Associate Professor
Principal Investigator
Deepak serves as a tenured Associate Professor at the Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), a globally respected institution recognized among the top 20 small universities worldwide. With a strong academic foundation, including a Master’s degree in Physics from IIT Madras, a Ph.D. from the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Germany, and postdoctoral training as a Marie Curie Fellow at the Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, Bordeaux, Deepak has dedicated his career to advancing the frontiers of neuroscience through innovative research.
At IISc, Deepak has established a research program that bridges high- and super-resolution imaging with cellular neuroscience. His group focuses on understanding the nanoscale dynamics of molecular assemblies that govern signaling within synapses under both healthy and disease conditions. By employing state-of-the-art methodologies such as single-molecule imaging, nanoscale tracking, and advanced statistical analyses, alongside gene editing and molecular biology techniques, his research seeks to uncover the fundamental principles of synaptic organization and function. The team’s work spans diverse models, from cell cultures to transgenic mice and human brain tissues, reflecting a comprehensive and integrative approach to neuroscience research.
A key focus of his research is the real-time exploration of molecular architecture at glutamatergic synapses. This work sheds light on the stochastic dynamics of molecular assemblies at nanometer scales and their collective implications for synaptic transmission, particularly in the context of aging and progressive disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). His team also investigates synaptic plasticity during early neuronal development, providing insights into fundamental mechanisms that govern brain function. Deepak’s research is driven by a commitment to uncovering how synaptic changes influence cognition and behavior across the lifespan. By addressing these fundamental questions, his work aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of brain health and offers the potential to identify early signatures of neurodegenerative diseases, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
PhD scholar/ Prime Minister Research Fellow (PMRF)
I have done my Bachelors in Life Science and Master's in Biomedical Science from University of Delhi. My PhD project involves investigating the role of spatiotemporal nanoscale organization of key proteins in modulating the efficacy of synaptic transmission in chemical excitatory synapses.
Outside of the lab, one can find me painting, reading or listening to true crime podcasts.
PhD scholar
I have completed my undergraduate training in Medicine from Grant Medical College, Mumbai. I am currently a graduate student in the lab interested in understanding the molecular interplay within neurons in health and disease. In my free time, I enjoy reading, trekking, and watching anime.
PhD scholar/ CSIR-JRF
I completed my Master's degree in Biochemistry from Central University of Hyderabad and joined as a doctoral student in August 2022. I worked on molecular oncology during M.Sc and worked as Project Associate in CSIR-CCMB on the eukaryotic transcription termination and anti-termination mechanisms. My areas of interest are synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity. Currently, I am working on how long non-coding RNAs modulate the expression of a family of proteins called Kalirin in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
PhD scholar/ DBT-JRF
I hold a Master's degree in Biotechnology from the esteemed BRIC- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. My research interests focus on exploring the molecular and trafficking pathways associated with Alzheimer's disease. I enjoy trekking and immersing myself in nature.
PhD scholar
I have completed my Master's degree in Biotechnology from SPPU, Pune. My research interests include molecular basis of synaptic transmission, neurochemistry and synthetic biology. In my free time, I enjoy playing videogames, reading philosophy and playing football.
PhD scholar
I hold a Master's degree in Zoology from Central University of Punjab. My research interests are primarily centered on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's Disease. In addition to my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading non-fiction literature, watching dramatic films, and trekking during my leisure time
Postdoctoral Fellow
I Received my Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Protein Biochemistry from Department of Biotechnology, IIT, Roorkee. I am involved in the development and characterization of novel genetically encoded fluorescent reporter FAST. We are exploiting the stochastic origin of fluorescence from FAST as a promising probe for quantifying the variability of lifetimes in subcellular compartments. When I am not working I enjoy listening to ghazals and writing poems.
Research Associate
I have completed my PhD from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum. Currently, I am working as a Research Associate in the lab focused on understanding neuronal synapses in neurodegenerative diseases and in healthy states. Beyond my professional interests, I enjoy traveling and watching movies, which help me broaden my perspective.
Project Assistant
I have completed my Post graduation in applied genetics from Bangalore North university. I'm currently working as a project assistant in the lab. I am interested in molecular techniques and microscopy. In my free time, I like to watch movies and explore new places.
Administrative Assistant
I have completed my undergraduation at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam. I manage administrative work for the lab. I have multiple work experiences with following skills -
Microsoft tools, SAP (MM & SD), writing, editing, and managing financial accounting work.
Filmora X & Photoshop.
I have good communication skills and adapt to new situations at work and learn as per the requirements.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. I also have an interest in watching movies, working out in the gym, and playing sports.
Project Intern
I have completed my postgraduate degree in Medical Biotechnology from the Manipal School of Life Sciences and am currently gaining valuable experience as an intern in the field of neuroscience. I am deeply interested in unraveling the cellular interplay of proteins in diseased conditions, particularly in understanding how these interactions contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. Beyond my passion for science, I enjoy drawing, getting lost in books, and occasionally eating my lab members' heads—metaphorically, of course!
Project Intern
I completed my BSc in Psychology (Honours) and am interested in understanding how synaptic dysfunction and molecular dynamics contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. I hope to explore this further in the future to learn how these mechanisms can contribute to developing effective therapeutic interventions. In my free time, I like to paint and read.
I am a final-year B.Tech Biotechnology student at PES University, Bengaluru. I am passionate about neuroscience and bioinformatics, with interests in neurotoxicology, neurodegenerative diseases, and learning new things.
Alumni
PDF @ University of Cambridge, England
PDF @ DANDRITE—MBG Aarhus University , Denmark
PDF @ Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Research associate @ NCBS, Bangalore
PDF @ NIH, Maryland, The USA
PDF @ NIH, Maryland, The USA
PDF @ Johns Hopkins Univeristy, The USA
PhD @ LP2N, Institut d'optique, France
PhD @ ESI, Max Planck Institute, Germany
MSc @ Thomas Jefferson Univeristy, The USA
PhD @ SISSA, Italy
PDF @ University of Toronto, Canada
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