Murali M. Yallapu1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; 2TBCR Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. TBCR Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: tbcr@amegroups.com
This interview can be cited as: Yallapu MM, Yeo JY. Meeting the Editorial Board Member of TBCR: Dr. Murali M. Yallapu. Transl Breast Cancer Res. 2024. Available from: https://tbcr.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-editorial-board-member-of-tbcr-dr-murali-m-yallapu.
Expert introduction
Dr. Murali M. Yallapu (Figure 1) is a tenured Associate Professor of the Immunology and Microbiology Department and a member of the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research (ST-CECR) at the School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), McAllen, Texas, USA. Dr. Yallapu is also a co-ordinator for DIM-STCECR Seminar Series and Program Co-ordinator for CPRIT TREC Award ST-CECR. Dr. Yallapu is a recipient of the “Prof. A. Kameswara Rao's Gold Medal‐1999” and NIH Career Transition Awardee.
Dr. Yallapu has received his PhD degree in Polymer Science & Technology and completed postdoctoral training in materials science, drug delivery, nanomedicine, and cancer biology from Cleveland Clinic, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Sanford Research, and Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology. Before Joining the UTRGV, Dr. Yallapu served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Yallapu has been serving as the Editorial Board Member for various drug delivery, nanotechnology, and cancer-related journals. He has been an ad‐hoc reviewer for NIH and various other funding agency study sections. He has published over 175 peer‐reviewed articles and reviews in journals, book chapters, and over 135 conference abstracts. His work was cited over 14815 times, with an H‐index of 59 and an i10‐index of 149. His current research primarily focuses on the development of nanomaterials for improved therapeutic potential of clinical drug(s) and developing new constructs for biomedical applications.
Figure 1 Dr. Murali M. Yallapu
Interview
TBCR: What inspired you to pursue a career in cancer immunology and nanomedicine?
Dr. Yallapu: Throughout my academic and scientific career, I have been consistently motivated by the challenge of addressing unmet medical needs, and cancer stood out as one of the most complex and devastating diseases. The immune system’s ability to naturally recognize and eliminate cancer cells is fascinating, yet tumors have evolved to evade this process. This evolving interaction between cancer biology and immune regulation sparked my deep interest in the field of cancer immunology. As a material scientist, my interest is in nanomedicine due to its transformative potential to revolutionize therapeutic delivery. This enables us to have more targeted and efficient treatment modalities, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. By integrating the principles of immunology with nanomedicine, I believe we can pioneer innovative approaches that advance cancer therapy, improve patient outcomes, and lessen the overall burden of the disease.
TBCR: Can you discuss any recent breakthroughs in cancer nanomedicine that you find particularly promising?
Dr. Yallapu: The most promising recent breakthrough in cancer nanomedicine is the development of nanoparticle-based immunotherapies. These advancements are transforming cancer treatment by allowing for more precise tumor targeting and enhancing the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells. Particularly exciting is the combination of nanomedicine with checkpoint inhibitors, which can increase the efficacy and specificity of immunotherapy. Another notable advancement is the use of nanoparticles to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression, rendering tumors more susceptible to immune attack. Collectively, these innovations have the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy and significantly improve patient survival outcomes.
TBCR: Can you explain the primary goals of your current research in nanomaterials and their applications in drug delivery?
Dr. Yallapu: My primary research goals focus on the development and application of nanomaterials for advanced drug delivery systems. I am particularly interested in designing nanoscale carriers, such as magnetic nanoparticles, self-assemblies, and modified polymer nanoparticles that can improve the precision and efficacy of therapeutic agents. My research explores engineered nanoformulations with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), mucin 13 (MUC13), and peptides to enhance the targeted delivery of drugs to prostate, pancreatic, colon, liver, and lung tumors while minimizing toxicity to healthy tissues. My aim is to create nanosystems that not only treat but also monitor treatment progress in real time.
TBCR: How do you see your work contributing to the advancement of cancer therapies?
Dr. Yallapu: My work interface of nanomedicine and cancer immunology is poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of cancer therapies. By developing innovative MUC13 antibody-drug conjugate systems, it addresses one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment. More importantly, our research idea of using nanomaterials to reverse tumor-induced immunosuppression is highly promising. This approach paves the road for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment for improved immune attack and, thus, an effective cancer treatment.
TBCR: What are some challenges you face in developing safe and effective nanoformulations for cancer immunotherapy? How did you overcome these challenges?
Dr. Yallapu: Developing safe and effective nanoformulations for cancer immunotherapy presents quite a few challenges. Firstly, the formulation must be biocompatible and non-toxic in nature while possessing specific tumor-targeting or immune cells. Additionally, efficient release and stability of therapeutic is also important. The main challenges are its clinical translation and regulatory affairs.
TBCR: As an editorial board member for various journals, what are some trends or common themes that are gaining attention? Which emerging trend are you most excited about?
Dr. Yallapu: In the recent past, I have noted a few new trends and themes gaining attention in the field of cancer research and nanomedicine including but not limited to cancer microenvironment, nanotechnology in immunotherapy, personalized and combination therapies, and artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning in nanomedicine. In addition, the emerging trend that excites me the most is the integration of nanotechnology with personalized medicine.
TBCR: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of TBCR?
Dr. Yallapu: My experience as an Editorial Board Member of TBCR has been both inspiring and rewarding. It provided me with a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of breast cancer. In addition, it provided me with opportunities to review articles, quality research topics, and collaborations.
TBCR: As an Editorial Board Member, what are your expectations for TBCR?
Dr. Yallapu: As an Editorial Board Member of TBCR, my expectations are to maintain and enhance its reputation for publishing high-quality, rigorously peer-reviewed research. I believe this is the main saga for the journal's continued growth and impact in the field of breast cancer research. I also encourage interdisciplinary, emerging trends and technologies, and translational topics to be covered, as well as promote diversity and inclusion and provide opportunities for early career scientists.