Cordelia Mano John, Medicine, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Cordelia Mano John: Assistant Professor at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, India

Dr. Cordelia Mano John is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and has over a decade of research experience in cell biology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Her multidisciplinary expertise combines experimental biology with bioinformatics to understand disease mechanisms, especially in obesity, cancer, and aging. Dr. John is passionate about translating basic research into therapeutic strategies and actively mentors graduate students and junior researchers.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Cordelia Mano John has authored 18 peer-reviewed journal articles and 2 book chapters, contributing significantly to biomedical sciences. Her work has been cited 167 times (Google Scholar) reflecting steady academic impact, with an h-index of 6 and an i10-index of 4, indicating that at least 6 of her publications have been cited 6 or more times and 4 publications have been cited at least 10 times. These metrics highlight her consistent contribution to the fields of cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and metabolic disease research.

Education

Dr. John completed her doctoral studies with a focus on biomedical sciences at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, a premier institution in Chennai, India. Prior to her PhD, she earned a Master of Science degree in Biotechnology from Loyola Academy Degree and PG College affiliated with Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her foundational undergraduate training in Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology was completed at Women’s Christian College under the University of Madras. Dr. John’s early schooling at Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram and St. Paul’s School provided a strong academic base for her scientific career.

Research Focus

Her primary research focuses on the molecular and cellular pathways underlying obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cancer, with a special emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular senescence. She investigates how bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids can modulate these disease pathways and potentially serve as therapeutic agents. Dr. John employs various model systems including mammalian cells, Drosophila melanogaster, and zebrafish (Danio rerio) to study disease mechanisms. Her work integrates experimental biology with computational tools like R programming to analyze complex data sets and interpret biological significance.

Experience

With several years of teaching and research experience, Dr. John currently leads a research group at SRIHER where she trains students and conducts cutting-edge research. She is skilled in mammalian cell culture techniques, primary cell isolation and differentiation, molecular biology assays such as PCR, Western blotting, and functional cell experiments. Her experience extends to small laboratory animal handling and working with model organisms, making her research approach comprehensive and translational. Additionally, she has completed specialized workshops on laboratory animal handling and molecular docking, enhancing her methodological repertoire.

Research Timeline

Dr. John’s research career began with foundational studies on adipogenesis and the biochemical effects of natural compounds during her MSc and PhD. From 2018 onwards, her focus expanded to studying oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity and cancer models. Between 2020 and 2022, she published multiple peer-reviewed articles exploring the molecular effects of flavonoids and phenolic acids on adipocyte function and oxidative stress. More recently, from 2023 to the present, her work has centered on senescence biology and the development of senolytic strategies using natural compounds to improve cancer therapy outcomes and metabolic health.

Awards & Honors

Throughout her academic career, Dr. John has been recognized for her scientific contributions and dedication to research excellence. She has received institutional research grants and has been invited to present her findings at national and international conferences. She has also earned certifications in laboratory animal handling and molecular modeling, reflecting her commitment to continuing professional development and adherence to high standards in research ethics and practice.

Recent Publication

Her recent preprint titled “Modulating SASP-Driven Paracrine Effects to Overcome Therapy-Induced Senescence: Senolytic Role of Hesperidin and Quercetin in A549 Lung Cancer Cells” (Molecular Biology Reports, 2025) explores how flavonoids can reverse therapy-induced senescence, a major hurdle in cancer treatment. This work highlights the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in sensitizing cancer cells to treatment and reducing adverse effects associated with senescence. This publication adds valuable insight into the growing field of senolytic research and opens avenues for new cancer therapeutics.

  • Shailaja VL, John CM, Kalaivani MK.
    Genetic engineering of algae material: Merits and demerits.
    In: Algae Materials, pp. 355–382, 2023.

  • Kalaivani MK, John CM, Jonnagaladda B, Kesavan A, Arockiasamy S.
    Attenuation of tacrolimus induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and cell cycle arrest by Boerhavia diffusa root fraction in MDCK cell lines.
    Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 24(8):1087, 2021.

  • Kavitha SA, Zainab S, Muthyalaiah YS, John CM, Arockiasamy S.
    Mechanism and implications of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and its receptor RAGE axis as crucial mediators linking inflammation and obesity.
    Molecular Biology Reports, 52(1):556, 2025.

  • Iswarya BR, John CM.
    Modulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype–driven paracrine effects to overcome therapy-induced senescence: Senolytic effects of hesperidin and quercetin in A549 lung cancer cells.
    Molecular Biology Reports, 52(1):1–14, 2025.

  • John CM, Iswarya BR.
    Modulating SASP-Driven Paracrine Effects to Overcome Therapy-Induced Senescence: Senolytic Role of Hesperidin and Quercetin in A549 Lung Cancer Cells.
    Preprint, 2025.

  • John CM, Arockiasamy S.
    Effect of Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids on Low Dose Caffeine-Induced Adipogenesis and Oxidative Stress in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.
    Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, 57(11):1768–1777, 2024.