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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neuroscientist, novice immunologist, gardener, and a connoisseur of good food and coffee. I was born and brought up on the foothills of the Himalayas in Kashmir, and moved to the United States for my Ph.D.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

I have a long-standing interest in using genetic model organisms to understand basic biological processes. As a graduate student at UMass Amherst, I used C. elegans as a model organism to understand the neural mechanisms that regulate locomotion. By employing forward and reverse genetic approaches in combination with molecular biology, my Ph.D. work showed that an RGS (regulator of G protein signaling) protein regulates C. elegans locomotion by modulating the activity through D1-like dopamine receptor. As a postdoctoral fellow in Irazoqui laboratory, I am using 

C. elegans intestinal epithelium as a prototype to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms of mucosal immunity. My recently published work

showed that cholinergic signals emanating from C. elegans nervous system play a major role in intestinal immunity against S. aureus infection, by regulating the induction of antimicrobial peptides. Using genetic, molecular, optogenetic and functional imaging approaches, I am currently dissecting the neural circuits and the underlying neural mechanisms that regulate intestinal immunity against S. aureus infection. Because of the conserved molecular mechanisms between C. elegans and mammals, my current work has the potential of advancing our understanding of neuro-immune interactions that underlie mucosal immunity and inflammation.

CAREER PLANS 

My long-term plan is to become an independent investigator and I envision mastering scientific and technical skills during my postdoctoral training that will provide ample opportunities for me to fulfill my career goals. 

PUBLICATIONS

  1. Labed SA, Wani KA, Jagadeesan S, Hakkim A,Najibi M, Irazoqui JE. Intestinal Epithelial Wnt Signaling Mediates Acetylcholine-Triggered Host Defense against Infection. Immunity 48, 963-978, May 15, 2018



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Wheat Field

THE GRAIN OF THE LAND

January 20, 2023

I’ve been working on this latest release for quite some time now, and can’t wait for you to read it. This book first started out as a side project, but soon turned into a fascinating undertaking which I couldn’t stop thinking about or writing. Get in touch to order your copy today and let me know what you think.

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