Prof. Dr. Dharmappa Krishnappa

Department of Studies and Research in Biochemistry, Mangalore University, Chikka Aluvara, Kodagu, India

Prof. K.K. Dharmappa is a distinguished academic and researcher in Biochemistry with deep expertise in the biochemical pathways of inflammation and associated disorders. He holds BSc, MSc, and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry from the University of Mysore, India. His Ph.D. specialization focused on the enzymatic mechanisms of phospholipase A2 and their roles in inflammatory processes.

His groundbreaking research has focused on understanding the molecular underpinnings of inflammation. He has made significant contributions to elucidating the role of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) in inflammatory conditions, with a specific interest in how sPLA2 enzymes contribute to haemorrhage during snakebite envenomation. His work has also extended to the pharmacology of venom, as well as exploring potential PLA2 inhibitors derived from both natural and synthetic sources. Further research initiatives led by Prof. Dharmappa include studies on lung inflammation and neuroinflammation, focusing on the cellular pathways involving cPLA2, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK. His work also investigates the altered production of prostaglandins (PGE-2, TXB2) and their association with inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in both infectious and non-infectious inflammatory conditions.

In addition to his research, Prof. Dharmappa is an ardent educator, mentoring numerous postgraduate and doctoral students in Biochemistry. He is a prolific contributor to high-impact journals and is actively involved in the global scientific community, regularly presenting at national and international conferences. Prof. Dharmappa also serves as a peer reviewer for several reputed scientific journals, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of Biochemistry.

Updated 5 February 2025