Dr. S. Sundaresan is an Associate Professor at SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, where he has served since August 2008. A biochemist by training, he completed his B.Sc. (1995) and M.Sc. (1997) in Biochemistry at Annamalai University, followed by an M.Phil. (1999) and a Ph.D. (2003) in Biochemistry at the University of Madras. His doctoral work was in cancer research, which has remained the central theme of his career.
Before joining SRMIST, Dr. Sundaresan gained broad experience across academic research, preclinical science and clinical laboratory practice. He worked for three years as a Research Scientist at Annamalai University, where he contributed to an NIH-sponsored study of micronutrients and childhood respiratory and diarrhoeal disease, including follow-up in rural Tamil Nadu and trace-element analysis by ICP-MS. He served as a Research Scientist at the International Institute of Biotechnology and Toxicology (IIBAT), Padappai, in a GLP-certified pharmacological and toxicological research setting. He also worked as a Business Analyst at Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (SPECTRASOFT) and as a Biochemist at Bharat Institute of Radiology (Bharat Scans & Bharat Laboratories), Chennai.
At SRMIST, his research spans cancer chemoprevention, cancer immunotherapy, tumor marker detection and nanoparticle-based drug delivery. His laboratory has studied indoles and triterpenes such as diindolylmethane and lupeol in experimental bladder carcinogenesis, the synergy of interferon beta with cisplatin in liver, breast and cervical cancer cells, and andrographolide- and evodiamine-loaded albumin nanoparticles and polycaprolactone scaffolds for cervical cancer therapy. Other work addresses cellular senescence through the caveolin/SIRT1/PRMT1 axis, the clinical utility of tumor markers in hepatocellular carcinoma, molecular markers in buccal mucosa cancer, and selenium-enriched probiotics as an adjunct in colorectal cancer.
Dr. Sundaresan has held competitive research funding throughout his career. He was Principal Investigator of a DST-SERB Fast Track project on indole and triterpene effects in experimental bladder carcinogenesis. His current projects include a DST-funded study (2023-2026, Rs 28,00,000) to develop and validate the Language and Cognitive abilities Enhancement Module (LACEM), a novel app for patients with adult neurogenic communication disorders; a Chancellor Research Fellowship project (2026-2028, Rs 5,00,000) on proteasome dysregulation and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the South Indian population; and an ICMR-STS project (2026-2029, Rs 1,00,000) on the diagnostic utility of the urinary Congo red dot test for identifying preeclampsia.
His scholarly output includes 36 published works from 2018 to 2026 in his publication list, spanning journal articles, book chapters, a conference paper and a preprint, with further manuscripts accepted, under review or submitted. He edited two IntechOpen books, Prevention, Detection and Management of Oral Cancer (2019) and Translational Cancer Research (2020), and has contributed chapters on head and neck cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, bladder cancer and sirtuin-mediated regulation of matrix metalloproteinases.
Dr. Sundaresan teaches research methodology and statistics to postgraduate students of speech-language pathology (MASLP) and occupational therapy (MOT), as well as biochemical techniques and advances in clinical biochemistry. He has guided doctoral research on topics ranging from bladder carcinogenesis, buccal mucosa and hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers to cellular senescence, nanoparticle-loaded scaffolds and selenium-enriched probiotics, and currently supervises four PhD scholars working on cancer biology, virology, aging and biomarker research. He is a member of the Association of Clinical Biochemists of India (ACBI) and the Society of Biological Chemists (SBC), and organised the SRM research day for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences from 2013 to 2024.
His recognitions include an NIH Research Scientist Fellowship (1999-2000), a University Research Fellowship during his Ph.D. at Annamalai University (2001-2002), the DST Young Scientist (Fast Track) Award (2004), repeated Research Appreciation Awards from SRM University between 2010 and 2016, Silver and Gold Medal paper presentation awards from SRM University (2014 and 2015), and the Best Keynote Presentation Award at the 4th Virtual Conference on Cancer Science and Oncology (2021).
