Prof. Sanjeev Galande
Dr. Galande obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science in 1996. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA from 1996-2001, he studied the role of MAR-binding proteins in tumorigenesis. Dr. Galande joined the National Centre for Cell Science in Pune, India in 2001 as a senior scientist. Research in Galande laboratory is focused on studying how the dynamic changes in higher-order chromatin assembly govern gene expression in a spatial and temporal manner. Important contributions from his group at NCCS elucidated how cellular signaling pathways eventually exert their effect at the level of chromatin to orchestrate cell-type specific patterns of gene expression. In 2010, Dr. Galande was recruited as a Professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER-Pune). At IISER-Pune he leads the Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics (CoEE) and has assembled a team of scientists to study the evolution of epigenetic mechanisms using multiple model systems. The CoE in Epigenetics focuses on epigenetic modifications underlying variety of biologically important phenomena and their role in gene expression, regeneration, cancer, behavior, aging and evolution. To fulfill these goals Dr. Galande has established a multidisciplinary program engaged at the interface of biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, cell biology, proteomics and genomics.
Meet The Team
Dr. Rahul Agrawal
Post Doctoral Fellow
My research interest lies in understanding the mechanism of epigenetic modification and transcription-coupled chromatin modification through non-coding RNAs. To explore this, I have joined Sanjeev's lab as a DBT Research Associate since October 1, 2020. Currently, my research emphasis is to explore SATB1-dependent chromatin re-organization induced colorectal tumorigenesis. I have a keen interest in astronomy as well. When I am not in the lab, I therefore try to seek answers to my astronomy queries by reading books and watching videos
Mail me @: rahul.agrawal@acads.iiserpune.ac.in
Dr. Dipika Yadav
Post Doctoral Fellow
After completing my doctoral research work in eukaryotic transcriptional regulation, I
decided to change the field since I was always fascinated by neurobiology. I wondered how dynamic gene expression can manipulate brain function. With this inquisitiveness in mind, I got a chance to explore this aspect in Sanjeev’s Lab where I have joined as a DBT-RA. I am interested in studying the role of ncRNA mediated epigenomic regulation during neurogenesis. Apart from this I like to explore spirituality. I like cooking, listening to music, yoga and meditation.
Mail Me @: dipika.yadav@gmail.com
Ankita Sharma
PhD Fellow
I hail from Delhi. I completed my honors degree in Bio-medical sciences from University of Delhi and joined the same for a masters degree in Genetics. I joined Sanjeev's lab as a doctoral student in August 2015. My work primarily focuses on understanding transcriptional regulation of colorectal cancer and progression. Apart from research, I like reading books and sketching.
Mail Me @: ankita.sharma@students.iiserpune.ac.in
Ayush Madhok
PhD Fellow
I am a resident of Delhi. I completed by Bachelor of technology degree from Indraprastha University, Delhi in 2016. In the same year, l started working with Sanjeev at IISER. I'm primarily interested in the molecular mechanisms by which the chromatin organiser SATB1 directs T Cell development and selection. Its interaction partners upon T Cell activation is of key importance to my work. Besides, I like guitaring, singing and dramatics.
Mail Me @: madhokayush@gmail.com
Sneha Tripathi
PhD Fellow
I have completed my B.Sc.(Hons) in Microbiology from University of Delhi. Presently, I am an Integrated PhD student at IISER, Pune. I am pursuing my PhD in the field of cancer biology at Sanjeev’s lab. My project is focused on studying the molecular mechanism of the regulation imposed by Statin family of drugs on β catenin and SATB1. By this investigation we can elucidate the anti-tumour mode of action of Statins. Apart from the Lab, I like reading Indian fiction in the genre of mythology and ancient History. Music is an integral part of my life!
Mail Me @: snehatripathi28@gmail.com
Anirudh Pillai
PhD Fellow
I graduated from the UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai in 2017 and then, after a brief stint in cancer biology at ACTREC, I joined Sanjeev's group in 2018 as a graduate student. I am studying the role of post-transcriptional gene regulation in the pre-bilaterian Hydra, which may yield epigenetic insights into the evolution of tissue homeostasis. I play badminton and sometimes volleyball to unwind.
Mail Me @: pillai.anirudh@gmail.com
Greg Dsilva
PhD Fellow
After completing a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from SLS, Manipal. I worked on autophagy and its role in neurodegenerative disorders at JNCASR. I later pursued my Masters in Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology from IBAB, Bengaluru. Following the completion of my degree, I joined Sanjeev’s lab in September 2019. I am interested in studying various aspects of neurodevelopment, specifically the role of SATB2 a chromatin organizer using zebrafish as a model organism. When I'm not working, I enjoy listening to music and photography.
