My current research in the Patel Lab at the University of Virginia investigates how NaV1.6 gain-of-function mutations disrupt respiratory regulation and contribute to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). I employ whole-body plethysmography to analyze breathing parameters (frequency, tidal volume, and minute ventilation), and electrophysiology to record Na-channel firing in RTNs present in the brainstem - in genetically modified mouse models under graded CO₂ challenges and post-seizure conditions. These studies revealed that mutant NaV1.6 mice exhibit impaired CO₂ chemosensitivity and postictal ventilatory collapse, providing mechanistic insight into seizure-induced respiratory failure. Complementary site-directed mutagenesis of the SCN8A (NaV1.6) gene, combined with whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in transfected HEK293 cells, is used to define the electrophysiological impact of specific variants. In parallel, I evaluate pharmacological modulators of NaV1.6 to assess their effects on respiratory stability in vivo. This integrated molecular-to-systems approach aims to uncover therapeutic avenues for preventing seizure-related respiratory arrest. 

My research in the Desai Lab at the University of Virginia focused on defining the molecular mechanisms through which the ion channel TRPM7 regulates immune signaling in myeloid cells. I generated inducible stable cell lines expressing different TRPM7 variants to dissect structure–function relationships and their effects on immune responses. The project required extensive optimization of molecular cloning and genome editing strategies, including Gibson and InFusion cloning, and CRISPR-Cas9–based manipulations of large, recombination-prone cDNAs. I successfully developed multiple expression constructs and gained foundational skills in whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology for functional characterization. This work built my expertise in molecular biology, electrophysiology, and immune cell biology, forming a strong interdisciplinary foundation for future investigations into ion-channel-mediated immunomodulation.

My principal role as a research assistant at FSL, Mohali was to test COVID samples. My duties included the preparation of the sample for RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and setting up qPCR, analyzing the results and updating the data on the Government's COVID portal.

• Chromatography, spectroscopy, and centrifugation

• PCR, molecular cloning, and protein overexpression in E. coli and Agrobacterium. RNAi technology (Arabidopsis thaliana) 

• Protein purification using Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC)

• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

• Estimation of biomolecules and enzyme assay

• Enrichment and isolation, as well as screening, characterisation, and quantification of microorganisms 

• Electrophoresis, western blotting, northern and southern blotting 

• Different immunological tests: ELISA, RIA, Immuno-electrophoresis, Immuno-diffusion, and Immuno-precipitation, 

• RT-PCR

• Flow-cytometry

• Plethysmography

• Voltage-gated patch-clamp (whole-cell and brain slices)

• Effect of UV irradiation on protein profile of bacterial isolates of soil

June 2007 - July 2007; St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, Jharkhand India

• University Grants Commission-Basic Science Research-Research Fellowships in Science for Meritorious Students (UGC-BSR-RFSMS) from 2013 to 2018.

• Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) in Life Science in year 2012

Will be updated soon

Will be updated soon