Senior scientist
Degree
BSc Biotechnology 2004-2007, University of Pune
MSc Biotechnology 2007-2009, University of Pune
PhD Institute of Bioinformatics Bangalore & Jhons Hopkins university Baltimore 2010-2017
Staff email
Profile
Gajanan obtained his Ph.D. from the Institute of Bioinformatics in Bangalore and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA. His doctoral research focused on employing mass spectrometry-based proteomics to delve into the signalling mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of curcumin in head and neck cancer. During his time at Johns Hopkins University, he utilized mass spectrometry-based proteomics technology to pinpoint biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease using samples from cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue.
Upon his return to India, Gajanan played a pivotal role in establishing mass spectrometry facilities for proteomics at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience in Bangalore. In December 2020, he joined Professor Sapkota’s lab as a postdoctoral researcher. In this role, he refined the protocol for global ubiquitination analysis and utilized it to decipher the mechanisms of targeted protein degradation. This protocol proved instrumental in identifying ubiquitination mediated by Affinity-directed Protein Missile (AdPROM) on target proteins, as well as ubiquitination facilitated by PROTACs on target proteins. Additionally, he implemented a phosphoproteomics workflow to explore off-target effects of the Affinity-directed phosphatase (AdPhosphatase) system. Moreover, he utilized a global phosphoproteomics workflow to investigate the role of protein phosphatase 2. His research also delved into targeted dephosphorylation of TAU and its implications on microtubule binding and aggregation. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places.