Teacher Details

Amul J Sakharkar

Department of Biotechnology

amulsakharkar@gmail.com

Research Areas : Neuroscience Neuroepigenetics Neurobiology


Google Scholar Profile | ResearchGate Profile | Scopus Author View

1)    Pawar, N., Dudhabhate, B.B., Borade, V., Sahare, D.K., Bhute, Y.V., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M., Sakharkar, A.J. (2025). CREB-Binding Protein Regulates Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Peptide Expression in the Lateral Hypothalamus: Implication in Reward and Reinforcement. Molecular Neurobiology, 62 (2), 1388-1403. ISSN(print/online): 0893-7648/1559-1182, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-024-04338-7
2)    Shetye, K., Sagarkar, S., Shewale, S., Sakharkar, A., Bhargava, S., Ashma, R. (2025). Photoperiod-dependent expression of ‘Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide’ and ‘Neuropeptide Y’ in the brain of anuran Minervarya syhadrensis. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 373, 114820. ISSN(print/online): 0016-6480/1095-6840, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2025.114820
3)    Jadhav, G., Dudhabhate, B.B., Kokare, D.M., Sakharkar, A.J. (2024). Gut Microbiota Regulates Epigenetic Remodelling in the Amygdala: A Role in Repeated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (rMTBI)-Induced Anxiety. Molecular Neurobiology, 61 (12), 9892-9914. ISSN(print/online): 0893-7648/1559-1182, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-023-03697-x
4)    Choudhary, A.G., Awathale, S.N., Dudhabhate, B.B., Pawar, N., Jadhav, G., Upadhya, M.A., Khedkar, T., Gadhikar, Y.A., Sakharkar, A.J., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M. (2024). Response of nitrergic system in the brain of rat conditioned to intracranial self-stimulation. Journal of Neurochemistry, 168 (7), 1402-1419. ISSN(print/online): 0022-3042/1471-4159, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jnc.16090
5)    Kulkarni, P.G., Balasubramanian, N., Manjrekar, R., Banerjee, T., Sakharkar, A.J. (2023). DNA Methylation-Mediated Mfn2 Gene Regulation in the Brain: A Role in Brain Trauma-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Memory Deficits. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 43 (7), 3479-3495. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0272-4340/1573-6830, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10571-023-01358-0
6)    Awathale, S.N., Waghade, A.M., Kawade, H.M., Jadhav, G., Choudhary, A.G., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M. (2022). Neuroplastic Changes in the Superior Colliculus and Hippocampus in Self-rewarding Paradigm: Importance of Visual Cues. Molecular Neurobiology, 59 (2), 890-915. ISSN(print/online): 0893-7648/1559-1182, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-021-02597-2
7)    Kulkarni, P.G., Sakharkar, A., Banerjee, T. (2022). Understanding the role of nACE2 in neurogenic hypertension among COVID-19 patients. Hypertension Research, 45 (2), 254-269. ISSN(print/online): 1348-4214/0916-9636, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41440-021-00800-4
8)    Sagarkar, S., Bhat, N., Sapre, M., Dudhabhate, B., Kokare, D.M., Subhedar, N.K., Sakharkar, A.J. (2022). TET1-induced DNA demethylation in dentate gyrus is important for reward conditioning and reinforcement. Molecular Neurobiology, 59 (9), 5426–5442. ISSN(print/online): 0893-7648/1559-1182, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-022-02917-0
9)    Hadawale, K.N., Shewale, S., Shetye, K.C., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A., Bhargava, S.Y. (2022). Reproductive phase related variations in the expression of neuropeptide, cocaine- and amphetamine- regulated transcript (CART) in the brain and pituitary gland of adult male Microhyla ornata. Neuroscience Letters, 786, 136783. ISSN(print/online): 0304-3940/1872-7972, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136783
10)    Balasubramanian, N., Sagarkar, S., Choudhary, A.G., Kokare, D.M., Sakharkar, A.J. (2021). Epigenetic Blockade of Hippocampal SOD2 Via DNMT3b-Mediated DNA Methylation: Implications in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Persistent Oxidative Damage. Molecular Neurobiology, 58 (3), 1162-1184. ISSN(print/online): 0893-7648/1559-1182, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-020-02166-z
11)    Kale, S., Sarode, L.P., Kharat, A., Ambulkar, S., Prakash, A., Sakharkar, A.J., Ugale, R.R. (2021). Protocatechuic Acid Prevents Early Hour Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Damage by Restoring Imbalance of Neuronal Cell Death and Survival Proteins. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 30 (2), 105507. ISSN(print/online): 1052-3057/1532-8511, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105507
12)    Sagarkar, S., Choudhary, A.G., Balasubramanian, N., Awathale, S.N., Somalwar, A.R., Pawar, N., Kokare, D.M., Subhedar, N.K., Sakharkar, A.J. (2021). LSD1-BDNF activity in lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle area is essential for reward seeking behavior. Progress in Neurobiology, 202, 102048. ISSN(print/online): 0301-0082/1873-5118, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102048
13)    Balasubramanian, N., Jadhav, G., Sakharkar, A.J. (2021). Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries perturb the mitochondrial biogenesis via DNA methylation in the hippocampus of rat. Mitochondrion, 61 (11), 11-24. ISSN(print/online): 1567-7249/1872-8278, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2021.09.001
14)    Balasubramanian, N., Sagarkar, S., Jadhav, M., Shahi, N., Sirmaur, R., Sakharkar, A.J. (2021). Role for Histone Deacetylation in Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Deficits in Neuropeptide Y in Arcuate Nucleus: Possible Implications in Feeding Behavior. Neuroendocrinology, 111 (12), 1187-1200. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0028-3835/1423-0194, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000513638
15)    Balasubramanian, N., Srivastava, A., Pawar, N., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A.J.. (2020). Repeated mild traumatic brain injury induces persistent variations in mitochondrial DNA copy number in mesocorticolimbic neurocircuitry of the rat. Neuroscience Research, 155, 34-42. ISSN(print/online): 0168-0102/1872-8111, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neures.2019.06.003
