Mildred Cooper Chair of Biochemistry & Bioinformatics, University of AArkansas, United States
Prof. Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of biochemistry and bioinformatics. Born on February 2, 1961, he obtained his Ph.D. from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, in 1993. Prof. Thallapuranam’s career spans multiple international institutions, including the Center for Cellular & Molecular Biology in India, National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, and the University of Arkansas. His research contributions in protein folding, bioactive peptides, and structural bioinformatics have earned him recognition in the scientific community. He is currently a professor and holds the Mildred B. Cooper Endowed Chair of Bioinformatics at the University of Arkansas. His work focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms and protein interactions with various applications in health and disease.
Profile
Education
Prof. Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in India before pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Osmania University, Hyderabad, in 1993. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his expertise in molecular biology and structural bioinformatics. After completing his Ph.D., he embarked on an international academic journey, serving as a research scientist at the Center for Cellular & Molecular Biology in Hyderabad from 1991-1994. His postdoctoral work at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan solidified his interest in protein folding, molecular interactions, and structural biology. Prof. Thallapuranam’s academic achievements continued at the University of Arkansas, where he has grown his career from a research assistant professor to a full professor. His research contributions and teaching excellence have made him a prominent figure in both the academic and scientific communities.
Experience
Prof. Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam has a rich and varied academic career that spans over three decades. From 1991 to 1994, he served as a research scientist at the Center for Cellular & Molecular Biology in India, focusing on molecular biology and protein studies. In 1994, he moved to Taiwan, where he worked as a research associate and later as a staff scientist at National Tsing Hua University until 2003. In 2003, he joined the University of Arkansas as a research assistant professor and progressively advanced through academic ranks. He has been an assistant professor (2006-2010), an associate professor (2010-2015), and since 2015, a full professor. Prof. Thallapuranam is also the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Arkansas since 2020. His research interests cover protein structure, folding, and bioinformatics, with significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms in various health-related proteins.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to research and teaching. His excellence in mentoring and teaching was acknowledged through the Honors College Outstanding Mentor Award from 2007 to 2023. He received the Robert C. and Sandra Connor Fellowship in 2008 for outstanding research and teaching, and in 2010, he was honored with the Faculty Gold Medal from the Chancellor’s Office for his exceptional work with undergraduates. In 2015, he was inducted into the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy. Prof. Thallapuranam has been recognized by the National Academy of Inventors in 2017 and received the Charles Nadine Baum University of Arkansas Distinguished Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2018. Other prestigious awards include the Master Teacher Award (2014), Collis Geren Outstanding Interdisciplinary Faculty Award (2020), and the Nolan Faculty Award for outstanding teaching, research, and service in 2023.
Research Focus
Prof. Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing protein folding, interactions, and bioinformatics. His work spans a range of topics, from non-classical secretion of proteins like Interleukin 1α and Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) to investigating the role of cation-pi interactions in protein stability. He is particularly interested in the structure-function relationships of bioactive peptides and the molecular basis of FGF-induced craniosynostosis. Prof. Thallapuranam’s research also delves into the design of drugs targeting FGF-induced pathogenesis and other health-related protein interactions. He collaborates with multiple researchers in various disciplines, including chemistry, biological sciences, and biomedical engineering. Additionally, Prof. Thallapuranam is dedicated to advancing NMR techniques for studying membrane proteins and structural dynamics in complex cellular environments. His interdisciplinary approach connects basic research with potential clinical applications in cancer, viral infections, and tissue regeneration.
Publication Top Notes
- Polyphenol-induced protein structural modifications in sorghum on pasting properties 🧬📖 (2024)
- Elucidating the effect of polyphenol-protein interactions on rheological properties of purple waxy rice 🌾🧪 (2024)
- Molecular Modelling, Synthesis, and In-Vitro Assay to Identify Potential Antiviral Peptides Targeting the 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 🦠💊 (2023)
- A meta-analysis of the protein components in rattlesnake venom 🐍🔬 (2021)
- Silver ions caused faster diffusive dynamics of histone-like nucleoid-structuring proteins in live bacteria ⚡🦠 (2020)
- Molecular mechanisms of heparin-induced modulation of human interleukin 12 bioactivity 💉⚙️ (2019)
- Stilbenoid prenyltransferases define key steps in the diversification of peanut phytoalexins 🌰🔬 (2018)
- Physicochemical Properties and ACE-I Inhibitory Activity of Protein Hydrolysates from a Non-Genetically Modified Soy Cultivar 🌱⚡ (2016)