Winner. Scientist of the Year 2021

Durga Venkata Rajesh Attili

Academic title, degree: M.S.
Fields of science: Cell and Developmental Biology
Research interest: Neurological modeling, Colon cancer
Institution: University of Michigan
Position: Research Laboratory Specialist Senior
Country: USA

Durga Venkata Rajesh Attili has more than 10 years of experience in disease modeling (Bipolar, Colon cancer, Medulloblastoma) using 2D and 3D organoid model systems, biomarker discovery, molecular biology & assay development. His scientific contributions have been vital to research efforts in the field of stem cell modeling of neuropsychiatric disease and have been recognized by publications, research presentations, and funding for the work. He also makes an essential contribution to the field of Molecular Biology and clinical studies in evaluating chemopreventive agents that benefits colon cancer patients.

Mr. Attili received his Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad in 2007 and his Master of Science in cell and molecular biology from Eastern Michigan University in 2012. Over the course of his career, he has worked as an executive production engineer for Reliance Life Sciences; as a laboratory assistant for both Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan; as a scientist for Therapeutic Proteins International, Roche Molecular Systems, and Bayer Health Care. He is now a specialist in research at the University of Michigan. His research is focused on isolating and studying LGR5 positive stem cells.

Research conducted by Durga Attili at the University of Michigan led to innovative discoveries in the molecular field and directly led to filing the patent proposal. Given his critical role in isolating, characterizing, and identifying exosomal proteins involved in Bipolar Disorder, Mr. Attili was a key contributor to that patent and is named one of the inventors. These results have the potential to improve the health of millions of individuals suffering from Bipolar disorder (BP), a chronic psychiatric illness characterized by vacillations in energy and mood from high manias to low energy depressions.

Durga Attili has co-authored several scientific publications that made substantial industry-relevant scientific contributions. His published research papers have been widely cited and referenced in international journals and by top-tier scientists in the field.

Mr. Attili’s innovative work resulted in peer-reviewed articles published by reputable international journals such as PloS One, Oncotarget, In Vitro Cellular & Development Biology, BMC Cancer, and many more.

His work has been recognized by nomination for a STAR award from the University of Michigan Depression Center.

Mr. Attili is a molecular biology scientist with a history of innovating the cancer treatment sector through his research, and he is constantly contributing to the organoids sector of biology. He has honed his expertise in leading international research centers, including the University of Michigan and Bayer.

Summary of top achievements:
• Current work Neurological disorder modeling: Using cerebral organoids studying bipolar disorder as there are no cell lines or model systems available to study
• In progress Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03869905 titled “Aquamin as an Adjuvant Intervention for Ulcerative Colitis in Remission”
• Established Human Normal Duodenum, Colon, Adenoma & Adenocarcinoma organoid Biobank supplying them worldwide through https://www.umichttml.org/
• Licensed Organoids to companies like EMD Millipore, Stem Cell Technologies & Regeneron
• Developed method to isolate human Lgr5 positive cells from cultured normal and adenoma organoids
• Developed a robust method for establishing organoid cultures from cryogenically-preserved human biopsy tissue
• Isolated Lgr5 positive cells from the stroma
• Completed Aquamin Clinical study: established normal colon organoid biobank, treated adenomas and normal colon organoids either calcium alone or in the combination with Aquamin to induce differentiation
• Intestinal Bowel Disease Aquamin Clinical study: establish normal Intestinal bowel disease active and remission patient samples
• Worked with collaborator using organoid biobank studied Iron uptake via DMT1 integrates cell cycle with JAK-STAT3 signaling to promote colorectal tumorigenesis
• In collaboration, evaluating the efficacy of dexamethasone on Lgr5 stem cells and its use to treat colorectal cancer
• Studying the chronic stress on sessile serrated adenocarcinoma, lynch, and normal lynch organoid cultures.

Most recently, based on his work on brain organoids that are leading to novel treatments of bipolar disorders, Durga Attili has been selected to be an inaugural Clyde Bartter Research Scholar for the academic year 2022-2023.

Nominated and accepted Full Member of Sigma Xi.