Curriculum Vitae - Florida International University

Samikkannu Thangavel, PhD 

Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, Florida International University, 

11200 SW 8 th Street, Miami, Florida- 33199 

Phone: (305) -348-1491, E-mail: sthangav@fiu.edu, 

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 

Ph.D in Biochemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India. 

Major: Biochemistry 

PhD Thesis: Biochemical Studies on the Toxicity of Methacrylonitrile in rats. 

MSc in Zoology, Bharathidasan University, India. 

Master Thesis: “Heavy metal accumulation in different organs system of 

Marine Bivalve Mollusc Meretrix casta from Agniar Estuary, India. 

BSc in Zoology, University of Madras, Chennai, India. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERINCE 

Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, 

Florida International University, Miami, Florida. 

Research Associate in the Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, 

Florida International University, Miami, Florida. 

Post-Doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX. 

Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan, R.O.C. 

Research Associate in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, India.

AWARDS, HONORS, AND MEMBERSHIPS 

NIH grant Awarded in 2011: Proposal Title: Immuno- Neuropathogenic mechanisms of HIV-1 

clade B and C Infection. 1R03MH096640-01- NIH/NIMH (2012-2013) 

Operational Excellence Award from HWCOM, FIU (2011) 

Post Doctoral Research Associate, National Institute of Health, USA (2003- 2011) 

Post-Doctoral Fellowship, National Science and Technology, Taiwan R.O.C (2000-2003) 

Assistant Research Officer Fellowship Award, Science and Technology, National University of 

Singapore (1998- 1999) 

Senior Research Fellowship Award, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India (1997- 

1998) 

Junior Research Fellowship Award, Rameswardas Birla Smarkkosh, Mumbai, India 1993-1996. 

Professional Memberships Honors 

Society for Neuroimmune Pharmacology (SNIP) 

International Society of Neurovirology (ISNV) 

RESEARCH SUPPORT 

Completed Research Support 

R01 NIDA/ NIH/DHHS 2009-2010 

PI: Dr.Madhavan P.Nair 

Title: Cocaine in the Immuno and Neuropathogenesis of HIV 

Goal: Investigate the overall role of cocaine associated neuropathogenic mechanisms in HIV 

disease. 

Role: Co investigator- Dr.Samikkannu Thangavel 

Ongoing Research Support 



Title: Role of cocaine in Neuro-AIDS by HIV B and C Clades (Grant # 1R37DA025576) 

2

Goal: Investigate the overall role of cocaine associated neuropathogenic mechanisms in HIV B 

and C clades. 




Title: Immunopathogenesis of HIV-1 Infection: Role of Methamphetamine 

(Grant # 5RO1DA021537) 

Goal: Investigate the overall role of Methampatamine associated neuropathogenic mechanisms in 

HIV-1 infection. 


MANUSCRIPT AND Ph.D THESIS REVIEWER 

Manuscript Reviewer: Current HIV Research, Journal of Neurovirology and Journal of 

proteomics. 

Examiner to adjudicate the Ph.D- 2006: Thesis entitled “Seasonal Variations in Limnological 

Characteristics of Selected aquatic Ecosystems of Kaveri Delta” from Bharathidasan 

University, Tiruchirappalli- 620024, TamilNadu, India 

Examiner to adjudicate the Ph.D- 2008: Thesis entitled “Toxicity of Phenol and Super 

Phosphate on Digestive Physiology of an Air-Breathing Fish Channa Punctatus” from 

Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli- 620024, TamilNadu, India 

Examiner to adjudicate the Ph.D- 2010: Thesis entitled “Studies on the zonal variations in the 

humidity of ground water in Trichirapallai, Tamilnadu, India” from Bharathidasan University, 

Tiruchirappalli- 620024, TamilNadu, India 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 

Examined the glucose and free fatty acids inducing signaling mechanism of glucose sensor 

protein AMPK in mouse aortic endothelial cells. 

