Professor at Saint Louis University, United States
Prof. Uthayashanker R. Ezekiel is a distinguished academician and molecular biologist with over three decades of expertise in immunology, microbiology, cancer biology, and stem cell research. Currently a tenured Professor at the Clinical Health Sciences Department, Saint Louis University, USA, he holds a secondary appointment in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions, including Yale, University of Chicago, and Washington University. He is a pioneer in developing novel therapeutics using phytochemicals and stem cell-based disease models. Prof. Ezekiel is a gold medalist from Madurai Kamaraj University and has earned fellowships from CSIR, NIH, and the Cancer Research Institute. He has successfully led interdisciplinary teams in both academia and industry and is a sought-after editorial board member and reviewer for high-impact journals. His significant contribution to translational research has impacted cancer therapeutics and neurodevelopmental disorders, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publication Profile
Scopus
Education
Prof. Ezekiel earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Saint Louis University, focusing on mitochondrial enzymes, under Dr. H. Peter Zassenhaus. His academic foundation began with a BS in Zoology and continued through an MS in Immunology from Madurai Kamaraj University, where he received multiple gold medals. He then joined the Indian Institute of Science for advanced research in allergen-specific immunotherapy. Throughout his career, he was awarded competitive national and international fellowships including CSIR, UGC, Baxter Foundation, Brown-Coxe, and the Cancer Research Institute Fellowship. His diverse academic training in India and the U.S. spans molecular microbiology, immunology, neurobiology, and biochemistry, equipping him with a unique interdisciplinary foundation. This strong academic background underpins his impactful translational research in cancer biology, neurodevelopment, and stem cell therapeutics.
Experience
Prof. Ezekiel’s professional journey includes over 30 years of impactful contributions in academia, research, and industry. He began as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale, University of Chicago, and Washington University, researching DNA repair, recombination, and neurodegeneration. He later transitioned into the biotechnology sector, where he served as Group Leader and Associate Director at Incyte Genomics, spearheading product development in genomics. As the founder of GeneProTech Inc., he provided consulting services for transgenic development and molecular diagnostics. At Saint Louis University, he advanced from adjunct to full professor, designing and mentoring research programs in molecular biology and cancer therapeutics. His leadership in academia is matched by his influence in translational biotech innovations, mentorship of undergraduates and graduate students, and commitment to academic service through journal editorial roles. His wide-ranging experiences across molecular science and translational applications underscore his suitability for the Best Researcher Award.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Ezekiel’s excellence in research and mentorship has been widely recognized. He is a gold medalist in both his BS and MS programs, equivalent to Summa Cum Laude in the U.S. He has earned prestigious fellowships including the Brown-Coxe Fellowship (Yale), Baxter Foundation Fellowship (University of Chicago), and the Cancer Research Institute Fellowship. He received the 2009 Joseph J. Kleiner Memorial Award for best paper in Clinical Laboratory Science. His university acknowledged his excellence with the DCHS Excellence in Scholarly Endeavors Award and the Graduate Student Association Mentorship Award. Additionally, he holds lifetime memberships in elite societies such as Sigma Xi, Alpha Eta, and the American Society for Microbiology. His editorial contributions to journals like Biologics and Frontiers and his frequent invitations as a reviewer demonstrate his high regard in the scientific community. These accolades reflect his sustained excellence and commitment to research innovation.
Research Focus
Prof. Ezekiel’s research lies at the intersection of molecular immunology, neurodevelopmental biology, and cancer therapeutics. He has extensively investigated DNA repair, apoptosis, V(D)J recombination, and oxidative damage in neural and immune cells. A major thrust of his work involves elucidating the pathological mechanisms of CTBP1 mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders using iPSC-derived neuronal models. He is also pioneering phytochemical-based therapeutic strategies, exploring epigenetic regulation and microRNA modulation in colorectal and other cancers. His research bridges basic molecular science with translational medicine, evidenced by NIH, NSF, and institutional grants. Collaborative studies with Saint Louis University and Washington University highlight his integrative approach to tackling complex biological problems. Additionally, his patented methods in cell selection and embryoid body screening illustrate his innovation in stem cell technologies. Through multidisciplinary projects, Prof. Ezekiel contributes meaningfully to regenerative medicine, personalized therapeutics, and next-generation diagnostics.
Publication Top Notes
Human iPSC-Derived Neuronal Cells From CTBP1-Mutated Patients Reveal Altered Expression of Neurodevelopmental Gene Networks