معرفی
Dr. Prashen Chelikani serves as Associate Dean (Research) at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at the University of Manitoba's Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. He holds cross appointments as Professor in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics and in Physiology and Pathophysiology at the Max Rady College of Medicine, while also serving as a Scientist at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM).
His educational background includes:
- PDF, Department of Biology, MIT, USA
- PhD, Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Canada
- MSc, BSc (Biochemistry), Andhra University, India
For over 15 years, Dr. Chelikani's research has focused on bitter taste receptor (T2R) biology across three interconnected domains: the relationship between taste genetics, oral microbiome, and oral health; T2R roles in cystic fibrosis pathophysiology; and mechanisms of taste signal termination with applications in food chemosensation. His laboratory employs diverse biological and computational techniques to investigate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly their involvement in host-microbe interactions and innate immunity, resulting in over 80 peer-reviewed publications including 45 specifically on T2R biology.
His recent publications reveal a trajectory toward personalized approaches in dentistry, integrating multi-omics methods to understand how genetic variations in taste receptors affect susceptibility to oral diseases, particularly early childhood caries. His work increasingly explores T2R-mediated antimicrobial responses in cystic fibrosis with several high-impact publications in journals like Cell Reports and iScience, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting these receptors. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident through collaborations spanning dentistry, medicine, microbiology, and computational biology.
Dr. Chelikani's scientific achievements have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards:
- Fellow (elected), Royal Society of Biology, UK (2023)
- Exceptional Achievement in Microbiology, Alumni Award, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba (2019)
- Ed Kroeger Mentorship Award, Health Sciences Graduate Students' Association, University of Manitoba (2015)
- Merit Award (Research, Teaching & Service), University of Manitoba (2013)
- Allen Rouse Basic Science Career Award, Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (2013-2016)
- New Investigator Award, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (2008-2013)
As an active mentor, Dr. Chelikani currently advises multiple PhD and Master's students while maintaining a robust track record of successful student placements in academic and industry positions worldwide. His research program is supported by multiple external granting agencies including CIHR, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (USA), and NSERC, with his lab receiving over $8.3 million in CIHR funding as noted in university announcements.
Dr. Chelikani directs the Manitoba Chemosensory Biology (MCSB) Research Group, operating state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympus IX-81 Microscope with DV2 Imaging System, New Brunswick Celligen 115 Bioreactor/Fermentor, Flex Station 3 Microplate Reader, and Molecular Modeling Suite. His research team comprises multiple research associates, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers working collaboratively across disciplines to advance understanding of taste biology and its implications for human health.
