Dr. Kiran Solingapuram Sai, Wake Forest School of Medicine, United States.
Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai, PhD, is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Radiology at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Northern Illinois University and has extensive research experience in radiopharmaceutical chemistry. His postdoctoral training at Washington University’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology focused on radiotracer development.
Profile
Orcid
✨ Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, in 2001. His passion for organic chemistry led him to pursue a Master of Science in the same field at Osmania University, where he honed his expertise in chemical synthesis and molecular interactions. Determined to explore the depths of organic chemistry, he pursued his Ph.D. at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, under the mentorship of Dr. Douglas A. Klumpp. During this period, his research focused on synthetic methodologies and organic reaction mechanisms, paving the way for his future contributions to medicinal and radiopharmaceutical chemistry.
🌐 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Sai’s professional journey commenced with a prestigious postdoctoral research associate position at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, where he worked under the guidance of Dr. Robert H. Mach. During his tenure from 2010 to 2013, he delved into the complexities of radiochemistry, developing novel radiotracers and exploring their applications in medical imaging. This experience laid the groundwork for his career in radiopharmaceutical sciences. In 2014, he joined Wake Forest School of Medicine as a Research Instructor and Chief Radiochemist, marking the beginning of his significant contributions to translational imaging and radiopharmaceutical production.
⚛️ Contributions and Research Focus
At Wake Forest School of Medicine, Dr. Sai played a pivotal role in the Department of Radiology and the Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI). He specialized in managing clinical and research-based radiopharmaceutical production at the Wake Forest PET Research Center. As a cyclotron manager and coordinator, he oversaw the synthesis and quality control of radiotracers essential for PET imaging. His expertise extended to the development and implementation of cGMP-approved protocols for C-11 and F-18 radiopharmaceutical production, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy. His research focuses on advancing PET imaging techniques, exploring new radiotracers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and improving imaging biomarker development.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Sai’s dedication to radiochemistry and molecular imaging has earned him recognition in the scientific community. His work has been instrumental in developing radiopharmaceuticals for neurological and oncological imaging, contributing significantly to early disease detection and targeted therapy. His contributions have been acknowledged through numerous research grants, collaborative projects, and publications in high-impact scientific journals. His commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned him as a leading figure in the field of radiopharmaceutical sciences.
🔬 Impact and Influence
Beyond his research and technical expertise, Dr. Sai has mentored budding scientists and researchers in the field of radiochemistry and imaging sciences. His guidance has helped shape the next generation of radiopharmaceutical experts, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific curiosity. His role in translational imaging programs has bridged the gap between basic research and clinical applications, directly impacting patient care by improving diagnostic imaging techniques.
💡 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Sai’s work continues to inspire advancements in molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical development. As an Associate Professor with tenure at Wake Forest School of Medicine, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of radiochemistry, developing cutting-edge imaging agents, and enhancing the precision of diagnostic medicine. His legacy in the field is defined by his unwavering commitment to scientific discovery, translational research, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in radiopharmaceutical sciences.Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai’s contributions to the field of radiopharmaceutical chemistry stand as a testament to his dedication, innovation, and impact on medical imaging and healthcare. His journey from a passionate chemistry student to a distinguished professor and researcher highlights the transformative power of science in shaping the future of medicine.
Publication
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Radiation-induced brain injury in non-human primates: A dual tracer PET study with [11C]MPC-6827 and [11C]PiB
- Authors: Naresh Damuka, George W. Schaaf, Mack Miller, Caleb Bradley, Bhuvanachandra Bhoopal, Ivan Krizan, Krishna K. Gollapelli, Christopher T. Whitlow, J. Mark Cline, Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai
- Year: 2025
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The β-Secretase 1 Enzyme as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer
- Authors: Hilal A. Rather, Sameh Almousa, Ashish Kumar, Mitu Sharma, Isabel Pennington, Susy Kim, Yixin Su, Yangen He, Abdollah R. Ghara, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai et al.
- Year: 2023
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Development and Optimization of 11C-Labeled Radiotracers: A Review of the Modern Quality Control Design Process
- Authors: Paul Josef Myburgh, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai
- Year: 2023
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Binding Parameters of [11C]MPC-6827, a Microtubule-Imaging PET Radiopharmaceutical in Rodents
- Authors: Avinash H. Bansode, Bhuvanachandra Bhoopal, Krishna Kumar Gollapelli, Naresh Damuka, Ivan Krizan, Mack Miller, Suzanne Craft, Akiva Mintz, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai
- Year: 2023
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PET Imaging of [11C]MPC-6827, a Microtubule-Based Radiotracer in Non-Human Primate Brains
- Authors: Naresh Damuka, Paul W. Czoty, Ashley T. Davis, Michael Nader, Susan H. Nader, Suzanne Craft, Shannon L. Macauley, Lindsey K. Galbo Thomma, Phillip M. Epperly, Christopher T. Whitlow et al.
- Year: 2020
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One-pot synthesis of novel tert-butyl-4-substituted phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolo piperazine/piperidine carboxylates, potential GPR119 agonists
- Authors: Nagaraju Bashetti, J.V. Shanmukha Kumar, Naresh Varma Seelam, B. Prasanna, Akiva Mintz, Naresh Damuka, Sriram Devanathan, Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai
- Year: 2019
Conclusion
Dr. Kiran K. Solingapuram Sai has established himself as a leading expert in radiopharmaceutical sciences, contributing significantly to translational imaging research. His work in PET radiopharmaceutical production and quality assurance underscores his role in advancing medical imaging techniques. His academic and research contributions make him a valuable asset in the field of radiology and molecular imaging.