HR job title
- Associate Professor
- Contact Info
Koka, Sai Associate Professor
Positions
- Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy
My research is focused on the studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the development of cardiometabolic disorders and identifying novel pharmacologic strategies to combat cardiovascular cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, endothelial and vascular dysfunction in diabetic, obese and aging patients. Currently we are exploring the role of gut microbe-derived metabolites in endothelial and vascular cell signaling.
Research Areas
- Overview
- Publications
- Research
- Teaching
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Overview
Publications
selected publications
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academic article
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Kukreja, R. C., Wang, R., Koka, S., Das, A., Samidurai, A., & Xi, L.
(2023).
Treating diabetes with combination of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine-apossible prevention strategy for COVID-19?. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY.
478(3), 679-696.
-
Boini, K., & Koka, S.
(2021).
Identification of proteomic alterations in TMAOInduced Cardiac Injury. The FASEB Journal.
35(S1),
-
Puchchakayala, G., Singh, G., Koka, S., & Boini, K.
(2021).
Role of High Mobility Group Box 1 in TrimethylamineNOxideInduced Podocyte Injury and Glomerular Sclerosis. The FASEB Journal.
35(S1),
-
Koka, S., Puchchakayala, G., & Boini, K.
(2020).
Choline Treatment Activates NLRP3 Inflammasome Formation and Leads to Endothelial Dysfunction in Mice. Current Developments in Nutrition.
4(Suppl 2), nzaa040_044-nzaa040_044.
-
Koka, S., Xi, L., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2020).
Chronic inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 with tadalafil affords cardioprotection in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome: role of nitric oxide. 468(1-2), 47-58.
-
Puchchakayala, G., Li, X., Koka, S., & Boini, K. M.
(2020).
NicotineInduced Glomerular Injury is Ameliorated in NLRP3 Gene Knockout Mice. The FASEB Journal.
34(S1), 1-1.
-
Boini, K. M., Puchchakayala, G., Zhang, Y., & Koka, S.
(2020).
TMAO Activates Carotid Endothelial Inflammasomes Leading to Enhanced Neointimal Formation in Nlrp3 Mice. The FASEB Journal.
34(S1), 1-1.
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Zhang, Y., Wang, Y., Koka, S., Zhang, Y., Hussain, T., & Li, X.
(2020).
Simvastatin improves lysosome function via enhancing lysosome biogenesis in endothelial cells. Frontiers in Bioscience.
25(2), 283-298.
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Singh, G. B., Kshirasagar, N., Patibandla, S., Puchchakayala, G., Koka, S., & Boini, K. M.
(2019).
Nicotine instigates podocyte injury via NLRP3 inflammasomes activation. Aging.
11(24), 12810-12821.
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Kumar, D. P., Koka, S., Li, C., & Rajagopal, S.
(2019).
Inflammatory Mediators in Obesity. Mediators of Inflammation.
2019, 9481819-2.
-
Singh, G. B., Zhang, Y., Boini, K. M., & Koka, S.
(2019).
High Mobility Group Box 1 Mediates TMAO-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
20(14), 3570-3570.
-
Boini, K. M., Patibandla, S., Singh, G. B., Puchchakayala, G., & Koka, S.
(2019).
Contribution of High Mobility Group Box 1 to NicotineInduced Podocyte Injury. The FASEB Journal.
33(S1), 572.3-572.3.
-
Singh, G. B., Patibandla, S., Zhang, Y., Li, P., Koka, S., & Boini, K. M.
(2019).
Contribution of Membrane Raft Redox Signaling to VisfatinInduced Inflammasome Activation and Podocyte Injury. The FASEB Journal.
33(S1), 572.4-572.4.
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Singh, G. B., Kshirasagar, N., Patibandla, S., Hussain, T., Li, X., Li, P., Koka, S., & Boini, K. M.
(2019).
NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Novel Target to Abrogate NicotineInduced Podocyte Injury. The FASEB Journal.
33(S1), 749.5-749.5.