16)    Sakharkar, A.J., Ganesh, C.B., Vijayalaxmi (2020). Leucine-enkephalin-immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Neuropeptides, 81, 101999. ISSN(print/online): 0143-4179/1532-2785, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.npep.2019.101999
17)    Upadhya, M.A., Upadhya, H.M., Borkar, C.D., Choudhary, A.G., Singh, U., Chavan, P., Sakharkar, A., Singru, P., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M. (2020). Nicotine-induced Brain Stimulation Reward is Modulated by Melanocortin-4 Receptors in Ovariectomized Rats. Neuroscience, 431, 205-221. ISSN(print/online): 0306-4522/1873-7544, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.01.035
18)    Somalwar, A.R., Choudhary, A.G., Balasubramanian, N., Sakharkar, A.J., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M. (2020). Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide promotes reward seeking behavior in socially isolated rats. Brain Research, 1728, 146595. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0006-8993/1872-6240, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146595
19)    Sakharkar, A.J., Kyzar, E.J., Gavin, D.P., Zhang, H., Chen, Y., Krishnan, H.R., Grayson, D.R., Pandey, S.C. (2019). Altered amygdala DNA methylation mechanisms after adolescent alcohol exposure contribute to adult anxiety and alcohol drinking. Neuropharmacology, 157, 107679. ISSN(print/online): 0028-3908/1873-7064, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107679
20)    Sagarkar, S., Balasubramanian, N., Mishra, S., Choudhary, A.G., Kokare, D.M., Sakharkar, A.J. (2019). Repeated mild traumatic brain injury causes persistent changes in histone deacetylase function in hippocampus: Implications in learning and memory deficits in rats. Brain Research, 1711, 183-192. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0006-8993/1872-6240, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2019.01.022
21)    Hadawale, K.N., Sawant, N.S., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Bhargava, S.Y. (2019). Sex-specific distribution of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the brain of the frog, Microhyla ornata. Neuropeptides, 74, 1-10. ISSN(print/online): 0143-4179/1532-2785, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.npep.2019.01.004
22)    Singh, O., Pradhan, D.R., Nagalakashmi, B., Kumar, S., Mitra, S., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Lechan, R.M., Singru, P.S. (2019). Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the brain and pituitary of the teleost, Clarias batrachus and its role in regulation of hypophysiotropic dopamine neurons. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 527 (6), 1070-1101. ISSN(print/online): 0021-9967/1096-9861, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cne.24570
23)    Borkar, C.D., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M (2019). Neuropeptide CART prevents memory loss attributed to withdrawal of nicotine following chronic treatment in mice. Addiction Biology, 24 (1), 51-64. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1355-6215/1369-1600, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/adb.12579
24)    Matharu, D., Dhotre, D., Balasubramanian, N., Pawar, N., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A. (2019). Repeated mild traumatic brain injury affects microbial diversity in rat jejunum. Journal of Biosciences, 44 (5), 120. ISSN(print/online): 0250-5991/0973-7138, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12038-019-9940-0
25)    Balasubramanian, N., Sagarkar, S., Pawar, N., Choudhary, A., Kokare, D., Sakharkar, A. (2019). Silencing of superoxide dismutase 2 viaDNMT3b after repeated mild traumatic braininjury: Implications in vulnerability to chronic. IBRO Reports, 6, S205. ISSN(print/online): 2451-8301, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ibror.2019.07.640
26)    Berkel, T.D., Zhang, H., Teppen, T., Sakharkar, A.J., Pandey, S.C. (2018). Essential Role of Histone Methyltransferase G9a in Rapid Tolerance to the Anxiolytic Effects of Ethanol. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 22 (4), 292-302. ISSN(print/online): 1461-1457/1469-5111, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyy102
27)    Somalwar, A.R.a, Choudhary, A.G., Sharma, P.R., Nagalakshmi, B., Sagarkar, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M. (2018). Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) induced reward behavior is mediated via Gi/o dependent phosphorylation of PKA/ERK/CREB pathway. Behavioural Brain Research, 348, 9-21. ISSN(print/online): 0166-4328/1872-7549, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2018.03.035
28)    Borkar, C.D., Bharne, A.P., Nagalakshmi, B., Sakharkar, A.J., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M. (2018). Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Peptide (CART) Alleviates MK-801-Induced Schizophrenic Dementia-Like Symptoms. Neuroscience, 375, 94-107. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0306-4522/1873-7544, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.056
29)    Choudhary, A.G., Somalwar, A.R., Sagarkar, S., Rale, A., Sakharkar, A., Subhedar, N.K., Kokare, D.M. (2018). CART neurons in the lateral hypothalamus communicate with the nucleus accumbens shell via glutamatergic neurons in paraventricular thalamic nucleus to modulate reward behavior. Brain Structure and Function, 223 (3), 1313-1328. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1863-2653/1863-2661, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00429-017-1544-6
30)    Sagarkar, S., Bhamburkar, T., Shelkar, G., Choudhary, A., Kokare, D.M., Sakharkar, A.J. (2017). Minimal traumatic brain injury causes persistent changes in DNA methylation at BDNF gene promoters in rat amygdala: A possible role in anxiety-like behaviors. Neurobiology of Disease, 106, 101-109. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0969-9961/1095-953X, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2017.06.016
31)    Kyzar, E.J., Zhang, H., Sakharkar, A.J., Pandey, S.C. (2017). Adolescent alcohol exposure alters lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1) expression and histone methylation in the amygdala during adulthood. Addiction Biology, 22 (5), 1191-1204. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1355-6215/1369-1600, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/adb.12404
