Directories
Shantanu Rao, Ph.D.

Shantanu Rao, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Year started at UF: 2016
Contact Information
Office Location: Davis Street Building Room 142 B
Telephone: 419-434-5448
Credentials
B.Pharm, , Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, 2005
Ph.D., Medical Chemistry, University of Toledo, 2011

  • Academic Credentials:

    Doctor of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Toledo
    Bachelor of Pharmacy, DAVV University, Indore

    Dr. Rao received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the DAVV University, Indore, India. For his Ph.D. degree (2006-2011), Dr. Rao joined the Department of Medicinal & Biological Chemistry at the University of Toledo, Ohio. Subsequently, Dr. Rao was a postdoctoral fellow (PDF) in the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics , in Dr. Youssef Sari's lab, at the University of Toledo. His work at the University of Toledo involved the synthesis and in vitro characterization of muscarinic antagonists (graduate research work) and the evaluation of in vivo efficacy of beta lactams in alcohol-preferring P rats (postdoctoral work). Dr. Rao's research work at Toledo resulted in the successful publication of 9 research articles and 2 review articles. To continue his postdoctoral training and to better understand the interactions between HIV-1 infection and drug addiction, Dr. Rao joined Dr. Santosh Kumar's research group at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in March 2014.

    After joining Dr. Kumar's lab, Dr. Rao was actively involved in studying drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and drugs of abuse. As a PDF in Dr. Kumar's lab, he successfully conducted experiments demonstrating the deleterious effects of ethanol and cigarette smoke condensate on HIV replication and the cellular pathways governing these effects. Dr. Rao collaborated with Dr. Kumar towards publishing novel data and reviewing the existing literature on drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral therapy and drug addiction. These efforts have resulted in the publication of 4 research articles, 6 review papers, and 1 book chapter. 

    In January 2016, Dr. Rao joined the College of Pharmacy at The University of Findlay as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Rao's current research interests include:
    a) Examining the scope of drug-drug interactions between HIV medications and drugs of abuse
    b) Studying the effects of drug abuse on HIV replication
    c) Assessing the potential anticancer properties of novel compounds 

  • Professional Appointments

    • Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Findlay (March 2021-present)
    • Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Findlay (January 2016-March 2021)
    • Research Associate, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (July 2015-December 2015)
    • Postdoctoral Fellow, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center (June 2014-July 2015)
    • Postdoctoral Fellow, Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Missouri- Kansas City (March 2014-June 2014)
    • Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Pharmacology, University of Toledo (January 2012-March 2014)
    • Synthetic Chemist (Intern), Affymetrix Inc., Maumee, Ohio (June 2011-August 2011) 
    • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Torrent Pharmaceuticals limited, Delta division, Indore (M.P.), India (February 2006-June 2006)
    • Pharmaceutical Production Trainee, Elder Pharmaceuticals limited, Mumbai (MH), India (July 2004)

  • ​Research Articles

    Link to Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7LRbCscAAAAJ&hl=en&authuser=1   

    1. Mills, J.M., VanAtta, C.N., Hendershot, R.S., Rao, S. (2023). Pharmacy Students’ Perceptions of Remote versus Face-to-Face Learning Experience. Pharmacy 11 (3), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy11030097
    2. Leopold, T, Gerschutz, M., Rao, S. (2023). Trends of opioid usage in surgical patients in a small community hospital: analysis of patient data between 2017-2021. Hospital Pharmacy. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018578723117238
    3. Rao, S (2023). Drug Information Quizzes as Predictors of Student Success in Integrated Pharmacotherapy Courses. Am J Pharm Educ. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100087
    4. Adams, J., Wymer, E., Rao, P.S.S. (2023). Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cross-country runners: changes in training, sleep, diet, and mental health. J Am Coll Health. Online ahead of print. DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2153602.
    1. Bhatt, H., Song, D., Musgrave, Rao, P.S.S. (2021). Cannabinoid-induced changes in the immune system: The role of microRNAs. Int Immunopharmacol. Jun 6, 98, 107832. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107832.

