Ramaswamy  Sharma, Ph.D.

Mineralized Tissue / Neuroscience

Bone and stroke

Our laboratory is interested in identifying novel targets for treating osteoporosis and cerebral ischemic stroke and thereby improve the decreased quality of life associated with aging.

Osteoporosis currently affects approximately 10 million Americans; another 34 million are osteopenic. A direct consequence of bone fragility is an increased risk of painful fractures leading to functional disabilities, increased mortality at older ages, and a huge cost burden on families and health providers. Current treatment of osteoporotic patients mostly involves fracture prevention; there are few viable treatments after fractures have occurred. Therefore, an understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis and subsequent development of novel therapies are required. We have recently demonstrated that loss of caspase-2, a cysteine-aspartate protease, results in increased bone porosity. We have generated transgenic and conditional null models of caspase-2 to better understand caspase-2 function in bone. Our long-term goal is to determine the feasibility of targeting caspase-2 for improving bone mass and bone quality.

Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) accounts for 87% of all strokes and is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with 1 death occurring every 4 minutes. The only FDA-approved treatment for ischemic strokes is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) that dissolves the clot; however, tPA, which can itself cause bleeding and is contra-indicated in hemorrhagic stroke, has to be administered within 3-4.5 hours after a stroke for possible recovery. Indeed, less than 2% of patients can receive tPA. Therefore, the identification of new molecular players that enhance stroke recovery is urgently needed. We find that caspase-2 plays an important role in regulating stroke pathology by inhibiting autophagy and we are pursuing novel treatment modalities based on this finding.

Related diseases: Osteoporosis, stroke

• Professional Background

  Education

  • PhD - Wayne State University

  Highlights

  Presidential Award for Emerging Excellence in Teaching, UT-Health San Antonio

  Outstanding Reviewer-Top 10th percentile; Elsevier Publications

  United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) Young Investigator Award

  Alice Jee Memorial Young Investigator Award 

  American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Presidential Poster Award

• Instruction & Training

  • Course Director. CSBL5060 Advanced Histology, The University of Texas Health Science Center
  • Undergraduate Medical Education - CIRCLE curriculum, The University of Texas Health Science Center
  • IBMS 5000 , The University of Texas Health Science Center
  • Course Director, Eucaryotic Cell Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center
  • Course Director, Introduction to Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center

• Research & Grants

  Neurodegeneration associated with misfolded proteins

  Dental Fluorosis

  Osteoporosis

  Stroke

  Research profile

  Grants

  Federal

  Nathan Shock Center of Excellence Pilot Grant  

  Private

  William & Ella Owens Medical Research Foundation

  San Antonio Area Foundation Biomedical Research Grant 

  State

  Student Service Fee Grant

  UT Shine Academy of Health Science Education for 'A three-dimensional model of pterygopalatine fossa for anatomy education' 

  UT System Shine Academy Small Grants for 'Connecting the dots: Morphing-based animation of cervical pathology for medical students' 

• Service

  Department

  Director, Pre-Professional Graduate Certificate Program

  Chair, MS In Cell Systems & Anatomy Program

  Member, Above & Beyond Committee, Dept of Cell Systems & Anatomy

  Member, Website Committee, Dept of Cell Systems & Anatomy

  School

  Member, Graduate Faculty Council

  Member, Curriculum Committee, Undergradute Medical Education

  Member, Curriculum & Assessment Committee, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

  Member, Student Award Committee, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

  Institutional

  Member, Chemical Safety Committee

  Community Service

  Judge at local, regional and state science fairs

  PI, Stem Scholars Program - an Interprofessional Education initiative

   

  Global

  Editorial Board, Melatonin Research

• Publications

  • Dr. Sharma's publications

  Abstracts

  Reiter RJ and Sharma R. Melatonin reprograms cancer cell metabolism to a more normal phenotype. Bandera, TX. 2020. Aug. (The Oncology Talks https://www.theoncologytalks.com/). Oral presentation.

  Bhattacharya A, Gonzalez P, Valentine J, Hussong S, Martinez V and Sharma R. Sex-specific effect of caspase-2 deletion on muscle architecture and function. University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio,TX. 2020. Apr. (School of Osteopathic Medicine Annual Research Day).

