Tharun Sundaresan

Tharun Sundaresan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. His research program investigates fundamental mechanisms of mRNA decay and their implications in cancer biology and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Education:

• Ph.D. (Life Sciences) from Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India (Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India)

Dr. Sundaresan's research centers on molecular mechanisms of mRNA decay, particularly the role of the Lsm1-7-Pat1 complex in mRNA decapping and stability regulation. His work bridges basic RNA metabolism with disease pathogenesis, revealing how defects in RNA processing contribute to cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Key methodologies include yeast genetics, zebrafish models, and biochemical analysis of RNA-protein interactions.

His publication record (2005-2021) demonstrates consistent focus on Lsm protein complexes and their functions in viral replication, neurodevelopment, and mRNA turnover. The work spans molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics with emphasis on RNA binding specificity and decay pathway mechanics.

Scientific Recognition:

• HHMI Fellowship
• American Cancer Society IRG grant
• NIH RO1 Research project grant
• USUHS Exploratory grant

As an educator, Dr. Sundaresan serves as Course Director for the Graduate Biochemistry program and holds a secondary appointment in the Molecular Cell Biology Graduate Program. His research program has secured sustained funding through competitive NIH and institutional grants, supporting investigations into RNA metabolism's role in human disease. Current work explores connections between LSM complex dysfunction and neurodegenerative conditions using multidisciplinary approaches.