| Degree | Institute/Organisation | Specialisation | Year of Passing |
| Ph.D. | University of Madras | Biochemistry | 2003 |
| M.Phil. | University of Madras | Biochemistry | 1999 |
| M.Sc. | Annamalai University | Biochemistry | 1997 |
| B.Sc. | Annamalai University | Biochemistry | 1995 |
| Designation | Organisation / Institution | Location | Duration / Experience |
| Associate Professor | SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu | August 2008 – Present |
| Research Scientist | International Institute of Biotechnology and Toxicology (IIBAT) | Padappai, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu | 1 year |
| Business Analyst | Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (SPECTRASOFT) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1 year 6 months |
| Biochemist | Bharat Institute of Radiology – Bharat Scans & Bharat Laboratories | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1 year 6 months |
| Research Scientist | Annamalai University | Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu | 3 years |
1. Cancer chemoprevention, immunotherapy and tumor marker detection
The core of his programme is the study of agents that prevent or reverse carcinogenesis, immune-based approaches to treatment, and circulating and tissue markers that support diagnosis and prognosis. His marker work includes AFP-L3, Child-Pugh and MELD/ALBI-based assessment in hepatocellular carcinoma, and clinicopathological and molecular markers in buccal mucosa cancer.
2. Indoles and triterpenes in experimental carcinogenesis
He has investigated diindolylmethane and lupeol as preventive and therapeutic agents in chemically induced bladder carcinogenesis in rats, examining effects on apoptosis, cell proliferation and tumor development.
3. Interferon beta with cisplatin in liver, breast and cervical cancer cells
This work showed that interferon beta acts synergistically with low-dose cisplatin, improving anticancer efficacy while reducing the dose needed, with mechanistic studies of Akt, STAT and NF-kB signalling.
4. Nanoparticle and scaffold-based drug delivery for cervical cancer
He studies sustained release of andrographolide and evodiamine from albumin nanoparticles and porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds, aiming to improve pharmacokinetics, reduce systemic toxicity and target tumor tissue more selectively.
5. The caveolin/SIRT1/PRMT1 axis and cellular senescence
His group examines how oxidative stress and BH4 deficiency drive endothelial cellular senescence, and how agents such as metformin and nifedipine modulate senescence through SIRT1 and PRMT1, combining computational docking with cell and animal models.
6. Selenium-enriched probiotics in colorectal cancer
He is developing selenium-enriched probiotic strains isolated from traditional South Indian fermented foods, including fermented cereals, rice and sorghum, and evaluating their antioxidant, probiotic and anticancer properties as an adjunct in colorectal cancer.
7. NAFLD/NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma and combination therapy
This area addresses the progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and the limits of single-agent therapy such as sorafenib, with experiments planned to test combination treatments.
8. Proteasome dysregulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
A newer interest, supported by a Chancellor Research Fellowship, is the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and tumor tissue heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the South Indian population.
9. Aging, immunosenescence and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma
Work with his scholars explores aging-related and immunosenescence biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma, linking his interests in aging, tumor markers and immunotherapy.
Areas of specialisation
- Cancer
- Nutritional deficiency and human diseases
- Clinical biochemistry
Funded Projects
| Title | Funding agency | Period | Amount |
| DST: Development and Validation of language and Cognitive abilities Enhancement Module (LACEM) for patients with adult Neurogenic communication disorders-A Novel App :DST Funding ,28,00,000(period : 2023-2026) | DST | 2023-2026 | 28,00,000 |
| Proteasome Dysregulation UPS in PDAC :A Comprehensive study of Tumor Tissue Heterogeneity in south Indian Population :) | Chancellor Research Fellowship: | 2026-2028 | 5,00,000 |
Publicatios
- Venkatesan PS, Sundaresan S, Sowmiya S, Eswarya M, Madhavaselvi M. Cystic papillary adenocarcinoma in mammary gland of a Wistar rat: a case report. Indian Vet J. 2026; 102(5). PMID:
- Venkatesan PS, Sundaresan S, Eswarya M, Sowmiya S, Madhavaselvi M. Establishment of historical control data on rats and mice for preclinical studies. Indian Vet J. 2026; 102(4). PMID:
- Govindaraj N, Lavanya SK, Subramaniyan V, Kumbamoorthy SS, Sivapatham S. Isolation, Selenium Enrichment, and Functional Characterization of Bacillus subtilis from Fermented Sorghum (Koozh) for Potential Anticancer and Probiotic Applications. J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2026;20(2):1819-1832. doi:10.22207/JPAM.20.2.71.