  Bhattacharya A, Gonzalez P, Valentine J, Hussong S, Martinez V and Sharma R. Genetic ablation of caspase-2 decreases muscle function in female mice. University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio,TX. 2020. Mar-Apr. (13th Annual Research Week)

  Seal Z, Koek W and Sharma R. Predicting USMLE Step 1 score using performances on the MCAT and preparatory study materials.  San Antonio, TX. 2020 Apr. (Long School of Medicine Research Day).

  King T, Nelson E and Sharma R. Cervix pathology for medical students: morphing-based animation. San Diego, CA. 2020. Apr. (Experimental Biology Meeting; Faseb J. Vol. 34_Issue S1_supplement 02215)

  Seal Z, Koek W and Sharma R. Correlation of MCAT scores and preparative study material to USMLE Step I performance. San Diego, CA. 2020. Apr. (Experimental Biology Meeting; Faseb J. Vol. 34_Issue S1_supplement 01960)

  Bhattacharya A, Gonzalez P, Valentine J, Hussong S, Martinez V and Sharma R. Genetic ablation of caspase-2 decreases muscle function in female mice. San Diego, CA. 2020. Apr. (Experimental Biology Meeting; Faseb J. Vol. 34_Issue S1_supplement 01870)

  Seal Z, Koek W and Sharma R. Correlation of MCAT scores and preparative study material to USMLE Step I performance. Austin, TX. 2020 Feb. (Innovations in Interprofessional Health Science Education Annual Conference, The Shine Academy of Health Science Education (UT System), Commons Learning Center).

  Parker A, Rubalcava I, Mattila M and Sharma R. Caspase-2 is expressed in the osteoblast lineage and affects osteoblast function. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019. Aug. (Voelcker Scholars Graduation).

  Mattila M and Sharma R. Caspase-2 in osteoclasts: a tale of deletion and overexpression. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019 May. (Cell Systems & Anatomy Retreat).

  Tanner J, Sakaguchi A, Bartanuszova M, Jackson J, Jethwa B, Bhattacharya A and Sharma R. A three-dimensional model of the pterygopalatine fossa significantly enhances the learning experience. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019 May. (Cell Systems & Anatomy Retreat).

  Jethwa B, Tanner J, Sharma R and Rahimi O. Analysis of the collateral circulation of the lower limb. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019 May. (Mikiten Graduate Research Symposium)

  Tanner J, Jethwa B, Bhattacharya A, Jackson J and Sharma R. A three-dimensional model of the pterygopalatine fossa significantly enhances the learning experience. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019 May. (Mikiten Graduate Research Symposium)

  Mattila M, Bhattacharya A and Sharma R. Caspase-2 in osteoclasts: a tale of deletion and overexpression. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019 May. (Mikiten Graduate Research Symposium).

  Bhattacharya A, Walsh M, Hamilton R, Rodriguez K, Rahman M, Chaudhuri A, Sharma R, and Singh R. Neuromuscular function during aging is protected in baicalein-treated C57BL/6 mice. Orlando, FL. 2019. Apr. (Experimental Biology Meeting; Faseb J. Vol. 33_Issue 1_supplement 651.2)

  Tanner J, Sakaguchi A, Bartanuszova, Ruparel N, Jackson J, Johnson L, Nation H, Jethwa B, King T, Bhattacharya A and Sharma R. A three-dimensional model of the pterygopalatine fossa significantly enhances the learning experience. Orlando, FL. 2019 Apr. (Experimental Biology Meeting; Faseb J. Vol. 33_Issue 1_supplement lb124)

  Jethwa B, Tanner J, Sharma R and Rahimi O. Analysis of the collateral circulation of the lower limb. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019. Apr. (Long School of Medicine Research Day)

  Tanner J, Jethwa B, Bhattacharya A, Jackson J and Sharma R. A three-dimensional model of the pterygopalatine fossa significantly enhances the learning experience. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2019. Apr. (Long School of Medicine Research Day)

  Tschumi C, Sharma R and Beckstead MJ. Methamphetamine self-administration increases neurotensin-dependent long-term depression of dopamine D2 autoreceptor signaling in dopamine neurons. San Antonio, TX. 2019. Mar. (Behavior, Biology and Chemistry: Translational Research in Addiction)

  Tanner J, Jethwa B, Sakaguchi A, Bartanuszova, Ruparel N, King T, Bhattacharya A and Sharma R. A three-dimensional model of the pterygopalatine fossa significantly enhances the learning experience. Austin, TX. 2019 Feb. (Innovations in Interprofessional Health Science Education Annual Conference, The Shine Academy of Health Science Education (UT System), Commons Learning Center).

