Meena Kumari

Meena Kumari serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Physiology at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, where her research investigates molecular mechanisms underlying substance use disorders with emphasis on neurobiological pathways.

Education:

• PhD in Andrology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
• MPhil in Neuroendocrinology, University of Delhi

Research Focus: Dr. Kumari's laboratory maintains two primary research trajectories: (1) Molecular analysis of alcohol-induced gene expression alterations targeting NMDA receptor regulation through RNA-protein interactions and splicing mechanisms; (2) Investigation of cannabis effects on central nervous system communication via exosomal pathways. Her methodology integrates in vivo murine models of alcohol dependence with in vitro cortical neuron systems, employing biochemical and molecular techniques to dissect neuroadaptation processes in substance use disorders.

Publication Trends: Recent publications (2021-2023) demonstrate strategic expansion into exosome-mediated neurocommunication, revealing connections between extracellular vesicles and neurodegenerative processes. Earlier work (2000-2019) established foundational insights into ethanol's regulation of NMDA receptor variants through RNA-binding proteins, creating a continuum from molecular alcohol effects to contemporary cannabis-exosome investigations.

Laboratory Operations: The Kumari lab maintains active research programs utilizing transgenic mouse models and primary neuronal cultures, with experimental workflows spanning molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, and cellular imaging to address neuropharmacological questions in substance use disorders.