Ratna K. Vadlamudi, Ph.D.

Dr. Vadlamudi joined our faculty in January 2006. He received his doctorate in Molecular Biology from the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY in 1994. He completed his post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School/Dana Farber Cancer Institute in 1997. His Academic appointments have included Assistant and Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Associate Professor, in the Department of Genetics, Stanley S. Cancer Center, LSUHSC New Orleans. Dr. Vadlamudi’s research has focused on understanding the molecular mechanism of Nuclear Receptor Signal transduction using Estrogen Receptor as a model system. His current research interests include characterizing the role of novel coactivators in estrogen mediated cell cycle progression, chromatin remodeling and non-nuclear signaling, developing transgenic and knock-out mouse models for coregulators; characterizing the role of coactivators in tumorigenesis/hormonal resistance; and identifying small inhibitors/peptides targeting ER coregulators for therapeutic intervention.

• Professional Background

  Education

  • 1994 - Doctor of Philosophy - Molecular Biology - University of Wyoming
  • 1991 - Master of Science - Food Science/Nutrition - University of Wyoming

  Training

  • 2006 - Post Doctoral Training - Teaching Excellence - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 1999 - Post Doctoral Training - Cancer Biology - The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at San Antonio
  • 1997 - Post Doctoral Training - Molecular Biology - Harvard Medical School

  Highlights

  - 2003, First NIH ROl grant award

  - 2009, Susan G. Kernen Foundation Individual Investigator grant award

  - 2010, AACR MSI Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research award

  - 2015, UTHSCSA/CTRC Discovery of the Year

  - 2015, AAAS Fellow-elected for distinguished contributions to the field of molecular biology of cancer

  - 2017, Co-Leader, COP Program, NCI designated cancer Center, Mays Cancer Center (MD Anderson)

  Appointments

  • 2017 - Co-Leader, CDP Program - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 2010 - Professor - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 2006 - 2010 - Associate Professor - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 2005 - 2006 - Faculty Member - Lousiana State University Health Science Center
  • 2004 - 2005 - Associate Professor - Lousiana State University Health Science Center
  • 2003 - 2004 - Associate Professor - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston
  • 2000 - 2003 - Assistant Professor - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston
  • 1999 - 2003 - Faculty Associate - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Houston
  • 1999 - 2000 - Assistant Professor - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston

• Research & Grants

  Grants

  Title: Therapeutic agents targeting nuclear receptor signaling in distinct subtypes of breast cancer | 2017-2022 | Total Costs: $2,840,895

  Title: Targeted inhibition of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF}/ LIFR axis for the treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer | 2018-2021 | Total Costs: $761,298

  Title: miRNAs: Safe and effective therapeutic adjuvants for treating drug resistant TNBC | 2015-2020 | Total Costs: $1,573,780