The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, University of Calcutta
2006
M.Sc.
University of Burdwan
2013
Ph.D.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology
Experience
2014 - 2019 – Post-doctoral Research Associate – Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
Research Interests
Functional characterization and regulation of ‘Mitochondrial Membrane Contact Sites’ with special emphasis on phospholipid transport: Mitochondria establish contacts with other organelles like endoplasmic reticulum (ER)and vacuole, through membrane contact sites (MCSs). Although initial molecular characterization of these MCSs has been achieved, their mode of regulation and functional significance on mitochondrial physiology, as well as, on overall cellular physiology, is not properly understood. In our research, we will use the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model organism to uncover: 1) How these contact sites are regulated temporally, spatially and under different nutrient conditions, and 2) What is the functional significance of forming these contact sites? Are these required for transporting molecules from or into mitochondria? We will specifically investigate the role of these contact sites, if any, to the trafficking of mitochondrial phospholipids. We will employ cell biological, biochemical and molecular biological techniques to identify and characterize the structural and functional significance of MCSs , as well as, the phospholipid carrier pathways to and from mitochondria.
Role of mitochondria in innate immune response in host-pathogen interaction: Innate immune response is a central defence mechanism against invading pathogens. Of late, mitochondria have been identified as a hub for signalling molecules in innate immune response and they also actively participate in downstream effector responses. Mitochondria have also been found to contribute to innate immune activation following infection, cellular damage and stress. In addition to their functions in metabolism and programmed cell death, mitochondria appear to participate as a central platform in the innate immune system. We will investigate the roles played by mitochondria in eliciting innate immune responses in host-pathogen interactions using Leishmania donovani and murine macrophages as a model pathogen and host, respectively.
Awards & Fellowships
2014 – CSIR-Research Associateship (RA) – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR)
2007 – Qualified ‘National Eligibility Test’ (NET) as CSIR-JRF – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
