Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso | United States
Dr. Subodh Kumar is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), El Paso, USA. With a strong foundation in molecular biology and neurobiology, Dr. Kumar’s research centers around understanding the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). He has made significant strides in uncovering the roles of synaptosomal and mitochondrial microRNAs in synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. A prolific researcher and innovator, Dr. Kumar has also contributed to biomarker discovery, therapeutic target identification, and translational neuroscience using cutting-edge multi-omics approaches.
Professional profile👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
Dr. Subodh Kumar has established an enviable track record of original, high-impact research that squarely meets—and arguably exceeds—the criteria for a “Best Researcher” distinction. His laboratory was first to profile synapse-localized microRNAs in the human brain and to link their deregulation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), opening a fresh mechanistic window on synaptic failure. That foundational discovery has already yielded four first- or corresponding-author papers in top-tier journals since 2024 (e.g., Molecular Psychiatry and Clinical & Translational Medicine) and a growing citation trajectory.
Concurrently, Dr. Kumar has secured competitive funding as PI on an NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, an R00 project running through 2026, and multiple foundation and intramural grants—clear evidence of both scientific rigor and fiscal stewardship. His service portfolio is equally compelling: associate editor for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, ad-hoc reviewer for NIH, AHA, and international agencies, and manuscript referee for leading journals such as Nature Communications. Collectively, these achievements demonstrate innovation, productivity, leadership, and an ability to translate ideas into funded, peer-validated science—key hallmarks of an award-worthy researcher.
🎓 Education
Dr. Kumar’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biology (2004) and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology (2005) from CCS University, Meerut, India. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India, in 2014. Furthering his expertise, he completed postdoctoral training in Neurobiology at TTUHSC, Lubbock, Texas, USA, in 2021. His education spans across premier institutions in India and the United States, equipping him with a solid interdisciplinary background.
🧪 Experience
Dr. Kumar holds a distinguished career spanning academia and research. He is currently an Assistant Professor at TTUHSC El Paso (2022–present) and previously served as a Research Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow at TTUHSC Lubbock. His research roots trace back to roles at PGIMER and IIMT College of Medical Science in India. He has also held influential editorial roles and served as an ad-hoc reviewer for NIH and international grant agencies. With over 15 years in scientific research, Dr. Kumar has shaped the fields of neurobiology and molecular medicine through his multifaceted experience.
🧠Research Interests On Neuroscience
Dr. Kumar’s research is dedicated to elucidating the roles of synaptic and mitochondrial microRNAs in neurodegeneration, especially in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. His lab explores miRNA-mediated modulation of synaptic proteins, neurotransmission, and mitochondrial health using advanced in vivo models and omics platforms. Current projects focus on miR-502-3p as a biomarker and therapeutic target in AD, including studies in Hispanic populations. His research portfolio spans synapse plasticity, GABAergic signaling, multi-omics integration, and biomarker validation in human and animal models.
🏅 Awards
Dr. Kumar’s excellence in neuroscience and molecular biology has earned him numerous accolades, including the Marsh Foundation Research Award (2024) and the prestigious NIH Pathway to Independence Career Development Award (K99/R00, 2020). He received the Best Oral Presentation Award at TTUHSC El Paso’s Annual Research Symposium (2022) and Best Poster Award at the Regional Healthy Aging Symposium (2018). His early career was marked by top-tier fellowships from ICMR, CSIR, and IIT Kanpur. These honors underscore his impactful contributions to aging and neurodegenerative disease research.
đź“š Publications
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Protective effects of Indian spice curcumin against amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease
PH Reddy, M Manczak, X Yin, MC Grady, A Mitchell, S Tonk, CS Kuruva, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 367
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Are circulating microRNAs peripheral biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease?
S Kumar, PH Reddy
Year: 2016
Citations: 333
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Mutant APP and amyloid beta-induced defective autophagy, mitophagy, mitochondrial structural and functional changes and synaptic damage in hippocampal neurons from Alzheimer’s disease
PH Reddy, XL Yin, M Manczak, S Kumar, JA Pradeepkiran, M Vijayan, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 292
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MicroRNAs as peripheral biomarkers in aging and age-related diseases
S Kumar, M Vijayan, JS Bhatti, PH Reddy
Year: 2017
Citations: 234
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MicroRNA-455-3p as a potential peripheral biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease
S Kumar, M Vijayan, PH Reddy
Year: 2017
Citations: 169
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A critical evaluation of neuroprotective and neurodegenerative MicroRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease
PH Reddy, S Tonk, S Kumar, M Vijayan, R Kandimalla, CS Kuruva, …
Year: 2017
Citations: 158
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Defective mitophagy and synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease: Focus on aging, mitochondria and synapse
H Morton, S Kshirsagar, E Orlov, LE Bunquin, N Sawant, L Boleng, …
Year: 2021
Citations: 142
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Deregulated mitochondrial microRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease: focus on synapse and mitochondria
P Gowda, PH Reddy, S Kumar
Year: 2022
Citations: 121
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MicroRNA-455-3p as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease: an update
S Kumar, PH Reddy
Year: 2018
Citations: 116
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Are microRNAs true sensors of ageing and cellular senescence?
J Williams, F Smith, S Kumar, M Vijayan, PH Reddy
Year: 2017
Citations: 96
🔚 Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Subodh Kumar stands out as a visionary scientist whose pioneering work in Alzheimer’s disease has bridged molecular biology and translational neuroscience. His innovative studies on synaptosomal and mitochondrial miRNAs offer promising avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. Dr. Kumar’s dedication, scholarly excellence, and translational impact make him a deserving candidate for this award recognition.
