WesternU COMP professor receives NIH grant to study potential protections against TB meningitis

Vishwanath Venketaraman, PhD (second from right), leads a conversation with COMP student researchers in his lab. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Professor Vishwanath Venketaraman, PhD, received a three-year, $429,000 grant (2R15HL143545-02) from the National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

The grant is funding Dr. Venketaraman's research into the potential effect of glutathione in improving immune responses against mycobacterial tuberculosis (TB), which causes TB, and how it protects against TB meningitis. The funding also provides opportunities for Venketaraman to mentor WesternU students as they learn about conducting research and publishing their findings.

This funding continues research studying the effects of immune responses in the lungs in people with type 2 diabetes, which received an NIH R15 grant in April 2019 (1R15HL143545-01A1). The R15 funding mechanism requires students to get actively involved in the research. The PI should provide research opportunities to graduate students. Venketaraman received the initial funding just before the COVID-19 pandemic started and he continued his research during the pandemic. Throughout this time, there were restrictions on physical distancing and the number of people allowed in the lab at any given time.

"Despite all the restrictions, I was able to give research opportunities to about 40 different students over the period of four to five years," Venketaraman said. "Despite COVID, I had so much success in terms of productivity, in terms of publications, in terms of giving opportunities to students and students co-authoring the papers."

This grant, which started April 1, 2024 (2R15HL143545-02), is to study TB meningitis. The most common form of TB is pulmonary tuberculosis, where the pathogen infects the lungs. But in rare circumstances, the bacteria can leave the lungs and go to other parts of the body like the brain. If it causes an infection and inflammation in the central nervous system, that could result in mortality or a permanent morbidity condition.

"TB meningitis, where the bacteria goes from the lungs to the brain, is considered to be a rare but very severe form of tuberculosis that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality," Venketaraman said. "So my grant application will study TB meningitis and then how glutathione can improve immune responses against mycobacterial tuberculosis, which causes TB, and how it protects against TB meningitis."

Dr. Venketaraman's research team will work with Dr. Kabirullah Lutfy (Co-Investigator) in the College of Pharmacy to accomplish the studies proposed in the grant. Dr. Venketaraman is also thankful to Your Energy Systems LLC, Palo Alto, Calif., for providing funding support for his research for almost 14 years ($675,000 in total).

Between 2020 and 2023, Venketaraman has mentored almost 400 students in terms of giving them a co-authorship in different publications.

"I feel that it is important for students to get exposure to research because research is evidence-based practice. The intervention that the physicians do on the patient is all evidence-based practice," Venketaraman said. "The research that most of us are doing is translational, from bench to bedside type of research. Any medical practice intervention that the physicians do on the patient is all evidence-based practices based on the research findings. So it's important for students to get hands-on experience doing research. That research will make them a lifelong learner."

COMP student Ira Glassman, MS, has worked with Venketaraman for two years. Dr. Venketaraman has a strong reputation at WesternU for producing high quality and interesting immunology and microbiology research, Glassman said. Glassman and a classmate were writing a case report in the field of microbiology and contacted Dr. Venketaraman for assistance. His guidance led them to publication. After experiencing what a great mentor he is first-hand, Glassman continued to seek opportunities in his lab.

"My tenure in Dr. Venketaraman's lab has taught me how to navigate scientific writing and the entirety of the publication process. I have repeatedly taken projects from outline to peer-reviewed publication, personally handling each step along the way. Dr. Venketaraman provides a unique blend of guidance and independence, which fosters growth and confidence in the publication process," Glassman said. "In addition to navigating literature, I now have a strong background in understanding mycobacterial infections and the intricacies of reactive oxygen species in the human body. In fact, infectious disease and immunology have consistently been two of my highest scoring sections in preparation of board exams, and I owe that to Dr. Venketaraman."

Glassman has published eight papers with Dr. Venketaraman and they have several more in the pipeline to publish by the end of 2024.

"This experience provided me with a strong foundation to be able to carry out research as a resident and physician. I feel capable of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting medical literature and ultimately contributing to academia in my career," Glassman said. "In addition, Dr. Venketaraman showed me the value of work ethic. He would stay up late to edit papers for submission and was always available to meet. His productivity is a direct reflection of his dedication and care for his students. I intend to emulate his mentorship with my own students one day."

COMP student John Dawi said working with Dr. Venketaraman has been one of the most enriching and fulfilling experiences of his professional life. They have collaborated on eight research projects.

"Under his mentorship, I have learned to navigate the complex research publication process, including handling conflicts with editors and reviewers. His guidance has been a beacon of support, enabling me to tackle challenges with confidence and competence. Dr. Venketaraman's deep understanding of the research landscape and his strategic approach to problem-solving have equipped me with the skills necessary to succeed in academia," Dawi said. "His unwavering support and the trust he places in my abilities have allowed me to flourish, knowing that I can always rely on his wisdom and encouragement. This journey has not only expanded my knowledge but also strengthened my resolve, and for that, I am incredibly grateful."

"Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number (2R15HL143545-02). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health."

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