- Vasundra V, Shajitha R, Sundaresan S, Magesh R. Molecular and microenvironmental drivers of malignant transformation from oral potentially malignant disorders to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol. 2026; 16:1856931. doi:10.3389/fonc.2026.1856931. PMID:
- Navitha U, Sundaresan S, Manoharan M. Vocal fatigue and voice attribute priorities among female school teachers: a cross-sectional survey. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026. doi:10.1007/s12070-026-06762-8. PMID:
- Venkatesan PS, Sundaresan S, Eswarya M, Madhavaselvi M, Renuka R. Evaluation of antiepileptic properties of herbal mix of different combinations by PTZ-induced mouse model. Phytomedicine Plus. 2025; 5(2):100773. PMID:
- Nandhini G, Prasanth S, Selvi KS, Sundaresan S. Isolation and characterization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented South Indian cereals. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis. 2025; 15(2):135-141. PMID:
- Navitha U, Sundaresan S, Savitha Vadakkanthara Hariharan. Perceptions and Practices of Vocal Warn-Up Exercises among School Teachers-A Survey. 2024; 9(3):113-124.
- Sundaresan S, Rajapriya P, Lavanya SK. Aging and cancer: clinical role of tumor markers in the geriatric population. Med Int (Lond). 2024; 4(3):21. doi:10.3892/mi.2024.145. PMID:
- Lavanya SK, Rao SK, Patil S, Janardhanan R, Sundaresan S. Evodiamine release from interlinked porous polycaprolactone scaffold for cancer therapy. Process Biochem. 2024 May; 140:1-9. PMID:
- Lavanya SK, Patil S, Sundaresan S. Synthesis and characterization of andrographolide: albumin nanoparticles and their anticancer activity in HeLa cancer cell line. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis. 2024 Jan; 14(1):137-141. PMID:
- Sundaresan S, Lavanya SK, Manickam M. Emerging molecular technology in cancer testing. EJIFCC. 2024; 35(3):142-153. PMID:
- Sundaresan S, Lavanya SK. Sirtuin inhibition modifies matrix metalloproteinases in cancer. In: Handbook of Proteases in Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Aspects (book chapter). 2024. doi:10.1201/9781003394716-22
- Sundaresan S, Lavanya SK, Nandini G. Glutamine and cancer: the stale and progress. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis. 2023 Jan; 13(1):1-2. PMID:
- Lavanya SK, Palanivel N, Sundaresan S. The inhibitory effects of andrographolide, evodiamine and cisplatin in cervical cancer cells. Indian Vet J. 2023 Dec; 100(12):44-49. PMID:
- Nandhini G, Selvi KS, Sundaresan S. Amino acid for preterm newborns. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis. 2023 Oct; 13(4):215-218. PMID:
- Sundaresan S, Lavanya SK, Pazhanivel N. Current research in bladder cancer animal models: a review. Indian Vet J. 2023 Sep; 100(9):7-11. PMID:
- Sundaresan S. Update on Bladder Cancer (book chapter). 2023.
- Sundaresan S, Lavanya SK. Review on bladder cancer diagnosis (book chapter). IntechOpen; 2023.
- Devi AA, Kanniammal C, Sundaresan S. Evaluate cerebral performance score in survival outcome of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis. 2022; 12(1):25-29. doi:10.4103/ijnpnd.ijnpnd_81_21. PMID:
- Devi AA, Sundaresan S, Kanniammal C, Ramakrishnan TV. Determine the arrest factors in survival outcome of patients with IHCA. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis. 2022; 12:30-33. PMID:
- Rajapriya P, Sundaresan S. Tumor marker alpha fetoprotein-L3 (AFP-L3) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conference paper. World Cancer Science Conference; 2022.
