Biodesign Directory Profile

Bio

I grew up in Mumbai (India) where I did my K-12. My family immigrated in 1998 and this enabled me to pursue an undergraduate degree in the US. In the spring of 2000, I joined the Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology program at Arizona State University. As part of an undergraduate internship, in the summer of 2003, I started working in Dr. Mor’s lab. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2004 and stayed on with Dr. Mor for a Ph.D.

In Dr. Mor’s lab I work on elucidating the role of a cholinesterase like protein in plants. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), in mammals, is an enzyme that hydrolyses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). The chronic up-regulation of AChE is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Literature shows that plants too have all the components of the cholinergic system, but no clear function has been ascribed to it. Considering the lack of a neural network in plants, it is very much a surprise to find AChE in plants, considering the classical role of this enzyme in mammals is to hydrolyze a neurotransmitter. I am currently studying the function of this gene using A. thaliana plants that over-express this gene or are knockouts. I’m also studying the localization of this gene on plant cells using GFP fusions. It is also important to understand the conditions under which this gene is expressed, for which we are using GFP fusions with the promoter of this gene. We also aim to biochemically characterize the enzyme by determining what the possible substrates and inhibitors are.

Apart from enjoying science, I’m also actively involved in various cultural activities in the local Indian community. I’m currently the president of a student organization on campus called the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY). We bring in famous and accomplished Indian artists to give lecture-demonstrations and concerts on campus to showcase the cultural heritage of India.