Worked on acute and chronic exposure of high glucose induced a signaling mechanism 

associated with proliferation and apoptosis in human Proximal Tubule cell (hPTEC) injury. 

Studied the proliferation and apoptotic effect of Calcitonin in gonadotrophic (GGH3) and 

Prostate cancer cells. 

Investigated the role of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) inducing oxidative stress mechanisms in 

human leukemia cells. 

3

Performed the isolation, purification and biochemical studies with bioactive compound from 

marine animal Aplysia benedicti (Sea-Hare). 

Examined "Biochemical studies on the toxicity of Methacrylonitrile (MeAN) in rats. 

Assessed the “Heavy metals accumulation of different organs system in Marine Bivalve 

Mollusc Meretrix casta from Agniar Estuary, India. 

Taught and supervised masters’ students in Biochemistry, the Department of Biochemistry, 

and University of Madras, India. 

Research Interest and Ongoing Project: 

Mechanisms of Neuro-AIDS by HIV-1B and C clades 

I have been working on the cellular and molecular toxicological research and published 25 

papers in peer reviewed journals and submitted another 4 papers for publication. My current 

research area is Neuro-AIDS and substance abuse research in neurotoxic mechanisms using brain 

model system. HIV-1 displays extraordinary genetic variation in global distribution. It is 

classified in to three groups and genetically nine different subtypes or clades (A-K). Clade B is 

predominant in North America, Western Europe, and Australia, whereas clade C is common in 

Africa, Latin America and Asia. About 5-15% of HIV infected patient are affected with brain 

dementia in North America and Europe. However, there are no reports in Africa and Asia for the 

HIV infected brain dementia (HAD) and HIV associated cognitive/motor disorder complex 

(CMC). It is not clear how these global subtypes of HIV- 1 (clades B and C) induce differential 

dysfunction of AIDS progression and implications associated with HAD/CMC. Currently I am 

exploring the differences between HIV B and HIV C virus infected, HIV-1 gp120 and TAT 

protein in brain primary culture of astrocytes, microglia and neuronal cells. This project focuses 

on genomics, proteomics and immune dysfunction in cytokine and chemokine studies for 

HIV/AIDS and combination of substance abuse such as cocaine and methamphetamine (METH). 

Interestingly I found a novel observation; global subtype of HIV-1 clades B and C differentially 

induce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), serotonin transporter and neurotoxin quinolinic acid 

production. Which leads to neuropathogenic molecules implicated in HIV associated dementia 

4

(HAD) and HIV associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Specifically, my research involves 

tissue culture, enzyme assays, cellular and molecular biology, including monocyte, cell 

separation, cell assay, Q-PCR, DNA and RNA extraction, western blot, ELISA and flow 

cytometry etc. I am responsible for conducting experiments measuring neurotoxic factors 

arachidonic acid, kynurenine assay, intracellular MAPKinase, cAMP signaling pathways, 

immune dysfunction of cytokines, and chemokines in HIV-1 infection and recombinant proteins 

studies. Specific responsibilities of this research project include determining how the HIV-1 

clades differentially induce neuropathogenic molecules and associated signaling pathways and 

molecular mechanisms implicated in the HAD and HAND. My major responsibilities in this 

project are: 1) design of experiments and to develop hypotheses; 2) develop protocols and solve 

research problems 3) explore further possible routes of investigation; 3) collect and analyzes 

data, prepare research results for professional publications and 4) assist in the preparation of 

manuscripts and grant applications. 

SELECTED PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS 

PUBLICATIONS 

1. Nimisha Gandhi; Zainulabedin M Saiyed, Marisela Agudelo, Adriana Yndart; Christine 

Spadola, Pichili V Reddy, Thangavel Samikkannu, Jessica Napuri; Shailendra K Saxena, 

Madhavan P.N. Nair. Molecular Mechanism of Immunosuppression by Cocaine in HIV-1 

Infected Subjects: Role of TLR3. (Submitted - Drug and Alcohol Dependence). 

