Akshay Hira

Conducts translational research advancing the continuum of science-driven clinical care across liver disease and metabolism, alcohol use and obesity/addiction, gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and neural regulation of disease and cancer. Develops and applies novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving clinical outcomes, bridging preclinical research with translational and clinical applications.

Identified and validated ΔNp63α signaling pathways as molecular targets in squamous cell carcinoma, characterizing roles in tumor progression and chemoresistance. Designed and executed a comprehensive panel of cell-based assays — viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, invasion, 3D colony formation, and reporter assays — across 10+ cell lines to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of novel small-molecule inhibitors. Drove projects from concept to go/no-go decision by implementing data-driven experimental strategies. Engineered and validated 8+ stable cell lines via lentiviral transduction for mechanistic studies of target engagement and pathway modulation. Cloned and expressed 6+ point mutants and deletion constructs of ΔNp63α to dissect molecular mechanisms and protein-protein interactions. Communicated complex experimental results to departmental and project meetings; collaborated with internal and external partners to align research goals and accelerate translational impact.

Led research on TIP60/ΔNp63α axis in cisplatin resistance and squamous cell carcinoma progression; contributed experimental design and data that supported a successful NIH R01 grant application. Developed cell-based and molecular assays (ChIP, reporter assays, protein stability and ubiquitination assays) to dissect cancer signaling pathways. Authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications in Cell Death & Disease and Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Analyzed miRNA biomarkers using NGS (Ion Proton platform) to assess molecular responses to exercise regimens; identified novel miRNA signatures as biomarkers of training adaptability. Managed full NGS workflow from sample processing through library preparation to data analysis.

Managed laboratory operations and streamlined molecular diagnostic protocols to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Authored SOPs and served as a key response team member during audits.

Assisted with in vivo mouse model experiments investigating neonatal lung hyper-reactivity, including animal care, physiological studies, and tissue processing for immunostaining.

Conducted TPMT genotyping in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia patients to identify genetic variants influencing thiopurine drug metabolism, supporting personalized medicine approaches.