Anantha K Harijith, MD, MRCP

Bio

The research interest of Dr. Harijith's laboratory focuses on understanding the role of Sphingolipids in the pathogenesis of neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia and how early intervention therapies could help reduce the sequelae of early hyperoxia induced damage. One aspect of research focuses on the pathogenesis of lung injury and airway remodeling whereas the other aspect focuses on hyperoxia induced brain injury in the preterm newborn.

Ongoing studies in the laboratory relate to understanding the role played by the experimental drug PF543 which inhibits the enzyme Sphingosine kinase 1 as a potential drug against BPD. PF543 inhibits synthesis of Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P). S1P promotes neonatal lung injury impairing alveolar formation and airway remodeling. Much of the research in Dr. Harijith's laboratory encompasses understanding:

1. the pathogenesis of BPD affecting alveolar formation/angiogenesis
2. modulation of genes affected by neonatal insult (hyperoxia) and its impact into adulthood
3. airway hyper-reactivity and pulmonary development following neonatal hyperoxia
4. impact of neonatal hyperoxia on brain development with stress on myelination and cerebellar development

Dr. Harijith’s lab focuses on neurodevelopment that is deranged by hyperoxia and the impact of intervention in preventing injury as well as promoting regeneration. The overall hypothesis driving Dr. Harijith's research is that early intervention, particularly during uniquely vulnerable periods of both brain and lung development, would help ameliorate BPD related morbidities later in life. His lab aims to identify therapeutic targets related to Sphingolipid signaling pathways that could help develop new therapeutic interventions to ward off the sequelae of BPD from a brain and lung point of view.