Rajneesh Pathania, DVM, MS, PhD, DACLAM
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Division of Discovery Science
About Dr. Rajneesh Pathania
Dr. Rajneesh Pathania, DVM, MS, PhD, DACLAM, is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Veterinarian in the Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He holds a PhD in Cancer Cell Biology from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, where he focused on the epigenetics of cancer stem cells. His early fascination with cancer biology, particularly the role of tumor stem cells in cancer progression and metastasis, set the foundation for a career dedicated to advancing cancer research.
Dr. Pathania further honed his expertise during a research fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS/NIH), where his work on breast cancer stem cells. Dr. Pathania published in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Cancer Research, and Molecular and Cellular Biology. His research has contributed significantly to the understanding of cancer stem cell biology and its implications for metastasis and therapeutic resistance.
At MD Anderson, Dr. Pathania’s work primarily revolves around developing and refining mouse models for cancer research, including those for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and prostate cancer. In addition to his research, he provides advanced surgical training and supports collaborations aimed at optimizing animal models for cancer studies. He also serves as a veterinary reviewer for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), ensuring ethical practices in animal research.
With a dual focus on animal welfare and cancer research, Dr. Pathania’s work bridges clinical veterinary medicine and translational cancer studies, contributing to both the humane treatment of research animals and the advancement of cancer therapies.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor & Clinical Veterinarian, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Division of Discovery Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Research Interests
My research focuses on the development and refinement of mouse models to study cancer biology, with a specific focus on breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer. Alongside these disease models, I am committed to advancing guidelines that ensure the welfare and ethical use of animals in cancer research. These efforts are critical in bridging the gap between basic science and translational research, enabling the development of new treatments that can be tested and validated in vivo.
My journey into cancer biology began with an exploration of the epigenetics of the mammary cancer stem cells, a field that piqued my interest during my graduate studies at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. This passion grew further during my research fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS/NIH), where I studied the role of cancer stem like cells in breast cancer progression and metastasis.
Currently, my work involves active collaboration in various research initiatives aimed at refining and developing innovative preclinical mouse models to study cancer and the toxicity induced by cancer treatments. I focus on establishing and optimizing models for pancreatic, breast, leukemia, and prostate cancers, as well as addressing the toxic side effects of various cancer therapies. I also provide advanced surgical techniques and training in the use of these mouse models, ensuring that the methods are robust, reproducible, and effective for studying both tumor biology and treatment-induced toxicities.
With a strong background in the mechanistic understanding of cancer biology and extensive experience working with animal models, I contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that aim to mitigate both cancer progression and treatment-related side effects. My work is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge cancer research by improving the reproducibility and applicability of preclinical models. Ultimately, my goal is to support the institute's mission to eliminate cancer through the refinement of experimental models that can lead to more effective treatments and a better understanding of cancer-related complications.
Clinical Interests
As a Clinical Veterinarian and Assistant Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, my clinical interests lie at the intersection of animal welfare, surgical expertise, cancer research and toxicity/side effect of cancer drugs. With a focus on laboratory animal medicine, I am deeply committed to ensuring the ethical use and care of animals in research while advancing scientific understanding through well-developed cancer models. My expertise spans across various surgical techniques and animal models, including those for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and prostate cancer, which are integral to preclinical cancer research.
In my role, I am responsible for providing advanced surgical training, such as tumor debulking surgeries, intratracheal intubation, orthotopic lung injections, and the implantation of ECG transmitters in rodents. These skills are essential in refining and optimizing experimental models, allowing for more precise and reproducible research outcomes. Additionally, I play an active role in institutional oversight, serving as a veterinary reviewer for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), ensuring that all research adheres to the highest standards of animal welfare and safety.
