Soundarapandian Vijayakumar
Papers
1
Total Citations
39
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Soundarapandian Vijayakumar is a cell and molecular biologist whose research centers on epithelial differentiation, matrix biology, and the molecular underpinnings of tissue organization. His most cited work focuses on the multifunctional protein Hensin (the rabbit ortholog of DMBT1), a key player in epithelial terminal differentiation, innate immunity, and tumorigenesis. In a landmark 2008 study (39 citations), Vijayakumar demonstrated that secreted Cyclophilin A—a peptidylprolyl cis-trans isomerase—mediates the assembly of Hensin into the extracellular matrix, a process essential for inducing morphological changes characteristic of terminal differentiation in epithelial cells. This discovery provided critical insight into how extracellular cues orchestrate cell fate decisions, bridging the gap between matrix remodeling and differentiation signaling. His contributions have advanced our understanding of how multidomain proteins like DMBT1 regulate both normal development and disease states, including cancer. With a career dedicated to unraveling the complex interplay between secreted factors and the ECM, Vijayakumar’s work continues to inform research in epithelial biology, innate immunity, and the molecular pathology of tumor progression.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1