2. KVK Rao, T Samikkannu, KB Dakshayani, X Zhang, SS Sathaye, MA Indap, Madhavan PN 

Nair. Combinatorial cytotoxic effects of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale on PC-3M 

prostate cancer cell line. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology 2012 

(in press). 

3. Madhavan P.N. Nair and Thangavel Samikkannu. Differential Expression of Neurotoxin in 

HIV clades. Role of Cocaine and Methamphetamine. Current HIV Research-2012 (in press). 

5

4. KVK Rao, T Samikkannu, KB Dakshayani, X Zhang, SS Sathaye, MA Indap, Madhavan PN 

Nair. Chemopreventive Potential of an Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Curcuma Longa is 

Associated with Upregulation of p57 kip2 

and Rad9 in the PC-3M Prostate Cancer Cell Line. 

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012, 13, 1031-038. 

5. Pichili Vijaya B Reddy. Gandhi N. Samikkannu T. Saiyed ZM. Agudelo M. Yndart A. 

Khatavkar P. Nair MP. HIV-1 gp120 induces antioxidant response element-mediated expression 

in primary astrocytes: Roles in HIV associated neurocognitive disorder. Neurochem Int. 2011 

Jul 3 (in press). 

6. Samikkannu T, Agudelo.M, Saiyed M, Reddy VB, Nwankwo D, Nair MP. Human 

immunodeficiency virus type 1 clade B and C gp120 differentially induce neurotoxin arachidonic 

acid in human astrocytes: Implications for neuro-AIDS. J Neurovirol. 2011, 17, 230-238. 

PMID: 21491143 

7. Zainulabedin M. Saiyed, Nimisha Gandhi, Marisela Agudelo, Jessica Napuri1, Thangavel 

Samikkannu1, Pichili VB Reddy, Pradnya Khatavkar, Adriana Yndart, Shailendra K. Saxena, 

Madhavan P.N. Nair. HIV-1 Tat Upregulates Expression of Histone Deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) in 

Human Neurons: Implication for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). 

Neurochem Int: 2011, 58, 656-664. PMID: 21315782 

8. Marisela Agudelo, Nimisha Gandhi, Zainulabedin M. Saiyed, Pichili VB Reddy, Thangavel 

Samikkannu1, Pradnya Khatavkar, Adriana Yndart, Madhavan P.N. Nair. Alcohol Upregulates 

Expression of Histone Deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) in Human Neurons. Alcohol Clin Expe Res, 

2011, 35, 1-7. 

9. Kurapati V.K. Rao, Nawal M. Boukli, Thangavel Samikkannu, Luis A. Cubano, Babu K. 

Dakshayani and Madhavan P.N. Nair. Proteomics profiling and cytotoxic effect of curcuma longa 

on prostate cancer cell. (The Open Proteomics Journal, 2011, 14, 1-11). 

10. Thangavel Samikkannu, Kurapati V.K.Rao, Nimisha Gandhi, Madhavan P.N. Nair. HIV-1 

Clade B and C Tat differentially Induces Indoleamine-2, 3-Dioxygenase (IDO) and Serotonin in 

Immature Dendritic Cells (IDC): Implications for Neuro-AIDS (J Neurovirol, 2010, 16, 255- 

263). 

11. Gandhi N, Saiyed ZM, Napuri J, Samikkannu T, Reddy PV, Agudelo M, Khatavkar P, 

Saxena SK, Nair MP. Interactive role of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) clade- 

specific Tat protein and cocaine in blood-brain barrier dysfunction: Implications for HIV-1- 

associated neurocognitive disorder. (J Neurovirol, 2010, 16, 294-305). 

6

12. T. Samikkannu, ZM Saiyed, K.V.K.Rao, KB Dakshayani, JW Rodriguez, MN 

Papuashvili, MP Nair. Differential Regulation of Indoleamine-2, 3-Dioxygenase (IDO) by HIV-1 

Clade B and C Tat Proteins. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses, 2009, 25; 329-335. 

