Since 2018 – CENTURI program PhD Student in the labs of Frank Schnorrer (IBDM) and Olivier Theodoly (LAI)

Having completed my degree in Biochemistry and Molecular biology from Boston University, I found myself very interested in the potential therapeutic applications of stem cells, which lead me to pursue a Masters in Regenerative Medicine from Manipal University. I, then, explored research in basic science, studying the process of wound healing in the skin in NCBS, under Colin Jamora, as well as non-academic research identifying potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases at CCAMP. These experiences armed me to take on an interdisciplinary PhD in studying the role of external forces and shapes in the development of human muscle at IBDM (Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille) and LAI (Adhesion and Inflammation Lab), under the supervision of Frank Schnorrer and Olivier Theodoly.

Research experience:

• PhD Candidate (Sep. 2019 – Present) Supervisors: Dr. Frank Schnorrer, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM) and Dr. Olivier Theodoly, Adhesion and Inflammation Lab (LAI), Marseille, France
  Project: Instructing Myofibrillogenesis in Human Muscle through Forces and Shapes
• Technology Assistant (Sep. 2017 – Aug. 2019)
  Supervisor: Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Discovery to Innovation Accelerator (DIA) at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (CCAMP), NCBS, TIFR Campus, Bangalore, India.
  Project: Validation of neuro-protective properties of drugs in vitro and in vivo to examine pharmacological potential.
• Junior Research Fellow (Sep. 2015 – June 2017)
  Supervisor: Dr. Colin Jamora, InStem (Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine), Bangalore, India.
  Project: Identification of the receptor/s and key domain/s involved in the downstream signaling through which Mindin instigates pro-fibrotic signaling in skin fibroblasts.
• Masters Research Thesis (Dec. 2014 – June 2015)
  Supervisor: Dr. Sharmila Bapat, National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India.
  Project: Characterization of the potential role of transcription factor TCF21 in promoting MET (Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition) by inhibition of Vimentin in ovarian cancer cell lines.
• Research Technician (Oct. 2011 – July 2012)
  Supervisor: Dr. Geoffrey Cooper, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, USA. Maintenance of lab supplies, cell lines, solutions and assistance for various active projects as required.
• Undergraduate Research Project (July 2010 – May 2011)
  Supervisor: Dr. Geoffrey Cooper, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, USA. Project: Elucidation of the cell survival/ anti-apoptotic signaling pathways in T98G (human glioblastoma) cell line downstream of p53 activation and PI3K inhibition.
• Undergraduate Researcher (May 2009 – Jan 2010)
  Supervisor: Dr. Geoffrey Cooper, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, USA. Project: Identification of potential regulators of the FOXO family of transcription factors in human glioblastoma cell line T98G.

Publications:

• Sn S, Pandurangi J, Murumalla R, Dj V, Garimella L, Acharya A, Rai S, Paul A, Yarreiphang H, Pillai MS, Giridharan M, Clement JP, Alladi PA Saiyed T, Manjithaya R. “Small molecule modulator of aggrephagy regulates neuroinflammation to curb pathogenesis of neurodegeneration.” EBioMedicine Dec. 2019

Education:

Aix-Marseille University, Turing Center for Living Systems (CENTURI)

• PhD in Developmental Biology

Manipal University, School of Regenerative Medicine 2013 – 2015

• M.Sc. in Regenerative Medicine
• Relevant Coursework: Stem Cell Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Adult Stem Cell Biology, Application of Stem Cells, Stem Cells and Diseases
• Average percentage – 71.80%

Boston University, College of Arts and Sciences 2007 – 2011

• B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Relevant Coursework: Analytical and Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Advanced Genetics, Cell Differentiation and Development, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physical Biochemistry and Analytical Statistics
• Cumulative GPA – 3.17/4 (80%)

Relevant Skills:

• Cell culture: experience maintaining mammalian stem cells, ovarian, glioblastoma, neuronal, microglial cell lines, differentiation into myogenic lineage, and isolation and culture of primary cells from animal tissue. Designing and performing cell-based assays for cell activation, migration, proliferation, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.
• Protein biochemistry: PAGE, immune-blots, immunoprecipitation, protein expression and purification in bacterial and mammalian systems.
• Molecular biology: DNA /RNA isolation from tissues and cell lines, Q-PCR, construction of expression vectors, bacterial transformation.
• Fluorescence and Imaging Techniques: immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, basic proficiency in FACS.
• Biomaterials: Designing and creating PDMS inserts, micropatterning matrix proteins

Awards and Honors:

• Ranked 1st in MSc. Regenerative Medicine, Manipal University in the batch of 2015.
• Ranked 63rd all India in CSIR NET for junior research fellowship (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test) in the Dec. 2014 examination
• Awarded Merit Based Scholarship for Boston University, College of Arts and Sciences.
• Named in College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s List 2007, 2008.
• Awarded NIH ARRA Summer Fellowship for 2009 and 2010.

References:

• Dr. Frank Schnorrer, Group Leader, IBDM
  UMR 7288, Case 907 – Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille – 13009, France. frank.schnorrer@univ-amu.fr
• Dr. Olivier Theodoly, Director and Group Leader, LAI Campus de Luminy, Marseilles 13009, France. olivier.theodoly@inserm.fr
• Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Director and CEO, CCAMP,
  NCBS – TIFR Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore – 560065, Karnataka, India. taslim@ccamp.res.in
• Dr. Colin Jamora, Principal Investigator, InStem,
  NCBS – TIFR Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore – 560065, Karnataka, India. colinj@instem.res.in