Amar Desai

Amar Desai is an Assistant Professor at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and a member of the Immune Oncology Program at Case Western Reserve University. His research focuses on mechanisms regulating hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation and regenerative medicine, aiming to improve outcomes for bone marrow transplant patients. Dr. Desai holds a PhD in Pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University and leads a lab investigating 15-PGDH inhibitors, sexual dimorphism in hematopoiesis, and repurposing FDA-approved drugs. His work spans preclinical models of graft versus host disease, bone marrow failure, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Key research directions include small molecule development of 15-PGDH inhibitors to accelerate hematopoietic recovery post-transplantation, understanding niche interactions in HSC regeneration, and exploring sex-specific differences in hematopoietic function. The lab uses in vivo and in vitro approaches to study HSC behavior under aging, stress, and disease conditions.

Publications highlight breakthroughs such as 15-PGDH inhibition improving bone marrow recovery and reducing fibrosis, alongside investigations into the splenic niche's role in hematopoiesis. Collaborative projects include work on polymer microparticle drug delivery systems and age-related HSC dysfunction.

Lab members include graduate students and researchers like Filip Goshevski (biomedical engineering) and Bailey Klein (Immunology PhD candidate). The team emphasizes translational research with potential clinical applications in blood disorders and transplantation medicine.