13. Nimisha Gandhi, Zainulabedin Saiyed, Samikkannu Thangavel, Jose Rodriguez, K.V.K. 

Rao, Madhavan P.N. Nair. Differential effects of HIV-1 clade B and clade C Tat protein on 

expression of proand anti-inflammatory cytokines by primary monocytes. AIDS Res Hum 

Retroviruses. 2009, 25; 691-699. 

14. Dakshayani Kadiyala Babu, Alain Diaz, Thangavel Samikkannu, Kurapati V.K.Rao, 

Zainulabedin M. Saiyed, Jose W. Rodriguez, and Madhavan P.N. Nair. Upregulation of 

Serotonin Transporter by Alcohol in Human Dendritic Cells: Possible Implication in 

Neuroimmune Deregulation Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2009, 33; 1-8. 

15. Samikkannu.T, Thomas JJ, Bhat GJ, Thekkumkara TJ (2006). Acute effect of High 

glucose on long-term cell growth: A Role for transient glucose increase in Proximal Tubule cell 

injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2006; 291(1):F162-75. 

16. Bhat GJ, Samikkannu.T, Thomas JJ, Thekkumkara TJ (2004). Alpha thrombin rapidly 

induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a novel, 74-78 kDa stress response protein(s) in lung 

fibroblast cells. J. Biol Chem. 279, 48915-48922. 

17. Yih LH, Gurr JR, Samikkannu T, Bau DT, Lin SY, and Jan KY (2003). Nitric oxide 

production by Arsenite -- A Review. Mutat Res, 533,173-182 

18. Samikkannu T, Chen CH, Yih LH, Wang AS, Lin SY, Chen TC, Jan KY. (2003) Reactive 

oxygen species are involved in arsenic trioxide inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity. 

Chem Res Toxicol, 16, 409-14. 

19. Wang TS, Chung CH, Wang AS, Bau DT, Samikkannu T, Jan KY, Cheng YM, Lee TC 

(2002). Endonuclease III, formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase, and proteinase K additively 

enhance arsenic-induced DNA strand breaks in human cells. Chem Res Toxicol, 5, 1254-8 

20. Samikkannu, T. and S. Niranjali Devaraj (1997). Effect of Methacrylonitrile on rat lung 

antioxidant enzymes, Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol, 59, 894-900 

7

21. Samikkannu, T. V. Vasanthakumari and S. Niranjali Devaraj (1997). Hematological and 

Erythrocyte membrane changes induced by Methacrylonitrile, Toxicol.Lett, 92, 15-20 

22. Samikkannu, T. and S. Niranjali Devaraj (1997). Effect of Methacrylonitrile on Rat 

lung mitochondria and microsomes, Med. Sci. Res., 25, 129-132. 

23. Samikkannu, T. and S. Niranjali Devaraj (1997). Toxic effect of Methacrylonitrile on 

Rat lung, J. Clin.Biochem. Nutr, 23, 27-31 

24. R.Tamizhselvi, T. Samikkannu and S. Niranjali (1995). Pulmonary Phospholipid changes 

induced by Butylated hydroxytoluene an antioxidant, in Rats, Indian J. Exp. Biol., 33, 796 - 

797. 

25. Samikkannu, T. and S.V.S. Amanulla Hammed (1994). A study on the accumulation of 

Copper and Zinc in Meretrix casta of Agniar Estuary, Indian J. Environ. Protection., 14, 288 - 

291. 

BOOK CHAPTER 

1. Marisela Agudelo, Zainulabedin Saiyed, Thangavel Samikkannu, Pradnya Khatavkar, 

Nimisha Gandhi, Narayanan Nair and Madhavan P.N. Nair. Role of Dendritic Cells in HIV 

Infection: DC-SIGN and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. (Dendritic Cells: Types, Life Cycles 

and Biological Functions, 2010, Nova Science Publishers Inc, 167-177). 

ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS 

1.T.Samikkannu, E. Santiago and MP. Nair. Neuropathogenic Mechanisms by HIV-1 clade B 

and C: Role of Lipid Rafts. 17th SNIP Scientific Conference- 2012, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

2. A. Kalaichezhian, T.Samikkannu and MP. Nair. HIV Infection and Drugs of Abuse: Role of 

Acute Phase Proteins. 14th Biomedical and Comparative Immunology Symposium- 2012, 

Miami, Florida. 

8

3. E. Santiago, T.Samikkannu and MP. Nair. Immunopathogenic Mechanisms by HIV-1 clade 

B and C: Role of Redox Expression and Thiol Modification14th Biomedical and Comparative 

Immunology Symposium- 2012, Miami, Florida. 

4.T.Samikkannu, E. Santiago and MP. Nair. Neuropathogenic Mechanisms by HIV-1 clade B 

and C: Role of Lipid Rafts. 17th SNIP Scientific Conference- 2012, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

5. A. Kalaichezhian, T.Samikkannu and MP. Nair. HIV Infection and Drugs of Abuse: Role of 

Acute Phase Proteins. 14th Biomedical and Comparative Immunology Symposium- 2012, 

Miami, Florida. 

6. E. Santiago, T.Samikkannu and MP. Nair. Immunopathogenic Mechanisms by HIV-1 clade 

B and C: Role of Redox Expression and Thiol Modification14th Biomedical and Comparative 

Immunology Symposium- 2012, Miami, Florida. 

7. T.Samikkannu, Z Saiyed, M. Agudelo, PV Reddy, D. Nwankwo, N.Gandhi, P Khatavkar, A 

Yndart and MP.Nair. Differential regulation of Thiol Modification by HIV-1 Clade B and C 

Protein. 16th SNIP Scientific Conference- 2011, Clear Water, Florida 

8. VB Pichili, Z Saiyed, T Samikkannu, M Agudelo, N Gandhi, A Yndart, MP Nair. Activation 

of the antioxidant defensive enzymes against HIV-1 gp120 are mediated by oxidative stress and 

elevated intracellular calcium levels.16th SNIP Scientific Conference- 2011, Clear Water, 

Florida. 

9. N Gandhi, M Agudelo, ZM Saiyed, A Yndart, C Spadola, VB Pichili, T Samikkannu, J 

Napuri, P Khatavkar, MN Nair. Molecular Mechanism of Immunosuppression by Cocaine in 

HIV-1 Infected Subjects: Role of TLR-3. 16th SNIP Scientific Conference- 2011, Clear 

Water, Florida. 

9

10. M Agudelo, C Spadola, A Yndart, N Gandhi, Z Saiyed, VB Pichili, T Samikkannu, MP 

Nair . Diffrential Expression of Cannabinoid Genes in Alcohols. 16th SNIP Scientific 

Conference- 2011, Clear Water, Florida. 

11. Thangavel Samikkannu, Pradnya P. Khatavkar, Pichili V. B. Reddy, Marisela Agudelo, 

Nimisha Gandhi, Manuela Noriega, Christine Spadola and Madhavan P.N. Nair. Cocaine, 

Methamphetamine, Alcohol and Marijuana Enhances HIV Infection and Disease Progression: Role 

of Neurotoxin Arachidonic Acid. 73rd Annual Meeting on The College on Problems of Drug 

and Dependence - 2011, Miami, Florida. 

12. PV Reddy, T Samikkannu, N Gandhi, Z Saiyed, M Agudelo, P Khatavkar, A Yndart, MP 

Nair. HIV-1 gp120 induces the expression of the transcription factor NF-E2- related factor 2, (Nrf2) 

in astrocytes. 73rd Annual Meeting on The College on Problems of Drug and Dependence - 

2011, Miami, Florida. 

