Sudhakar Jha

Sudhakar Jha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiological Sciences at Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. He also serves as a Visiting Principal Investigator at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore since October 2021. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development, particularly examining chromatin-remodeling complexes and their role in tumorigenesis.

Dr. Jha earned his Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India (2000-2003), followed by postdoctoral training as a Research Fellow (2003-2006) and Research Associate (2006-2021) at the University of Virginia's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. Prior to joining Oklahoma State University, he held positions as Junior Principal Investigator (2011-2015) and Principal Investigator (2016-2021) at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore.

Dr. Jha's research primarily investigates how chromatin organization malfunctions lead to cancer development through down-regulation of tumor suppressors and expression of oncogenes. His work focuses on chromatin-remodeling complexes that create epigenetic codes influencing active or repressed chromatin states. His laboratory explores the regulation of these complexes, with particular emphasis on TIP60 and other epigenetic regulators in various cancer types including colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. His research has significant implications for developing novel epigenetic therapies targeting cancer stem cells and treatment resistance.

Analysis of Dr. Jha's recent publications reveals a strong focus on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, particularly examining histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional regulation. His work spans multiple cancer types with emphasis on colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and hematological malignancies. A notable theme is the investigation of TIP60 and its interactions with other epigenetic regulators in cancer stemness and metastasis. His research increasingly incorporates advanced techniques including 3D culture models, spatial biology, and functional enhancer profiling to understand cancer heterogeneity.

• OSHE Safety Award from National University of Singapore, Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (2021)

Dr. Jha actively mentors graduate students through PhD Research and Dissertation courses and the Niblack Research Scholars program at Oklahoma State University. He has secured substantial funding from diverse sources including the National Institutes of Health, Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research, and Singaporean research councils. His grants focus on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, chromatin organization, TERT promoter mutations, and therapeutic targeting of epigenetic regulators. Dr. Jha's research program represents a multidisciplinary approach integrating molecular biology, epigenetics, and cancer therapeutics.

Dr. Jha maintains active research collaborations between Oklahoma State University and the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulators in cancer development and progression, with particular focus on chromatin-remodeling complexes. The research environment fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between cancer biologists, epigeneticists, and clinicians to translate basic discoveries into potential therapeutic approaches for various cancer types.