    2. Hartman, R., Rao, P.S.S., Churchwell, M., Lewis, S. (2020) Novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2020 Aug 17. doi: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1811231.
    3. Berlekamp, D., Rao, P.S.S., Patton, T., Berner, J. (2019). Surveys of pharmacy students and pharmacy educators regarding medical marijuana. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2019.03.00
    4. Stitzlein, L., Stang, C., Inbody, L., Rao, P.S.S., Schneider, R., Dudley, R. (2019). Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of lipophilically modified bisphenol Z derivatives. Chem Biol Drug Des. 2019; 00: 1–6. https ://doi.org/10.1111/cbdd.13531
    5. Stitzlein, L., Rao, PSS, Dudley, R. (2018). Emerging oral VEGF inhibitors for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1559296
    6. Gong, Y., Rao, P.S.S., Sinha, N., Ranjit, S., Cory, T.J., Kumar, S. (2018). The role of cytochrome P450 2E1 on ethanol-mediated oxidative stress and HIV replication in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports 17 (2019) 65–70.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2018.11.008
    7. Alasmari F., Bell, R.L., Rao, P.S.S., Hammad, A.M., Sari, Y. (2018). Peri-adolescent drinking of ethanol and/or nicotine modulates astroglial glutamate transporters and metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 in female alcohol-preferring rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 170:44-55. DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.05.006
    8. Thompson, E.L., Rao, P.S.S., Hayes, C., Purtill, C. (2018).  Dispensing Naloxone without a Prescription: Survey Evaluation of Ohio Pharmacists. J Pharm Pract. Accepted. In press.
    9. Rao, P.S.S., O'Connell K, Finnerty TK (2018). Potential Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathophysiology of Drug Addiction. Mol Neurobiol. 2018 Jan 23. doi: 10.1007/s12035-018-0912-4.
    10. Rao, P.S.S. and Burkart, T. (2017). Advances in oral anticoagulation therapy – What's in the pipeline? Blood Reviews. DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2017.02.002. In press.
    11. Ranjit S., Midde, N. M., Sinha, N., Patters, B. J., Rahman, M. A., Cory, T. J., Rao, P. S., Kumar, S. (2016). Effect of Polyaryl Hydrocarbons on Cytotoxicity in Monocytic Cells: Potential Role of Cytochromes P450 and Oxidative Stress Pathways. PLoS One. Sep 29;11(9):e0163827. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163827
    12. Midde, N.M., Patters, B.J., Rao, P.S.S., Cory, T.J., Kumar, S. (2016). Investigational protease inhibitors as antiretroviral therapies. Expert Opinion On Investigational Drugs. Oct;25(10):1189-200. DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1212837.
    13. Rao, P.S.S.*, Ande, A. *, Kumar, A., Kumar, S. (2016). Effects of cigarette smoke condensate on oxidative stress, apoptotic cell death, and HIV replication in human monocytic cells. PLoS One. 11(5):e0155791. *Equal contribution. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155791.
    14. Sari, Y., Toalston, J.E., Rao, P.S.S., Bell, R.L. (2016). Effects of ceftriaxone on ethanol, nicotine or sucrose intake by alcohol-preferring (P) rats and its association with GLT-1 expression. Neuroscience. 326, 117-125. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.04.004.
    15. Alasmari, F. *, Rao, P.S.S. *, Sari, Y. (2016). Effects of cefazolin and cefoperazone on glutamate transporter 1 isoforms and cystine/glutamate exchanger as well as alcohol drinking behavior in male alcohol-preferring rats. Brain research. 1634, 150-7. *Equal contribution. DOI:10.1016/j.brainres.2016.01.007.
    16. Rao, P.S.S., Kumar, S. (2016). Chronic effects of ethanol and/or darunavir/ritonavir on U937 monocytic cells: Regulation of cytochrome P450 and antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress, and cytotoxicity. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. 40 (1), 73-82. DOI: 10.1111/acer.12938.
    17. Anusha, A., Sinha, N., Rao, P.S.S., McArthur, C.P., Ayuk, L., Achu, P.N., Njinda, A., Kumar, A., Kumar, S. (2015) Enhanced oxidative stress by alcohol use in HIV+ patients: Possible involvement of cytochrome P450 2E1 and antioxidant enzymes. AIDS Research and Therapy. 12, 29. DOI:  10.1186/s12981-015-0071-x.
    18. Rao, P.S.S., Yallapu, M.M., Sari, Y., Fisher, P.B., Kumar, S. (2015). Designing Novel Nanoformulations Targeting Glutamate Transporter 1/Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2: Implications in Treating Drug Addiction. Journal of Personalized NanoMedicine. 1, 1, 3-9.
