Eswar Shankar | Caner biology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Eswar Shankar | Caner biology | Editorial Board Member

Assistant Research Professor | Ohio State University | United States

Dr. Eswar Shankar is a multidisciplinary biomedical researcher recognized for advancing mechanistic understanding of cancer biology, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and natural product therapeutics through molecular, cellular, and translational investigations. His work has significantly illuminated the anticancer potential of phytochemicals, including chamomile-derived bioactives and the plant flavone apigenin, establishing their roles in targeting oncogenic signaling, modulating epigenetic regulators, suppressing NF-κB and IKK-driven pathways, and attenuating prostate cancer progression in diverse in vitro and in vivo models. He has contributed extensively to the understanding of diet–gene interactions by demonstrating how high-fat diets activate pro-inflammatory networks in prostate tissues through the interplay of NF-κB, Stat-3, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation. His research further spans apoptosis signaling dynamics, revealing how PKCɛ, p53, Hdm2, Bid, and TRAIL pathways orchestrate cell survival or resistance in cancer systems. Dr. Shankar has also offered pivotal insights into dopaminergic control of insulin secretion, inflammatory cross-talk between oral and prostatic microenvironments, survivin–TGF-β–mTORC1 coordinated growth regulation, and the influence of microRNAs such as miR-644a on metabolic reprogramming and oncogenic transformation. His work integrates molecular pharmacology, epigenetic reactivation strategies, and biomarker discovery to inform innovative therapeutic approaches leveraging dietary compounds, targeted inhibitors, and biochemical modulation. Furthermore, his collaborative contributions extend to clinical and translational studies involving stereotactic radiotherapy, metabolic interventions such as statin use, and diagnostic evaluation of oxidative stress in cancer risk groups. Across these domains, he maintains a strong focus on translating molecular discoveries into impactful biomedical applications for cancer prevention, metabolic health, and precision therapeutics.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901.

Shankar, E., Goel, A., Gupta, K., & Gupta, S. (2017). Plant flavone apigenin: An emerging anticancer agent. Current Pharmacology Reports, 3(6), 423–446.

Shankar, E., Kanwal, R., Candamo, M., & Gupta, S. (2016). Dietary phytochemicals as epigenetic modifiers in cancer: Promise and challenges. Seminars in Cancer Biology, 40, 82–99.

Shukla, S., Shankar, E., Fu, P., MacLennan, G. T., & Gupta, S. (2015). Suppression of NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene expression by apigenin through IκBα and IKK pathway in TRAMP mice. PLOS ONE, 10(9), e0138710.

Shukla, S., Kanwal, R., Shankar, E., Datt, M., Chance, M. R., Fu, P., … Gupta, S. (2015). Apigenin blocks IKKα activation and suppresses prostate cancer progression. Oncotarget, 6(31), 31216–31228.

Fatma Elsayed | Cancer Resistance | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Fatma Elsayed | Cancer Resistance | Best Researcher Award

National Research Centre | Egypt

Ms. Fatma Elsayed is a young researcher in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, currently engaged in advanced studies and research focused on the therapeutic potential of natural and nano-formulated compounds in mitigating drug-induced toxicity and cancer progression. Her work primarily investigates molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress, inflammation, and signal transduction pathways in disease models. As a research assistant at the National Research Center in Egypt, she has gained extensive expertise in nanomaterial imaging using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, PCR, and ELISA, and analytical instrumentation including HPLC and mass spectrophotometry. She has contributed to peer-reviewed publications addressing cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents, as well as nanoparticle-based interventions in oncology. Beyond her research, she has practical experience as an oncology and community pharmacist, providing medication management and patient education on safe drug use and antimicrobial resistance. Her academic achievements have been recognized through national awards and a competitive scholarship from the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. In addition to her scientific pursuits, she has demonstrated leadership in organizing academic conferences and mentoring peers in scientific writing. With a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, molecular pharmacology, and nanotechnology, Ms. Elsayed continues to pursue innovative biomedical research aimed at improving therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes in cancer and toxicology-related studies.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publication

Elsayed, F. F., Elshenawy, W. M., Khalifa, E. M., Rizq, M. R., & Abdelaziz, R. R. (2022). Ameliorative effect of flavocoxid on cyclophosphamide-induced cardio and neurotoxicity via targeting the GM-CSF/NF-κB signaling pathway. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(46), 69635–69651.

