Augustine Rajakumar, PhD

Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India - PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology in 1985

Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India - MSc in Integrated Biology/Microbiology in 1979

Dr. Rajakumar’s research centers on understanding the pathogenesis of preeclampsia through investigation of placental dysfunction and maladaptive signaling at the maternal–fetal interface. His work has contributed significantly to defining the role of placental hypoxia, angiogenic imbalance, and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptors—particularly soluble Flt‑1 (sFlt‑1)—in disease development. 

Current areas of focus include: 

• Molecular mechanisms driving placental hypoxia and altered oxygen sensing 

• Regulation and pathological overexpression of anti‑angiogenic factors in pregnancy 

• Decidual and stromal cell dysfunction in preeclampsia 

• Maternal–fetal signaling pathways contributing to vascular and inflammatory pathology 

• Development of novel therapeutics for preeclampsia, including plant‑based bioflavonoids such as luteolin 

His research integrates molecular, cellular, immunologic, and biochemical approaches, with the goal of advancing both mechanistic understanding and therapeutic innovation. 

Within the Rana Research Lab, Dr. Rajakumar plays a key role in advancing translational and preclinical studies aimed at identifying therapeutic targets for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. He currently serves as a senior scientists on a multi-international, foundation‑funded project focused on de‑risking luteolin as a potential treatment for preeclampsia. These efforts align with the lab’s mission to move basic science discoveries toward clinical impact.

Dr. Rajakumar has authored and co-authored an extensive body of peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including Hypertension, Placenta, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, FASEB Journal, Pregnancy Hypertension, and Biology of Reproduction. His work has been widely cited and has helped shape contemporary understanding of angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia. 

In addition to his research publications, he has contributed book chapters, served on editorial boards for major journals in reproductive and placental biology, and acted as a reviewer for national and international funding agencies.

Access Dr. Augustine Rajakumar's publications.

Dr. Rajakumar has a long-standing commitment to education and mentorship at the undergraduate, graduate, medical student, resident, fellow, and postdoctoral levels. He has supervised and mentored trainees across multiple institutions, many of whom have gone on to academic and clinical leadership roles. His teaching has included graduate and fellowship‑level lectures on placental biology, molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia, and translational research approaches in Maternal–Fetal Medicine.

Dr. Rajakumar has received multiple awards recognizing his contributions to scientific peer review and research excellence. He has served on organizing and scientific committees for international conferences, including the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP), and has chaired scientific sessions focused on preeclampsia at international meetings. 

He is an active member of professional societies dedicated to reproductive biology, cardiovascular health in pregnancy, and translational science.