Ahmad Besaratinia

Ahmad Besaratinia, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on the molecular causes and mechanistic underpinnings of human diseases, particularly those involving cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune-related, and metabolic diseases. He investigates genetic and epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA damage & repair, mutagenesis, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA dysregulation, with a special emphasis on diseases linked to modifiable risk factors like lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposures, including tobacco products.

• Research Areas: Epigenetics, Genetics, Biomarkers, Tobacco-Related Diseases, 'Omics' Technologies

Dr. Besaratinia employs a combination of human subject research, laboratory animal studies, and cell culture models to detect alterations in the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome following exposure to disease-causing agents. His work integrates findings through systems biology to develop molecular markers for disease prevention, early detection, treatment, and monitoring. Recent publications highlight his focus on electronic cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches, including their impact on DNA damage, epigenetic dysregulation, and biomarker discovery.

Selected Scientific Contributions:

• 2025: Exposure to electronic cigarette-derived metals and associated health risks
• 2025: Epigenomic changes in youth vapers
• 2024: Interplay of DNA damage and repair in oxidative stress
• 2024: MicroRNA biomarkers for vaping risk assessment
• 2024: Long non-coding RNA analysis in vaping

Methodologies: Utilizes molecular biology techniques, genomic profiling, and systems biology approaches to assess disease mechanisms.