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MATHANKUMAR MARIMUTHU

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, University of South Florida, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Karunya University, LifeCell International, Annamalai University

ORCID iD 0000-0002-2246-3538
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About

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), where my research focuses on inflammation-driven cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with a current emphasis on type 1 diabetes (T1D). My academic training includes a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Botany and an M.Tech. in Biotechnology, followed by a Ph.D. focused on inflammatory mechanisms underlying pancreatic and systemic injury.
During my doctoral training, I investigated inflammatory signaling pathways in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury. My work demonstrated that diallyl disulfide (DADS), a bioactive organosulfur compound, exerts potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by suppressing TNF-α–NF-κB–STAT3 signaling while enhancing protective pathways such as PPAR-γ and SOCS3. These studies provided me with a strong foundation in inflammatory signaling, redox biology, and macrophage biology and resulted in peer-reviewed publications in International Immunopharmacology and Inflammation.
Following my Ph.D., I completed postdoctoral training at the University of South Florida, where I transitioned into cardiovascular research, focusing on obesity-driven cardiovascular disease and inflammation resolution mediated by lipid signaling pathways. This experience expanded my expertise in cardiometabolic disease models and translational inflammation research.
In my current postdoctoral role in the laboratory of Dr. Nagareddy, my research is closely aligned with the objectives of the proposed bridge grant. I am investigating the role of neutrophils and their inflammatory protein complex, S100A8/A9, in the earliest stages of type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. Specifically, my work focuses on (i) defining how neutrophil-derived S100A8/A9 drives immune cell infiltration, macrophage polarization, and β-cell loss in the NOD mouse model, and (ii) delineating the mechanisms regulating S100A8/A9 release, including neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and gasdermin D–mediated pore formation. In parallel, I am evaluating the therapeutic potential of disulfiram as a pharmacologic strategy to inhibit these pathways and limit early disease progression.
My background uniquely positions me for this application: I bring strong training in inflammation biology, hands-on expertise in in vivo disease models, and a clear focus on translational mechanisms relevant to diabetes. This bridge grant will enable me to deepen my expertise in innate immunity and diabetes, generate independent proof-of-concept data, and position me for the next stage of my career as an independent investigator in immunometabolic disease.

Employment

  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
    2024 - Present
  • University of South Florida Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
    2022 - 2024
  • LifeCell International Team Leader in Molecular Genetics
    2020 - 2020
  • Vellore Institute of Technology University Assistant Professor Junior cum Research Scholar
    2017 - 2020
  • Vellore Institute of Technology University Teaching cum Research Assistant
    2014 - 2016
  • Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering Assistant Professor
    2013 - 2014
  • PRASMA Agri and Food Company (P) Ltd Field Development Officer
    2012 - 2013
  • Bharath University Assistant Professor
    2010 - 2012

Education

  • Vellore Institute of Technology University Doctor of Philosophy
    2014 - 2022
  • Karunya University Master of Technology in Biotechnology
    2007 - 2009
  • Annamalai University Master of Science in Botany
    2002 - 2004
  • A.V.C. College, Bharathidasan University Bachelor of Science
    1999 - 2002

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (12)