13. M Agudelo, N Gandhi, Z Saiyed, PV Reddy, T Samikkannu, P Khatavkar, A Yndart, MP 

Nair. Effect of alcohol on serotonin (5-HT3) receptor: The role of histone deacetylases (HDACs) 

and their inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). 73rd Annual Meeting on The College on Problems of 

Drug and Dependence - 2011, Miami, Florida. 

14. Thangavel Samikkannu, Marisela Agudelo, Nimisha Gandhi, Pichili V. B. Reddy, Madhavan 

P.N. Nair. Human Immunodeficiency Virus type -1 Clade B and C gp120 Inhibit NMDA-receptor 

mediated induction of Arachidonic Acid: Implications on Neuro-AIDS. 10 th International 

Symposium on NeuroVirology - 2010, Milan, Italy. 

15. Thangavel Samikkannu, Zainulabedin M Saiyed, Nimisha Gandhi, M. Agudelo, 

P.V.Reddy, M.P. Nair, Neuropathogenic Mechanisms of HIV-1 Clade B and C: Role of 

Dopamine Receptor-2 (DRD-2). 72 nd Annual Meeting on The College on Problems of Drug 

and Dependence - 2010, Scottsdale, Arizona. 

10

16. Nimisha Gandhi, Z.M.Saiyed,T. Samikkannu M. P. Nair "Interactive Role of HIV-1 Clade 

Specific Tat Protein and Cocaine in Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction: Implications for 

NeuroAIDS. 72 nd Annual Meeting on The College on Problems of Drug and Dependence - 

2010, Scottsdale, Arizona. 

17. M. Agudelo, Z.M.Saiyed, N. Gandhi, ,T. Samikkannu, P.Khatavkar, M. P. Nair. Effects 

of Alcohol on Serotonin (5-HT3) Receptors and Histone Deacetylase-2 (HDAC2). 72 nd Annual 

Meeting on The College on Problems of Drug and Dependence - 2010, Scottsdale, Arizona. 

18. T Samikkannu, M Agudelo, N Gandhi, MP Nair: Neuropathogenic mechanisms of HIV-1 

clade B and C: Role of Methamphetamine (METH). 16th SNIP Scientific Conference- 2010, 

Manhattan Beach, California. 

19. M Agudelo, Z Saiyed, N Gandhi, T Samikkannu, P Khatavkar, M Nair; Effects of alcohol 

on cannabinoids (CB2) and serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the human neuroblsatoma cell line, 

SK-N-MC, and the role of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2). 16th SNIP Scientific Conference- 

2010, Manhattan Beach, California. 

20. N Gandhi, M Agudelo, Z Saiyed, T Samikkannu, J Napuri, P Khatavkar, M Nair. Histone 

deacetylase activity in development of HIV associated neurocognitive disorder. 16th SNIP 

Scientific Conference- 2010, Manhattan Beach, California 

21. Samikkannu Thangavel, Kurapati V.K.Rao, Dakshayani K. Babu Nimisha Gandhi, 

Zainulabedin M Saiyed, Jose W. Rodriguez, Nawal Boukli, Madhavan P.N. Nair. HIV-1 Clade 

B and C Tat differentially Induces Indoleamine-2, 3-Dioxygenase (IDO) and Serotonin in 

Immature Dendritic Cells (IDC): Implications for Neuro-AIDS. 9 th International Symposium on 

NeuroVirology - 2009, Miami,Florid. 

22. Nawal Boukli Thangavel Samikkannu, Martha Ricarto, Josue Garcias, Jose W. Rodriguez, 

Luis Cubano, and Madhavan P.N. Nair. Proteomics Finger Prints of Primary Human Neurons 

11

Treated With HIV-1 Clade B and C Proteins. Implications for Neuro-AIDS 9 th International 

Symposium on NeuroVirology - 2009, Miami,Florid 

23. Dakshayani Kadiyala Babu, Kurapati V.K.Rao, Thangavel Samikkannu, Zainulabedin M. 

Saiyed, Nimisha Gandhi, Jose W. Rodriguez, Nawal Boukli , and Madhavan P.N. Nair. 

