Experience

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  Indian institute of technology, bombay

  Jul 2009 - Dec 2009

  Intern (master's dissertation)

  Chareterization of Protein-Ligand binding using biophysical techniques was explored in Prof. Nand kishore's lab at IIT Bombay.

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  National centre for cell science

  Aug 2010 - Aug 2012

  Junior research fellow

  During earlier days of graduation, I was finishing Ph.D. courses such as Molecular cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, etc. offered by Pune University along with learning various molecular Biology experiments such as Cloning, Recombinant Protein purification, RNA EMSA, IP-CO IP etc. The initial graduation days revolve around making a hypothesis and testing it with supportive pieces of evidence.

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  National centre for cell sciences

  Aug 2012 - May 2016

  Senior researcher

  My graduate research contributions focused on the translation regulation of Insulin genes by trans-acting factors. We characterized two novel RNA binding proteins PABP and HuD regulating the insulin translation by binding to the 5’UTR region of mRNA and regulating its translation. Further, we explored the isoform-specific role of HuD in insulin translation repression. I developed a novel protocol for Affinity- purification of large Ribonucleoprotein (RNPs) complexes. A subsequent experiment such as RNA-EMSA, a reporter assay, Immunoprecipitation and, Biotin Pulldown enabled me to propose a model which is published in peer-reviewed journals. Results from my research were highly novel as for the first time we have provided the molecular mechanisms of translation repression of insulin genes into the biological systems such as pancreatic cells and allowed for further extrapolations to develop new therapeutics for diabetic models or hypoglycemia. Based on my work I have received one international travel award to attend the prestigious EMBO conference: Protein synthesis and translation control at EMBL, Germany, and was selected for delivering oral talks in RNA GROUP MEETINGS in India. Show less

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  The national institutes of health

  Apr 2017 - Dec 2019

  Postdoctoral research fellow

  As a postdoctoral fellow at NIH, I got extensive training in the field of noncoding RNAs and their role in various models. I have developed an assay to isolate highly pure circular RNA and its interacting proteins. My major work focused on the isolation and characterization of circRNAs/lncRNAs associated with muscle differentiation and development. During this study, we showed that PUR protein associates directly with highly abundant circSamd4 in mouse and human muscle cells and contributes to myogenesis by de-repressing myosin heavy chain transcription (MYH). Several projects were accomplished involving senolytic drugs to target senescence in aging, lncRNAs during my tenure at NIH. Show less

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  Md anderson cancer center

  Dec 2019 - Feb 2022

  Postdoctoral fellow at md anderson cancer centre

  My unique training background and prior research experience put me in a novel and ideal position to explore the importance of translation-oriented research. Here I explored, the cancer therapeutics and drug discovery field where my goal was to develop, implement, and disseminate interventions for reducing the tumor burden in Lung cancer. I have designed a molecular glue degrader (PROTAC-like small molecules) screening platform to degrade undruggable targets such as zinc fingers containing oncoproteins. In addition, I have executed genome-scale CRISPR screening successfully to identify the synthetic lethal targets that synergize with Tazmetostat in swi/snf mutated lung cancer. With this unbiased approach, we found a target candidate and validated its efficacy in the hope to have a unique combination therapy to treat non-small lung cancer. Show less

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  Columbia university irving medical center

  Feb 2022 - Oct 2022

  Associate research scientist

  We interrogated the effect of tumor intrinsic lncRNA which regulates T cells induced/dependent pyroptosis controlling tumor dormancy and metastasis reactivation through immune evasion. In another project, we studied the role of NF2 a tumor suppressor in metastatic reactivation of PDAC using metastatic niche labeling followed by single-cell sequencing, imaging, and mouse modeling. Our findings and the knowledge gained from these studies will open new avenues toward the therapeutic intervention in metastatic relapse and can be exploited in the future for further investigations. Show less

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  Tavotek biotherapeutics

  Dec 2022 - now

  Associate director

  Currently leading and developing an mRNA research program called RITE: RNA mediated intracellular target engager where I am responsible for making strategies to achieve goals and objectives for optimal outcomes. Actively involved in the development of mRNA antibody platforms for longer shelf-life, and with more clinical applications.Designing POCs for mRNA encoded antibodies for gene therapy. Providing scientific and technical expertise in cross-departmental programs and managing scientific personnel to achieve meaningful results. I am part of the decision-making process, involved with the management team for hiring and working with CRO companies to plan, design, and execute contract research for different projects. Show less