32)    Kokare, D.M., Kyzar, E.J., Zhang, H., Sakharkar, A.J., Pandey, S.C. (2017). Adolescent alcohol exposure-induced changes in alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and neuropeptide y pathways via histone acetylation in the brain during adulthood. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 20 (9), 758-768. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1461-1457/1469-5111, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyx041
33)    Sagarkar, S., Mahajan, S., Choudhary, A.G., Borkar, C.D., Kokare, D.M., Sakharkar, A.J. (2017). Traumatic stress-induced persistent changes in DNA methylation regulate neuropeptide Y expression in rat jejunum. Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 20 (9), e13074. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1350-1925/1365-2982, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nmo.13074
34)    Sakharkar, A.J., Vetreno, R.P., Zhang, H., Kokare, D.M., Crews, F.T., Pandey, S.C. (2016). A role for histone acetylation mechanisms in adolescent alcohol exposure-induced deficits in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and neurogenesis markers in adulthood. Brain Structure and Function, 221 (9), 4691-4703. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1863-2653/1863-2661, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00429-016-1196-y
35)    Teppen, T.L., Krishnan, H.R., Zhang, H., Sakharkar, A.J., Pandey, S.C., (2016). The Potential Role of Amygdaloid MicroRNA-494 in Alcohol-Induced Anxiolysis. Biological Psychiatry, 80 (9), 711-719. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0006-3223/1873-2402, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.10.028
36)    Sagarkar, S., Gandhi, D., Devi, S.S., Sakharkar, A., Kapley, A., (2016). Atrazine exposure causes mitochondrial toxicity in liver and muscle cell lines. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 48 (2), 200-207. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0253-7613/1998-3751, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.178842
37)    Pandey, S.C., Sakharkar, A.J., Tang, L., Zhang, H., (2014). Potential role of adolescent alcohol exposure-induced amygdaloid histone modifications in anxiety and alcohol intake during adulthood. Neurobiology of Disease, 82 (3), 607-619. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0969-9961/1095-953X, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2015.03.019
38)    Sakharkar, A.J., Zhang, H., Tang, L., Baxstrom, K., Shi, G., Moonat, S., Pandey, S.C. (2014). Effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on amygdaloid histone acetylation and neuropeptide y expression: A role in anxiety-like and alcohol-drinking behaviours. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17 (8), 1207-1220. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1461-1457/1469-5111, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1461145714000054
39)    Zhang, X., Kusumo, H., Sakharkar, A.J., Pandey, S.C., Guizzetti, M. (2014). Regulation of DNA methylation by ethanol induces tissue plasminogen activator expression in astrocytes. Journal of Neurochemistry, 128 (3), 344-349. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0022-3042/1471-4159, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jnc.12465
40)    You, C., Zhang, H., Sakharkar, A.J., Teppen, T., Pandey, S.C. (2014). Reversal of deficits in dendritic spines, BDNF and Arc expression in the amygdala during alcohol dependence by HDAC inhibitor treatment. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17 (2), 313-322. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1461-1457/1469-5111, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1461145713001144
41)    Sakharkar, A.J., Tang, L., Zhang, H., Chen, Y., Grayson, D.R., Pandey, S.C. (2014). Effects of acute ethanol exposure on anxiety measures and epigenetic modifiers in the extended amygdala of adolescent rats. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17 (12), 2057-2067. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1461-1457/1469-5111, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1461145714001047
42)    Arora, D.S., Nimitvilai, S., Teppen, T.L., McElvain, M.A., Sakharkar, A.J., You, C., Pandey, S.C., Brodie, M.S. (2013). Hyposensitivity to gamma-aminobutyric acid in the ventral tegmental area during alcohol withdrawal: Reversal by histone deacetylase inhibitors. Neuropsychopharmacology, 38 (9), 1674-1684. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0893-133X/1740-634X, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/npp.2013.65
43)    Moonat, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Zhang, H., Tang, L., Pandey, S.C. (2013). Aberrant histone deacetylase2-mediated histone modifications and synaptic plasticity in the amygdala predisposes to anxiety and alcoholism. Biological Psychiatry, 73 (8), 763-773. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0006-3223/1873-2402, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.01.012
44)    Moonat, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Zhang, H., Tang, L., Pandey, S.C. (2012). The noradrenaline precursor L-DOPS reduces pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiology of Aging, 33 (8), 1651-1663. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0197-4580/1558-1497, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.04.012
45)    Starkman, B.G., Sakharkar, A.J., Pandey, S.C. (2012). Epigenetics-beyond the genome in alcoholism. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 34 (3), 293-305. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 2169-4796.
46)    Sakharkar, A.J., Zhang, H., Tang, L., Shi, G., Pandey, S.C. (2012). Histone Deacetylases (HDAC)-Induced Histone Modifications in the Amygdala: A Role in Rapid Tolerance to the Anxiolytic Effects of Ethanol. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 36 (1), 61-71. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 2993-7175, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01581.x
47)    Moonat, S., Sakharkar, A.J., Zhang, H., Pandey, S.C. (2011). The role of amygdaloid brain-derived neurotrophic factor, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein and dendritic spines in anxiety and alcoholism. Addiction Biology, 16 (2), 238-250. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1355-6215/1369-1600, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00275.x
  