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Koka, S., Xia, M., Zhang, C., Zhang, Y., Li, P., & Boini, K. M.
(2019).
Podocyte NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Formation by Adipokine Visfatin. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
53(2), 355-365.
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Koka, S., Mohammad, R. S., Singh, G. B., Kshirasagar, N., Hussain, T., Li, N., ... Boini, K. M.
(2018).
Contribution of High Mobility Group Box 1 to ObesityInduced Podocyte Dysfunction and Glomerular Injury. The FASEB Journal.
32(S1), 562.7-562.7.
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Singh, G. B., Mohammad, R. S., Kshirasagar, N., Zhang, Y., McConnell, B. K., Li, P., Boini, K. M., & Koka, S.
(2018).
Gut Microbial Metabolite TMAO Induces Endothelial Dysfunction by Activating the HMGB1/TLR4 Signalling Pathway. The FASEB Journal.
32(S1), 902.17-902.17.
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Guan, Y., Li, X., Koka, S., & Zhang, Y.
(2018).
Inhibition of acid sphingomyelinasemediated autophagic flux contributes to amitriptylineinduced perturbation of tube formation in murine endothelial cells. The FASEB Journal.
32(S1), 837.8-837.8.
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Mohammad, R. S., Singh, G. B., Kshirasagar, N., Li, X., Hussain, T., Li, N., ... Boini, K. M.
(2018).
Thioredoxin Interacting Protein Deficiency Protects Against ObesityInduced Podocyte Injury and Glomerular Sclerosis. The FASEB Journal.
32(S1), 562.6-562.6.
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Koka, S., Xia, M., Chen, Y., Bhat, O. M., Yuan, X., Boini, K. M., & Li, P.
(2017).
Endothelial NLRP3 inflammasome activation and arterial neointima formation associated with acid sphingomyelinase during hypercholesterolemia. 13, 336-344.
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Boini, K. M., Xia, M., Koka, S., Gehr, T., & Li, P.
(2017).
Sphingolipids in obesity and related complications. Frontiers in Bioscience.
22(1), 96-116.
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Boini, K. M., Hussain, T., Li, P., & Koka, S.
(2017).
Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Instigates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Endothelial Dysfunction. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
44(1), 152-162.
-
Boini, K. M., Xia, M., Koka, S., Gehr, T. W., & Li, P.
(2016).
Instigation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and glomerular injury in mice on the high fat diet: role of acid sphingomyelinase gene. Oncotarget.
7(14), 19031-19044.
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Xia, M., Abais, J. M., Koka, S., Meng, N., Gehr, T. W., Boini, K. M., & Li, P.
(2016).
Characterization and Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasomes in the Renal Medulla in Mice. Kidney and Blood Pressure Research.
41(2), 208-221.
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Boini, K. M., Xia, M., Conley, S. M., Li, G., Koka, S., Gehr, T. W., & Li, P.
(2015).
Abstract P017: Contribution of High Mobility Group Box 1 to Hyperhomocysteinemia-induced Podocyte Injury and Glomerular Sclerosis. HYPERTENSION.
66(suppl_1),
-
Koka, S., Aluri, H. S., Xi, L., Lesnefsky, E. J., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2014).
Chronic inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 with tadalafil attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic hearts: potential role of NO/SIRT1/PGC-1 signaling. American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology.
306(11), H1558-H1568.
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Das, A., Durrant, D., Koka, S., Salloum, F. N., Xi, L., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2014).
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition with rapamycin improves cardiac function in type 2 diabetic mice: potential role of attenuated oxidative stress and altered contractile protein expression. 289(7), 4145-4160.
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Koka, S., Das, A., Salloum, F. N., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2013).
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor tadalafil attenuates oxidative stress and protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in type 2 diabetic mice. 60, 80-88.
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Koka, S., Xi, L., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2012).
Chronic treatment with long acting phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor tadalafil alters proteomic changes associated with cytoskeletal rearrangement and redox regulation in Type 2 diabetic hearts. Basic Research in Cardiology.
107(2), 249.
