Dr. Denusha Shrestha

Assistant Professor of Veterinary Anatomy
Dr. Denusha Shrestha
dshrestha@AState.edu
(870) 680-8768
ABI (Arkansas Biosciences Institute), 307
College of Veterinary Medicine

About Dr. Denusha Shrestha

I am a veterinary educator and researcher with an interest in respiratory health and disease in both animals and humans. My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of lung inflammation, host-pathogen interactions, and tissue repair using advanced in vitro models, including air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures and lung organoids. Through a comparative and translational approach, I aim to bridge veterinary and human medicine and contribute to the development of more relevant models for studying respiratory diseases. I am also passionate about veterinary education and enjoy mentoring students while fostering collaborative research opportunities across disciplines.

Education

  • PhD in Veterinary Anatomy, Iowa State University 2016-2022
  • BVSc & AH, IAAS, Nepal 2009-2014

Credentials

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • PhD in Veterinary Anatomy
  • Researcher in Respiratory Biology and Disease Modeling

Research at a Glance

Summary

My research focuses on respiratory health and disease, using advanced cell culture systems such as air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures and lung organoids to study lung inflammation, host-pathogen interactions, and tissue repair. By developing and applying models from both animal and human systems, I seek to understand disease mechanisms better and support the development of new approaches to improve respiratory health across species.

Areas of Expertise

  • Pulmonary Inflammation and Lung Injury
  • Airway and Alveolar Organoid Models
  • Comparative Respiratory Epithelial Biology
  • Airway and Alveolar Organoid Models
  • Pulmonary Regeneration and Repair

Selected Publications

  • Denusha Shrestha, Nyzil Massey, Sanjana Mahadev Bhat, Tomislav Jelesijević, Orhan Sahin, Qijing Zhang, Kristina Bailey, Jill A. Poole, Chandrashekhar Charavaryamath. Nrf2 activation protects against organic dust and hydrogen sulfide exposure induced epithelial barrier loss and K. pneumoniae invasion. Frontiers Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2022 April 19. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.848773
  • Denusha Shrestha, Sanjana Mahadev Bhat, Nyzil Massey, Cristina Santana Maldonado, Wilson K. Rumbeiha, Chandrashekhar Charavaryamath. Pre-exposure to hydrogen sulfide modulates the innate inflammatory response to organic dust. Cell Tissue Res. 2021 Jan 6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-020-03333-3
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Teaching

Courses Taught

  • VETERINARY ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I
  • VETERINARY ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II

Teaching Interests

  • Veterinary Gross Anatomy
  • Microscopic Anatomy