    19. Rao, P.S.S.*, Midde, N.M.*, Miller, D., Chauhan, S., Kumar, A., Kumar, S. (2015). Diallyl sulfide: Potential use in novel therapeutic interventions in alcohol, drugs, and disease mediated cellular toxicity by targeting cytochrome P450 2E1. Current Drug Metabolism. 16 (6), 486-503. *Equal contribution. DOI: 10.2174/1389200216666150812123554.
    20. Goodwani, S., Rao, P.S.S., Bell, R., Sari, Y. (2015). Amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate reduce ethanol intake and increase GLT-1 expression as well as AKT phosphorylation in mesocorticolimbic regions. Brain research. 1622, 397-408. DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.07.008.
    21. Cory, T., Midde, N.M., Rao, P.S.S., Kumar, S. (2015). Investigational DNA Polymerase Inhibitors for the Treatment of HIV. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 24 (9), 1219-28. DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2015.1058357.
    22. Rao, P.S.S., Kumar, S. (2015). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cytochrome P450 in HIV pathogenesis. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, 550. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00550.
    23. Rao, P.S.S., Bell, R.L., Engleman, E.A., Sari, Y. (2015). Targeting glutamate uptake to treat alcohol use disorders. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 9, 144. DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00144.  
    24. Rao, P.S.S., Goodwani, S., Bell, R., Wei, Y., Boddu, S., Sari, Y. (2015). Effects of ampicillin, cefazolin and cefoperazone treatments on GLT1 expressions in the mesocorticolimbic system and ethanol intake in alcohol-preferring rats. Neuroscience, 295, 164-174. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.03.038.
    25. Ande, A., McArthur, C., Ayuk, L., Awasom, C., Achu, P.N., Njinda, A., Sinha, N., Rao, P.S.S., Agudelo, M., Nookala, A.R., Simon, S., Kumar, A., Kumar, S. (2015). Effect of mild-to-moderate smoking on viral load, cytokines, oxidative stress, and cytochrome P450 enzymes in HIV-infected individuals. PLOS One, 10 (4), e0122402. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122402.
    26. Rao, P.S.S., Saternos, H., Goodwani, S., Sari, Y. (2015). Effect of ceftriaxone on GLT1 isoforms, xCT and associated signaling pathways in P rats exposed to ethanol. Psychopharmacology. 232 (13), 2333-42. DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3868-3.
    27. Rao, P.S.S., Cory, T., Kumar, S. (2014). New antiretroviral therapies and potential drug interactions in HIV- infected drug abusers. Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals, 6, 86-91.
    28. Kumar, S.*, Rao, P.S.S.*, Earla, R., Kumar, A (2014). Drug-drug interactions between anti-retroviral therapies and drugs of abuse in HIV systems. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 11 (3), 343-355. DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2015.996546. *Equal contribution.
    29. Rao, P.S.S., Sari, Y. (2014). Effectiveness of ceftriaxone treatment in preventing relapse-like drinking behavior following long-term ethanol dependence in P rats. Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy, 5 (2), 183. DOI: 10.4172/2155-6105.1000183.
    30. Rao, P.S.S., Sari, Y. (2014). Effects of ceftriaxone on chronic ethanol consumption: a possible role for xCT and GLT-1 isoforms modulation of glutamate levels in male P rats. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 54 (1), 71-77. DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0251-5.
    31. Maheshwari, A., Rao, P.S.S., Messer, W.M. (2014). Evaluation of 1,2,5-thiadiazoles as modulators of M₁/M₅ muscarinic receptor subtypes. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry, 22 (6), 1838-1844. DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.01.049.
    32. Sari, Y., Franklin, K.M., Alazizi, A., Rao, P.S.S., Bell, R.L., (2013). Effects of ceftriaxone on the acquisition and maintenance of ethanol drinking in peri-adolescent and adult female alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Neuroscience, 241, 229-238. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.03.016.
    33. Rao, P.S.S., Sari, Y., (2012). Glutamate Transporter 1: Target for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 19 (30), 5148. DOI: 10.2174/092986712803530511
    34. Sharma, R., Rao, P.S.Shantanu, Chaturvedi, S.C. (2006). Identification of pharmacophores for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity on aryl-(imidazol-1-yl) acetates. Indian Journal of Chemistry-Part B, 45 (6), 1443.  ​