Alcohol Upregulates Serotonin transporter and Monoamine oxidase in Human Dendritic Cells. 

Possible Implications in Neuroimmune Deregulation 9 th International Symposium on 

NeuroVirology - 2009, Miami,Florid. 

24. Dakshayani Kadiyala Babu, Alain Diaz, Thangavel Samikkannu, Kurapati V.K.Rao, 

Zainulabedin M. Saiyed 1 , Nimisha Gandhi, Marina Papuashvili, 1 Adam Caro, Jose W. 

Rodriguez, Nawal Boukli , and Madhavan P.N. Nair. Upregulation of Serotonin transporter by 

Alcohol in Human Dendritic Cells. 11 th RCMI International Symposium on Health Disparities- 

2008, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

25. Thangavel Samikkannu, Zainulabedin M. Saiyed, Kesava V.K.Rao, Dakshayani K. Babu, 

Jose W. Rodriguez, Nawal Boukli, Marina Papuashvili, Nimisha Gandhi and Madhavan P.N. 

Nair. Regulation of Indoleamine-2, 3-Dioxygenase (IDO) by HIV-1 Clade B and C Tat Proteins: 

Implications on HIV-Associated Dementia. 11 th RCMI International Symposium on Health 

Disparities- 2008, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

26. Zainulabedin M Saiyed, Nimisha H Gandhi, Thangavel Samikkannu, Dakshayani K Babu, 

Kesava V K Rao, Marina Papuashvili, Jose W Rodriguez, Nawal Boukli, and Madhavan P N 

Nair. Differential Effects of HIV-1 Clade B and C on Expression of Pro-and Anti-Inflammatory 

Molecules. International conference on Molecular Medicine 2009- Chennai, India 

27. ZM Saiyed, RT Patel, SD Telang, K.V.K.Rao, T.Samikkannu, KB Dakshayani, N.Gandhi, 

S.Majeed and MPNair; Effect of Dietary Variations in n-6/n-3 Ratio on Rat Brain Membrane 

Fatty Acid Composition and Associated Behavior. Presented at the 49 th Annual Meeting- 2008 of 

the American College of Nutrition's (ACN), Arlington, VA 

12

28. Jose W. Rodriguez, Maridaliz Rodriguez, Myosotys Rodriguez, Carola Lopez-Cepero, 

Thangavel Samikkannu, Nawal M. Boukli, Miguel Otero, Avindra Nath, Madhavan P.N. Nair, 

and Eddy Rios-Olivares. Comparative Immunovirological Activity between Buprenorphine and 

Methadone on Human T-Lymphocytes and Glial Cells. 11 th RCMI International Symposium on 

Health Disparities- 2008, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

29. K.V.K.Rao, ZM Saiyed, KB Dakshayani, T.Samikkannu, N.Gandhi, S.Majeed and MPNair; 

Hemopreventive Potential of Dichlorometheane Fraction From Curucuma Longa On PC-3M 

Prostate Cancer Cell line. Presented at the 49 th Annual Meeting- 2008 of the American College 

of Nutrition's (ACN), Arlington, VA 

30. K.V.K.Rao, S Majeed, KB Dakshayani, N.Gandhi, T.Samikkannu, ZM Saiyed and MPNair; 

Anticancer activity of Medicinal Plants on Prostate Cancer Cell line. Presented at the Research 

Day Annual Meeting- 2008 of the Miami Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL 

31. T. Samikkannu K. Dakshayani, MP.Nair; Differential Regulation of Indoleamine-2, 3- 

Dioxygenase (IDO) by HIV-1 B and C clades. Presented at the 14 th Annual Meeting – 2008 

Society of the Neuro Immuno Pharmacology. Charleston, South Carolina. 