  Tschumi C, Sharma R and Beckstead MJ. D2 autoreceptor neurotransmission in midbrain dopamine neurons is depressed by neurotensin released from discrete inputs. Waterville Valley, NH. 2018. Aug. (Gordon Research Conference on Synaptic Transmission)

  Parker A, Bendele M, Fajardo R, Guda T, Herman B and Sharma R. Caspase-2 maintains bone homeostasis by regulating osteoclast numbers and function. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2018 Aug (2018 Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy  Scholars Symposium)

  Sharma R*, Bendele M, Guda T and Herman B. Caspase-2 maintains bone homeostasis by regulating osteoclast number and function. Santa Barbara, CA.  2018 June. (31st Paul F. Glenn/AFAR Conference on the Biology of Aging) * Presenter and corresponding author.

  Mattila MN, Bhattacharya A, Herman B and Sharma R. Caspase-2 maintains bone homeostasis by regulating osteoclast number and function. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2018 May. (2018 Mikiten Research Symposium)

  Mattila MN, Bhattacharya A, Herman B and Sharma R. Caspase-2 maintains bone homeostasis by regulating osteoclast number and function. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2018 May. (21st Annual Department of Medicine Research Day)

  Tschumi C, Sharma R and Beckstead MJ. D2 autoreceptor signaling is depressed by neurotensin released from discrete inputs to midbrain dopamine neurons. San Diego, CA. 2018 Apr. (Experimental Biology; Faseb J. Vol. 32_Issue 1_supplement 680.7)

  Hanson E, Sharma R, Jackson J and King T. Bringing lab up to speed: A redesign of histopathology teaching laboratories using a modified team-based learning (TBL) format. Jackson, MS.2018 Apr. (Southern Group on Educational Affairs (SGEA) Regional Meeting).

  Mattila MN, Bhattacharya A, Herman B and Sharma R. Caspase-2 maintains bone homeostasis by regulating osteoclast number and function. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2018 Mar. (36th Annual School of Dentistry’s Dental Science Symposium).

  King T, Nelson E and Sharma R. Connecting the dots: Morphing-based animation of cervical pathology for medical students. Austin, TX. 2018 Feb. (Innovations in Interprofessional Health Science Education Annual Conference, The Shine Academy of Health Science Education (UT System), Commons Learning Center).

  Mota A, Hildreth K, Reddick R, Sharma R and Walter C. Subcellular localization of Ape1/Ref1 in C3HeB/FeJ liver tumor cells. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX. 2017 Aug. (Summer High School CURE Cancer Research Training Program).

  Hager AM, Dominguez-Lopez S, Sharma R, Wickman K, Beckstead MJ. Cocaine effects on dopamine neurons in mice are reduced by deletion of GIRK2 channels specifically in dopamine neurons and with cocaine self-administration. San Antonio, TX. 2017 Mar. (Behavior, Biology and Chemistry: Translational Research in Addiction). Oral Presentation.

  Tschumi C, Sharma R, Beckstead, MJ. D2 autoreceptor signaling is depressed by neurotensin released from discrete inputs to midbrain dopamine neurons. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX: 2017 Apr. (5th Annual Physiology Graduate Student Symposium).

  Dominguez Lopez S, Sharpe AL, Sharma R, Wickman K and Beckstead MJ. Selective deletion of GIRK2 channels in dopamine neurons decreases cocaine sensitivity and increases cocaine self-administration in mice. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX; 2016 May. (Center for Biomedical Neuroscience Retreat).

