Nisanne Ghonem

Dr. Nisanne Ghonem is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Rhode Island's College of Pharmacy. She directs the Translational Pharmacology Research Laboratory, focusing on mechanistic and clinical studies for liver/kidney diseases. Her affiliations include:

• Current faculty appointment at URI
• Postdoctoral training at Yale University (2013)
• PhD research at University of Pittsburgh (2010)

Her research program investigates nuclear receptor regulation in two primary domains: Bile Acid Metabolism (PPARα-targeted therapies for cholestatic diseases, bile acid detoxification pathways, and inflammation modulation) and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (prostacyclin analogs for mitochondrial protection during organ transplantation). The lab employs advanced techniques including proteomics, molecular cloning, and clinical biomarker analysis to bridge preclinical findings to patient applications.

Recent publications (2011-2021) demonstrate a consistent focus on translational pharmacology, with 91% centered on liver/kidney pathophysiology. Key trends include mitochondrial protection strategies (45% of articles), nuclear receptor therapeutics (36%), and clinical validation of fibrate/prostacyclin therapies (27%).

Dr. Ghonem actively mentors graduate researchers, currently advising four students in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her team investigates novel therapeutic approaches for cholestasis and transplant-related injuries using integrated biochemical, molecular, and clinical methodologies.