Dr. Pritt Verma,
M. Pharm, Ph.D.
Hello everyone,
My name is Pritt Verma. I was born in Lucknow, and I completed my education in Lucknow only. I completed my 10th from Govt Girl High School, Lucknow, and 12th from Rajat Girls Inter College, Lucknow, and B. Pharm from CSJM University, Kanpur, and M. Pharm from Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. I have one brother, named Kumar Gaurav, and two sisters, named Pratima and Priyanka. My father's name is Mr. K.P. Verma, and my mother's name is Akhilesh Kumari. I got married in 2016, and my husband's name is Dr. Shravan Paswan. He did his PhD in pharmacology.
Currently I’m a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UT Health Science Center at Houston, where I am deeply engaged in research focused on Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, particularly in the context of cognition and dementia. My work aims to improve therapeutic outcomes by repurposing drugs and leveraging genetically modified mouse models.
I completed my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences-Pharmacology in 2019 jointly from CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute and Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India. My doctoral research explored the Drug induced Hepatotoxicity of Indian medicinal plants, demonstrating their potential as alternatives to synthetic drugs with various animal models.
Beyond my research, I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for trainees. I’ve mentored a diverse group of high school students, college students, post-graduate, graduate students, and Ph.D.’s—many from under-represented backgrounds.
It’s a privilege to combine my scientific pursuits with a commitment to education and mentorship, driving innovation and cultivating the next generation of researchers.
Could you share some insights about your educational and professional journey?
I hold a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences-Pharmacology, which I earned in 2019. My doctoral research focused on the Drug induced Hepatotoxicity of Indian medicinal plants, my findings highlighted their potential as natural alternatives to conventional synthetic drugs, aligning with their ethno-pharmacological uses.
Following my Ph.D., I transitioned to my current role as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UT Health Science Center at Houston. Here, my research addresses challenges in the Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. I leverage genetically modified mouse models to investigate sex differences in therapeutic outcomes and explore drug repurposing strategies to improve patient care.
Alongside my academic pursuits, I am dedicated to mentorship and fostering inclusivity in research. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students and scholars at various career stages, many from underrepresented backgrounds.
What are your areas of expertise, and what inspired your focus on pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and specific research areas like drug-induced hepatotoxicity and cerebral amyloid angiopathy?
1. Pharmacology
• Knowhow in drug discovery, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic interventions for hepatotoxicity and neurological disorders.
• Competent in analysing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to optimize drug efficacy and safety.
2. Neuropharmacology
• Focused on the Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, studying neurological conditions influenced by memory loss, such as dementia, and cognitive decline.
• Investigating how neuropharmacological agents can modulate these pathways.
3. Toxicology and Hepatotoxicity
• Specialized in understanding drug-induced liver injury (DILI), focusing on mechanisms of hepatotoxicity caused by both synthetic and natural compounds.
• Developed assays and models to evaluate liver function and safety profiles of pharmacological agents.
4. Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)
• Researching vascular contributions to dementia, particularly how amyloid deposition in blood vessels affects cerebrovascular health and lead dementia.
• Exploring the overlap between vascular dysfunction and neurodegenerative processes.
5. Medicinal Plant Research
• Investigated the therapeutic potential of plants in wound healing, hepatotoxicity, emphasizing natural alternatives to synthetic drugs.
The inspiration behind my expertise
1. Pharmacology
• Interest in Understanding Drug Mechanisms: My fascination with how molecules interact with biological systems to heal or harm inspired me to delve deeply into pharmacology.
• Clinical Relevance: Witnessing the transformative impact of well-designed drugs on patient outcomes motivated me to contribute to the development of safer and more effective therapies.
2. Neuropharmacology
• Complexity of the Nervous System: The intricate connections between the brain and other organs, such as the heart, intrigued me. This led me to explore neuropharmacology’s potential to address multifaceted conditions like cognition and dementia.
• Unmet Clinical Needs: Neurological disorders often lack effective treatments, driving my desire to understand and develop interventions targeting their underlying mechanisms.
3. Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity
• Importance of Drug Safety: While studying pharmacology, I realized that drug-induced liver injury is a major cause of drug failures in clinical trials. This inspired me to investigate how to predict and mitigate hepatotoxicity.
• Translational Impact: Understanding hepatotoxicity mechanisms is crucial for drug safety, making it a high-impact research area that bridges laboratory science and patient care.
4. Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)
• Intersection of Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases: CAA provided an opportunity to study how vascular health directly affects brain function, aligning with my interest in the CAA.
• Emerging Relevance: As dementia rates rise globally, studying vascular contributions to cognitive decline became a timely and impactful focus area.
5. Medicinal Plants
• Ethnopharmacological Inspiration: Growing up in a region where medicinal plants were a part of traditional healing practices sparked my curiosity about their scientific basis.
• Sustainability and Accessibility: The potential of natural products as affordable and accessible therapeutic options resonated with my desire to make healthcare innovations widely available.
Vision for the Future
My research is driven by the aspiration to address unmet medical needs through interdisciplinary approaches. By combining pharmacology, toxicology, and neuroscience, I aim to advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and develop innovative, safe, and effective therapies.
Could you share some key insights from your work at the BRAINS Research Laboratory at UT Health? What are some of the most exciting developments in your current research?
The BRAINS Research Laboratory at UT Health focuses on unravelling the intricate interplay and focus on neurodegeneration, aging, inflammation and its implications in conditions like Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA), and dementia. My work in this lab has provided several key insights:
1. Sex Differences in the neurological disorder
• Insight: Men and women experience distinct physiological and molecular responses in cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
• Research Highlights:
-Identified sex-specific
biomarkers and signaling pathways that influence stroke severity and cognitive
decline in AF patients.
-Investigated hormonal
contributions (e.g., estrogen and testosterone) to vascular and neuroplasticity
differences.
2. Neuroinflammation as a Common Link
2. Neuroinflammation as a Common Link
• Insight: Inflammatory cascades play a critical role in neurological dysfunctions.
• Research Highlights:
-Showed that systemic inflammation in AF patients contributes to blood-brain barrier disruption and amyloid deposition.
-Identified potential anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce these effects, preserving brain integrity.
3. Advances in Preclinical Modeling
• Insight: Genetically modified mouse models are invaluable for studying complex, multi-system diseases.
• Research Highlights:
-Developed novel preclinical models mimicking AF-induced neurovascular deficits.
-Used these models to evaluate the efficacy of candidate drugs in reducing both cardiovascular and neurological symptoms.
Most Exciting Developments in Current Research
1. Drug Repurposing for Dual Protection
• What’s New: Screening existing FDA-approved drugs for their ability to protect the brain.
• Excitement: Early findings suggest that some drugs used for AF management may also prevent neurodegeneration, offering a dual-therapy approach.
2. Sex-Specific Therapeutic Targets
• What’s New: Identifying molecular targets unique to males or females for precision medicine.
• Excitement: This could lead to tailored interventions, improving outcomes in a patient-specific manner.
3. Biomarker Discovery for Early Detection
• What’s New: Exploring non-invasive biomarkers (e.g., circulating microRNAs) to detect early signs of AF-related cognitive decline.
• Excitement: These biomarkers could enable timely intervention, potentially preventing dementia.
4. Integration of AI in Data Analysis
• What’s New: Using machine learning to analyze large datasets from telemetry systems and imaging studies.
• Excitement: AI is uncovering previously unrecognized patterns in cardiovascular and neurological interactions.
Impact and Vision
The work at BRAINS Lab is shedding light on the bidirectional relationships between the heart and brain, aiming to develop interventions that address systemic health holistically. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by AF, stroke, and cognitive decline through precision and translational research.
Could you tell us about any recent projects or publications you are particularly proud of in your research career?
I’m particularly proud of several recent projects that merge cardiovascular and neurological research to address pressing health challenges. One project explored drug repurposing for atrial fibrillation (AF) and cognitive decline. We are working on identified FDA-approved drugs with dual efficacy in both reducing AF-related neuroinflammation and preventing cognitive impairment. The preclinical results were promising, showing significant protection against amyloid deposition and blood-brain barrier disruption. This work is currently being prepared for publication.
