Biography
Sharma received B.S. in Biology (1995) from Delhi University and a Masters degree in Biotechnology (1997) from Panjab University. She then received her Ph.D. in Life Sciences from DAVV Indore and postdoctoral fellowship at University of New Mexico under Prof Eric Prossnitz.
Personal Statement
My research interests lie in understanding the role of estrogen signaling in physiological and pathophysiological states and the development of therapeutic interventions of disease with a special emphasis on cancer and metabolism. Estrogen plays an important role in the development, progression and treatment of breast cancer, while also aiding in the maintenance of healthy weight and metabolism in women. The prevalence of obesity increases the risk of cancer in post-menopausal women via increased local estrogen production in adipose tissue, elevations in insulin (due to diabetes) and other hormones, and increased inflammation. The current obesity epidemic will only lead to an increased incidence of numerous cancers. The actions of estrogen are mediated by multiple receptors, the classical genomic actions through nuclear estrogen receptors (ER? and ?) and rapid non-genomic signaling or transcriptional activation through the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, previously known as GPR30). Mice lacking GPER display adiposity, abnormal glucose/lipid homeostasis and inflammation, suggesting an important role of GPER in metabolism. However, they also exhibit reduced mammary tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, my research is aimed at investigating the role of GPER in regulating multiple aspects of breast cancer and metabolism as well as other areas of GPER function that can impinge upon carcinogenesis, such as cardiovascular function, immunity and infection, and wound healing. Employing cellular and animal-based models, my research involves deciphering pathways modulated by GPER and the discovery of novel small compounds that exhibit differential affinities to ERs to treat diseases such as cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Over the years, my academic and research achievements have developed me into an enthusiastic scientist with a strong background in biomedical sciences, particularly cancer and molecular biology, biochemistry, in vivo physiology and endocrinology. I have extensive experience in animal protocols, performing survival surgeries and in vitro and in vivo experiments. I am highly self-motivated with effective presentation skills and enjoy working collaboratively in a team environment.
NCBI link of my publications-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/geetanjali.sharma.1/bibliography/public/
Areas of Specialty
Estrogen
Metabolism
GPER
Obesity
Diabetes
Achievements & Awards
Honors and Awards
2014 Invited as guest speaker by Life Technologies to participate in a live video webinar
2013 Paper published in Endocrinology selected for F1000Prime
2013 Abstract selected for oral presentation ENDO 2013, San Francisco, California
2012 Abstract selected for oral presentation at Obesity 2012, San Antonio, Texas
2011 Paper selected as Editor?s choice in Endocrinology
2001 Best oral presentation: National Symposium on Plant Physiol & Biochem, Kolkata, India
1999 All India Joint CSIR/UGC Examination for Fellowship/Lecturership
1998-2003 Ph.D. Scholarship from Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Delhi, India
1996 Best oral presentation at Biotech Rendezvous, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
1995 Selection for Master?s Program by a National Level Entrance Exam
1995 First position/ best student Undergraduate, Miranda House, University of Delhi, India
Gender
Female
Languages
- Hindi
- English
Courses Taught
Methods in Molecular Biology-Metabolism
Research and Scholarship
1. Sharma, G., C. Hu, D.I. Staquicini, J.L. Brigman, M. Liu, F. Mauvais-Jarvis, W. Arap, R. Pasqualini, J.B. Arterburn, H.J. Hathaway, and E.R. Prossnitz. 2020. Preclinical efficacy of the GPER-selective agonist G-1 in mouse models of obesity and diabetes. Science Transl Med 12(528):eaau5956. PMID: 31996464
2. Sharma, G., C. Hu, J.L. Brigman, G. Zhu, H.J. Hathaway, and E.R. Prossnitz. 2013. GPER deficiency in male mice results in insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and a proinflammatory state. Endocrinology. 154:4136-4145. PMC3800768
3. Sharma, G., and E.R. Prossnitz. 2011. Mechanisms of estradiol-induced insulin secretion by the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor GPR30/GPER in pancreatic beta-cells. Endocrinology. 152:3030-3039. PMC3138237
4. Revankar, C.M.*, C.G. Bologa*, R. Pepermans*, G. Sharma*, W.K. Petrie, S.N. Alcon, A.S. Field, C. Ramesh, M.A. Parker, N.P. Savchuck, L.A. Sklar, H.J. Hathaway, J.B. Arterburn, T.I. Oprea, and E.R. Prossnitz. 2019. A Selective Ligand for Estrogen Receptor Proteins Discriminating Rapid and Genomic Signaling. Cell Chem Biol 26(12):1692-1702.e5. PMC6925632
5. Meyer, M.R., N.C. Fredette, C. Daniel, G. Sharma, K. Amann, J.B. Arterburn, M. Barton, and E.R. Prossnitz. 2016. Obligatory role for GPER in cardiovascular aging and disease. Science Signaling. 9:ra105. PMC5124501