Shivani Choudhary

Assistant Professor
Biomedical Sciences
shivani@iastate.edu
515-294-2451
Patterson
ISU Directory Link

General

My research focuses on the neurobiology and pharmacology of parasitic nematodes, with a particular interest in identifying and characterizing ion channels as novel drug targets for anthelmintic development. These efforts aim to address the growing challenge of drug resistance in parasitic worms, which has significant implications for both animal and human health.

My work integrates molecular pharmacology, electrophysiology, and proteomics to investigate ion channels that influence neuromuscular function and drug action in these parasites. Current projects include the functional characterization of GABA-gated chloride channels from the filarial parasite, Brugia malayi, supported by NIH research grants. Through this work, I aim to develop therapeutic strategies that address drug resistance and improve both human and animal health.

Beyond research, I am committed to mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, helping them develop strong technical skills, critical thinking, and professional growth.

Education & Certifications

2019               Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences (Major: Pharmacology), Iowa State University, IA

2013               MPH (Veterinary Public Health), College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSKHPKV, H.P, India

2011               BVSc &AH (DVM), College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,CSKHPKV, H.P, India

Teaching

2025 - present –  BMS 439/539, Principles of Pharmacology

2025 - present –  BMS 7330/5330, Principles of Morphology I

Research Focus & Interests

My research centers on the pharmacology of parasitic nematodes, with an emphasis on ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) as novel drug targets. I am interested in investigating the functional characterization and modulation of LGICs, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls), and GABA-gated chloride channels (GABA), to advance anthelmintic drug discovery and resistance management.

Research Interests:

• Anthelmintic pharmacology and drug development
• Neuropharmacology and ion channel biology of parasitic nematodes
• Mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance
• Electrophysiological approaches to receptor characterization
• Structure-function relationships of ligand-gated ion channels

Selected Publications

Full NCBI Bibliography

Google Scholar

• Wolstenholme AJ, Andersen EC, Choudhary S, Ebner F, Hartmann S, Holden-Dye L, et al. Chapter Three-Getting around the roundworms: Identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities for the ascarids. In: Rollinson D, Stothard R, editors. Getting around the roundworms: Identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities for the ascarids. Adv Parasitol. Academic Press; 2024. p. 51-123.
• Choudhary S, Abongwa M, Kashyap SS, Verma S, Mair GR, Kulke D, Martin RJ, Robertson AP. Nodulisporic acid produces direct activation and positive allosteric modulation of AVR-14B, a glutamate-gated chloride channel from adult Brugia malayi. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2022 Aug 23;119(34):e2111932119. 
• Choudhary S, Kashyap S, Martin RJ, and Robertson AP. Advances in our understanding of nematode ion channel pharmacology. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist. 2022 Dec.18:52-86.
• Martin RJ, Robertson AP, Choudhary S. Ivermectin: An Anthelmintic, an Insecticide, and Much More. Trends Parasitol. 2021 Jan;37(1):48-64. 
• Nixon SA, Robinson, S D Agwa AJ, Walker AA, Choudhary S, Touchard A, Undheim EAB, Robertson AP, Vetter I, Schroeder CI, Kotze AC, Herzig V, and King GF. Multipurpose peptides: The venoms of Amazonian stinging ants contain anthelmintic ponericins with diverse predatory and defensive activities. Biochem Pharmacol. 2021Oct; 192:114693.
• Choudhary S, Buxton SK, Puttachary S, Verma S, Mair GR, McCoy CJ, Reaves BJ, Wolstenholme AJ, Martin RJ, Robertson AP. EAT-18 is an essential auxiliary protein interacting with the non-alpha nAChR subunit EAT-2 to form a functional receptor. PloS Pathog. 2020 Apr 3;16(4):e1008396. 
• Choudhary S, Tipton JG, Abongwa M, Brewer MT, Chelladurai JJ, Musselman N, Martin RJ, Robertson AP. Pharmacological characterization of a homomeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor formed by Ancylostoma caninum ACR-16. Invert Neurosci. 2019 Sep 5;19(4):11.
• Choudhary S, Marjianović DS, Wong CR, Zhang X,  Abongwa M, Coats JR, Trailović S, Martin RL, Robertson AP. Menthol acts as a positive allosteric modulator on nematode levamisole-sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist. 2018 Dec 30;9:44-53.