32. MPNair, SK Saxena, DJ Feaster, JW Rodriguez, ZM Saiyed, A Diaz-gonzalez, I 

Borodowsky, T.Samikkannu, KB Dakshayani, E Provencio-vasquez; Mechanisms of Neuro- 

AIDS by HIV-1B and C clades. Presented at the 14 th Annual Meeting – 2008, Society of the 

Neuro Immuno Pharmacology. Charleston, South Carolina. 

33. Thomas Thekkumkara, Jessica Smith, Jason Thomas, Samikkannu Thangavel and 

Jayarama Gunaje. Hyperglycemia Alters Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor Expression through 

MAP-Kinase Signaling Pathway in Liver Cells. Presented on the 36 th Annual Meeting – 2006 of 

the Experimental Biology/IUBS. San Francisco, California. 

13

34. Bhat GJ, Samikkannu. T, Thekkumkara T.J. Angiotensin II Induces Tyrosine 

Phosphorylation of Glucose Regulated Protein-75 in Rat Liver Cells. Presented at the 45 th 

Annual Meeting – 2005 of the American society of Cell Biology. San Francisco, CA. 

35. Samikkannu. T, Thomas J.J, Gunaje J.B, Thekkumkara T.J. Acute and Chronic Exposure 

of High Glucose Elicits Analogous Effects in Human Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells: 

Implication for Acute Hyperglycemia Induced Renal Injury. Presented at the 17 th Annual Student 

Research Day -2005 of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. 

36. Thekkumkara T.J. Beena E.T, Gunaje J.B, Samikkannu. T, Glucose Mediated 

Dowenregulation type1 Receptor Gene Expression in Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells is 

induced by PKCε. Presented on the 35 th Annual Meeting – 2005 of the Experimental 

Biology/IUBS. San Diego, California. 

37. Gunaje J.B, Samikkannu. T, Thomas J.J, Thekkumkara T.J. Alpha Thrombin Rapidly 

Induces Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Glucose Regulated Protein-75/ Related Stress Protein(s) in 

Lung Fibroblast Cells. Presented at the 44 th Annual Meeting – 2004 of the American society of 

Cell Biology. Washington, D.C 

38. Samikkannu. T, Thomas J.J, Gunaje J.B, Thekkumkara T.J. Glucose Induced Activation of 

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases and Downstream Molecular Events in Human Proximal 

Tubular Epithelial Cells. Presented at the 44 th Annual Meeting – 2004 of the American society of 

Cell Biology. Washington, D.C 

39. Jessica S, Thomas J.J, Samikkannu.T, Malaroviyam. S, Thekkumkara T.J. Hyperglycemia 

Can Alter Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor Expression Through Protein Kinase C and MAP-Kinase 

Signal Transduction Pathways in Rat Liver Cells. Presented at the 4 th Annual Student Research 

Day -2005 of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas. 

14

OVERALL GOALS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Goal: To be a productive, independent, well-established biomedical researcher in the field of 

neurotoxicology especially in Neuro-AIDS and Substance abuse. 

I have successfully developed research projects and generated data, presentations and 

publications. My responsibilities included: 

(1) creating and developing hypotheses and objectives for scientific studies, 

(2) designing and conducting laboratory experiments and collecting, analysing and interpretating 

the results, 

(3) applying independent judgement and problem solving skills, 

(4) preparing grant applications, budgets, informed consent forms for IRB, progress reports, 

oral presentations, and publications, 

(5) participating in the recruitment, training, and supervision of research assistants and 

collaborations with other scientists, 

(6) presenting new findings at national and international scientific meetings, 

(7) keeping abreast of newly developed scientific knowledge and methodology. 

SUPERVISING STUDENTS EXPERIENCE 

During my scientific career, I have trained and supervised undergraduate and graduate students, 

particularly in practical methodology classes. It was always a pleasure to see how I contributed 

to the success of their careers, as many continued on in the same field. Not only have I been able 

to directly accomplish my goal of contributing to biomedical science through scientific 

discovery, but also I’ve been able to contribute indirectly, by mentoring students to develop their 

scientific skills in their field of interest. 

15

Curriculum Vitae - Florida International University

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?