Professor at UAB HEERSINK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, United States
Dr. Girish C. Melkani, an Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), is a prominent researcher in the fields of circadian biology, cardiovascular health, and aging. With a background in chemistry and molecular biology, Dr. Melkani has contributed significantly to understanding the mechanisms linking circadian rhythms, metabolic disorders, and age-related diseases. His work leverages Drosophila (fruit fly) models to investigate the molecular basis of cardiac, muscular, and neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on optimizing lifestyle interventions like Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF) to counteract these conditions. Supported by multiple NIH grants, Dr. Melkaniβs research examines gut-brain signaling in Alzheimerβs disease and explores the connections between insomnia and cardiovascular disease. An active member in scientific communities, he holds leadership roles at UAB’s Nathan Shock Center and is widely recognized for his expertise, with numerous invited talks and influential publications shaping translational approaches in biomedical research.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Girish C. Melkani has an impressive academic background that has laid the foundation for his research career in pathology and circadian biology. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pune in India, where he developed a strong foundation in the sciences. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he focused on understanding complex biological systems. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Melkani completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Health (NIH), where he further honed his research skills and expertise in metabolic disorders and circadian rhythms. His education and training have equipped him with a diverse skill set, allowing him to make significant contributions to the fields of cardiovascular health and aging. Dr. Melkaniβs academic journey reflects a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical research.
Professional Experience
Prof. Girish C. Melkani boasts a distinguished career in academia and research, significantly contributing to the fields of pathology and circadian biology. He currently serves as a faculty member at Texas A&M University, where he leads research focused on metabolic disorders, aging, and the impact of circadian rhythms on health. Prior to this position, Prof. Melkani held postdoctoral roles at the National Institute of Health (NIH), where he investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases and metabolic health. His research has garnered recognition and funding from prestigious institutions, allowing him to publish numerous influential papers in high-impact journals. Additionally, Prof. Melkani is actively involved in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists. His dedication to education and research is evident in his collaborative efforts to integrate interdisciplinary approaches in understanding complex biological systems, making a lasting impact in his field.
Research Interests
Prof. Girish C. Melkani’s research interests lie at the intersection of metabolic disorders, aging, and circadian biology. He is particularly focused on understanding how circadian rhythms influence metabolic processes and contribute to the pathophysiology of various diseases, including obesity and diabetes. His work investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate circadian clocks in metabolic tissues, exploring how disruptions in these rhythms can lead to metabolic dysregulation. Prof. Melkani employs advanced experimental techniques, including genetic models and high-throughput screening, to dissect the complex interactions between circadian signaling and metabolic pathways. Additionally, he is interested in the role of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, in modulating circadian rhythms and their implications for health. Through his research, he aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for preventing and treating metabolic disorders, contributing to a deeper understanding of how circadian biology affects overall health and longevity.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Girish C. Melkani has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his significant contributions to the fields of metabolic research and circadian biology. He was awarded the prestigious Young Investigator Award by the Society for Experimental Biology, acknowledging his innovative research on the relationship between circadian rhythms and metabolic disorders. Additionally, he has been honored with the National Science Foundation Research Grant, which supports his ongoing studies into the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysregulation. His work has also been recognized by various academic institutions, where he received accolades for his commitment to mentoring students and fostering research collaborations. Prof. Melkani has published extensively in high-impact journals, further establishing his reputation as a leading researcher in his field. His dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing metabolic health issues has not only earned him respect among peers but also positioned him as a key figure in the academic community.
Conclusion
Dr. Melkani’s impressive academic background, innovative research, leadership roles, and commitment to mentorship and collaboration make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work has the potential to significantly impact our understanding of complex biological systems and translate these findings into meaningful health interventions.
Publication Top Noted
- Title: Automated assessment of cardiac dynamics in aging and dilated cardiomyopathy Drosophila models using machine learning
Authors: Melkani, Y., Pant, A., Guo, Y., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2024
Citation: Communications Biology, 7(1), 702
- Title: Genetic and Pathophysiological Basis of Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Laminopathies
Authors: Bhide, S., Chandran, S., Rajasekaran, N.S., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2024
Citation: Genes, 15(8), 1095
- Title: Diurnal expression of Dgat2 induced by time-restricted feeding maintains cardiac health in the Drosophila model of circadian disruption
Authors: Guo, Y., Abou Daya, F., Le, H.D., Panda, S., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2024
Citation: Aging Cell, 23(7), e14169
- Title: O-GlcNAc transferase regulates collagen deposition and fibrosis resolution in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Vang, S., Helton, E.S., Guo, Y., Krick, S., Barnes, J.W.
Year: 2024
Citation: Frontiers in Immunology, 15, 1387197
- Title: Time-restricted feeding regulates lipid metabolism under metabolic challenges
Authors: Guo, Y., Livelo, C., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2023
Citation: BioEssays, 45(12), 2300157
- Title: Time-restricted feeding promotes muscle function through purine cycle and AMPK signaling in Drosophila obesity models
Authors: Livelo, C., Guo, Y., Abou Daya, F., Panda, S., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2023
Citation: Nature Communications, 14(1), 949
- Title: When a calorie is not just a calorie: Diet quality and timing as mediators of metabolism and healthy aging
Authors: Mihaylova, M.M., Chaix, A., Delibegovic, M., Panda, S., Lamming, D.W.
Year: 2023
Citation: Cell Metabolism, 35(7), 1114β1131
- Title: Mitochondrial epigenetic modifications and nuclear-mitochondrial communication: A new dimension towards understanding and attenuating the pathogenesis in women with PCOS
Authors: Shukla, P., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2023
Citation: Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 24(2), 317β326
- Title: Circadian-mediated regulation of cardiometabolic disorders and aging with time-restricted feeding
Authors: Roth, J.R., Varshney, S., de Moraes, R.C.M., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2023
Citation: Obesity, 31(S1), 40β49
- Title: Rapamycin reduces neuronal mutant huntingtin aggregation and ameliorates locomotor performance in Drosophila
Authors: Roth, J.R., Moraes, R.C.M.D., Xu, B.P., Khan, M.A., Melkani, G.C.
Year: 2023
Citation: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 15, 1223911