Kanika Jain, PhD

Dr. Kanika Jain’s research focuses on how proteostasis and the unfolded protein response (UPR) regulate proteome fidelity and function in non-transcriptionally active cells, particularly platelets. Despite their anucleate nature, platelets are highly sensitive to circulating stressors, and Dr. Jain investigates their complex roles in cardiovascular (diabetes, hypertension), aging and cerebrovascular diseases (Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson Disease).

During her postdoctoral studies at Yale, Dr. Jain discovered that platelets contain a highly functional and selective UPR, despite lacking a nucleus. This work (Circ Res 2022) established a new paradigm in anucleate cell biology and opened major avenues for understanding platelet dysfunction in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A complementary project revealed age-associated, nonlinear redox regulation in platelets (EBioMedicine 2019), with important implications for cardiovascular risk and antiplatelet therapy in the elderly. Using a well-characterized cohort of more than 180 individuals (ages 20–100, with and without cardiovascular disease) together with cross-sectional and longitudinal mouse models, her work uncovered non linear changes in platelet antioxidant capacity across the biological lifespan. Her current research explores how platelets accumulate protein aggregates, including amyloid-β, tau, and α-synuclein, in neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has been published in leading journals including Circulation Research, Nature Cardiovascular Research, eBioMedicine, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, Journal of Experimental Medicine and Nature Reviews Cardiology.

Dr. Jain is a recipient of the highly competitive AHA Career Development Award, AHA Transformational Project Award, and Yale’s J.H. Milstone Award. She has been recognized as a Brinkhous Early Career Investigator Finalist and as an Emerging Leader in Neuroscience. Dr. Jain is active in scientific service, including grant review for several American Heart Association study sections and UK Research and Innovation. She serves on the Editorial Board of Circulation Research and regularly reviews for high-impact journals. Dr. Jain is committed to inclusive mentorship and lab leadership, supported by formal training, and contributes frequently to Yale CVRC and Yale School of Medicine scientific communications and outreach initiatives.