Dr. Sudha Warrier is a renowned stem cell biologist with extensive international research experience across India, the US, and Australia. She specializes in mesenchymal, embryonic, and pluripotent stem cells, focusing on the development of innovative 3D organoid disease models. Her research leadership has been pivotal in unraveling the intricacies of SFRP4 and Wnt signaling in cancer stem cells, with an emphasis on targeting glioma and other solid tumors. Dr. Warrier stands at the forefront of advancements in cardiac and neuronal differentiation, drug development, and the study of chemoresistance mechanisms. Collaborating globally, particularly with institutions such as the National University of Singapore, she oversees projects investigating natural compounds, nanoscaffolds, and patented Wnt pathway-targeting programs, making significant contributions to the fields of stem cell biology and cancer research.
The project titled “Development of potent anti-angiogenic small peptide Wnt inhibitor as powerful anti-tumorigenic drugs using stem cell derived blood vessel organoids,” sanctioned by the Department of Health Research (ICMR) in November 2021, aims to create novel small peptide inhibitors targeting Wnt signaling pathways. By leveraging stem cell-derived blood vessel organoids, the research focuses on inhibiting angiogenesis, a critical process in tumor growth and progression. Over a span of three years, the project aspires to develop powerful anti-tumorigenic drugs that could offer effective therapeutic strategies for combating cancer.
The project titled “Targeting Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells with the Wnt Antagonist, Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 4 (sFRP4) and its Functional Domains,” sanctioned by the Department of Biotechnology under Medical Biotechnology in December 2021, aims to explore the therapeutic potential of sFRP4 in targeting ovarian cancer stem cells. This research focuses on inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway, a critical driver in cancer stem cell survival and tumor progression. By investigating the functional domains of sFRP4, the project seeks to disrupt cancer stem cell activity, reduce chemoresistance, and prevent tumor recurrence. Over the course of three years, the research intends to provide novel insights into ovarian cancer treatment and develop new avenues for targeted therapies that can improve patient outcomes.
The project titled “Cell based screen model for Alzheimer’s disease for novel drug target development,” funded by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development program of the Government of India under the BIRAC-SPARSH scheme, focuses on creating a cellular screening platform for identifying new drug targets for Alzheimer’s disease. By utilizing cell-based models that mimic the disease’s pathology, the project aims to accelerate the discovery of potential therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies for this neurodegenerative disorder. This research is part of a broader effort to address critical unmet needs in Alzheimer’s drug development.
The project titled “Use of Amnion Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Study of Anti-angiogenic Drugs,” funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and running from October 2014 to September 2017, aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in studying anti-angiogenic drugs. These stem cells, known for their regenerative properties, were used as a model to investigate how certain drugs can inhibit angiogenesis, a key process in tumor growth and disease progression. By leveraging the unique characteristics of MSCs, the project sought to identify new anti-angiogenic compounds that could serve as powerful agents in cancer treatment. The research provided valuable insights into drug interactions with stem cell pathways, contributing to advancements in targeted cancer therapies and regenerative medicine.
The project titled “Secreted Frizzled Related Protein and its associated Wnt signaling pathways in stem cell differentiation,” funded by the India Initiative Fund and the Commercial Advisory Board at the University of Western Australia and Curtin University, ran from 2011 to 2020. This research delved deeply into the pivotal role of Secreted Frizzled Related Protein (sFRP) as a regulator of Wnt signaling, a critical pathway in controlling stem cell fate decisions. By modulating the interaction between sFRP and Wnt signaling, the project aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying stem cell differentiation into specialized cell types such as neurons, muscle cells, and epithelial tissues.
The study’s outcomes extended beyond fundamental biological insights, potentially informing therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine, particularly in tissue engineering and organ regeneration. These findings provided a foundation for developing novel interventions for diseases caused by dysregulated cell differentiation, including cancers and degenerative conditions. Over nearly a decade, the research also highlighted the therapeutic potential of manipulating sFRP and Wnt signaling pathways to promote controlled cell differentiation and tissue repair, making significant contributions to both stem cell biology and the broader field of developmental biology.
The project titled “Wnt Antagonism in Cancer Stem Cells of Glioblastoma,” funded by the Department of Biotechnology under the Stem Cell Task Force from July 2014 to June 2016, focused on exploring the role of Wnt signaling in the survival and proliferation of glioblastoma cancer stem cells. Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, characterized by a high rate of recurrence and resistance to conventional therapies, largely due to the presence of cancer stem cells.
The research aimed to inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway, which is known to be critical in maintaining cancer stem cell populations. By targeting this pathway, the project sought to diminish the self-renewal capabilities of these cells, thereby reducing tumor growth and improving the efficacy of existing treatments. Through a combination of molecular techniques and stem cell-based models, the study investigated the potential of Wnt antagonists to disrupt glioblastoma stem cell signaling.
