SVKM NMIMS Global University

Dr. Sanjay N. Awathale

Professor

Pharmacology

Faculty since 21st November 2023

Email: sanjay.awathale@svkm.ac.in

Specialization: Pharmacology

Currently, I am working as a Professor in Pharmacology. I received my M. Pharm. and Ph. D. degrees in Pharmacology from RTM Nagpur University under the supervision of Professor Dadasaheb M. Kokare. My Ph. D. research work basically focused on understanding the reward memory engrams using positive and negative reinforcement protocols. During my Ph.D., I had research collaboration with Professor Nishikant Subhedar (IISER, Pune). After completing my thesis, I went to do postdoctoral research at the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, where I shifted my focus to finding the role of the cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, in alcohol addiction. In the present laboratory at SVKM's IOP Dhule, I am investigating the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, including OCD, PTSD, aggression, and depression using rodent models. We apply techniques such as stereotaxic surgery, intracranial drug delivery, and behavioral testing to investigate stress-induced maladaptive behaviors. One of our key research goals is to model OCD-like and aggressive phenotypes in chronically stressed mice, examining the interplay between stress, compulsivity, and aggression at the neural circuit and molecular levels. My lab is equipped to perform and teach techniques including immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative RT-PCR, and this project will provide valuable training opportunities in these areas.

Qualification	Specialization	University/Institution	Year Completed	Remarks
D. Pharm.	Pharmacy	MSBTE	2010	First division
B. Pharm.	Pharmaceutical Sciences	Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur	2013	First division
M. Pharm.	Pharmacology	Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur	2015	First division
Ph.D.	Pharmacology	Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur	2022

From Date	To Date	Designation	Department	University/Institution	Total Years	Responsibilities
2015-06-01	2016-02-17	Research Volunteer	Pharmacology	Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur	0.8	As a research volunteer in a pharmacology lab, I assisted with molecular and behavioral experiments, including sample preparation, data collection, and analysis using Excel and GraphPad Prism. I contributed to manuscript writing by preparing figures, reviewing literature, and editing content. My responsibilities also included maintaining lab equipment, sterilizing materials, and managing reagent stocks. I collaborated closely with senior researchers on complex tasks and mentored junior members on basic lab techniques. This experience strengthened my understanding of pharmacological research, improved my scientific writing, and developed my teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a collaborative research environment.
2016-02-18	2019-02-17	JRF/SRF	Pharmacology	Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur	3	As a JRF/SRF in a DST-SERB sponsored project, responsibilities included conducting intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) and behavioral assays to study reward learning, and investigating synaptic plasticity and CART peptide function in the brain. I standardized HPLC and in vivo microdialysis protocols for neurochemical analysis. My role also involved data analysis, manuscript writing, figure preparation, and assisting in publication processes. I supported the Principal Investigator with experimental design, grant reporting, and coordination of lab activities. This position required strong technical skills, scientific communication, and collaboration with lab members to ensure successful project execution and research outcomes.
2025-03-08	2025-05-07	SRF-ICMR Research Scheme	Pharmacology	Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur	1	As a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) under an ICMR Research Scheme, I conducted independent research aligned with my Ph.D. work, focusing on reward memory and animal behavior. Responsibilities included designing and executing behavioral experiments, analyzing data using statistical tools, and interpreting findings in the context of memory and motivation. I maintained accurate records, contributed to manuscript writing, and presented research in academic forums. The role involved managing timelines, ensuring ethical compliance, and coordinating with the supervisory team to meet project goals. This position was integral to the successful completion of my Ph.D. and enhanced my expertise in neuroscience research.
2022-05-12	2023-05-17	Post-doctoral Research Fellow	Emotional Brain Institute	Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York	1.5	As a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Nathan Kline Institute under an RFMH-sponsored project, I conducted independent research focused on neuroscience and psychiatric disorders. My responsibilities included designing and executing experiments, performing advanced data analysis, and contributing to scientific publications through manuscript writing and figure preparation. I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and actively participated in lab meetings and seminars. Additionally, I assisted my mentor in developing and writing research proposals and grant applications. This role enhanced my skills in experimental design, critical thinking, and scientific communication while contributing to the advancement of translational research in mental health.
2016-06-01	2021-05-01	Lecturer	Pharmacology	Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, RTMN Nagpur University, Nagpur	5	As a Lecturer in a Pharmacy College, I was responsible for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students core concepts in pharmacology through lectures, interactive sessions, and assessments. I conducted and supervised practical classes, demonstrating experiments related to drug action, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. My role included preparing lesson plans, evaluating student performance, and ensuring curriculum alignment with regulatory standards. I guided students in project work and seminars, supported academic development, and maintained laboratory discipline and safety. Additionally, I participated in departmental activities, curriculum development, and mentoring students, fostering a strong foundation in pharmacological sciences and applied pharmaceutical education.

Research Item	Count
Books	0
Article/Paper Published in Journal	12
Paper in Book Chapters	02
Paper in Conference Proceedings	0
Patents Filed/Published/Granted	03
Copyright	0
Ph.D. Scholars Guided (Completed & Ongoing)	0
PG Scholars Guided	04
UG Scholars Guided	03
Grants and Funding Projects (Completed & Ongoing)	01
Consultancy Projects(Completed & Ongoing)	0
Invited Talks/Keynote Speeches/Guest Lectures/Session Delivered	05
Memberships in Professional Bodies	1
Paper Present in International/National Conferences	44
Faculty Development Programs (FDPs)/STTP Participated	01
Workshops// TrainingProgram Participated	05
International/National Collaborations	04

