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Animesh Barua, PhD

Animesh Barua, PhD
Director, Proteomics Core and MicroRNA and Gene Expression Core
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, RUSH Medical College
Course Director, Pharmacology Courses for Biotechnology and Physician Assistant Study Programs
Course Faculty, Cancer Track, Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program
Education

PhD, Hiroshima University, Japan

Research Areas

Ovarian cancer: molecular pathogenesis, early detection and development of molecular targeted ultrasound imaging agents, immunotherapy development

Uterine leiomyoma (fibroids): factors associated with fibroid development, prevention and its transformation to uterine cancer (leiomyosarcoma)

Contact Info:

1735 W. Harrison St.
Suite 410
Chicago IL 60612
Phone: (312) 942-6666
animesh_barua@rush.edu
Links:
Biography

Two main attributes characterize my research: the pursuit of excellence and seeking new experiences. In my childhood, I witnessed a friend’s mother die prematurely after suffering for approximately six months in excruciating pain. I found out later that she was suffering from a disease called cancer of the ovary for which neither an early detection test nor a curative drug is available. Later, I came to know that malnutrition, including lack of adequate protein, is a global cause of premature death. Thus, I was attracted to research and started studying genetics and breeding using chickens to improve breeds or strains of chickens for egg and protein production to increase protein supply. However, during my doctoral study, I serendipitously observed that a group of hens developed ovarian cancer. After a thorough search, published literature suggested that the case to death ratio due to ovarian cancer is very high. Moreover, the lack of a spontaneous animal model of ovarian cancer is a significant barrier to study the disease. Thus, I became interested to pursue my research career in ovarian cancer using the laying hen model of spontaneous ovarian cancer.  For teaching, I believe that given a congenial and supportive environment and passionate teaching, students can develop knowledge that will serve them well as they progress to their future career path.  

Honors and Activities
  • Co-Chair of the 37th Annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Immunology, September 17-20, 2017, Chicago, IL., 2017
  • Graduation Hooder for MS in Biotechnology students, Graduate College, Rush University: Voted by graduating students, 2017
  • Exceptional teacher of the year: 2016, Graduate College, Rush University: Voted by the graduating students, 2016
  • Graduation Hooder for MS students, Graduate College, Rush University: Voted by students, 2015
  • Graduation Hooder for MS students, Graduate College, Rush University: Voted by students, 2014
  • Graduation Hooder for MS students, Graduate College, Rush University: Voted by students, 2013
  • Mentor of the Year, Rush Graduate College, selected by students choice, 2013
  • Mentor of the Year, Rush Graduate College, selected by students choice, 2012
  • Scholar-in-Training Award, American Association for Cancer Research, 2007
  • Scholar-in-Training Award, American Association for Cancer Research, 2006
  • Sigma Xi Research Award for best presentation in fellow/instructor category, 23rd Annual Rush University Forum for Research and Clinical Investigation, 2006
  • Best Abstract, Annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), 2005
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science, Government of Japan
  • Graduate scholarship for doctoral study, Government of Japan
Publications

Complete list of published work on PubMed

Complete list of published work on Scopus

Grants

Current funding:

  • NIH R21CA187309: Ashwagandha supplementation enhances ovarian tumoricidal activity of NK cells, Role: Principal Investigator
  • NIH R01CA210370: Early detection of ovarian cancer by targeted ultrasound imaging and serum marker
  • Swim Across America: Early detection of ovarian cancer by serum markers

Past grants (Selected):

  • W81XWH-10-1-0523: Idea Development Award: Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer by Contrast- Enhanced Ultrasound-Targeted Imaging
  • W81XWH-11-1-0510: Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer by Molecular Targeted Ultrasound Imaging Together with Serum Markers of Tumor-Associated Nuclear Change and Angiogenesis.
  • W81XWH-12-1-0460: Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer by Tumor Epithelium-Targeted Molecular Ultrasound.
  • W81XWH-14-1-0315: Tumor-Associated Microvessel Targeted Ultrasound Molecular Imaging Probes Detect Ovarian Cancer at Early Stage
  • NCI/Pacific Ovarian Cancer Research Consortium (POCRC) (2009-11): Career development grant.