This project provided significant insights into the molecular underpinnings of glioblastoma, identifying Wnt antagonism as a promising therapeutic strategy. It laid the groundwork for future drug development aimed at targeting cancer stem cells, potentially leading to more effective and durable treatments for glioblastoma. The research also contributed to the broader understanding of cancer stem cell biology and their role in therapeutic resistance, making it a vital step toward innovative treatments for aggressive brain tumors.
The project titled “Role of Epigenetic Modification and Wnt Signaling in Cardiac Differentiation from Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Application in Congenital Heart Diseases,” funded by the Department of Biotechnology’s Stem Cell Task Force from February 2016 to February 2018, focused on unraveling the complex mechanisms governing cardiac differentiation. This research investigated how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, interplay with the Wnt signaling pathway to regulate the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into cardiac cells.
By modulating these pathways, the project aimed to enhance the efficiency of generating functional cardiac cells from MSCs, with the ultimate goal of developing therapeutic strategies for congenital heart diseases (CHDs). CHDs, a leading cause of infant mortality, often require advanced treatments, and this research explored the possibility of using stem cell-derived cardiac cells for regenerative therapies.
The study provided crucial insights into how epigenetic factors can influence Wnt signaling, which in turn drives the specialization of stem cells into heart cells. It also explored the therapeutic application of this knowledge, potentially offering innovative treatments for children born with heart defects. This project was a significant step forward in understanding the molecular controls of heart development and could pave the way for stem cell-based therapies to repair or replace damaged cardiac tissue in CHD patients.
Dr. Sudha Warrier received a prestigious Travel Award to attend the Keystone Symposia on “Cancer Stem Cells: Advances in Biology and Clinical Translation,” held from October 13-17, 2019, at The University of Hong Kong, PokFuLam, Hong Kong. This award recognized her significant contributions to the field of cancer stem cells and provided her with the opportunity to engage with top experts and researchers. The symposium focused on the latest developments in cancer stem cell research and its clinical applications, offering a platform for Dr. Warrier to discuss her research, gain insights into emerging trends, and explore potential collaborations. Her participation highlighted her role as a leading figure in advancing understanding and treatment of cancer through innovative stem cell approaches.
Dr. Sudha Warrier was honored as a “Stem Cell Expert” by IC-SCR at Narayana Nethralaya Hospitals. This recognition highlighted her exceptional expertise and contributions to the field of stem cell research. The award acknowledged her significant advancements in understanding stem cell biology and her role in translating this knowledge into clinical practice. As a leading figure in stem cell research, Dr. Warrier’s work has had a profound impact on developing innovative therapies and treatments. The accolade from Narayana Nethralaya Hospitals underscores her dedication to advancing stem cell science and her commitment to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge research and application.
Dr. Sudha Warrier serves as the Chairperson of the Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (IC-SCRT) at SRM University, School of Bioengineering, Chennai, India. In this role, she leads the committee in overseeing and guiding stem cell research initiatives within the institution. Her responsibilities include ensuring adherence to ethical standards, facilitating research advancements, and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations. As Chairperson, Dr. Warrier plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of stem cell research at SRM University, supporting innovative projects, and fostering a research environment that upholds the highest standards of scientific excellence and integrity. Her leadership significantly contributes to advancing the field of stem cell biology and its applications in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Sudha Warrier is an esteemed member of the editorial boards for several prominent journals, including *Scientific Reports*, *Frontiers in Oncology*, and *BMC Cancer*. In these roles, she contributes her expertise to reviewing and evaluating cutting-edge research in oncology and cancer biology. Her involvement ensures the publication of high-quality, impactful studies, advancing knowledge in these critical areas. As an editorial board member, Dr. Warrier plays a key role in shaping the scientific discourse and driving forward research that has the potential to influence clinical practices and therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Sudha Warrier has served as a Guest Editor for a special issue on Cancer Stem Cells in the *International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology*. Additionally, she is a Review Editor on the Editorial Board of *Cancer Molecular Targets and Therapeutics*, a specialty section of *Frontiers in Oncology and Pharmacology*. She also serves as a Review Editor for *Frontiers in Medicine*, focusing on microRNAs as predictive biomarkers in metabolic signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. Her roles involve overseeing the peer-review process, ensuring the publication of high-quality research, and advancing the understanding of cancer biology and therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Sudha Warrier has made significant contributions to academic and research committees through her roles in PhD thesis evaluations and grant reviews. Internationally, she has evaluated PhD theses for institutions such as the National University of Singapore, University of Newcastle (Australia), and University of Putra (Malaysia). Nationally, she has reviewed theses for Anna University, SRM University, and Chettinadu University in Chennai.
In grant reviews, Dr. Warrier has served on panels for the Department of Biotechnology’s Stem Cell Task Force and the MAESTRO Project at the National Science Centre in Kraków, Poland. She has also been involved in the NRDC’s Technology Development, Validation, and Commercialization (TDVC) Program under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Additionally, she has been a stem cell expert for Narayana Nethralaya Hospitals and served as the Chairperson of the Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research (IC-SCR) at SRM University, further showcasing her extensive expertise and leadership in stem cell research and evaluation.