Lekhana Suryadevara

Highly motivated and detail-oriented Life Sciences professional with a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences and over 2 years of diverse experience in molecular biology, cell culture, and translational biomedical research. Proficient in handling mammalian and primary cell cultures, executing molecular assays (Western blotting, qPCR, ELISA), and maintaining data integrity in accordance with GLP/GMP standards. Demonstrates strong technical writing, team collaboration, and troubleshooting abilities. Eager to contribute to innovative antibody development projects within a dynamic R&D team.

• Poster Winner – “Genetics of Hydrocephalus,” University of Glasgow
• Steris Star Award Finalist – For outstanding team support

🧠 Project 1: Exploring the Role of Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) in Cerebrovascular Function

Stroke remains one of the foremost causes of mortality worldwide, with endothelial dysfunction playing a central role in its development. My project aimed to investigate the vascular effects of Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA), an emerging biomarker, on cerebrovascular health. I conducted ex vivo experiments on murine extracranial cerebral arteries, employing wire myography to assess nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasorelaxation in response to agents like Acetylcholine, Sodium Nitroprusside, and U46619. The workflow involved tissue dissection, organ bath setup, and vascular tone analysis using GraphPad Prism. To complement functional assays, I studied the influence of SDMA on inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in hMEC/d3 cells via RT-qPCR. These findings contribute to a mechanistic understanding of SDMA’s role in cerebrovascular dysfunction and its potential relevance to stroke pathogenesis.

🩺 Project 2: Investigating Hyperglycemia-Induced Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Dysfunction

This study focused on the impact of hyperglycemia on arterial stiffness and endothelial health, combining functional vascular analysis with molecular interrogation. I conducted ex vivo wire myography on murine aortic vessels to assess vascular reactivity to agents such as Phenylephrine and Acetylcholine, quantifying alterations in tone under elevated glucose conditions. Alongside physiological experiments, I designed and constructed an expression vector (pcDNA3.1+) encoding the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene to study its regulatory response under hyperglycemic stress. I performed bacterial transformation (DH5α strain) for plasmid amplification, followed by plasmid isolation and confirmation via restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis. Transfection into immortalized human endothelial cells (hMEC/d3) was carried out using Lipofectamine 2000, and the effects of eNOS overexpression were analyzed via Western blotting and qPCR for relevant endothelial and inflammatory markers. This dual approach provided mechanistic insights into how hyperglycemia affects endothelial function at both the physiological and molecular levels.

• Flow Cytometry Certification – Biotechnika
• CRISPR: Genome Editing – HarvardX (CBEHx)
• Basic Laboratory Biosafety Skills – Merck & SULSA
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – St. John Ambulance

• GraphPad Prism
• Microsoft Office Suite
• SynergyTrak
• UV Spectrophotometry
• PyMOL

• Poster Winner – 'Genetics of Hydrocephalus,' University of Glasgow
• Steris Star Award Finalist – For outstanding team support

• Flow Cytometry Certification – Biotechnika
• CRISPR: Genome Editing – HarvardX (CBEHx)
• Basic Laboratory Biosafety Skills – Merck & SULSA
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – St. John Ambulance