Sonal Srikanth

Dr. Sonal Srikanth is an esteemed Associate Adjunct Professor of Physiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the National Center for Biological Sciences in India, where she delved into the biophysical properties of the Drosophila melanogaster Inositol 1, 4, 5 trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R). This foundational work set the stage for her subsequent research endeavors in the field of cellular physiology. Dr. Srikanth's research portfolio is both diverse and impactful, encompassing critical areas such as Store-operated Ca2+ Entry, T cells, macrophages, host defense mechanisms, inflammasomes, and cellular nucleic acid sensing pathways. Her work has significantly contributed to the understanding of immune cell signaling and function, particularly in the context of human health and disease. Currently, Dr. Srikanth's research is focused on the regulation of the STING pathway under sterile conditions, a crucial area of study with implications for understanding immune responses and potential therapeutic interventions. Additionally, she is investigating the distinct roles of Orai1 and Orai2 in naive and effector helper T cells, aiming to elucidate their contributions to immune cell differentiation and function. Throughout her career, Dr. Srikanth has been at the forefront of her field, serving as the Principal Investigator on numerous NIH-funded research projects. Her work has been widely recognized and published in prestigious scientific journals, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in physiology and immunology. Dr. Srikanth's contributions extend beyond her research, as she is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her passion for teaching and collaboration has fostered a dynamic and supportive environment for students and colleagues alike, further enhancing the academic community at UCLA.