Our Science – Puri Website

Anu Puri, Ph.D.

CCR Nanobiology Program Membrane Structure and Function Section Staff Scientist NCI-Frederick Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program Building 469, Rm. 216A Frederick, MD 21702 Phone:   301-846-5069 Fax:   301-846-6210 E-Mail:   apuri@helix.nih.gov

Biography

Dr. Anu Puri received her Ph.D. degree in chemistry from Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
(Thesis Title: Studies on Chemical Synthesis of Modified Phospholipids and Possible Use of Their Liposomes in Drug Delivery). She came to the United States in 1985 as Hormel Fellow at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN. In 1986, she joined NCI, NIH as visiting fellow in the Laboratory of Mathematical Biology (DBS). In 1989, Dr. Puri was promoted to visiting associate position in the Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biology (NIH, NCI, DBS). In 1997 she was recruited as Biologist (staff scientist), and was recently promoted to Research Biologist position at the CCR Nanobiology program, NCI-Frederick. Her research revolves around two major themes. (a) Cell Biology of Viral Entry, and (b) Development of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Cancer Therapeutics.

Research

My area of research focuses on the mechanisms of entry pathways of enveloped viruses. Using cell biological, biophysical, biochemical approaches, I have studied the assemblies of molecular scaffolds of viral proteins and their receptors. Enveloped animal viruses deliver their genetic material to the cell by fusion of their membranes with those of the target cell. I have examined fusion mechanisms of members of rhabdo, orthomyxo, paramyxo and retrovirus family. My interest lies in elucidating the regulation of membrane fusion by plasma membrane lipid counter parts. The knowledge gained from my research has implications in the design of inhibitors of viral entry and the development of vaccines that prevent viral infection.
Recently I have embarked upon the development of lipid-based nanoparticles for delivery of toxic drugs. I plan to develop liposomes bearing payload of drugs with imaging and targeting capabilities. My focus is to modify the building blocks of liposomes (phospholipids) to generate these particles, which will result in on-demand triggered release potential. My long-term goal is to develop these state-of the art liposomes compatible for delivery of anti-cancer agents to patients.

This page was last updated on 10/23/2008.