  Dominguez Lopez S, Sharpe AL, Sharma R, Wickman K and Beckstead MJ. Selective deletion of GIRK2 channels in dopamine neurons decreases cocaine sensitivity and increases cocaine self-administration in mice. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX; 2016 May. (4th Annual Physiology Graduate Student Symposium).

  Dominguez Lopez S, Sharpe AL, Sharma R, Wickman K and Beckstead MJ. Selective deletion of GIRK 2 channels in dopamine neurons decreases cocaine sensitivity and increases cocaine self-administration in mice. University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, TX; 2016 Mar. (Behavior, Biology and Chemistry: Translational Research in Addiction).

  Stoveken B, Widjaja C, Sharma R and Lechleiter JD. Regulation of the Integrated Stress Response by the PERK Juxtamembrane Domain. St. Jude's Hospital,Memphis, TN; 2016 Mar. (St. Jude's Hospital Symposia).

  Stoveken B, Sharma R, Lechleiter JD. Evidence for cytosolic domain influence on PERK oligomerization. San Deigo, CA: 2015 Dec. (American Society for Cell Biology).

  Stoveken B, Sharma R, Lechleiter JD. Elements in the Cytosolic Domain of PERK Regulate its Oligomerization Mayan Ranch, Bandera, Texas: 2015 Oct. (Barshop Symposium on Aging).

  Branch SY, Chen C, Sharma R, Lechleiter JD, Li S and Beckstead, MJ. Dopaminergic neurons exhibit age-dependent decline in electrophysiological parameters in the MitoPark model of Parkinson‘s disease 2015 May. (CSB Retreat).

  Sharma R, Horn D, Woodruff K, Jiang JX, Fajardo R, and Abboud-Werner,S. . sCSF-1 Maintains Cortical Bone Thickness During Aging Houston, TX: American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; 2014 Sep. (J.Bone Miner Res.; vol. 29, no. Supp1.)

  Sharma R, Vanegas D, Martin C, Horn D, Fajardo RJ, Werner SL, Lechleiter JD, Herman BA. Bone phenotype of Casp2-/- mice is defined by gender and genetic background Baltimore, MD.: American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; 2013 Oct. (J Bone Miner Res; vol. 28, no. Supp1).

  Sharma R, Vanegas D, Victor D, Zhang Y, Lopez-Cruzan M, Woodruff K, Horn D, Fajardo RJ, Harris SE, Werner SL, Herman BA. A critical role for Caspase-2 in regulating osteoclast numbers in male age-related osteoporosis Minneapolis, MN: 2012 Oct. (J Bone Miner Res; vol. 27, no. Supp1).

  Sharma R, Vanegas D, Victor D, Zhang Y, Lopez-Cruzan M, Woodruff K, Horn D, Fajardo RJ, Harris SE, Werner SL, Herman BA. Caspase-2 deficiency results in age-related bone loss via multiple cell-specific effects Sun Valley, ID: 2012 Aug. (International Bone & Mineral Society Workshop).

  Sierant ML, Sharma R, Bartlett JD. HRI kinase is involved in the development of dental fluorosis Tampa, FL: 2012 Mar. (American Association for Dental Research (AADR)).

  Victor D, Sharma R, Vanegas D, Tiwari M, Lopez-Cruzan M, Woodruff K, Abboud Werner SL, Herman BA. Determining the functional role of caspase-2 in senile osteoporosis Bandera, TX: 2011 Oct. (San Antonio Nathan Shock Center Conference on Aging).

  Sharma R, Lopez-Cruzan M, Werner SL, Harris SE, Herman BA, Vanegas D, Victor D, Woodruff K, Fajardo RJ. Loss of caspase-2 alters skeletal stem cell properties and results in osteoporosis in old C57BL/6 mice San Deigo, CA: 2011 Sep. (J Bone Miner Res; vol. 26, no. Supp1).

  Victor DA, Sharma R, Vanegas D, Tiwari M, Lopez-Cruzan M, Woodruff K, Werner SL, Herman, BA. Caspase-2 plays an important role in age-dependent osteoporosis. National Harbor, MD: 2011 May. (American Geriatrics Society National Meeting).

  Sharma R, Tye CE, Arun A, McDonald D and Bartlett JD. Assessment of Dental Fluorosis in Mmp20 Heterozygous Mice San Deigo, CA: IADR; 2011 Mar. (International Association of Dental Research (IADR)).

