Rekha Patel

Rekha Patel is a Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on the regulation of cell survival and apoptosis by the interferon-induced protein kinase PKR, particularly through its activator protein PACT, in response to stressors like oxidative stress and ER stress. This work has implications for cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and aging.

Her lab investigates protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation) that govern PKR activity. In collaboration with the Dudycha lab, she studies stress response and longevity using Daphnia as a model organism, linking heat shock proteins, eIF2α phosphorylation, and telomere dynamics to lifespan.

Recent publications highlight her work on PACT mutations in dystonia (DYT16), PKR's role in neurodegeneration, and the interplay between stress signals and gene expression. Her studies also explore therapeutic strategies, such as luteolin's protective effects against apoptosis, and mechanisms of PKR inhibition during HIV-1 replication.