Ajay Nayak, PhD

Dr. Nayak’s laboratory has expertise in G protein coupled-receptor (GPCR) biology and airway smooth muscle (ASM) biology. The disease focus of the lab is in obstructive airways diseases, with emphasis on asthma. Nayak lab uses cutting edge in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models to provide mechanistic insights into regulation of ASM function by various GPCR and non-GPCR drugs. Nayak lab also commonly utilizes pre-clinical models to detail efficacy of compounds of interest for asthma and allergies.

1. Mitochondrial regulation of airway smooth muscle function. Nayak lab is primarily interested in dissecting the pathways linking direct activation of the mitochondrial translocator protein (18 kDa) in effecting ASM relaxation. We are specifically interested in understanding Ca2+ dynamics and compartmentalized cAMP signals. Understanding the regulation of these second messenger systems, and subsequent cellular signaling is at the core of this research project’s goals. Additional studies in vivo are aimed at establishing TSPO as druggable target to promote ASM relaxation in pre-clinical models.
   
2. Cannabis research – Nayak lab is at the forefront of detailing molecular mechanisms that drive allergic reactions to cannabis and its components. These efforts have led to the development of novel platforms for clinical diagnosis.
   • Nayak lab has been involved in cannabis research for over a decade. Nayak lab has contributed towards identification and characterization of various high molecular weight protein allergens of cannabis. Recent research activities have focused on the development and validation of diagnostic platforms for clinical management of symptomatic exposure to cannabis.
   • Nayak lab is also currently investigating the role of cannabinoids and terpenes in various models of allergy and asthma. These studies commonly employ use of human samples, thus underscoring the translational nature of this research.

PhD, School of Medicine, West Virginia University 2012
MSc, University of Mumbai 2006
BSc, University of Mumbai 2004