  Sharma R, Werner SL, Herman BA, Lopez-Cruzan M, Fajardo RJ, Victor DA, Vanegas D, Woodruff K. Caspase-2 plays an important role in male age-related osteoporosis Bethesda, MD: 2011 Mar. (Am Soc Bone Miner Res Topical Forum on Aging and Skeletal Health).

  Victor DA, Vanegas D, Woodruff K, Lopez-Cruzan M, Sharma R, Abboud-Werner SL, Herman BA. The Role of Caspase-2 in Osteoblast-Osteoclast Interactions. San Antonio, TX: 2010 Sep. (Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Meeting).

  Victor DA, Vanegas D, Woodruff K, Lopez-Cruzan M, Sharma R, Abboud-Werner SL, Herman BA. The Role of Caspase-2 in Osteoblast-Osteoclast Interactions. San Antonio, TX: 2010 May. (Mikiten Graduate Research Symposium).

  Skobe Z, Dobeck J, Tye, CE, Sharma R, Perze-Moreno M, Stokes N, Reynolds A, Fuchs E, Bartlett JD. p120 catenin is necessary for cadherin switching in ameloblasts. 2010. (American Association for Dental Research; AADR).

  Tye CE, Sharma R, Smith CE, Bartlett JD. Deregulated ion control in Mmp20 null mouse enamel. 2010. (American Association for Dental Research, (AADR)).

  Sharma R, Skobe, Z, Tannous BA, Bartlett JD. Low pH enhances ameloblast sensitivity to fluoride-mediated cell stress. 2009. (International Association for Biological and Medical Research (IABMR)).

  Sharma R, Skobe, Z, Tannous BA, Bartlett JD. Low pH enhances ameloblast sensitivity to fluoride-mediated cell stress. 2009. (International Association for Dental Research (IADR)).

  Sharma R and Bartlett JD. Fluoride exposure significantly reduces protein secretion in cultured LS8 cells. 2008. (American Association for Dental Research).

  Tsuchiya M, Tye CE, Sharma R, Smith CE, Bartlett JD. XBP-1 may contribute to the expansion of the ER in the secretory stage of ameloblasts. 2008. (International Association for Dental Research (IADR)).

  Tsuchiya M, Sharma R, Tye CE, Bartlett JD. Stress-related genes are upregulated in maturation stage ameloblasts. 2008. (International Association for Dental Research (IADR)).

  Sharma R and Gow A. Minor role for caspase-12 in animal models of neurodegenerative disease 2006. p. 21-62. (J Neurochem; vol. 96, no. Supp1).

  Sharma R, Tseng J, Zhong L, and Gow A. Minor role for Atf3 in animal models of neurodegenerative disease Wayne State University, Detroit, MI: 2005 Sep. (9th Annual Graduate Student Research Day).

  Gow A, Sharma R, Tseng J, Zhong L. Minor roles for Atf3 and caspase-12 in neurodegenerative disease 2005. (Society for Neuroscience).

  Sharma R and Gow A. Role of caspase-12 in neurodegenerative disease Wayne State University, Detroit, MI: 2004 Sep. (8th Annual Graduate Student Research Day).

  Sharma R and Gow, A. Caspase-12 and Neurodegeneration 2004. p. 10-10. (J.Neurochem; vol. 90, no. Supp1).

  Sharma R and Gow A. Caspase-12 and neurodegenerative diseases Wayne State University, Detroit, MI: 2003 Sep. (7th Annual Graduate Student Research Day).

  Gow A, Southwood C, Jiang W, Sharma R, Wang, L, Garbern, J. The role of signaling by the unfolded protein response in neurodegenerative disease. 2003. p. 87-87. (J Neurochem; vol. 85, no. Supp1).

  Sharma R and Gow A. Involvement of caspase-12 in neurodegeneration Wayne State University, Detroit, MI: 2002 Sep. (6th Annual Graduate Student Research Day).