- Lavanya SK, Rao SK, Rajapriya P, Patil S, Sundaresan S. Sustained delivery of andrographolide from 3D porous scaffolds imparting anticancer activity. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol. 2022; 74:103570. doi:10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103570. PMID:
- Sundaresan S, Lavanya SK. Currently available molecular analyses for personalized tumor therapy. Biomed Rep. 2022; 17(6):95. doi:10.3892/br.2022.1578. PMID:
- Charles S, Singh P, Devi A, Reddy A, Sundaresan S. Pharmacological down regulation of PRMT1 exhibits antagonistic effect on cellular senescence mediated by DAHP: computational modelling and experimental validation. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2022; 76(2):130-138. PMID:
- Rajapriya P, Sundaresan S. Assessment of Child-Pugh score and tumor marker in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Ther Oncol. 2020 Jan; 13(3). PMID:
- Sundaresan S, editor. Translational Cancer Research (book). Croatia: IntechOpen; 2020.
- Sundaresan S, Rajapriya P. Perspective on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. In: Translational Cancer Research (book chapter). Croatia: IntechOpen; 2020.
- Sundaresan S, editor. Prevention, Detection and Management of Oral Cancer (book). Croatia: IntechOpen; 2019.
- Padma R, Sundaresan S, Kalaivani A, Thilagavathi R. Assessment of histopathological grade and Ki-67 expression in tobacco and non-tobacco habitual buccal mucosa cancer. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019; 71(Suppl 1):410-416. doi:10.1007/s12070-018-1328-1. PMID:
- Ramasamy P, Kalaivani A, Sundaresan S. Buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma: analysis of ECOG performance status and its association with sociodemographic, socioeconomic, clinico-pathologic factors and overall survival. J Clin Diagn Res. 2019; 13:XC05-XC08. PMID:
- Sundaresan S, Rajapriya P. Introduction to Head and Neck Cancer. In: Prevention, Detection and Management of Oral Cancer (book chapter). IntechOpen; 2019.
- Prabhu B, Sivakumar A, Padma R, Manikandan E, Nisha JS, Sundaresan S. Diindolylmethane and lupeol therapy halt tumor development on experimental urothelial carcinogenesis. J Exp Ther Oncol. 2019; 1-4. PMID:
- Sujatha S, Samson R, Sundaresan S. Breast milk for neonatal vaccination pain. Nurs J India. 2018; (8):248-252. PMID:
- Padma R, Sundaresan S. Disparity between clinical and pathological TNM staging in buccal mucosa carcinoma: a single institute experience. J Basic Clin Pharm. 2018. PMID:
| S. No | Award / Fellowship / Recognition | Awarding Organisation / Institution | Year / Period |
| 1 | Research Scientist Fellowship | NIH, USA | 1999-2000 |
| 2 | Research Student University Fellowship during Ph.D. Research | Annamalai University | 2001-2002 |
| 3 | Young Scientist – DST Fast Track Award | Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi | 2004 |
| 4 | Research Appreciation Award | SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India | 2010 |
| 5 | Research Appreciation Award | SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India | 2012 |
| 6 | Research Appreciation Award | SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India | 2013 |
| 7 | Silver Medal – Paper Presentation Award | SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India | 2014 |
| 8 | Research Appreciation Award | SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India | 2014 |
| 9 | Gold Medal – Paper Presentation Award | SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India | 2015 |
| 10 | Research Appreciation Award | SRM University, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India | 2016 |
| 11 | Best Keynote Presentation Award | 4th Virtual Conference on Cancer Science and Oncology | 27–28 (2021) |
PhD Scholars
- Name : Siva Nandhini P
Email: sp1211@srmist.edu.in
Education : M.Sc (Virology)
Area of interest: Biotechnology,Virology , immunology and genetic engineering. - Name : Santhosh S
Email: ss9012@srmist.edu.in
Education: M.Sc (Biotechnology)
Area of Interest: Biochemistry, Cancer Biology - Name: R. Keerthana
Email:kr6153@srmist.edu.in
Education: M.Sc. (Stem cell and Regenerative Biology )
Area of interest: Cancer Biology , Regenerative Medicine , Aging Biology , Tissue Engineering , and Computational Biology - Name : S. Shaheena
Email: ss2132@srmist.edu.in
Education : M.Sc. (Medical Biochemistry)
Area of Interest: Medical Biochemistry , Cancer Biology and Molecular Biology
Availability: Currently not available
