Ashok Sharma
Associate Dir, Center for Biotech & Genomic Med
Associate Professor
Academic Appointment(s)
Medical College of Georgia
Department of Ophthalmology
Medical College of Georgia
Department of Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine
Administration
Department of The Graduate School
Bio
Ashok Kumar Sharma, PhD, Professor and Associate Director at CBGM, Augusta University, leads NIH-funded research integrating bioinformatics and biology to advance eye health, tear fluid biomarkers, and precision medicine through collaborative, interdisciplinary science.
Education
-
Ph.D., Genome Sciences/Genomics
Medical College of Georgia, 2011
-
BS, Engineering, Other
AM University, 1997
Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year
-
GNMD 8050
Compu Methods in Geno and Gene
-
GNMD 8052
Func Geno & Prote Using Anml M
-
GNMD 8060
Genomic Medicine Seminar
-
GNMD 9300
Research in Genomic Medicine
-
GNMD 9210
Inves of a Prob Genomic Med
-
BIOM 8090
Fundamentals of Genomic Med
Teaching Interests
Computational Methods in Genomics and Genetics
Scholarship
Selected Recent Publications
- L-carnitine partially restores adherens junction integrity and promotes wound healing in human corneal epithelial cells exposed to hyperosmolar stress., 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- SERPINA3 in Diabetic Retinopathy: A Pilot Study Assessing the Impact of Prior COVID-19 Infection on Patients., 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Unveiling the levels and significance of different serpin family proteins in aqueous humor dynamics., 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- IDH status dictates oHSV mediated metabolic reprogramming affecting anti-tumor immunity., 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
- Plasma Extracellular Vesicle-Derived miR-296-5p is a Maturation-Dependent Rejuvenation Factor that Downregulates Inflammation and Improves Survival after Sepsis., 2025
Journal Article, Academic Journal
Research Interests
Dr. Sharma’s research focuses on leveraging bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics to advance understanding of ocular diseases, with a special emphasis on tear fluid as a powerful, non-invasive source of molecular biomarkers. His work centers on developing and applying advanced computational and statistical approaches to analyze complex, high-throughput biological data, including proteomics, transcriptomics, and multi-omics integration. Dr. Sharma’s laboratory is pioneering the comprehensive characterization of the human tear proteome, aiming to uncover disease-specific molecular signatures linked to dry eye disease, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. By combining bioinformatics-driven data analysis with experimental validation, his team seeks to identify clinically relevant biomarkers and molecular pathways that enable early diagnosis and personalized treatment. In addition, his group develops user-friendly bioinformatics tools and databases to enhance data accessibility and collaboration across the vision research community. Ultimately, Dr. Sharma’s goal is to translate large-scale omics data, particularly from tear fluid, into actionable biological insights that drive precision medicine and improved eye health.
College Service
-
Interview Task Force
2016 - 2017
Role: Committee Member
-
Interview Task Force
2015 - 2016
Role: Committee Member
-
Interview Task Force
2014 - 2015
Role: Committee Member
University Service
Professional Service
-
Medical Genomics and Biomarkers
2016 - Present
Role: Editorial Review Board Member
-
Frontiers in Molecular BioSciences
2014 - Present
Role: Editor, Associate Editor
-
Frontiers in Physiology
2014 - Present
Role: Reviewer, Journal Article
-
Frontiers in Genetics
2011 - Present
Role: Editor, Associate Editor
Public Service