Date	Title	Authors	Journal Name	Indexing (SCI/SCIE/Scopus/UGC-CARE)	Publisher	Year	DOI
2025-05-19	Inhibition of TRPM3 channels in the medial prefrontal cortex mitigates OCD symptoms following traumatic brain injury	Pardeshi GN, Ali N, Shirasath KR, Goyal SN, Nakhate KT, Awathale SN	Inflammopharmacology	Scopus	Springer Nature	2025	10.1007/s10787-025-01763-5
2025-05-22	From glial cells to pain pathways: ICAM-1 as a central player in neuroinflammation and neuropathy	1. Chaudhari A, Padmar J, Awathale SN, Goyal SN, Nakhate KT, Sherikar	Discover Neuroscience		Springer Nature	2025	https://doi.org/10.1186/s13064-025-00201-0
2025-01-08	Spexin (Neuropeptide Q): Distribution, Functional Roles, and Emerging Therapeutic Perspectives	Tarwani RS, Shirasath KR, Awathale SN, Goyal SN, Nakhate KT	International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics	Scopus	Springer Nature	2025	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10989-024-10680-0
2024-05-22	Pathophysiological and therapeutic implications of neuropeptide S system in neurological disorders	Shirsath KR, Patil VK, Awathale SN, Goyal SN, Nakhate KT	Peptide	Scopus	Elsevier	2024	10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171167
2024-09-24	Deep brain stimulation targeted at lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle reverses depressive-like symptoms and related cognitive deficits in rat: Role of serotoninergic system	Dudhabhate BB, Awathale SN, Choudhary AG, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM	Neuroscience	Scopus	Elsevier	2024	10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.052
2024-08-15	Lycopene alleviates BCG-induced depressive phenotypes in mice by disrupting 5-HT3 receptor - IDO1 interplay in the brain	Deore R, Ansari R, Awathale SN, Shelke M, Badwaik HR, Goyal SN, Nakhate KT		Scopus	European Journal of Pharmacology	2024	10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176707.
2024-07-01	Response of nitrergic system in the brain of rat conditioned to intracranial self-stimulation	Choudhary AG, Awathale SN, Dudhabhate BB, Pawar N, Jadhav G, Upadhya MA, Khedkar T, Gadhikar YA, Sakharkar AJ, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM	Journal of Neurochemistry	Scopus	Wiley	2024	10.1111/jnc.16090.
2022-12-15	Neuropeptide S facilitates extinction of fear via modulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic circuitry	Kawade HM, Awathale SN, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM.	Neuropharmacology	Scopus	Elsevier	2022	10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109274.
2022-12-01	In-house fabrication of bipolar electrode-cannula assembly for electrical stimulation and drug delivery at the same site in rat brain	Choudhary AG, Awathale SN, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM	Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods	Scopus	Elsevier	2022	10.1016/j.vascn.2022.107194
2022-02-01	Neuroplastic Changes in the Superior Colliculus and Hippocampus in Self-rewarding Paradigm: Importance of Visual Cues	Awathale SN, Waghade AM, Kawade HM, Jadhav G, Choudhary AG, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM		Scopus	Molecular Neurobiology	2022	10.1007/s12035-021-02597-2
2021-09-01	Neuropeptide CART modulates dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens: Insights into the anatomy of rewarding circuits	Awathale SN, Choudhary AG, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM	Journal of Neurochemistry	Scopus	Wiley	2021	10.1111/jnc.15479
2021-07-07	LSD1-BDNF activity in lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle area is essential for reward seeking behavior	Sagarkar S, Choudhary AG, Balasubramanian N, Awathale SN, Somalwar AR, Pawar N, Kokare DM, Subhedar NK, Sakharkar AJ		Scopus	Progress in Neurobiology	2021	10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102048
2020-07-15	Denial of food to the hungry rat: A novel paradigm for induction and evaluation of anger-like emotion	Awathale SN, Dudhbhate BB, Rahangdale RR, Borkar CD, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM		Scopus	Journal of Neuroscience Methods	2020	10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108791

Award Title	Year	Awarded By	Level (National/International)	Recognition Details
Post-doctoral training fellowship	2022	RFMH, New York, USA	International	Awarded a Post-Doctoral Fellowship by the Research Foundation for Mental Health (RFMH), New York, for research on the role of GPR55 receptors in addiction. The fellowship recognizes contributions to understanding how GPR55 receptors may influence addiction mechanisms and their potential as therapeutic targets
Senior research fellowship	2021	Indian Council of Medical Research	National	Awarded a Senior Research Fellowship by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct PhD research on the localization of reward memory engrams using rodent models. The fellowship supports advanced exploration of the neural mechanisms underlying reward memory, contributing to a better understanding of how specific brain regions encode and store memory related to rewards
Ph. D. Research Fellowship	2019	RTM Nagpur University	National	Awarded a PhD Research Fellowship by RTM Nagpur University to conduct doctoral research on animal behavior. The fellowship supports in-depth studies into the behavioral patterns, neural mechanisms, and environmental factors influencing animal behavior, contributing to the field of behavioral neuroscience.
Junior and Senior Research Fellowship	2016	DST-SERB	National	Awarded Junior/Senior Research Fellowship (JRF/SRF) by the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB) to perform animal experiments focused on reward mechanisms using Intracranial Self-Stimulation (ICSS) and CART peptides. The fellowship supports research aimed at investigating the role of CART peptides in modulating reward pathways and their potential in treating addiction and other related disorders.
Post-graduate Research Fellowship	2013	AICTE	National	Qualified for the Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) and awarded a Post-Graduate Research Fellowship by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The fellowship supported Master's-level experimental research in [specific area of study.

Organization	Type	Membership ID	Year of Joining	Validity

Platform	URL (Web Address)
LinkedIn	https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjay-awathale/
ResearchGate	https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sanjay-Awathale
Google Scholar	https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jwudyIsAAAAJ&hl=en
Scopus	https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57217050628
Orchid	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8793-3318