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Kukreja, R. C., Salloum, F. N., Das, A., Koka, S., Ockaili, R. A., & Xi, L.
(2011).
Emerging new uses of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in cardiovascular diseases. 16(4), e30-e35.
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Fller, M., Bobbala, D., Koka, S., Boini, K. M., Mahmud, H., Kasinathan, R. S., ... Huber, S. M.
(2010).
Functional significance of the intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel for the short-term survival of injured erythrocytes. Pfluegers Archiv: European journal of physiology.
460(6), 1029-1044.
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Farthing, C. A., Farthing, D. E., Koka, S., Larus, T., Fakhry, I., Xi, L., ... Gehr, T.
(2010).
A simple and sensitive HPLC fluorescence method for determination of tadalafil in mouse plasma. 878(28), 2891-2895.
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Ghashghaeinia, M., Bobbala, D., Wieder, T., Koka, S., Brck, J., Fehrenbacher, B., ... Ghoreschi, K.
(2010).
Targeting glutathione by dimethylfumarate protects against experimental malaria by enhancing erythrocyte cell membrane scrambling. American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology.
299(4), C791-C804.
-
Koka, S., Das, A., Zhu, S., Durrant, D., Xi, L., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2010).
Long-acting phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor tadalafil attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy without interfering with chemotherapeutic effect. 334(3), 1023-1030.
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Koka, S., Das, A., Zhu, S., Durrant, D., Xi, L., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2010).
Phosphodiesterase5 Inhibition with Tadalafil Attenuates Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in Doxorubicininduced Cardiotoxicity in Mice. The FASEB Journal.
24(S1), 785.10-785.10.
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Koka, S., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2010).
Attenuation of Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity by Tadalafil: A Long Acting Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor. Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology.
2(5), 173-178.
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Heise, N., Palme, D., Misovic, M., Koka, S., Rudner, J., Lang, F., ... Henke, G.
(2010).
Non-selective cation channel-mediated Ca2+-entry and activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II contribute to G2/M cell cycle arrest and survival of irradiated leukemia cells. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
26(4-5), 597-608.
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Kempe, D. S., Ackermann, T. F., Fischer, S. S., Koka, S., Boini, K. M., Mahmud, H., ... Lang, F.
(2009).
Accelerated suicidal erythrocyte death in Klotho-deficient mice. 458(3), 503-512.
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Boini, K. M., Graf, D., Hennige, A. M., Koka, S., Kempe, D. S., Wang, K., ... Lang, F.
(2009).
Enhanced insulin sensitivity of gene-targeted mice lacking functional KCNQ1. American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
296(6), R1695-R1701.
-
Bobbala, D., Koka, S., Geiger, C., Fller, M., Huber, S. M., & Lang, F.
(2009).
Azathioprine favourably influences the course of malaria. Malaria Journal.
8(1), 102.
-
Fller, M., Sopjani, M., Koka, S., Gu, S., Mahmud, H., Wang, K., ... Lang, F.
(2009).
Regulation of erythrocyte survival by AMP-activated protein kinase. The FASEB Journal.
23(4), 1072-1080.
-
Lang, P. A., Kasinathan, R. S., Brand, V. B., Duranton, C., Lang, C., Koka, S., ... Huber, S. M.
(2009).
Accelerated clearance of Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes in sickle cell trait and annexin-A7 deficiency. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
24(5-6), 415-428.
-
Koka, S., Bobbala, D., Lang, C., Boini, K. M., Huber, S. M., & Lang, F.
(2009).
Influence of paclitaxel on parasitemia and survival of Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
23(1-3), 191-198.
-
Bobbala, D., Koka, S., Lang, C., Boini, K. M., Huber, S., & Lang, F.
(2009).
Rebuttal to letter to the editor on effect of cyclosporine on parasitemia and survival of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
378(3), 680-681.
-
Fller, M., Bobbala, D., Koka, S., Huber, S. M., Gulbins, E., & Lang, F.
(2009).
Suicide for survival--death of infected erythrocytes as a host mechanism to survive malaria. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
24(3-4), 133-140.
