Dr. Shama Prasada Kabekkodu is a highly accomplished and internationally recognized scientist in the fields of cancer genomics, epigenetics, and mitochondrial biology. As a DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance Intermediate Fellow, Professor, and Head of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), MAHE, he leads a dynamic research program focused on deciphering the molecular mechanisms of cancer, particularly cervical, oral, and breast cancers.His seminal research has identified and functionally validated numerous key tumor suppressor genes and biomarkers, including DOC2B, ZNF471, and the chromosome 14 miRNA cluster, significantly advancing the understanding of DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and metabolic reprogramming in oncogenesis. Dr. Kabekkodu's work is distinguished by its strong translational impact, evidenced by multiple granted patents for molecular diagnostics in breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers.In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he has been listed among the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University. In addition to his research, Dr. Kabekkodu holds significant administrative leadership roles, including Deputy Director for Grants and Consultancy at MAHE, where he oversees the institution's research portfolio and policy development. He is also a dedicated mentor, having supervised numerous Ph.D., Master's, and undergraduate students to completion, and an active contributor to the scientific community through editorial roles and committee memberships.

Role: DBT-Wellcome Trust Fellow, Prof. & Head, Cell & Molecular Biology.
Expertise: Cancer Epigenetics, Non-coding RNAs, Mitochondrial Biology.
Impact: Discovered key tumor suppressor genes (DOC2B, C14MC cluster); holds patents for cancer biomarkers.
Honor: Stanford University's World Top 2% Scientist.
Leadership: Deputy Director (Grants & Consultancy), MAHE.

Our research integrates epigenomics and functional biology to combat cancer. We focus on:

Epigenetic Dysregulation: Uncovering DNA methylation-silenced tumor suppressor genes and non-coding RNAs as diagnostic markers in cervical and oral cancers.

miRNA Cluster Biology: Deciphering the role of chromosomal miRNA clusters (e.g., C14MC) in tumor suppression and their exploitation for therapy.

Mitochondrial-Metabolic Axis: Studying mitochondrial DNA mutations and metabolic reprogramming as drivers of cancer progression.

Environmental Carcinogenesis: Investigating how exposure to endocrine disruptors (e.g., BPA) triggers epigenetic changes that lead to cancer.

Our work aims to bridge fundamental discoveries to clinical applications, developing novel biomarkers and targeted therapeutic approaches.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal
• Deputy Director: Grants and Consultancy | Directorate of Research (MAY 2025 – Present)
• Professor and Head | Dept. of Cell & Molecular Biology (Oct 2022 – Present)
• Associate Professor | Dept. of Cell & Molecular Biology (Sep 2016 – Oct 2022)
• Assistant Professor | Dept. of Cell & Molecular Biology (Feb 2011 – Sep 2016)
• Lecturer | Dept. of Cell & Molecular Biology (Sep 2009 – Feb 2011)

Awards and recognition:

Awards and Honors
• Appeared in Stanford University's list of the World's Top 2% Scientists.
• Award for Outstanding Research Publication (AORP)-2025 by Vision Group on Science and Technology (VGST), Government of Karnataka
• Recipient of Wellcome Trust DBT India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship, 2022
• Recognition as “Expert” (Top 1% of scholars writing about Uterine Cervical Neoplasms) by expertscape.com, 2021
• “Young Scientist Award, VIFRA-2015 by Venus International Foundation, Chennai, India, 2015
• Invention Award, awarded by Intellectual Ventures India, Bangalore, 2013
• Young Investigator Award at 10th APCHG, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2012
• International travel fellowship by DBT, the government of India, 2012
• “Young Scientist Award” by Indian Society of Human Genetics, 2011
Professional Appointments and Editorial Roles
• Associate Editor: BMC Medical Genomics, Frontiers in Oncology (Cancer Genetics section)
• Review Editor: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (Cancer Cell Biology section), Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics section)
• Editorial Board Member: Scientific Reports, World Journal of Stem Cells
• Editorial Manager: Public Health Genomics Journal (2015-2017)
Fellowships, Grants, and Recognition
• Recognized as TOP scholar by ScholarGPS in the area of Life Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Cancer
• PAC committee member, SERB, DST SURE Scheme 2023
Committees and Board Memberships
• Invited member: Society for Redox Biology & Medicine (SfRBM) 2024, 2025 (15701)
• Executive Committee (EC) Member: Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine – India, since October 2021-2024
Professional Memberships
• Life Member: Society of Biotechnologist (India) (L1145)
• Life Member: Society of Biological Chemists (India)(2693)
• Life Member: Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine (L139/2015), India