Distinguished scientist: Sumit Yadav, PhD

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Nov. 14 for UNMC’s Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.

• Name: Sumit Yadav, PhD
• Title: Professor and chair, Department of Growth and Development, UNMC College of Dentistry and Children’s Nebraska
• Joined UNMC: 2023
• Hometown: Kanpur, India

Describe your research focus in three words or less:

Osteoarthritis

Why is research important in the world today? 

Research plays vital roles in our lives and helps with advancement of our society. In my mind, research is synonymous with innovation.

My research will make a difference because:

Aging, obesity and trauma are the major risk factor for joint disorders, including the temporomandibular joint. More than 42% of U.S. adults are obese, and it is well established that obesity accelerates aging processes. TMJ degeneration significantly impair the quality of life by causing acute and chronic pain, thus making this disease a global health issue. Cellular senescence has been implicated as a common mechanism behind aging, obesity and trauma associated TMJ osteoarthritis. High expression of p21 is a hallmark of cellular senescence. My research will eliminate p21Cip1-highly-expressing (p21high) cells in TMJ osteoarthritis in aging, obesity and trauma. More importantly, we are using FDA approved senolytics in eliminating specific cells in TMJ osteoarthritis.

The best advice I’ve ever received is:

Every decision is right, if you believe in yourself and trust your journey.

Three things you may not know about me are:

• I create magical smiles through braces.
• I run 40 to 50 miles per week.
• I love traveling around the world.