-
Bobbala, D., Koka, S., Lang, C., Boini, K. M., Huber, S. M., & Lang, F.
(2008).
Effect of cyclosporine on parasitemia and survival of Plasmodium berghei infected mice. 376(3), 494-498.
-
Weber, Y. G., Storch, A., Wuttke, T. V., Brockmann, K., Kempfle, J., Maljevic, S., ... Lerche, H.
(2008).
GLUT1 mutations are a cause of paroxysmal exertion-induced dyskinesias and induce hemolytic anemia by a cation leak. Journal of Clinical Investigation.
118(6), 2157-2168.
-
Fller, M., Feil, S., Ghoreschi, K., Koka, S., Gerling, A., Thunemann, M., ... Feil, R.
(2008).
Anemia and splenomegaly in cGKI-deficient mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
105(18), 6771-6776.
-
Nicolay, J. P., Liebig, G., Niemoeller, O. M., Koka, S., Ghashghaeinia, M., Wieder, T., ... Lang, F.
(2008).
Inhibition of suicidal erythrocyte death by nitric oxide. 456(2), 293-305.
-
Fller, M., Mahmud, H., Koka, S., & Lang, F.
(2008).
Reduced Ca2+ entry and suicidal death of erythrocytes in PDK1 hypomorphic mice. 455(5), 939-949.
-
Duranton, C., Tanneur, V., Lang, C., Brand, V. B., Koka, S., Kasinathan, R. S., ... Huber, S. M.
(2008).
A high specificity and affinity interaction with serum albumin stimulates an anion conductance in malaria-infected erythrocytes. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
22(5-6), 395-404.
-
Koka, S., Lang, C., Niemoeller, O. M., Boini, K. M., Nicolay, J. P., Huber, S. M., & Lang, F.
(2008).
Influence of NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME on parasitemia and survival of Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
21(5-6), 481-488.
-
Brand, V., Koka, S., Lang, C., Jendrossek, V., Huber, S. M., Gulbins, E., & Lang, F.
(2008).
Influence of amitriptyline on eryptosis, parasitemia and survival of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
22(5-6), 405-412.
-
Koka, S., Lang, C., Boini, K. M., Bobbala, D., Huber, S. M., & Lang, F.
(2008).
Influence of chlorpromazine on eryptosis, parasitemia and survival of Plasmodium berghe infected mice. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
22(1-4), 261-268.
-
Foller, M., Kasinathan, R. S., Koka, S., Lang, C., Shumilina, E., Birnbaumer, L., Lang, F., & Huber, S. M.
(2008).
TRPC6 contributes to the Ca(2+) leak of human erythrocytes. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
21(1-3), 183-192.
-
Kasinathan, R. S., Fller, M., Lang, C., Koka, S., Lang, F., & Huber, S. M.
(2007).
Oxidation induces ClC-3-dependent anion channels in human leukaemia cells. FEBS Letters.
581(28), 5407-5412.
-
Koka, S., Huber, S. M., Boini, K. M., Lang, C., Fller, M., & Lang, F.
(2007).
Lead decreases parasitemia and enhances survival of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. 363(3), 484-489.
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Fller, M., Kasinathan, R. S., Koka, S., Huber, S. M., Schuler, B., Vogel, J., Gassmann, M., & Lang, F.
(2007).
Enhanced susceptibility to suicidal death of erythrocytes from transgenic mice overexpressing erythropoietin. American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
293(3), R1127-R1134.
-
Koka, S., Fller, M., Lamprecht, G., Boini, K. M., Lang, C., Huber, S. M., & Lang, F.
(2007).
Iron deficiency influences the course of malaria in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. 357(3), 608-614.
-
Akel, A., Wagner, C. A., Kovacikova, J., Kasinathan, R. S., Kiedaisch, V., Koka, S., ... Lang, F.
(2007).
Enhanced suicidal death of erythrocytes from gene-targeted mice lacking the Cl-/HCO(3)(-) exchanger AE1. 292(5), C1759-C1767.
