Anand Krishnan

Dr. Anand Krishnan serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, where he leads research on nerve-tumor interfaces and neural macrophage biology. His work bridges neuroscience and oncology to identify therapeutic targets for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Canada
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Canada
• PhD in Biotechnology (Cancer Biology), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, India
• Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacology), Manipal University, India
• Pharma R&D Experience: Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited; Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited

Dr. Krishnan's research program investigates two core areas: molecular mapping of tumor-nerve interfaces to uncover novel therapeutic targets, and defining the roles of self-renewing resident macrophages in nervous system homeostasis and disease. His lab employs proteomics, murine models, and in vitro neuronal cultures to explore how tumors and nerves mutually support growth through neural invasion and autonomic signaling.

Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on neuro-oncology mechanisms, particularly peripheral nerve regeneration pathways (Myc interactome, growth-primed DRG), tumor-nerve crosstalk (sympathetic signaling in prostate cancer), and neurodegenerative targets (MANF). Key methodologies include comparative proteomics, molecular mapping, and drug repurposing screens.

Research Funding:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
• Cancer Research Society (CRS)
• CIHR Institute of Cancer Research
• Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC)
• Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation (PCFF) & Ride for Dad
• Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)
• College of Medicine Research Award (CoMRAD)
• CoMBRIDGE Fund
• Start-up Research Fund

Based at Saskatoon City Hospital within the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre, the Krishnan Lab trains students supported by NSERC USRA, Dean's project fellowships, OVDR Biomedical research fellowships, and Mitacs awards. The lab's strategic location adjacent to the Meewasin Valley provides collaborative opportunities for translational neuroscience research focused on nerve regeneration and cancer therapeutics.