   

  Books

  Editor, Pipette Kids Science Coloring + Activity Book, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT-Health San Antonio. This coloring book features science illustrations and activities to inspire kids to pursue STEM-related careers. Briefly, the book contains activities such as “Brain Maze”, “Color the cell”, “DNA Color-by-Numbers”, “Connect the Dots”, “Periodic Table Guessing Game”, “Science Careers crossword”, biographies of famous researchers, Meet the Researchers (current doctoral students), cut outs for crafts etc.  https://issuu.com/uthscsa_gsbs/docs/pipette_kids_coloring_book

   

  Book Chapters

   

  Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Rosales-Corral SA, Coto-Montes A, Boga JA and Vriend J. Advances in characterizing recently-identified molecular actions of melatonin: clinical mplications. In Bizzari M. Approaching Complex Diseases, Human Perspectives in Health Sciences and Technology 2. Springer Nature; 2020. p. 301- 341

  Sharma R, Tsuchiya M, Tannous BA, Bartlett JD. Measurement of fluoride-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. In: Conn, M.P. Methods in Enzymology: UPR and Cellular Stress. San Diego, CA: Academic Press (Elsevier); 2011. p. 111 - 125.

  Bartlett JD, Tye CE, Abrazinski TA, Antone J, Lopez GF, Sharma R. Degradation of enamel matrix proteins In: Goldberg, M. Amelogenins: Multifaceted Proteins for Dental & Bone Formation & Repair. Bentham Science; 2010. p. 99 - 105.

  Sharma R, Bartlett, JD. A stress-based mechanism to explain dental fluorosis Interface Oral Health Science. Springer; 2010. p. 421 - 423.

             

  Journal Articles

                 

  Reiter RJ, Rosales-Corral SA and Sharma R. Circadian disruption, melatonin rhythm perturbations and their contributions to chaotic physiology: an antecedent to pathology. Adv.Med.Sci. 2020 Jul  65: 394-402

  Reiter RJ, Sharma R and Ma Q. Switching diseased cells from cytosolic aerobic glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation: a major metabolic rhythm regulated by melatonin? J. Pineal Res. 2020. Jul 3:e12677. doi: 10.1111/jpi.12677.

  Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Ma Q, Liu C, Manucha W, Abreu-Gonzalez P, and Dominguez-Rodriguez A. Metabolic plasticity of activated immune cells: advantages for suppression of COVID-19 disease by melatonin. Melatonin Res. 2020 Jun 3(3): 362-379; doi:10.32794/mr11250068

  Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Ma Q, Dominquez-Rodriguez A, Marik PE and Abreu-Gonzalez P. Melatonin inhibits COVID-19 cytokine storm by reversing aerobic glycolysis in immune cells: a mechanistic analysis. Med. Drug Dis. 2020. May 11;6:100044. doi: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100044

  Jethwa B, Sharma R, Tanner J and Rahimi BO. Collateral circulation of the femoral and genicular systems in human lower limbs is highly uncommon. J.Anat. 2020. Jun 11. doi: 10.1111/joa.13226

  Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Rosales-Corral S and Manucha W. Circadian and non-circadian melatonin: influences on glucose metabolism in cancer cells. J.Curr. Sci. Tech. 2020 Jun 10(1):85-98.

  Bhattacharya A, Sharma R, Armstrong C and Solis L. Case report of unique anastomosis between facial and inferior alveolar arteries. Surgical & Radiologic Anat. 2020 May 42(5): 603-606; doi: 10.1007/s00276-019-02375-9.

  Seal Z, Koek W and Sharma R. Correlation of MCAT scores and self-assessment materials to USMLE Step 1 performance. Cureus. 2020 Apr 12(4): e7519. DOI 10.7759/cureus.7519

  Reiter RJ, Ma Q and Sharma R. Treatment of Ebola and other infectious diseases: melatonin goes “viral”. Melatonin Res. 2020 Mar 3(1):43-57. doi: 10.32794/mr11250047.

