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.
- Ironing out the details: ferroptosis and its relevance to diabetic cardiomyopathy, American Journal of Physiology, November 2023
- Guidelines for evaluating myocardial cell death, American Journal of Physiology, October 2019
- MMP9 mediates acute hyperglycemia-induced human cardiac stem cell death by upregulating apoptosis and pyroptosis in vitro, Cell Death & Disease, March 2020
- 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