Ainhoa Mielgo | Cancer-immune cell interactions | Women Researcher Award

 Prof. Ainhoa Mielgo | Cancer-immune cell interactions | Best Researcher Award

University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Professor Ainhoa Mielgo is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Research Team Leader at the University of Liverpool. She earned her PhD in Cancer Biology and Immunology from the University of Basel and has held academic positions in both Europe and the United States, including at the Moores Cancer Center, UCSD. Her research focuses on the tumor microenvironment, particularly the roles of macrophages and fibroblasts in cancer progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and leads several funded research projects aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Author Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Professional Experience 💼

Currently, Professor Mielgo is a Professor in Cancer Biology and a Research Team Leader at the University of Liverpool, a position she has held since 2023. Her academic trajectory at Liverpool includes roles as Reader (2021–2023), Senior Lecturer (2016–2021), and Research Team Leader and Wellcome Trust Fellow (2013–2020). Prior to her work in the UK, she served as Junior Faculty at the Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (2010–2012), and as a post-doctoral research fellow there from 2006 to 2010. Her post-doctoral career began at the University of Basel in 2005.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Professor Mielgo possesses deep expertise in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and the tumor microenvironment. She has a proven track record in leading interdisciplinary research teams, securing high-level funding, and publishing impactful studies. Her skills include advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, in vivo cancer models, and translational cancer research.

Teaching Experience👨‍🏫

Currently, Professor Mielgo is a Professor in Cancer Biology and a Research Team Leader at the University of Liverpool, a position she has held since 2023. Her academic trajectory at Liverpool includes roles as Reader (2021–2023), Senior Lecturer (2016–2021), and Research Team Leader and Wellcome Trust Fellow (2013–2020). Prior to her work in the UK, she served as Junior Faculty at the Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (2010–2012), and as a post-doctoral research fellow there from 2006 to 2010. Her post-doctoral career began at the University of Basel in 2005.

Awards & Honors 🏅

Professor Mielgo has secured significant competitive research funding. As lead principal investigator, her current support includes a CRUK Clinical Trial Award, Clatterbridge Research Funds, and multiple grants and studentships from North West Cancer Research totaling over £570,000 since 2022. Her prior awards include a prestigious Wellcome Trust Research Fellowship worth £1.05 million and additional PhD studentships and grants from North West Cancer Research.

Research Interests 🔍

Her research centers on understanding the complex interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, with a particular focus on pancreatic and breast cancers. She investigates mechanisms of chemoresistance, immune evasion, and metastasis, especially the role of macrophages, fibroblasts, and stromal factors in tumor progression. Her recent studies explore how targeting the immune-stromal crosstalk can improve responses to cancer therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy.

Publications Top Notes: 📝


Title: Neoadjuvant treatment versus upfront surgery in borderline resectable and resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Meta-Analysis
Authors: L.D. Dickerson, J.A. Gittens, C. Brunning, C.M. Halloran, P. Ghaneh
Year: Not specified
Journal: Not specified


Title: Macrophages suppress CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function in triple negative breast cancer via VISTA
Authors: M. Abudula, Y. Astuti, M.L. Raymant, M.C. Schmid, A. Mielgo
Year: 2025
Journal: British Journal of Cancer


Title: Macrophage-fibroblast JAK/STAT dependent crosstalk promotes liver metastatic outgrowth in pancreatic cancer
Authors: M.L. Raymant, Y. Astuti, L. Álvaro-Espinosa, A. Mielgo, M.C. Schmid
Year: 2024
Journal: Nature Communications


Title: Expression of versican isoforms V0/V1 by pancreatic cancer associated fibroblasts increases fibroblast proliferation
Authors: S. Elhashani, M.A. Glenn, M.L. Raymant, M.C. Schmid, A. Mielgo
Year: 2024
Journal: Pancreatology