-
Lang, P. A., Schenck, M., Nicolay, J. P., Becker, J. U., Kempe, D. S., Lupescu, A., ... Lang, F.
(2007).
Liver cell death and anemia in Wilson disease involve acid sphingomyelinase and ceramide. 13(2), 164-170.
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Kasinathan, R. S., Fller, M., Koka, S., Huber, S. M., & Lang, F.
(2007).
Inhibition of eryptosis and intraerythrocytic growth of Plasmodium falciparum by flufenamic acid. 374(4), 255-264.
-
Nammi, S., Koka, S., Chinnala, K. M., & Boini, K. M.
(2004).
Obesity: an overview on its current perspectives and treatment options. Nutrition Journal.
3(1), 3.
-
Kukreja, R. C., Wang, R., Koka, S., Das, A., Samidurai, A., & Xi, L.
(2023).
Treating diabetes with combination of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine-apossible prevention strategy for COVID-19?. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY.
478(3), 679-696.
-
chapter
-
Kukreja, R. C., Das, A., Koka, S., Samidurai, A., & Xi, L.
(2023).
Nitric Oxide-cGMP-PKG Signaling in the Cardioprotective Effects of Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors. Nitric Oxide: From Research to Therapeutics.
(pp. 111-126).
Springer Nature.
-
Boini, K. M., Li, P., & Koka, S.
(2020).
Role of NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Obesity-Induced Cardiovascular Diseases. Biochemistry of Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Obesity.
(pp. 97-109).
Springer Nature.
-
Koka, S., Aluri, H. S., Xi, L., Lesnefsky, E. J., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2017).
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition and Cardioprotection in Type 2 Diabetes. Kawai, Y. (Eds.),
Adaptation Biology and Medicine, Volume 8.
(pp. 43-59).
Narosa Publishing House Ltd..
-
Koka, S., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2014).
PDE-5 Inhibitors in Protection of Diabetic Heart. Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.
(pp. 323-338).
Springer Nature.
-
Koka, S., Xi, L., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2014).
Phosphodiesterse-5 inhibition with Tadalafil attenuates detrimental proteomic changes in type 2 diabetic myocardium. Popescu, L. M. (Eds.),
Adaptation Biology and Medicine, Volume 7.
(pp. 87-104).
Narosa Publishing House Ltd..
-
Koka, S., & Kukreja, R. C.
(2011).
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors in Protection Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy. Molecular Defects in Cardiovascular Disease.
(pp. 243-255).
Springer Nature.
-
Kukreja, R. C., Das, A., Koka, S., Samidurai, A., & Xi, L.
(2023).
Nitric Oxide-cGMP-PKG Signaling in the Cardioprotective Effects of Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors. Nitric Oxide: From Research to Therapeutics.
(pp. 111-126).
Springer Nature.
Research
principal investigator on
- Gut microbial metabolite- Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and endothelial inflammasome signalling in cardiovascular injury (Koka, Sai) awarded by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute - (Bethesda, Maryland, United States)
- Role of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide in endothelial dysfunction (Koka, Sai) awarded by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute - (Bethesda, Maryland, United States)
Teaching
teaching activities
- PHSC689 Sptp: Adv Pharmacology I Instructor
- PHSC691 Research Instructor
Background
education and training
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Tubingen - (Tübingen, Germany) 2008
- Pharm.M. in Pharmacology Specialization, Andhra University - (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India) 2005
- B.S. in Pharmacy, Andhra University - (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India) 2002
awards and honors
- Sudhir Gupta Young Scientist Award, conferred by Association of Scientists of Indian Origin in America - (United States), 2019
- Teaching Excellence Award, conferred by University of Houston - (Houston, Texas, United States), 2018
- American Radiolabeled Chemicals Junior Scientist Award in Pharmacology, conferred by Association of Scientists of Indian Origin in America - (United States), 2013
- Donna Garff Marriott Research Award, conferred by American Heart Association - (New York, New York, United States), 2012
Contact
first name
- Sai
has last name
- Koka
Other
- sskoka@tamu.edu