Dr. Ayan Chatterjee

Experience

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  Bose Institute

  Feb 2011 - Dec 2017

  PHD

  The research endeavors have been primarily directed towards comprehending the functional intricacies of two-component system-dependent signal transduction in the realm of mycobacterial physiology. Notably, Mycobacteria feature five rpf-like genes, which have proven to be indispensable for in vitro growth. Through the meticulous application of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments, we have discerned that three out of these five rpf-like genes are potentially regulated by the TCS MtrAB. To provide a comprehensive understanding, we have undertaken the characterization of the promoters of these genes, including the determination of their transcriptional start points (TSP), transcriptional start sites (TSS), and the binding motifs of the associated transcription factors.In-depth investigations, encompassing both overexpression and loss-of-function strategies for MtrA, have yielded invaluable insights into the modulation of rpf gene expression within macrophages. Additionally, our studies have unearthed TCS MtrAB's regulatory role over the redox-sensing transcription factor WhiB4 and the toxin-antitoxin family RelFG, demonstrating a positive regulatory influence.Concurrently, through collaborative endeavors, we have unveiled a compound with the capability to target multiple Response Regulators (RRs). This compound effectively binds to a conserved motif within the OmpR family of proteins, leading to growth arrest. This discovery holds promise as a potent lead compound for potential drug development.Furthermore, in parallel investigations conducted with Mycobacterium smegmatis, we have identified SepF as an essential component of the cell division complex. Our research has revealed that SepF exhibits interactions with the principal orchestrator of cytokinesis, FtsZ, both in vitro and in vivo. These interactions strongly suggest that SepF serves as a pivotal link connecting the processes of cell division and peptidoglycan synthesis. Show less

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  Tulane University

  Jul 2018 - Dec 2018

  Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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  Texas Biomedical Research Institute

  Jan 2019 - Jan 2021

  Postdoctoral Scientist I

  Understanding the dynamics of gene regulation in various pathogenic strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in different in vitro stress. To align with my long-standing goal, I have actively sorted opportunity to work on vaccine development against Mtb, wherein I have created strains knockout in genes involved in virulence and pathogenesis and tested them as vaccine candidates in Rhesus macaques. My other collaborative studies included understanding the role of CD4+ T cells in reactivation of latent Mtb in non-human primates. In addition, I have played a pivotal role in establishing a non-human primate model which can be used to study the effect of various therapeutics and vaccines under development. Show less

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  The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)

  Jan 2021 - May 2024

  Postdoctoral Fellow

  In my research, I'm focusing on the utilization of ethanolamine (EA) as a source of carbon and nitrogen by certain bacteria like E. faecalis, L. monocytogenes, Clostridium difficile, E. coli, and Salmonella enterica. These bacteria employ a specific transcriptional regulation system, known as the Two Component System EutWV, to sense the presence of EA and activate the ethanolamine-utilizing genes (Eut). To handle the potentially toxic by-products generated during EA catabolism, these bacteria have evolved specialized protein-bound compartments within their cells called bacterial microcompartments (BMCs). My research centers on understanding how BMCs assemble and function during ethanolamine metabolism, using L. monocytogenes as a model organism.In recent times, compelling evidence has emerged indicating the presence of EA-utilizing bacteria within the tumor microenvironment. This discovery adds a noteworthy layer of interest to the current research, especially when considered within the context of cancer.Furthermore, I'm investigating the timing and location of BMC formation within the host cells to gain insights into the broader context of how these compartments operate during infection and bacterial growth. Show less

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  University of Missouri-Columbia

  May 2024 - now

  Senior Scientist