Mail Me @: gregdsilva30@gmail.com
Ekta Gupta
PhD Fellow
I hail from Kolkata and have obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata in 2018. Thereafter, I did my post-graduation from IIT Ropar in Biomedical engineering where I worked in the non-coding RNAs lab. My M.Tech project was focused on finding the role of miRNAs in the regulation of RNA polymerase I that can be exploited for therapeutics in cancer. As a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship, I have joined Sanjeev’s laboratory in July 2020 for pursuing Doctoral studies in the field of cancer biology. My research interest is focused on unravelling the role of epigenetic regulation in colorectal cancer, which can pave novel options for therapeutic interventions targeting tumor development and metastasis. Besides research, I like playing badminton and enjoy cooking.
Mail me @: ektagupta41@gmail.com
Shagnik Saha
PhD Fellow
I am from Kolkata, and I completed my Integrated M.Sc in Biotechnology from St. Xavier’s College. I started working in Sanjeev’s group ‘virtually’ during my for my M.Sc dissertation project in 2020. The project involved bioinformatic approaches to analyse genome-wide datasets and predict putative enhancer RNAs in the context of regeneration. Driven by the urge to pursue research along this line, subsequently I joined as a PhD scholar in Sanjeev’s group at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR. My key areas of interest involve the modulation of three-dimensional chromatin architecture, the role of non-coding RNA in epigenetic regulation, and environmental influence on gene expression and developmental biology. Other than research, I have keen interest in music and cooking.
Mail me @: saha.shagnik@gmail.com
Project Students & Trainees
Isha Desai
JRF
I am from Mumbai and have completed my Master's in Human Disease Genetics
from Centre for Human Genetics, Bangalore. I joined Sanjeev's lab as a project assistant in January 2021. My work involves studying the role of the chromatin organizer SATB1 during T cell development. Apart from research, I enjoy music, cooking and baking.
Mail Me @: ishad1014@gmail.com
Meghna Joon
JRF
I completed my postgraduation from IBAB, Bangalore, where I investigated the effects of mutations in SWI/SNF complex during colorectal cancer metastasis through various omics data analysis. To further complement my understanding of intricate signalling pathways dysregulated in cancer, I joined Sanjeev's lab in September 2022 as a project intern. My current work is focused on exploring the role of SP1 transcription factor in disease and development. When not working, I enjoy watching movies, playing badminton, and my ukulele.
Mail Me @: meghnajoon23@gmail.com
M Sarath
Project Student
I am from Kerala, and I am a BS-MS student at IISER Pune. I joined Sanjeev’s lab in June 2022 to do my Master’s thesis. I work on promoter priming and its role in cell fate specification. My interest lies in studying chromatin biology in the context of the development of organisms. Besides research, I am interested in sports like football and badminton, and I am also an avid follower of music and movies.
Mail Me @: m.sarath@students.iiserpune.ac.in
Former Lab Members
Ph.D Students
Akhila Gungi
Saurabh Pradhan
Manu K. Unni
Ankitha Shetty
Indumathi Patta
Rini Shah
Kamal Vishnuprasad Gotimukkala
Post Doctoral Fellows
Dr. Mohd Tayyab
Dr. Akanksha Khandelwal
Dr. P. Chandramouli Reddy
Dr. Ajay Kumar Saw
Dr. Shruti Pokharkar
Dr. Amit Karole
Dr. Jasmine Kaur Dhall
Dr. Sapana Jalnapurkar
Dr. Ashwin Kelkar
Dr. Ameya Sathe
Dr. Rutika Naik
Dr. Satyajeet Khare
Dr. Ram Kulkarni
Dr. Vijaykumar Muley
Dr. Poornima Chandran
Dr. Shiny Titus
Dr. Suman Prasad
Dr. Madhujit Damle
Scientists
Dr. Anjali De Souza
Dr. Sneha Sagarkar
Dr. Smitha Sreedharan
Dr. Sonam Mehrotra
Dr. Krishnapal Karmodiya
Dr. Manjunath G P
Dr. Farhat Habib
Project Students & Trainees
Sudiksha Mishra
Harshada Jadhav
Meghana Oak
Keshav Jha
Jitesh Seth
Devika Mahimkar
Gunjan Misri
Rahul Biradar
Charvee Ravichandran
Prateek Yadav
Swati Chaudhary
Mrinmoy Pal
Amruta Swaminathan
Samarpita Sen
Ameya Pore
Arkojyoti Goshal
Sudipta Sonar
Vishakha Kulkarni
Sudeshna Saha
Aditya Eklare
Manmita Shah
Prachi Wele
Juhi Arora
Project Students & Trainees
Sonali Pinge
Neha Oli
Priyanka Bansal
Suyog Ubhe
Suyash Naik
Rachel Paul
Progya Mukherjee
Pavana Lakshmi
Dipeshwari Shewale
Soumitra Athavale
Tejas Valke
Aditi Gavande
Nethra Tantrigoda
Rahul Sharma
Neha Sirwani
Mithila Burute
Geeta Palsule
Trupti Bhankhede
Rasika Lohokare