Raj Kandpal

Raj Kandpal, PhD, is a Professor of Biochemistry and Assistant Chair of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. He joined the institution in August 2007. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science (1985), an M.Sc. from G.B. Pant University (1977), and a B.Sc. in Physics/Chem/Math from Kumaon University (1974). Prior roles include Associate Research Scientist at Yale University (1987) and Postdoctoral work at UCLA (1985).

His teaching spans molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and clinical disciplines such as the Endocrine and Cardiovascular Systems. He currently leads courses like Foundation of Osteopathic Medicine (FOM1–FOM7) and served as Course Director for Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life and Cardiovascular System.

Research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer (e.g., breast, prostate, ovarian), diabetic retinopathy, and genetic deafness. Key areas include Eph receptor signaling in tumor invasiveness, breast cancer stem cells, and senescence gene regulation. Collaborative work with the National Eye Institute explores retinal transcriptomics.

Publications span over three decades, emphasizing molecular mechanisms, diagnostic tools (e.g., methylation assays), and drug efficacy (e.g., artesunate). No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the text.

Teaching and advising involve extensive course development and student mentorship in biomedical sciences. Research collaborations include studies on GluR6/GRIK2 variants and miRNA profiling in cancer cells.