DEVASENA PONNALAGU
Also known as: Devasena
University of Washington, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Drexel University College of Medicine
Research areas: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Molecular Biology · Ion channel regulation and function · Mitochondrial Function and Pathology · Cardiac Ischemia and Reperfusion
0000-0003-2731-9778
About
My long-standing research goal is to understand the molecular underpinnings of metabolic diseases and associated cardiometabolic disorders. Throughout my training in mitochondrial and cardiovascular physiology, I have established the molecular identity of chloride channels in cardiac mitochondria and their associated Endoplasmic reticulum membranes. I have specifically: (1) contributed to identifying one of the mammalian paralogs of chloride intracellular channel (CLIC), CLIC5 in the inner mitochondrial membrane and established its role in regulating mitochondrial physiology; (2) highlighted the significance of N-terminal splice variation of CLIC5 for its mitochondrial localization and function; and (3) demonstrated the presence of another paralog, CLIC4 in the mitochondrial associated membrane, and identified its role in regulating sarcoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial calcium signaling and cardio-protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury. These findings emphasize the importance of intracellular chloride channels in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.
My laboratory’s current research focuses on understanding the mechanistic role of intracellular channels in cardiometabolic disorders. Our group employs cellular and animal (transgenic) models and uses a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches, such as molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, electrophysiology, microscopy, and echocardiography imaging to address the key questions concerning the significance of chloride channels in metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders.
In addition to directing a research program, I am committed to supervising and educating future cardiovascular researchers.
Employment
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University of Washington Assistant Professor2023 - Present
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The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Research Scientist2020 - 2023
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The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Post Doctoral Researcher2018 - 2020
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Drexel University College of Medicine Post Doctoral fellow2013 - 2018
Education
- 2005 - 2012
- 2002 - 2005
Projects & Funding
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Role of mitochondrial chloride channel, CLIC4 in diabetic cardiomyopathy. American Heart Association2020 - 2023
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Splice variant chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) 5B determines mitochondrial localization and function of CLIC5 American Heart Association2017 - 2019
Publications (27)
- The β2-adrenoceptor agonist formoterol attenuates hallmarks of adrenal Cushing's syndrome. Save
- Biophysical characterization of anion channels in mitochondrion-endoplasmic-reticulum contact sites. Save
- Rapid and relaying deleterious effects of a gastrointestinal pathogen, Citrobacter rodentium, on bone, an extra-intestinal organ. Save
- Role of mitochondrial ribosomal protein L7/L12 (MRPL12) in diabetic ischemic heart disease. Save
- Biophysical characterization of chloride intracellular channel 6 (CLIC6). Save
- Targeting Clic1 for the treatment of obesity: A novel therapeutic strategy to reduce food intake and body weight. Save
- CLIC4 localizes to mitochondrial-associated membranes and mediates cardioprotection Save
- Inhibition of BKCa channels protects neonatal hearts against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. Save
- Tumor-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction: A Potential Role of ROS. Save
- Measurement of Oxidative Stress Markers In Vitro Using Commercially Available Kits Save
- Use of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography to Detect Induced Regional Strain Changes in the Murine Myocardium by Acoustic Radiation Force Save
- Novel biomarkers of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension. Save
- Insights Into the Role of Mitochondrial Ion Channels in Inflammatory Response. Save
- New Water-Soluble Oxyamino Chitosans as Biocompatible Vectors for Efficacious Anticancer Therapy via Co-Delivery of Gene and Drug. Save
- Chloride channel blocker IAA-94 increases myocardial infarction by reducing calcium retention capacity of the cardiac mitochondria Save
- BKCa (Slo) Channel Regulates Mitochondrial Function and Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. Save
- Genetic Strain and Sex Differences in a Hyperoxia-Induced Mouse Model of Varying Severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Save
- Expression and Activation of BKCa Channels in Mice Protects Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Isolated Hearts by Modulating Mitochondrial Function. Save
- Early gestational mesenchymal stem cell secretome attenuates experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia in part via exosome-associated factor TSG-6 Save
- Inhibition of BK<inf>Ca</inf>negatively alters cardiovascular function Save