Dr. Giriraj Sahu

Assistant Professor, MBU, IISc

Education: Ph.D. IIT Madras, Chennai, India

My research career started with a doctoral degree at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in ion channel biophysics under Prof. Amal Kanti Bera. My interest in ion channel physiology drove me to undertake postdoctoral studies in neuronal ion channels and plasticity in Prof. Ray W Turner’s group at the University of Calgary, Canada, after a brief postdoc in Prof. Michal R Kreutz’s lab at LIN Magdeburg, Germany. With my doctoral and postdoctoral work, I characterized the physiological and pharmacological properties of gap junction channels (Connexin and Pannexin), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav1/Cav3), various potassium channels (Kv4, KCa2, KCa3), and endoplasmic store calcium channels (IP3 and RyRs) in brain physiology.

At MBU, IISc Bangalore, my lab's research interests are to elucidate the contribution of neuronal ion channel protein complexes in controlling the excitability of pyramidal neurons of the brain in normal brain physiology and the processes that alter the functions of these channels in neurobiological disease states such as in aging, dementia, and epilepsy. (CV For Detail Info).

Email: gsahu@iisc.ac.in

Mandip Gadpayle

Postdoctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (April 2024)

Education: PhD (Submitted), IISER Kolkata, West Bengal, India

My academic journey commenced with a doctoral pursuit at the IISER Kolkata, where I delved into the intricate realm of actin-cytoskeleton dynamics regulation under the mentorship of Dr. Sankar Maiti. 

At GSahu lab, my focus pivots towards unraveling the multifaceted roles of ER-PM junctional proteins in cellular and neuronal homeostasis, alongside their nuanced influence on ion channel dynamics. With a sharp focus on deciphering their profound impacts on neuronal physiology and pathophysiology, my investigations strive to shed light on the complex mechanisms underlying aging, neurodegeneration, and epileptic conditions.

Beyond the realms of academia, I find solace in artistic expressions such as singing and dancing, as well as the exhilarating experiences of biking and exploring new destinations. 

Email: mandipgadpayle@gmail.com 

Aynal Hoque

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2022)

Education: Master in Biophysics, Delhi University, New Delhi, India

I have a Biophysics background with a Bachelor's degree in Physics at the Bilasipara College, Gauhati University, followed by a Master's degree in Biophysics from the Department of Biophysics, University of Delhi, India.

My PhD research interests are to characterize the gating transitions of voltage-gated calcium channels and their involvement/alterations in temporal lobe epilepsy. 

Email: aynalhoque@iisc.ac.in

Kashmiri Lande

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, Brain and Artificial Intelligence, MBU, IISc (January 2023) 

Education: Masters in Animal Biotechnology, University of Hyderabad (HCU), Telangana, India.

I have done my Bachelors in Zoology from Fergusson College, Pune. I did my Master's in Animal Biotechnology from the University of Hyderabad. Later on, I worked as a Project - JRF in the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) with Dr. Santosh Kumar, where my project focused in studying the mechanism of KIR2DL1, an inhibitory receptor of Natural Killer cells.

In my PhD research, I am interested in understanding dementia in aging from a molecular and cellular standpoint.

Email: kashmirim@iisc.ac.in 

Sailesh S

Integrated Ph.D. - MBU, IISc (August 2022)

Education: B Tech. Biotechnology,  Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India.

I am an aspiring researcher in the field of Neuroscience. I am fascinated by the intricate workings of the brain and aim to contribute to understanding the mechanisms that operate for the altered brain functions in neurobiological disorders.

During my academic journey, I have gained valuable hands-on experience in working with primary and 3D culture techniques. My PhD research interests lie in the intriguing fields of neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, and electrophysiology. 

Outside of my academic pursuits, I find solace in playing badminton, which helps me maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Email: saileshs@iisc.ac.in

Rituparna Sahu

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2023) 

Education: Masters in Zoology, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India.

Majoring in Zoology with a Bachelor’s from Ravenshaw University, Odisha, and a Master’s from Banaras Hindu University, I have always had a strong passion and enthusiasm for neuroscience. Scientific research is a mysterious yet exciting journey waiting for curious researchers to go on board and unravel the answers to those mysteries. 

My interest in understanding the brain paved the road for me to join the neuronal ion channel lab at MBU, IISc Bangalore. In my PhD, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the hyperexcitable drive in acquired epilepsy.

Besides research, I enjoy going on treks and painting.

Email: srituparna@iisc.ac.in

Subhadip Chakraborty

Masters in Life Sciences, IISc (August 2023) 

Education: Bachelor in Microbiology, RKMVC College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

I have completed my bachelor’s degree in microbiology (Hons.) at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata.  Currently, I am pursuing an M.Sc. Life Sciences specialization in Neuroscience and Behaviour at IISc, Bangalore. Since my bachelor's degree, I have been interested in various aspects of neurobiology, especially neurodegeneration and diseases.

For my master's thesis project, I am thrilled to study the roles of ER-PM junctional proteins in neurotransmission and their applicability in pathophysiological processes.

Along with my academic life, I love to read and watch movies.

Email: csubhadip@iisc.ac.in