  Reiter RJ, Ma Q and Sharma R. Melatonin in mitochondria: Mitigating clear and present dangers. Physiology. 2020. Mar 1;35(2):86-95. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00034.2019

  Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Ma Q, Rosales-Corral S, and Chuffa L. Melatonin inhibits Warburg-dependent cancer by redirecting glucose oxidation to the mitochondria: a mechanistic hypothesis. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 2020. doi:10.1007/s00018-019-03438-1

  Tanner J, Jethwa B, Jackson J, Bartanuszova M, King TS, Bhattacharya A and Sharma R. A 3D-printed model of the pterygopalatine fossa enhances the learning experience. Anat Sci Educ. 2020 Jan; doi:10.1002/ase.1942

  Dominguez-Lopez S, Sharma R, and Beckstead MJ. Neurotensin receptor 1 deletion suppresses methamphetamine self-administration and the associated reduction in dopamine cell firing. Addiction Biology, 2019; e12854. doi: 10.1111/adb.12854.

  Sharma R*, Reiter RJ and Ma Q. Melatonin: A Hypothesis Regarding Its Use to Treat Wilson Disease. Med. Hypotheses 2019 Dec Vol 133:109408: doi: 10.1016/j.mehy. 2019.109408 *CORRESPONDING AUTHOR

  Reiter RJ, Sharma R*, Ma Q, Rosales-Corral SA, Acuna-Castroviejo D and Escames G. Inhibition of mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase: a proposed mechanism by which melatonin causes cancer cells to overcome cytosolic glycolysis, reduce tumor biomass and reverse insensitivity to chemotherapy. Melatonin Res. 2019 Aug Vol 2 (3) 105-119; doi: 10.32794/mr11250033. *JOURNAL COVER IMAGE

  Reiter RJ, Rosales-Corral SA and Sharma R. Melatonin: Protection of the Intervertebral disc. Melatonin Res. 2019 Aug Vol 2 (3) 1-9; doi: 10.32794/mr11250028.

  Zhao D, Yu Y, Shen Y, Liu Q, Zhao Z, Sharma R and Reiter RJ. Melatonin Synthesis and Function: Evolutionary History in Animals and Plants. Front.Endocrinol. 2019 Apr; 10:249. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00249

  King T, Sharma R, Jackson J and Fiebelkorn K. Clinical case-based image portfolios in medical histopathology. Anat.Sci.Edu 2019 Mar;12(2):200-209. doi: 10.1002/ase.1794

  Reiter RJ, Tan DX and Sharma R.  Historical Perspective and Evaluation of the Mechanisms by which Melatonin Mediates Seasonal Reproduction in Mammals. Melatonin Res. 2018 Dec;1(1) 59-77. doi:10.32794/mr11250004.

  Werner SL, Sharma R, Woodruff K, Horn D, Harris S, Gorin Y, Lee D_Y, Block K, Gu S, Fajardo R, Habib S and Jiang J. CSF-1 in Osteocytes Inhibits Nox4-mediated Oxidative Stress and Promotes Normal Bone Homeostasis. J.Bone Mineral Res Plus. 2018 Sep; doi: 10.1002/jbm4.10080

  Branch SY, Chen C, Sharma R, Lechleiter JD, Li S, Beckstead MJ. Dopaminergic neurons exhibit an age-dependent decline in electrophysiological parameters in the MitoPark mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. J. Neurosci. 2016 Apr;36(14):4026-4037.

  Lopez-Cruzan M, Sharma R*, Tiwari M, Karbach S, Holstein D, Martin C, Lechleiter JD, Herman B. Caspase-2 resides in the mitochondria and mediates apoptosis directly from the mitochondrial compartment. Cell Death Disc. 2016 Feb (2): 16005-. * CORRESPONDING AUTHOR

  Choveau F, Zhang J, Bierbower S, Sharma R, Shapiro MS. The Role of the Carboxyl Terminus Helix C-D Linker in Regulating KCNQ3 K Current Amplitudes by Controlling Channel Trafficking. PLoS One 2015 Dec;10(12)

  Paiva B, Azpilikueta A, Puig M, Ocio EM, Sharma R, Oyajobi BO, Labiano S, San-Segundo L, Rodriguez A, Aires-Mejia I, Rodriguez I, Escalante F, de Coca AG, Barez A, San Miguel JF, Melero I. PD-L1/PD-1 presence in the tumor microenvironment and activity of PD-1 blockade in multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2015 Oct; 29(10):2110-2113.

