Education & Experience

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• KAUST, Postdoctoral Fellow – Laqtom Lab, 2024–Present

• KAUST, Visiting Scientist – GE Lab, 2023–2024

• Matrix Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Executive – R&D, 2022–2023​

• Pune University, PhD Biochemistry, 2018–2021

• Pune University, MPhil Biochemistry, 2016–2018

• Symbiosis International University, MSc Biotechnology, 2013–2015

 

Research Project 

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Cathepsins, a family of lysosomal proteases, are essential for maintaining cellular function and homeostasis. Although traditionally viewed as non-specific degradative enzymes, emerging evidence reveals that individual cathepsins have distinct expression profiles and defined biological functions. This is evident from the fact that mutations in specific cathepsin genes—such as CTSD in CLN10 disease, CTSK in pycnodysostosis, and CTSC in Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome—lead to well-defined clinical conditions. This project aims to uncover the specific functional roles of cathepsins by identifying their accumulated substrates in both wild-type and knockout models. We are also designing custom in vitro substrates and functional assays to study cathepsin activity and substrate specificity at the molecular level. Ultimately, this research will provide valuable insights into how cathepsin dysfunction contributes to disease progression, deepening our understanding of lysosomal biology and revealing potential therapeutic targets for lysosomal disorders.

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Fun Facts

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I love tinkering with gadgets and exploring new tech. If there’s a tool out there that can make my research smoother or more efficient, you can bet I’m the first to try it!