Srinivas Vinod Saladi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
srinivas.saladi@utoledo.edu
EDUCATION:
| B.S. | 2000 | Biochemistry, Microbiology, Aquaculture | Nagarjuna University, India |
| M.S. | 2002 | Integrated Biology | Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), India |
| Ph.D. | 2011 | Biomedical Sciences (Cancer Biology) | University of Toledo (formerly Medical University of Ohio) |
| Research Fellow |
2017 | Cancer Epigenetics and Signaling | Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School |
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Epigenetic reprogramming in cancer
Our research interests primarily focus on understanding the mechanism by which epigenetic reprogramming contributes to cellular plasticity in tumors. We aim to define the mechanisms in which deregulated chromatin remodeling or altered chromatin landscape act as oncogenic drivers in cancer. Epigenetic reprogramming is a key oncogenic driver event in multiple cancers, however, very little is known about the deregulated epigenetic programs in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).
Dr. Saladi has identified ACTL6A, subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes as a novel, amplified, and driver oncogene in majority of HNSCC driving regenerative proliferation and poor prognosis in patients. This was the first report of a chromatin factor as a driver oncogene in solid tumors. Traditionally, SWI/SNF complex was considered as a tumor suppressor with the complex subunits being mutated in 20 percent of human cancers. We discovered an oncogenic role of SWI/SNF complex in tumors.
Hippo pathway alterations in cancer
We are also interested in delineating oncogenic role of hippo signaling pathway effector, YAP1 in squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma. Hippo pathway was shown to bypass the MAPK oncogenic addiction in advanced stage of multiple cancers contributing to cancer progression. Our research has unraveled the oncogenic role of Hippo pathway in HNSCC. We had identified WWC1 and GPRC5A (upstream inhibitors of oncogenic YAP1 activity) as repressed in HNSCC, thereby promoting tumorigenesis and conferring poor prognosis in a subset of HNSCC patients.
Our most recent research has identified mutations in FAT1, atypical cadherin, as a biomarker for the utilization of BRD4 inhibitors in head and neck cancers. We also defined mechanisms by which YAP1, a key transcription cofactor in the Hippo pathway maintains an oncogenic chromatin state in HNSCC through cooperation with BRD4.
Collectively, we integrate genomics, epigenetics, and signaling to dissect the mechanisms
contributing to progression and maintenance in cancers.
FUNDING
Ongoing
Idea Award, Department of Defense
Saladi (PI)
08/2022-08/2025
Role of the KDM4A as an epigenetic regulator with oncogenic and immunosuppressive
features in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Completed
Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
Saladi (Co-PI)
03/2019-06/2021
Characterizing the Role of the Hippo Pathway during Melanoma Immunotherapy
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF)
Saladi (PI)
02/2020-01/2022
Targeting Hippo pathway in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
PUBLICATIONS:
STUDENT OPENINGS: Not currently accepting students