Scholars

overview

Our lab is predominantly interested in the neuropathogenesis of HIV and drug abuse. We are elucidating the role of HIV and drugs of abuse in energy dysregulation, which ultimately may lead the neurodegeneration. We examine the metabolic signatures through inflammasome profiles, mitochondrial biogenesis, and epigenetics. We use in vitro, ex vivo and a transgenic rat model system in our experiments. Our goal is to develop novel diagnostics tests and treatments for neuroAIDs and neurologic damage related to drugs of abuse.

education and training

Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Madras - (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) 2000

selected publications

Academic Articles55

Ramasamy, T., Doke, M., McLaughlin, J. P., & Samikkannu, T. (2023). Circadian disruption and psychostimulants dysregulates plasma acute-phase proteins and circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA.. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity - Health. 31, 100659-100659.
Doke, M., McLaughlin, J. P., Baniasadi, H., & Samikkannu, T. (2022). Sleep Disorder and Cocaine Abuse Impact Purine and Pyrimidine Nucleotide Metabolic Signatures.. 12(9), 869-869.
Doke, M., McLaughlin, J. P., Cai, J. J., Pendyala, G., Kashanchi, F., Khan, M. A., & Samikkannu, T. (2022). HIV-1 Tat and cocaine impact astrocytic energy reservoirs and epigenetic regulation by influencing the LINC01133-hsa-miR-4726-5p-NDUFA9 axis.. Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids. 29, 243-258.
Doke, M., Kashanchi, F., Khan, M. A., & Samikkannu, T. (2022). HIV-1 Tat and cocaine coexposure impacts piRNAs to affect astrocyte energy metabolism.. Epigenomics. 14(5), 261-278.

SDG 3
Sundar, V., McLaughlin, J. P., & Samikkannu, T. (2022). Epigenetic signature of N-terminal acetyltransferases: a probable mediator of immune and neuropathogenesis in HIV infection.. Molecular Brain. 15(1), 69.

Chapters1

Agudelo, M., Saiyed, Z., Samikkannu, T., Khatavkar, P., Gandhi, N., Nair, N., & Nair, M. (2010). Role of Dendritic Cells in HIV Infection: DC-SIGN and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. DENDRITIC CELLS: TYPES, LIFE CYCLES AND BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS. 167-177.

Conference Papers44

Thangavel, S., Jeganathan, V., McLaughlin, J. P., & Ramasamy, R. (2019). HIV- Tat and Cocaine Impact Astrocytic DNA Methylation. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 14(2), 363-363.
Huang, W., Han, H., Du, W., Thangavel, S., & Chang, S. L. (2018). BINGE DRINKING CONTRIBUTING TO OPIOID USE DISORDERS. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. 42, 36A-36A.
Huang, W., Thangavel, S., Han, H., & Chang, S. (2018). Modulation of glial cells of adolescent mice given binge treatment with ethanol. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 13, S37-S37.
Huang, W., Han, H., Du, W., Thangavel, S., & Chang, S. (2018). Sensitization to morphine's anti-nociception in C57BL/6J mice having binge exposure to ethanol. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 13, S36-S37.
Huang, W., Han, H., Du, W., Thangavel, S., & Chang, S. (2018). Sensitization to morphine's anti-nociception in C57BL/6J mice having binge exposure to ethanol. Journal of NeuroVirology. 24, S36-S37.