With 11 years of experience in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, my expertise spans Protein Crystallography, Protein purification, Enzymology, and HIV-1 related studies. Currently, I am serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Meharry Medical College. Over the years, I have authored a total of 8 published papers, with an additional 4 papers currently in preparation. Notably, I was honored with the prestigious Daniel Wolf Prize at the Retrovirus meet held at Cold Spring Harbor in May 2023, a highly regarded international conference. Moreover, I had the opportunity to contribute to a grant approved by Vanderbilt Univ. in 2019.
Looking ahead, my ambitions lie in becoming a faculty member in an HBCU, where I aim to further my research. One of my primary goals is to secure NIH R01.
Current Whereabouts:
Research and Academics
Life & Professional Aspirations:
I am Prem Prakash, a Biochemist, Retro-virologist, and Structural Biologist whose unwavering dedication to the colored American community in America and my innovative research in viral diseases have made a lasting impact on countless lives. Currently I am serving for one of the HBCU (Meharry Medical College, Nashville TN). My life's journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the profound influence that science can have in shaping a brighter and healthier future for all. With boundless hope and relentless determination, I continues to lead the charge in the fight against HIV-1/AIDS and Health disparity and other viral diseases, leaving an indelible mark on the world for generations to come.
As I look back on my college journey, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The past four years have been transformative, and I am thrilled to share the story of my claim to fame. When I first stepped onto the college campus, I was just like any other freshman—nervous, excited, and unsure of what the future held. However, I knew that I wanted to make the most of this opportunity, to seize every chance to grow and excel in both academics and extracurricular activities. As a result, I consistently achieved good research publications, earning the respect of my professors and peers alike.
Yet, my claim to fame extends beyond the classroom. I recognized the importance of honing my leadership and interpersonal skills, so I actively participated in various student organizations. Joining the debate team allowed me to sharpen my critical thinking abilities, while volunteering for a local charity organization instilled in me a sense of empathy and compassion for those in need. In addition to my academic and extracurricular achievements, I cultivated meaningful relationships with my peers and mentors. Collaborative projects, group discussions, and late-night study sessions were not just academic endeavors but opportunities to form lasting connections and broaden my perspective on life.
As I prepare to leave my college days behind and step into the world beyond, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. My claim to fame is not just about personal accolades, but about the growth, determination, and resilience that define my college journey.
Most Memorable Moment:
Research Breakthroughs: Moments when I made significant progress in my research, discovered new insights into mechanism of key enzyme of Krebs cycle and amino acid metabolism called Glutmate dehydrogenase, or achieved breakthrough which later showcased as the cover page Journal of Biological Chemistry in April 2018. These accomplishments can be incredibly gratifying and memorable.
Conference Presentations: Presenting my research at conferences and receiving positive feedback from peers and experts in my field was a confidence-boosting and rewarding experience.
Collaborative Projects: Working with other passionate researchers or professors on collaborative projects can lead to valuable friendships and the satisfaction of achieving something great together. This helped me in advancing the major area of challenging research in my field of structural biology and Biochemistry.
Defending my Ph.D. Thesis: Successfully defended my thesis and officially earned my PhD is a monumental achievement that marks the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
Publishing Papers: Seeing my research published in reputable journals can be a major highlight of my PhD journey and a testament to my hard work and dedication.
Postdoctoral Research Associate |
Meharry Medical College
From August 2020 to December 2023 • 3 year(s)
HIV-1 continues to be a significant global burden, with 38 million people currently living with the virus according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since the epidemic began, millions of individuals have lost their lives due to AIDS-related causes. The number of HIV infection cases has reached almost 85 million since the start of the HIV pandemic. Despite the absence of an HIV vaccine, efforts are focused on developing new drug therapies to prevent the disease, as AIDS cannot be cured once contracted. Colored Americans share around 14% of total population of the United States, however African Americans account for approximately 40% of total HIV-1/AIDS cases. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS compared to other racial and ethnic groups. To address this AIDS health disparity, it is extremely important to understand the life cycle of HIV-1 and make a serious efforts to expand access to HIV testing, treatment, and development of novel drug or medications and these are crucial to improving health outcomes.
In my upcoming research, my primary focus will be on comprehending the life cycle of HIV-1. The proteins and elements of HIV-1 exploit human enzymes, factors, and cellular machinery to take control of the host's immune cells. Specifically, I will be studying the interactions between viral proteins, enzymes, and human counterparts involved in HIV replication within human cells. For instance, my current research has revealed how the human TREX-1 exonuclease enzyme selectively degrades HIV-1 DNA. In future studies, I aim to investigate the interaction between the HIV-1 integrase enzyme, human TREX-1, and other host factors in relation to viral capsid proteins. Furthermore, I will explore the interactions between viral capsid protein and its mutants with various human proteins, such as CypA and histones complexes (H2B, H2A, H3, and H4). The primary goal of these investigations is to unravel the mechanism of HIV-1 replication within human cells, ultimately leading to the discovery of novel drug targets for combating AIDS. Leveraging my experience and background, I will focus on unraveling the complexities of the viral-host protein complexes to identify potential therapeutic interventions at the molecular level. Once suitable molecules are identified, they will undergo thorough characterization to ensure their efficacy through in vitro testing. Subsequently, I plan to collaborate with prominent research groups in the USA who specialize in the clinical aspects of novel HIV therapies. Essentially, my future research aims to discover innovative therapeutic interventions against AIDS.
Hi
Dr. Prem Prakash,
I am Hanuma Ramavath, National Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad, Friend of Ramesh Gogulathu.
I am trying to contact you through. Ramesh. Regarding postdoc position in Prof. Chandravanu Das lab.
Can I know your email.
Tagged by
Hanuma Naik Ramavath on 04/30/2024
