Laboratory of Chromosome Dynamics and Gene Regulation
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Principal Investigator
Dr. Gunjan Mehta, Ph.D.
Welcome to the Laboratory of Chromosome Dynamics and Gene Regulation at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India. We aim to understand the mechanism of cell division/chromosome segregation and gene regulation using cutting-edge single-molecule imaging, fluorescence microscopy, genomics, proteomics, cell and molecular biology and yeast genetics. Our broad research interest lies in studying the functions of chromatin remodelers during meiotic chromosome segregation, understanding the single-molecule dynamics of the mitotic kinases such as aurora kinases, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, polo kinases, checkpoint regulators etc. during mitosis, exploring the mechanism of epigenetic transcription memory/mitotic bookmarking and understanding how the mitotic to meiotic transition is achieved at the level of 3D genome organization, kinetochore composition and transcriptome. Our basic science research efforts are geared towards developing therapeutics to treat infertility, genetic disorders and cancers.
About PI
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Hello, I am an enthusiastic cell biology researcher with extensive training in single-molecule imaging and fluorescence microscopy with a keen interest in studying chromosome biology and transcription. I earned a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay, India (2015) where I explored the molecular mechanism of meiotic chromosome segregation, a process by which sperms and eggs are produced in humans. I developed imaging and biochemical approaches to quantify chromosome missegregation during meiosis and my research provides an avenue for therapeutic development to treat genetic disorders, infertility and cancers. In 2015, I was offered a post-doctoral position at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, USA where I developed Single-Molecule Imaging technology to quantify the dynamics of proteins in live cells at the single-molecule level. Using this method, I revealed the dynamics of transcription factor binding and chromatin remodeling at a specific gene promoter. In 2020, I joined IIT Hyderabad as a Principal Investigator/Assistant Professor, where I aim to establish research and teaching programs focusing on Single-Molecule Biophysics to understand chromosome biology and gene regulation with a broad emphasis on infertility, developmental disorders and cancers. Recently, I have been awarded the Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award and the Ramalingaswami Fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, which provides substantial research grant to embark on my independent research journey at IIT Hyderabad.
Dr. Gunjan Mehta, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator/
Assistant Professor
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2896-3039
SCOPUS ID: 36437518800
publons ID: 1275259
Loop ID: 713661
Vidwan ID: 193688
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Cell Division and Chromosome Dynamics
2009 - 2015
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
Ph.D. Biosciences and Bioengineering
Transcription Regulation
Single-Molecule Imaging
Developmental Disorders and Cancers
2007 - 2009
The M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
M.Sc. Microbiology
2003 - 2006
St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, India
B.Sc. Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Epigenetic Transcription Memory/Mitotic Bookmarking
POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH
2015- 2020
National Cancer Institute,
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
Single-Molecule Imaging and Transcription Regulation
Mitotic Kinases and Chromatin Remodelers