  Sharma R, Williams PJ, Gupta A, Mccluskey B, Bhaskaran S, Munoz S, Oyajobi, BO. A Dominant-negative F-box–deleted mutant of E3 ubiquitin ligase, β-TrCP1/FWD1, markedly reduces myeloma cell growth and survival in mice. Oncotarget 2015 Aug;6(25):21589-21602.

  Callaway DA, Riquelme MA, Sharma R, Lopez-Cruzan M, Herman BA, Jiang JX. Caspase-2 modulates osteoclastogenesis through down-regulating oxidative stress. Bone 2015 Jul;76:40-48.

  Shah AR, Cornejo A, Guda T, Sahar DE, Stephenson SM, Chang S, Krishnegowda NK, Sharma R, Wang HT. Differentiated adipose-derived stem cell cocultures for bone regeneration in polymer scaffolds in vivo. J Craniofac Surg 2014 Jul;25(4):1504-1509.

  Branch S, Sharma R, Beckstead M.J. Aging decreases L-type calcium channel currents and pacemaker firing fidelity in substantia nigra dopamine neurons. J. Neurosci. 2014 Jul;34(26):9310-9318.

  Sharma R, Callaway D, Vanegas D, Bendele M, Lopez-Cruzan M, Horn D, Guda T, Fajardo R, Abboud-Werner S, Herman B. Caspase-2 maintains bone homeostasis by inducing apoptosis of oxidatively-damaged osteoclasts. PLoS One 2014 Apr;9(4):1-11.

  Cornejo A, Sahar DE, Stephenson SM, Chang S, Nguyen S, Guda T, Wenke JC, Vasquez, A, Michalek JE, Sharma R, Krishnegowda NK, Wang HT. Effect of Adipose Tissue-Derived Osteogenic and Endothelial Cells on Bone Allograft Osteogenesis and Vascularization in Critical-Sized Calvarial Defects. Tissue Eng Part A 2012 May;18(15-16):1-10.

  Poche RA, Sharma R, Garcia MD, Wada AM, Nolte MJ, Udan RS, Paik J-H, DePinho RA, Bartlett JD, Dickinson ME. Transcription factor FoxO1 is essential for enamel biomineralization  PLoS one 2012 Jan;7(1)

  Sharma R, Tye CE, Arun A, Macdonald D, Chatterjee A, Abrazinski T, Everett ET, Whitford GM, Bartlett JD. Assessment of dental fluorosis in Mmp20+/- mice. J Dent Res 2011 Jun;90(6):788-792.

  Tye CE, Sharma R, Smith CE, Bartlett JD. Altered ion-responsive gene expression in Mmp20- Null Mice. J Dent Res 2010 Oct;90(6):788-792.

  Sharma R, Tsuchiya M, Skobe Z, Tannous BA, Bartlett JD. The acid test of fluoride: how pH modulates toxicity. PLoS one 2010 May;5(5):10895-10895.

  Tsuchiya M, Sharma R, Tye CE, Sugiyama T, Bartlett JD. Transforming growth factor-beta1 expression is up-regulated in maturation-stage enamel organ and may induce ameloblast apoptosis. Eur J Oral Sci 2009 Apr;117(2):105-112.

  Tsuchiya M, Tye CE, Sharma R, Smith CE, Bartlett JD. XBP1 may determine the size of the ameloblast endoplasmic reticulum. J Dent Res 2008 Nov;87(11):1058-1062.

  Sharma R, Tsuchiya M, Bartlett JD. Fluoride induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibits protein synthesis and secretion. Environ Health Perspect 2008 Sep;116(9):1142-1146.

  Sharma R, Jiang H, Zhong L, Tseng J, Gow A. Minimal role for activating transcription factor 3 in the oligodendrocyte unfolded protein response in vivo. J Neurochem 2007 Sep;102(5):1703-1712.

  Sharma R, Gow A. Minimal role for caspase 12 in the unfolded protein response in oligodendrocytes in vivo. J Neurochem 2007 May;101(4):889-897.

  Gow A, Sharma R. The unfolded protein response in protein aggregating diseases. Neuromolecular Med 2003 Jan;4(1-2):73-94.

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