Paras Kumar Mishra, PhD
Associate Professor, UNMC Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Director, UNMC Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

The laboratory of Paras Kumar Mishra, PhD, is dedicated to exploring the molecular mechanisms that contribute to heart failure in diabetes, with a particular focus on mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic remodeling and myocardial cell death. The research goal of Dr. Mishra's lab is to develop novel therapeutic strategies that include the use of microRNAs, hydrogen sulfide donors, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibitors. Through comprehensive studies using both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes models and employing a variety of techniques from in vitro to in vivo analyses across mouse and human heart tissues, he seeks to understand the specific vulnerabilities of diabetic hearts. His research is vital as it addresses why diabetic hearts are uniquely prone to failure and develops ways to improve cardiac function. This is especially important because diabetic heart failure exhibits unique characteristics compared to ischemic heart failure and does not typically improve with intensive glycemic control.
A recognized fellow of the American Heart Association and the American Physiological Society Cardiovascular Section, Dr. Mishra has held prestigious roles including president of the 2021 Midland Society of Physiological Sciences, chair of an American Heart Association study section, and editorial board member for several peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Mishra has held prominent leadership positions in various departmental committees, contributing significantly to their strategic direction and success. He is lauded for his mentorship, guiding trainees to national fellowships, honors and awards.
- PhD: Banaras Hindu University, India, 2006.
- Postdoctoral Fellow: Emory University, Atlanta, 2007-08.
- Research Associate: University of Louisville, Kentucky, 2008-10.
Focus: Diabetes-induced heart failure
More about Dr. Mishra's research.
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Regulation of cardiac ferroptosis in diabetic human heart failure: uncovering molecular pathways and key targets. Cell Death and Discovery 2024.
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MMP9 drives ferroptosis by regulating GPX4 and iron signaling. iScience 2024.
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Guidelines for evaluating myocardial cell death. American Journal of Physiology- Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2019.
- UNMC New Investigator Award, 2014
- UNMC Excellence in Mentoring Award, 2017
- Chair, A Ross McIntyre Cardio-Renal Seminar, 2020-23
- Chair, Department Recruitment Committee, 2021-2023
- Director, Department Seminar Committee, 2016-18
College of Medicine
University of Nebraska Medical Center
985850 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-5850