Salil Das

Salil Das is a Professor at Meharry Medical College School of Medicine with cross-appointments in the Center for Women’s Health Research, Health Disparities Research Center of Excellence, Sickle Cell Center, and Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience. His interdisciplinary work bridges Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology to address critical health disparities.

Dr. Das holds ScD and DSc degrees, reflecting advanced scholarly achievement in his field. His formal education background demonstrates deep expertise in molecular and biochemical research methodologies.

Research interests center on Breast Cancer mechanisms—particularly triple-negative subtypes—and Neurodegenerative Diseases, with significant contributions to understanding Cardiovascular Disease pathways and Environmental Health impacts. His laboratory investigates Mustard Gas-induced Lung Injury/Fibrosis, Smoking-related asthma pathogenesis, and novel chemopreventive strategies using lactoferrin and antioxidant compounds. This work integrates molecular pharmacology with translational approaches to address health disparities in vulnerable populations.

Publication trends reveal dual research streams: (1) Breast Cancer therapeutics exploring endothelin signaling, lactoferrin’s anti-carcinogenic properties, and chemopreventive agents like α-lactalbumin; and (2) Respiratory toxicology examining mustard gas analogs (CEES) and cigarette smoke effects on lung injury and childhood asthma. These studies consistently employ molecular profiling techniques and in vivo models to identify therapeutic targets.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK)

Dr. Das mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through Meharry’s research centers, with current funding from Fuji Oil Company (Osaka, Japan) for the Hinute-AM breast cancer project. His collaborative grants focus on health disparities in sickle cell disease and women’s health.

Laboratory operations leverage Meharry’s Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience and Sickle Cell Center infrastructure. His team collaborates with Vanderbilt University through the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, utilizing shared resources like the Clinical & Translational Research Center and Animal Care Facility for mechanistic studies.