Another exciting project investigated sex differences and cerebral amyloid angiopathy outcomes in CAA models. We discovered that females exhibited greater resilience to ischemic damage but were more susceptible to post-stroke cognitive decline. This research underscores the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in stroke and dementia treatment and being prepared for publication.
Lastly, my work on cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in AF patients highlighted a critical link between AF and accelerated vascular dementia through amyloid deposition. We developed a preclinical model that offers valuable insights into the pathophysiology of these co-occurring conditions, with a manuscript currently under review. These projects not only push the boundaries of our understanding of the CAA but also promise clinical applications for improved patient care.
What is the most rewarding part of your work as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, and how do you see your research contributing to the field of neuroscience?
The most rewarding part of my work as a Postdoctoral Research Associate is the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to understanding the complex interactions between the heart and brain, particularly in conditions like CAA and dementia. Investigating how cardiovascular diseases influence neurological health has revealed novel insights into the CAA, and discovering mechanisms that may improve therapeutic outcomes is deeply fulfilling. What excites me most is how my research may help bridge the gap between two traditionally distinct fields—cardiology and neurology—and uncover potential treatment strategies that address both systems simultaneously.
One of the most gratifying aspects is mentoring the next generation of scientists. I find great joy in guiding students and trainees as they explore their own research passions while fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment. Watching them grow and succeed, whether through publishing their own work or securing fellowships, is one of the greatest rewards.
I see my research contributing to neuroscience by expanding our understanding of how neurological dysfunction exacerbates neurodegenerative diseases. By exploring sex-specific mechanisms, drug repurposing, and non-invasive biomarkers, my work aims to provide new avenues for early diagnosis and intervention in conditions like amyloid deposition and dementia. Additionally, investigating the neuroinflammatory pathways that link amyloid deposition and cognitive decline may lead to therapeutic strategies that slow or even prevent neurodegeneration in at-risk populations.
Ultimately, my goal is to develop targeted interventions that not only address neurological health but also improve neurological outcomes, paving the way for personalized treatments that account for individual patient needs. My research has the potential to shape future therapeutic approaches that benefit both the heart and brain, impacting patients' quality of life and extending healthy aging. In the last I would like to say thank you to my PI Dr. Bharti Manwani, for this wonderful opportunity and help to trained me as a budding neuroscientist.
What advice would you give to aspiring researchers in pharmacology and neuropharmacology, and how do you envision the field evolving to address neurodegenerative diseases?
To aspiring researchers in pharmacology and neuropharmacology, my primary advice is to embrace a multidisciplinary approach. The complexity of diseases, especially neurodegenerative ones, requires knowledge and techniques from various fields, including molecular biology, neuroscience, and bioinformatics. Don't hesitate to collaborate with experts from different backgrounds; such partnerships can lead to innovative solutions and broaden your perspective on research challenges.
Additionally, staying updated with the latest advancements in technology and methodologies is crucial. Techniques like CRISPR gene editing, single-cell sequencing, and machine learning are revolutionizing research in pharmacology and neuropharmacology. Familiarizing yourself with these tools can enhance your research capabilities and open up new avenues for exploration.
I also encourage you to prioritize patient-centred research. Understanding the real-world implications of your work and considering the patient experience can guide you in developing more effective and accessible therapies. Engaging with patients and advocacy groups can provide valuable insights into the challenges they face and the unmet needs that your research can address.
Looking ahead, I envision the field of neuropharmacology evolving significantly to tackle neurodegenerative diseases. The integration of precision medicine and genomic data will allow for more tailored treatment strategies, enabling us to address the specific pathophysiological mechanisms at play in individual patients. Furthermore, advancements in biomarker discovery will facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, potentially halting disease progression before significant neurodegeneration occurs.
Lastly, the exploration of the gut-brain axis and its impact on neurodegeneration is an exciting frontier. Understanding how lifestyle factors, such as diet and microbiome composition, influence brain health will likely lead to innovative preventative and therapeutic strategies. By remaining adaptable and open-minded, researchers in this field can drive meaningful advancements in the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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