    ​

    Book Chapter
    1. Rao, P.S.S. and Stang, C.R.T. Nanoformulations for Therapeutics. Advances in Personalized Nanotherapeutics. In print.
    2. Kumar, S. *, Rao, P.S.S. *, Sinha, N., Midde, N. Cytochrome P450 and oxidative stress as possible pathways for alcohol and tobacco mediated neuroAIDS. Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse. Volume 1, Chapter 17, Page 179-188. *Equal contribution. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800213-1.00017-1.

    Oral/Poster Presentations
    1. Continuing Medical Education talk on CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain at Blanchard Valley Health Systems, Findlay, OH, May 31st 2019.
    2. Continuing Medical Education talk on CDC Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain at Wood County Hospital, OH, Dec. 16th 2020.
    3. Tobacco Smoking and HIV Pathogenesis: Potential Role of Cytochrome P450 Pathway, oral presentation, The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, April 2016.
    4. Effect of chronic alcohol treatment on HIV infection: role of cytochrome P450 and oxidative stress pathways, oral presentation, 8th Annual Postdoc Research Day, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, Dec 2015.
    5. Role of cytochrome P450s in mediating the effects of alcohol on HIV pathogenesis, oral presentation, 3rd International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs, Atlanta, GA, Nov-Dec 2015. P S Shantanu Rao et al., J AIDS Clin Res 2015, 6:10. DOI: 10.4172/2155-6113.C1.011.
    6. Chronic Effects of Alcohol and/or Antiretroviral Drugs on Monocytes/Macrophages: Potential Role of Cytochrome P450, Efflux Transporter, and Antioxidant Enzymes, oral presentation, 21st Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology Annual Scientific Conference, Miami, FL, April 2015.
    7. Chronic effects of alcohol and/or antiretroviral drugs on monocytes/macrophages: role of cytochrome p450, efflux transporter, and antioxidant enzymes, poster presentation, 21st Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology Annual Scientific Conference, Miami, FL, April 2015.
    8. Effects of Cigarette Smoke Condensate on HIV Pathogenesis, poster presentation, 21st Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology Annual Scientific Conference, Miami, FL, April 2015.
    9. Role of cytochrome pathways in tobacco-mediated oxidative stress and HIV replication in monocytes/macrophages, poster presentation, 2nd scientific symposium, Society for Personalized Nano-Medicine, Miami, FL, Jan. 2015.
    10. Exosomal proteins in smoking mediated HIV pathogenesis, poster presentation, 2nd scientific symposium, Society for Personalized Nano-Medicine, Miami, FL, Jan. 2015.
    11. Effects of ceftriaxone on the acquisition and maintenance of ethanol drinking in peri-adolescent and adult female alcohol-preferring (P) rats, poster presentation, Society for Neuroscience national meeting, New Orleans, LA, Oct. 2012.
    12. Structure activity relationships in a series of possible M5 selective allosteric muscarinic ligands, poster presentation, 241st ACS national meeting, Anaheim, CA, Mar. 2011.
    13. Structure activity relationships in a series of potential allosteric muscarinic ligands, poster presentation, 43rd MAGSS conference, Purdue University, IN., July 2010. 
    ​
    STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
    1. Poster Presentation: Hill, J., Hepler, A.C., Neuberger, B.A., Rao, S. “Cannabinoid-induced changes in expression of cytochrome P450s and antioxidant enzymes in human neuronal and non-neuronal cells​” at The University of Findlay Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity, Findlay, OH (April 2019).
    2. Poster Presentation: Rippetoe, D., Harrand, J., Rao, S. “Morphine-induced changes in expression of cytochrome P450s and antioxidant enzymes in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells” at The University of Findlay Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity, Findlay, OH (April 2018).
    3. Poster Presentation: O’Connell, K., Buchfellner, M., Mittal, R., Travis, B., Rao, S. “Phosphocholine-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Monocytic U937 Cells” at the 140th Ohio Pharmacists Association, Columbus, OH (April 2018).
    4. Poster Presentation: Buchfellner, M., O’Connell, K., Mittal, R., Travis, B., Rao, S. “Cytotoxic Effects of Phosphocholines in Human Monocytic U937 Cells” at The Ohio Academy of Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH (April 2018).
    5. Oral presentation: Kelly O’Connell, Title: Anti-Cancer Effects and Mechanism of Action of Phosphocholine Esters at The University of Findlay Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity. Findlay, OH.
    6. Poster Presentation: Buchfellner, M., O’Connell, K., Mittal, R., Travis, B., Rao, S. “Structure-Activity Relationships Of Phosphocholine Esters For Anticancer Activity” Poster presentation (April 2017) at The University of Findlay Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity. Findlay, OH.
    7. Poster Presentation: Purtill, C., Hayes, C., Rao, P.S.S., Thompson, E. Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Dispensing Perceptions of Naloxone at the 139th Ohio Pharmacists Association in Columbus (April 2017). 
    8. Poster Presentation: Stang, C.R.T., Adams, B.R., Faler, A.D., Schuler, B.R., Eichel, A.M., Dick, M.J., Orahood, C.B., Whited, T.L., Rao, P.S.S., Dudley, R.W., Khupse, R.S., Schneider, R.A. at Experimental Biology meeting in Chicago (April 2017).

