Mark Chandy
Assistant Professor
PDF in Translational Biology – Toronto General Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Adult Cardiology – University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Internal Medicine – University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
M.D. Pennsylvania State University, USA
PH.D. Pennsylvania State University, USA
M.Sc. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
B.Sc. University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Academic Journey
Reflecting on my undergraduate years at the University of Toronto, I encountered the common challenge of determining my next academic step amidst many options. However, my profound interest in my field and the myriad opportunities for learning and growth kept me engaged and motivated. I pursued an MD/ Ph.D. at Pennsylvania State University. I was eventually drawn to the West Coast's vibrant academic environment and began a residency in Internal Medicine in British Columbia, Vancouver. Alongside my studies, I developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding me, which I often enjoyed exploring with my wife. I collaborated with numerous distinguished individuals throughout my training, including Nobel laureates and esteemed researchers engaged in groundbreaking discoveries. Stem cell research particularly captivated my interest due to its inherent challenges in studying human biology comprehensively.
Why Science?
My fascination with science stemmed from an interest in nature. From a young age, I found myself captivated by the intricate workings of the environment and sought to understand its complexities. Excelling in mathematics and science during my academic journey further fueled my curiosity. I developed a particular affinity for biochemistry, drawn to its insights into the molecular mechanisms governing life. This burgeoning interest solidified my passion for scientific inquiry and set me on the path toward pursuing research.
Research Goals
1) Investigate the effects of the environment on the cardiovascular system
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are valuable for medical research, particularly in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and disease modeling. Additionally, they offer a potent tool to study the impact of environmental risk factors like e-cigarettes, marijuana, air pollution, and opioids on cardiovascular health.
2) Investigate how type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance exacerbate cardiovascular disease.
Insulin resistance, pivotal in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a significant cardiovascular risk factor, is challenging to detect before T2D onset, often being underdiagnosed. Its prevalence, estimated at three times that of T2D, remains poorly understood regarding vascular system impact. Thus, there is an urgent need for early diagnostics and therapeutic targets.
3) How can iPSC-disease modeling be used to discover novel biomarkers and treatments for cardiovascular disease?
Exosomes, small vesicle packets, facilitate cell-to-cell communication, carrying nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Exosomal content can affect nearby cells' behavior, development, and identity. Understanding exosomal content could reveal insights into cardiomyopathy mechanisms and offer potential biomarkers or drug targets.
Most Rewarding Moments
Some of the most memorable and rewarding moments in my career have been when I've directly impacted people's lives through clinical work. Witnessing the tangible benefits of my research or expertise in improving patient outcomes brings a profound sense of fulfillment. Knowing that the knowledge and skills I've acquired can be applied to alleviate suffering, enhance well-being, or contribute to advancements in healthcare is incredibly gratifying. This intrinsic motivation to positively impact individuals and communities drives me forward in my career.
Advice to Students
During my postdoc, my mentor, Joseph Wu had the adage, “Work hard, work smart, and work together.”
Dedication and diligence are essential ingredients for success, but the ability to approach challenges strategically and efficiently is equally important. Also, fostering a collaborative spirit and leveraging your peers' collective knowledge and skills can lead to greater achievements and growth.
Interests Outside of Academia
Outside of academia, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, who have enriched my life in countless ways. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as long bike rides and runs, with the occasional marathons to challenge myself. Additionally, I find solace in immersing myself in nature, whether hiking through scenic trails or simply enjoying moments of tranquility outdoors.
Awards and Recognitions:
2022 to present Barnett-Ivey Heart & Stroke Chair
2014 – 2019 Clinician-Scientist Training Program, University of Toronto
2016 – 2018 Detweiler Traveling Fellowship
2000 – 2008 Medical Scientist Training Program
Highlighted Publications:
See all publications by Mark Chandy on PubMed
Chandy M, Nishiga M, Wei TT, Hamburg NM, Nadeau K, Wu JC. Adverse Impact of Cannabis on Human Health. Annu Rev Med. 2024 Jan 29;75:353-367. doi: 10.1146/annurev-med-052422-020627. Epub 2023 Aug 15. Review. PubMed PMID: 37582489.
Wei TT*, Chandy M*, Nishiga M*, Zhang A, Kumar KK, Thomas D, Manhas A, Rhee S, Justesen JM, Chen IY, Wo HT, Khanamiri S, Yang JY, Seidl FJ, Burns NZ, Liu C, Sayed N, Shie JJ, Yeh CF, Yang KC, Lau E, Lynch KL, Rivas M, Kobilka BK, Wu JC. Cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist genistein attenuates marijuana-induced vascular inflammation. Cell. 2022 May 12;185(10):1676-1693.e23. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.005. Epub 2022 Apr 29. PubMed PMID: 35489334; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9400797.
Veitch S*, Njock MS*, Chandy M*, Siraj MA, Chi L, Mak H, Yu K, Rathnakumar K, Perez-Romero CA, Chen Z, Alibhai FJ, Gustafson D, Raju S, Wu R, Zarrin Khat D, Wang Y, Caballero A, Meagher P, Lau E, Pepic L, Cheng HS, Galant NJ, Howe KL, Li RK, Connelly KA, Husain M, Delgado-Olguin P, Fish JE. MiR-30 promotes fatty acid beta-oxidation and endothelial cell dysfunction and is a circulating biomarker of coronary microvascular dysfunction in pre-clinical models of diabetes. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2022 Feb 24;21(1):31. doi: 10.1186/s12933-022-01458-z. PubMed PMID: 35209901; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8876371.
Guo H, Yu X, Liu Y, Paik DT, Justesen JM, Chandy M, Jahng JWS, Zhang T, Wu W, Rwere F, Zhao SR, Pokhrel S, Shivnaraine RV, Mukherjee S, Simon DJ, Manhas A, Zhang A, Chen CH, Rivas MA, Gross ER, Mochly-Rosen D, Wu JC. SGLT2 inhibitor ameliorates endothelial dysfunction associated with the common ALDH2 alcohol flushing variant. Sci Transl Med.2023 Jan 25;15(680):eabp9952. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abp9952. Epub 2023 Jan 25. PubMed PMID: 36696485; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10297796.
Chandy M*, Rhee JW*, Ozen MO*, Williams DR, Pepic L, Liu C, Zhang H, Malisa J, Lau E, Demirci U, Wu JC. Atlas of Exosomal microRNAs Secreted From Human iPSC-Derived Cardiac Cell Types. Circulation. 2020 Nov 3;142(18):1794-1796. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.048364. Epub 2020 Nov 2. PubMed PMID: 33136510; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8135104.
*=all authors contributed equally