My clinical work is deeply intertwined with my research interests, allowing me to bridge the gap between laboratory animal care and innovative cancer research. This dual focus enables me to contribute meaningfully to both the advancement of cancer treatments and the promotion of humane practices in animal research.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2015 | Medical college of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, US, Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, PhD |
| 2008 | Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, IN, Pharmacology and Toxicology, MS |
| 2006 | College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Palampur, IN, Veterinary Medicine, DVM |
Postgraduate Training
| 2015-2019 | Research Fellowship, Cancer Cell Biology and Metastasis, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS/NIH), Durham, North Carolina |
Board Certifications
| 2023 | Diplomate American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine |
| 2016 | Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Associate Faculty, Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Science (GSBS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2024 - 2029
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Special volunteer status, Cancer Biology, NIEHS/NIH, Durham, NC, 2019 - Present
Graduate Research Assistant, Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, 2009 - 2015
Junior Research Fellow, Pharmacology and toxicology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, 2006 - 2008
Internship: Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Palampur, HP, 2006 - 2006
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Academic Review Committee, 2025 - 2028
Alternate member, IACUC, 2024 - Present
Voting member, Institutional Biosafety Committee, 2023 - Present
Veterinary reviewer, IACUC meetings, 2022 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2023 | Diplomate, American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, |
| 2017 | Fellow Award for Research Excellence, National Institute of Health |
| 2013 | The Dean's Diary, Augusta University |
| 2012 | Oral presentation award, International Conference on Stem Cells and Cancer, New Delhi, India |
| 2012 | R. August Roesel Memorial Award, Augusta University |
| 2010 | University Merit certificate, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University |
| 2008 - 2009 | Junior Research Fellowship, ICAR (Indian council of agricultural research) |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Bridges AE, Ramachandran S, Pathania R, Parwal U, Lester A, Rajpurohit P, Morera DS, Patel N, Singh N, Korkaya H, Manicassamy S, Prasad PD, Lokeshwar VB, Lokeshwar BL, Ganapathy V, Thangaraju M. RAD51AP1 Deficiency Reduces Tumor Growth by Targeting Stem Cell Self-Renewal. Cancer Res 80(18):3855-3866, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32665355.
- Yang P, Humphrey SJ, Cinghu S, Pathania R, Oldfield AJ, Kumar D, Perera D, Yang JYH, James DE, Mann M, Jothi R. Multi-omic Profiling Reveals Dynamics of the Phased Progression of Pluripotency. Cell Syst 8(5):427-445.e10, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31078527.
- Pathania R, Ramachandran S, Mariappan G, Thakur P, Shi H, Choi JH, Manicassamy S, Kolhe R, Prasad PD, Sharma S, Lokeshwar BL, Ganapathy V, Thangaraju M. Combined Inhibition of DNMT and HDAC Blocks the Tumorigenicity of Cancer Stem-like Cells and Attenuates Mammary Tumor Growth. Cancer Res 76(11):3224-35, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27197203.
- Sangani R, Periyasamy-Thandavan S, Pathania R, Ahmad S, Kutiyanawalla A, Kolhe R, Bhattacharyya MH, Chutkan N, Hunter M, Hill WD, Hamrick M, Isales C, Fulzele S. The crucial role of vitamin C and its transporter (SVCT2) in bone marrow stromal cell autophagy and apoptosis. Stem Cell Res 15(2):312-21, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 26210298.
- Pathania R, Ramachandran S, Elangovan S, Padia R, Yang P, Cinghu S, Veeranan-Karmegam R, Arjunan P, Gnana-Prakasam JP, Sadanand F, Pei L, Chang CS, Choi JH, Shi H, Manicassamy S, Prasad PD, Sharma S, Ganapathy V, Jothi R, Thangaraju M. DNMT1 is essential for mammary and cancer stem cell maintenance and tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 6:6910, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25908435.
- Elangovan S, Pathania R, Ramachandran S, Ananth S, Padia RN, Lan L, Singh N, Martin PM, Hawthorn L, Prasad PD, Ganapathy V, Thangaraju M. The niacin/butyrate receptor GPR109A suppresses mammary tumorigenesis by inhibiting cell survival. Cancer Res 74(4):1166-78, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24371223.
- Elangovan S, Pathania R, Ramachandran S, Ananth S, Padia RN, Srinivas SR, Babu E, Hawthorn L, Schoenlein PV, Boettger T, Smith SB, Prasad PD, Ganapathy V, Thangaraju M. Molecular mechanism of SLC5A8 inactivation in breast cancer. Mol Cell Biol 33(19):3920-35, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23918800.
- Pathania R, Sharma SK. Pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin in Escherichia coli lipopoh saccharide-induced febrile buffalo calves. The Indian journal of animal sciences 80(7):601-604, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Pathania R, Sharma SK. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of moxifloxacin in buffalo calves. Research in veterinary science 89(1):108-112, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20202656.
Other Articles
- Kaur R, Pathania R Drug Resistance in Food Animals - A Public Health Concern. Vet scan Vol. 5(No. 1, Article 48), 2010.
Abstracts
- Pathania R, Suresh S. Moxifloxacin bioavailability by subcutaneous route. IVRI Conference.
- Pathania R, Suresh Sharma. Effect of moxifloxacin on biochemical parameters in febrile buffalo calves. Presented in conference of society of Toxicology India.
- Pathania R, Thangaraju M. Identification of Breast Cancer Stem Cells in Spontaneous Mouse Mammary Tumor. Poster presented in Stem cell, Cancer and metastasis Keystone Symposia.
