SUMMARY
The primary research interests of Vijay P. Singh, MBBS, are clinical gastroenterology and research in pancreatic disorders, with a specific focus on the pathophysiology of acute and chronic pancreatitis. He is particularly interested in mechanisms regulating the function of the pancreatic acinar cell, including vesicular trafficking, cytoskeletal regulation and intracellular signal transduction. Additionally, Dr. Singh is investigating how obesity-related pancreatic fat worsens local injury via unsaturated fatty acids. His research team is also developing a technique known as transgastric local pancreatic hypothermia, as a new, rapid multimodal therapy for acute pancreatitis.
Focus areas
- Acinar cell function and injury. Dr. Singh is studying the cell biology of the pancreatic acinar cell in health and disease, as well as the role of aberrant tyrosine phosphorylation in regulating acinar cell injury.
- Mechanisms of pancreatitis. A second area of focus includes investigation of alterations of intracellular calcium homeostasis and lipotoxicity in pancreatitis.
- Pancreatitis in relation to other conditions. Dr. Singh's research team looks at the relationship between pancreatitis and multisystem organ failure. He is also interested in mechanistic relations between obesity and acute pancreatitis.
- Novel therapies for acute pancreatitis. An area of special interest is translational studies. All relevant hypotheses are firmly based on human evidence and target therapies with high translational potential.
Significance to patient care
Acute pancreatitis is the most common gastroenterological cause for hospitalization in the U.S. and currently has no specific therapy. Dr. Singh's research contributes to better care and improved outcomes for gastroenterological patients, especially those at risk of or afflicted with pancreatitis. The mechanistic studies he does are based on human evidence, and therapeutic approaches are devised based on their high potential to ameliorate this devastating disease in patients. In this endeavor, Dr. Singh has been issued and has pending patents for improving treatment options for patients with pancreatitis.
Professional highlights
- Study section, National Institutes of Health, 2014
- Posters of Distinction, Digestive Disease Week, 2011, 2013
- International invited lectures, 2010, 2013
- Extramural funding, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2010; Department of the Army, 2012
- Best Abstract in Pancreatitis, 41st annual meeting, American Pancreatic Association, 2010