Hemant P. Joshi

Year Entered: 2004

Degrees Received:
B.A., Biophysical Chemistry, Dartmouth College , 2004

Honors and Awards:

Graduated Cum Laude and as a Presidential Scholar from Dartmouth College in 2004

Thesis Advisor: Sundaram Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., Pharmacology Graduate Program

Thesis Research: 

One of the most promising emerging cancer therapies involves attacking tumor vasculature to control and diminish cancer growth. Anti-angiogenic molecules such as endostatin and angiostatin have recently been used with success in this regard. Our lab uses a virus-mediated approach to deliver endostatin and other anti-angiogenic factors to areas of tumor infiltration. In particular, my project aims to use adeno-associated virus (AAV) to transfect cells in and around tumor sites to deliver a genetic sequence encoding a mutant form of endostatin that has been shown to be more effective at inhibiting blood vessel growth than the wild-type form. The mutant endostatin gene is tagged with a secretory sequence that promotes relocation into extracellular areas where the protein can exact its anti-angiogenic effects on tumor vasculature. We hope that this novel therapy can be combined with existing strategies such as chemo- and radio-therapies to create a powerful combination treatment for cancer patients.