Name: Parnika Kadam
Title: PhD Candidate, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Georgetown University)
Email: psk40@georgetown.edu
Research Topic: Regulation of the angiotensin type 1 receptor by an upstream short open reading frame in the receptor mRNA 5’ leader sequence
Mentors: Dr. Kathryn Sandberg, Dr. Susette Mueller, Dr. Joseph Verbalis and Dr. Robert Speth
Pubmed: See link

Bio: After I completed my Bachelors degree in Biotechnology, I realized that I have a drive and passion for biochemistry and molecular biology. I believe the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology generate an unlimited range of valuable and useful tools and approaches that can lead to discovering and improving treatments for patients battling with diseases. My parents have always encouraged me to pursue and excel in the career I am most passionate about. After college, I moved to the United States to pursue a Masters degree in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program at Georgetown University. This learning experience helped me to grow as a researcher and encouraged me to pursue a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology. My thesis research is entitled Regulation of the angiotensin type 1 receptor by an upstream short open reading frame in the receptor mRNA 5’ leader sequence. The angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) is a key player in the renin angiotensin system and blocking the activity of this receptor is a common clinical treatment for hypertension and cardiovascular and renal diseases. My research aims to deduce the mechanisms in which the sORF upstream of the AT1R coding region regulates the function of AT1R and explore the role of this sORF in human physiology/ pathophysiology. This fine regulation of AT1R can be a key to better treatment options for hypertension.