Professor, Uni of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, United States
Dr. Dharambir K. Sanghera is a distinguished Professor of Pediatrics/Genetics and the Presidential Professor and Dr. Geoffrey Altshuler Endowed Research Chair in Genetics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. His academic journey spans across several prestigious institutions globally, including the University of Pittsburgh and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. He is an internationally recognized leader in the field of genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics, with significant contributions to the understanding of genetic influences on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other complex traits. He has led several large international research consortia, including the South Asian Diabetes Genetics Consortium and the Global Telomere Genetics Consortium. His work has been instrumental in identifying novel genetic loci associated with various diseases, and his research continues to shape the future of personalized medicine.
Profile
Education
Dr. Sanghera holds an impressive educational background, starting with his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Medical and Biochemical Genetics from Guru Nanak Dev University and Punjab Agricultural University, India. He earned his Ph.D. in Human Genetics and Genetic Toxicology from Guru Nanak Dev University. Furthering his expertise, Dr. Sanghera completed fellowships in Genetic Epidemiology/Statistical Genetics and Molecular Mutagenesis at the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, USA. These formative experiences equipped him with a robust understanding of human genetics, statistical modeling, and molecular toxicology, laying the foundation for his pioneering research in genetic epidemiology. His commitment to advancing genetic research has helped him develop a multidisciplinary approach, integrating genetics, public health, and epidemiology to address complex health issues, particularly in diverse populations.
Experience
Dr. Dharambir K. Sanghera has had an extensive career, with over three decades of experience in academia and research. Since 2007, he has been a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where he is also an adjunct professor in the Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Physiology. Over the years, he has held various roles, including Associate Professor and Research Assistant Professor, at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as consultant and honorary positions at institutions in India. His academic involvement spans teaching, mentoring, and collaborating with researchers across the globe. Dr. Sanghera has been a leader of numerous international research consortia, such as the South Asian Diabetes Genetics Consortium and the Global Telomere Genetics Consortium, focusing on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and genomic health disparities. His contributions to academic and research leadership continue to inspire innovation in the field of genetics.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Sanghera has received numerous prestigious honors throughout his career, recognizing his outstanding contributions to genetics and biomedical research. In 2023, he was appointed Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, acknowledging his excellence in research and leadership. He was also honored with the Dr. Geoffrey Altshuler Endowed Research Chair in Genetics in 2019. Dr. Sanghera has been a recipient of the Regents Award for Superior Research and Creative Activities, the International Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA), and several Who’s Who recognitions, including in America, Women, and the World. Additionally, he has been awarded numerous mentoring and research accolades, including the Mentor Award for Best Research Topic at Pediatrics Research Day. His leadership in multiple consortia and committees, such as the NIH/NIMHD/SEP Study Section, demonstrates his global influence in advancing genetic research.
Research Focus
Dr. Dharambir K. Sanghera’s research focuses on the intersection of human genetics, epidemiology, and precision medicine. He has made significant strides in understanding the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. A key part of his work is identifying genetic loci that contribute to these conditions, especially within diverse populations like South Asians. Dr. Sanghera has pioneered the use of multiethnic genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to improve risk prediction and tailor interventions. His work with international consortia, including the South Asian Diabetes Genetics Consortium and Global Telomere Genetics Consortium, has led to important discoveries in genetic susceptibility. Moreover, Dr. Sanghera’s research extends to exploring the role of genetic variation in telomere biology, vitamin D metabolism, and metabolic diseases. His research continues to shape the future of personalized healthcare, emphasizing the importance of genetics in disease prevention and treatment.
Publication Top Notes
- Genetic studies of body mass index yield new insights for obesity biology. 🌍🧬
- Discovery and refinement of loci associated with lipid levels. 🔬💡
- A comprehensive 1000 Genomes–based genome-wide association meta-analysis of coronary artery disease. 💔🧬
- New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution. 🧑⚕️⚖️
- Multiancestry genome-wide association study of 520,000 subjects identifies 32 loci associated with stroke. 🧠🔎
- Common variants associated with plasma triglycerides and risk for coronary artery disease. 💉💪
- Genome-wide trans-ancestry meta-analysis provides insight into the genetic architecture of type 2 diabetes susceptibility. 🧬🍎
- Genome-wide association study in individuals of South Asian ancestry identifies six new type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci. 🧑⚕️🍚
- Rare variant in scavenger receptor BI raises HDL cholesterol and increases risk of coronary heart disease. 💔🧬
- A saturated map of common genetic variants associated with human height. 📏🧬