- Pathania R, Thangaraju M. Isolation and functional characterization of normal mammary stem and cancer stem cells. Poster presented in Graduate research day.
- Gnana Prakasam JP, Pathania R, Veeranan-Karmegam R, Thangaraju M, Ganapathy V. Expression and function of HFE in mammary gland iron homeostasis and its relevance to breast cancer. AACR 103rd Annual Meeting.
- Pathania R, Ganapathy V, Thangaraju M. Long lived, mammary stem cells are the target of oncogenic mutations. The Life of a Stem Cell: From Birth to Death.
- Ramachandran S, Elangovan S, Pathania R, Thangaraju M. Slc5a8 inactivation is associated with mammary gland involution delay, early onset of mammary tumorigenesis and accelerated lung metastasis. AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL.
- Ramachandran S, Pathania R, Padia RN, Prasad PD, Ganapathy v, Thangaraju M. SLC5A8: A strategic target for advanced metastatic breast cancer. AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA.
- Ramachandran S, Pathania R, Elangovan S, Vadivel g, Thangaraju M. Mammary gland-specific deletion of Sirt1 delays mammary tumor growth and progression. AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA.
- Pathania R, Thangaraju M. Functional role of DNA methyltransferase1 (DNMT1) in regulation of mammary stem/progenitor and cancer stem cells. AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015;.
- Thangaraju M, RB Kolhe, Pathania R. RAD51AP1 is a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for breast cancer. San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
- Parwal U, Patel P, Ramachandran S, Pathania R, Thangaraju M. SIRT1 requires for mammary stem cell self-renewal and maintenance. Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019.
- Kotla S, Lee J, Abigail O, Pathania R, Abe JI. CD38 Activation by Disturbed Flow (d-flow) Promotes Endothelial Cell (EC) Senescence-Associated Stemness (SAS) through Glutaminolysis Enhanced by Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) Inhibition, Leading to Atherothrombosis. American Heart Association (AHA).
- Kotla S, Ko K A, Lee J, Abigail O, Chen W, Samanthapudi V, Pathania R, Abe JI. Disturbed Flow (d-flow)-induced Endothelial Senescence-Associated Stemness (SAS): Unveiling the Impact of CD38 and LATS1/2 Depletion on Atherothrombosis Development. American Heart Association Meeting.
- Evelyn L. Sullivan, Susanne Je-Han Lin, Rajneesh Pathania, Venkatasubrahman Samanthapudi, Jun-ichi Abe, Sivareddy Kotla. Role of endothelial TLR9 in the pathogenesis of radiation-induced lung fibrosis. ACVP 2024 annual meeting.
- Sullivan EL, Pathania R, Lin S JH, Samanthapudi V, A JI, Kotla S. Endothelial TLR9 Role in Radiation-Induced Lung Fibrosis. Graduate Student poster.
Book Chapters
- Pathania R, Ganapathy V, Thangaraju M. Translating mammary stem cell and cancer stem cell biology to the clinics. In: Stem Cells and Human Diseases, 2012.
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2019. Identification and Characterizations of Metastasis-initiating Cells in the triple negative breast cancer. Poster. BSC Review/NIEHS. Durham, North Carolina, US.
National Presentations
- 2015. Functional role of DNA methyltransferase1 (DNMT1) in regulation of mammary stem/progenitor and cancer stem cells. Conference. Functional role of DNA methyltransferase1 (DNMT1) in regulation of mammary stem/progenitor and cancer stem cells, US.
International Presentations
- 2012. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis reveals novel targets for drug development in breast cancer. Invited. 3rd International Conference on Stem Cells and Cancer. New Delhi, IN.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2025 - 2027 |
| Title: | CA240749 PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway Blockade: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for BRAF Mutant Colorectal Cancer |
| Funding Source: | US Department of Defense |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | n/a |
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | SARM1-TOP2B module in disturbed flow induced endothelial dysfunction |
| Funding Source: | NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | n/a |
| Date: | 2025 - 2030 |
| Title: | The Epigenetic Regulator JARID1D in Prostate Cancer |
| Funding Source: | NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | n/a |
| Date: | 2025 - 2028 |
| Title: | Targeting of Cancer Stem cells by inhibition MELK in Aggressive Breast Cancers |
| Funding Source: | CANCER PREVENTION RESEARCH INST OF TX |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | n/a |
| Date: | 2024 - 2026 |
| Title: | FLASH Mini-Proton Beam Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer |
| Funding Source: | NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | n/a |
| Date: | 2024 - 2028 |
| Title: | Targeting of Cancer Stem cells by inhibiting MELK in Aggressive Breast Cancers |
| Funding Source: | AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | n/a |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified May 11, 2025