Dhirendra Singh, PhD

Dhirendra Singh is a professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha Nebraska. He received his PhD degree from the Central Drug Research Institute, Kanpur University, India. Dr. Singh’s laboratory focuses on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for cell survival/cell death as well as dissecting out downstream deleterious cellular signaling involved in aging and age-related degenerative disorders, including blinding disorders. He received postdoctoral training in cellular and molecular biology at the National Eye Institute, NIH. He has made several significant contributions to the field of eye research. While working at Harvard Medical School, along with his research colleagues he discovered novel molecules, including lens epithelium derived growth factor (LEDGF), as well as lenticular Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), a multifunctional protective protein. Recently he, along with his colleagues discovered lens epithelium–derived protein (LEDP)/132) in the eye lens, and characterized its functions. These discoveries can lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of aging and age-associated blinding diseases. For his innovative research, Dr. Singh has been honored with the John A. Mannick research award from the Brigham and Woman’s hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Distinguished Scientist and Innovation award from University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE.