis, and cancer therapeutics. His career is marked by significant contributions to drug development, screening methods, and the exploration of natural products in cancer prevention and treatment. With post-doctoral research experience at prestigious institutions such as Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (USA), Universiti Putra Malaysia, and the University of Malaya, he has developed strong international collaborations and research credentials. Passionate about innovation, he continues to integrate fundamental cancer biology with translational approaches aimed at discovering novel and effective therapeutic strategies.

Professional Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan holds a strong academic background in biochemistry, marked by excellence in both coursework and research. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Biochemistry followed by an M.Sc. in Biochemistry  at Islamiah College, affiliated with the University of Madras, where he graduated with distinctions. He then pursued an M.Phil. in Biochemistry at the University of Madras. His passion for cancer biology led him to a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Madras, Guindy Campus, where he graduated with high commendation. His doctoral research, centered on luteolin’s protective role in colon cancer, provided deep insights into the modulation of key signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. This academic foundation prepared him for impactful global research and teaching contributions in oncology.

Experience

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan has accumulated extensive professional experience in teaching and research, spanning globally recognized institutions. He began his post-doctoral career at the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute where he studied the role of sphingolipid metabolism in colon cancer progression. Later, as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Universiti Putra Malaysia, he investigated nanomaterials for cancer therapy, bioflavonoids in autophagy, and dietary components like rice bran derivatives for cancer prevention. He then joined the University of Malaya as a Visiting Research Fellow, contributing to cancer pharmacology and drug screening studies. Since, he has been serving as an Associate Professor at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, where he teaches biochemistry and life sciences while actively pursuing funded research projects. His diverse experience across continents reflects a blend of academic leadership, translational research, and innovative problem-solving in cancer therapeutics.

Research Focus

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan’s research focuses on cancer biology, molecular signaling, and translational therapeutics. His primary areas of investigation include signal transduction mechanisms in colon and breast cancers, ulcerative colitis, and colitis-associated cancers. His work emphasizes the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of natural products, exploring compounds such as luteolin, green tea polyphenols, and rice bran derivatives in both in vitro and in vivo models. His post-doctoral research expanded into nanotechnology, evaluating nanomaterials for cancer therapy and drug delivery. Additionally, he has studied autophagy-mediated cell death in colorectal cancer and the role of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer progression. By targeting pathways like Wnt/β-catenin, Nrf2-ARE, TGF-β/Smad, and apoptotic signaling, his research bridges molecular biology with clinical applications. His multidisciplinary approach integrates biochemistry, pharmacology, and oncology, aiming to develop safe, effective, and innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and prevention.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ashok Kumar Pandurangan has earned several recognitions throughout his career for academic excellence and research contributions in cancer biology. His Ph.D. thesis at the University of Madras was rated highlighting the novelty and impact of his work on luteolin in colon carcinogenesis. His achievements include securing prestigious international post-doctoral fellowships in the United States and Malaysia, enabling him to collaborate with leading scientists in oncology. He has received funding and project support for his research on nanomaterials, natural products, and cancer therapeutics. His global research exposure has resulted in numerous publications in reputed international journals, reflecting his scientific contributions to signal transduction, drug screening, and molecular oncology. In addition, he has been recognized for his active participation in international conferences and workshops, where he has presented his findings and built collaborations. These awards and honors underscore his standing as a respected researcher and educator in biochemistry and cancer research.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

The researcher demonstrates a strong research profile, with a focus on cancer research and a strong academic background. Their research experience and projects demonstrate their expertise in the field. With further evaluation of their publication record, citation impact, and collaboration, they could become an even stronger candidate for the Excellence in Research. Their contributions to the field of cancer research, and their potential for future research, make them a strong contender for this award.