Rahul S. Shinde

Rahul S. Shinde, D.V.M., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program at the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center of The Wistar Institute. An immunologist by training, his research explores tumor microenvironment dynamics and gut microbiome interactions in cancer progression. He earned his D.V.M. from Nagpur Veterinary College (India) and Ph.D. in Immunology from Augusta University, followed by postdoctoral training at Princess Margaret Cancer Center (Toronto).

Research Focus: Dr. Shinde investigates metabolic reprogramming in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and gut microbiome-derived signals that drive therapy resistance. His lab employs molecular profiling, mouse models, and microbiome analysis to identify targets for pancreatic cancer therapy. Key projects include:

• BCAA catabolism and Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) in TAMs
• Gut microbial metabolites (e.g., TMAO) influencing anti-tumor immunity
• Diet-microbiome crosstalk in PDAC progression

Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes microbiome immunology, macrophage metabolism, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathways in cancer. Articles consistently integrate mechanistic immunology with translational applications in resistant malignancies.

Lab Team: The Shinde Lab includes postdoctoral fellows (Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Marina Domingovidal, Gauri Mirji), graduate student Sarah Kim Reiser, and research assistant Siva Pushpa Gavara. Positions remain open for new postdoctoral researchers.