Publications Before 2011


48)    Zhang, H., Sakharkar, A.J., Shi, G., Ugale, R., Prakash, A., Pandey, S.C. (2010). Neuropeptide y Signaling in the central nucleus of amygdala regulates alcohol-drinking and anxiety-like behaviors of alcohol-preferring rats. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 34 (3), 451-461. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 2993-7175, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01109.x
49)    Moonat, S., Starkman, B.G., Sakharkar, A., Pandey, S.C. (2010). Neuroscience of alcoholism: Molecular and cellular mechanisms. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 67 (1), 73-88. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1420-682X/1420-9071, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00018-009-0135-y
50)    Sakharkar, A.J., Mazumdar, M., Singru, P.S., Subhedar, N. (2008). Neurosecretory neurons of the nucleus preopticus (NPO) express salmon GnRH mRNA and show reproduction phase-related variation in the female Indian major carp, Cirrhinus cirrhosus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 151 (2), 247-252. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0010-406X, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.07.005
51)    Pan, W., Hsuchou, H., He, Y., Sakharkar, A., Cain, C., Yu, C., Kastin, A.J. (2008). Astrocyte leptin receptor (ObR) and leptin transport in adult-onset obese mice. Endocrinology, 149 (6), 2798-2806. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 1945-7170/0013-7227, URL/DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/en.2007-1673
52)    Singru, P.S., Mazumdar, M., Sakharkar, A.J., Lechan, R.M., Thim, L., Clausen, J.T., Subhedar, N.K. (2007). Immunohistochemical localization of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide in the brain of the catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). Journal of Comparative Neurology, 502 (2), 215-235. Google Scholar Citations, ISSN(print/online): 0021-9967/1096-9861, URL/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.21295