  • ​Awards and Affiliations ​

    • Teacher of the year (student selected), College of Pharmacy, UF (2022)
    • Outstanding Faculty Advisor, College of Pharmacy, UF (2021)
    • UF bands – faculty/staff appreciation award (2020)​
    • Teacher of the Year (student selected), College of Pharmacy, UF (2017)
    • Best oral presentation, 8th Annual Postdoc Research Day, UTHSC (2015)
    • Early Career Investigator (ECI) Travel Award, Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology (2015)
    • ECI selected symposium speaker, Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology (2015)
    • Summer Travel Award, Postdoctoral Association, UTHSC (2015)
    • Nominated, Association of Alcohol Researchers of Indian Origin (AARIO) Young Investigator Award (2015)
    • Nominated, Postdoctoral Fellow Achievement Award (2015)
    • Nominated, International Student of the Year (2011)
    • Member, Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology (since 2015)  
    • Member, Society for Neuroscience (since 2012)
    • Member, ACS, Medicinal Chemistry Division (2010-2012)
    • Member, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (since 2010)
    • Member, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (since 2015)
    • Registered pharmacist, M.P., India (2009-2013) 


    Professional Activities/Service

    • Ad-hoc reviewer for scientific journals: Food and Chemical Technology, Pharmacological Research, Psychopharmacology, Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers in Microbiology, PLOS One, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology, Neural Regeneration Research, Journal of Personalized NanoMedicine 
    • Poster/abstract judge: 21st Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology Annual Scientific Conference (2015), UTHSC Graduate Research Day (2015), AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (2016), AACP Annual Meeting (2017).  
    • Committee member: Organizing committee member for the 42nd Mid-Atlantic Graduate Student Symposium at the University of Toledo (2009), Early Career Investigator committee for the Society of NeuroImmune Pharmacology (2015).