Dr. Giriraj Sahu

Assistant Professor, MBU, IISc

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

My research career began with a doctoral degree in ion channel biophysics at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras with 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 role of neuronal ion channel protein complexes in controlling the excitability of principal brain neurons in normal brain physiology, and the processes that alter the function of these channels in neurobiological disease states, such as aging, dementia, and epilepsy. We aim to characterize the cellular and molecular processes involved in these disease states, with the goal of developing novel drugs and drug targets.

Email: gsahu@iisc.ac.in

Dr. Mandip Gadpayle

Postdoctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (April 2024, Funding support from ICMR Grant)

Education: Ph.D. 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 neuromodulatory mechanism contributing to hippocampal pyramidal neuron intrinsic excitability at the 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

Shreya Mishra

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2024) 

Education: Master's in zoology from the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India.

I have completed my master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Zoology from Banaras Hindu University. After my master's, my interest in neuroscience led me to join the Molecular Neurobiology Lab at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Delhi as a Project Support to study the modulation of GABAa receptors as a potential therapy for focal cortical dysplasia.

I joined the Neuronal Ion Channel lab at the Molecular Biophysics Unit at IISc in August 2024. My PhD focuses on studying Neuronal excitability properties under physiological neuromodulation and pathophysiological epilepsy conditions.

I enjoy reading neuroscience books such as "Phantoms in the Brain" by V.S. Ramachandran and "Livewire" by David Eagleman, and I also like singing and painting. 

Email: shreyamishra@iisc.ac.in 

Akshat Bhanu Dharmani

PhD - Doctoral Fellow, MBU, IISc (August 2025) 

Education: Master's from the NISER Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

I have completed my Bachelor's from Delhi University and my Master's from NISER, Bhubaneswar, in Life Sciences. In my Master's, I got exposed to the topic of Ion Channels, in which I studied the role of specific calcium-permeable channels in senescent Macrophages. 

After my Master's, I opted for the Neuronal Ion Channel Lab at the Molecular Biophysics Unit, IISc Bangalore, to further explore the role of neuronal voltage-gated and calcium-permeable ion channels in physiology and patho-physiology. In particular, I am fascinated by the field of aging.

Email: akshatd@iisc.ac.in

Sonali Kirtikumar Wairkar

Master's in Life Sciences, IISc (August 2025) 

Education: Bachelor's in Life Sciences, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College (Autonomous), Mumbai, India.

I have been profoundly fascinated by the intricate workings of the brain since my school days. It only amplified during my bachelor's degree and research internship. This curiosity piqued my interest in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying various neurological disorders. 

For my master's thesis project, I am focusing on understanding how disease-causing mutations alter the functional properties of neuronal voltage-gated ion channels, aiming to bridge the gap between genetic variations and functional neurological outcomes.

Apart from my research, you can see my eyes light up when I am reading, singing, or dancing.

Email: sonaliw@iisc.ac.in

Arun Kalaivanan Nirmala

Project Assistant, IISc (2026, Fellowship support from ICMR Grant) 

Education: M.Tech. in Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Trichy, Tamil Nadu

My research interests center on molecular biology and the development of therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and neuronal disorders, with a particular interest in understanding how neuronal signaling regulates metabolic pathways.

My current research focuses on the pathophysiology of neuronal voltage-gated ion channels. And investigating how specific interfering peptides influence memory function in the context of aging.

Outside of work, I read books, and I am a big fan of Amitav Ghosh.

Email: arunkalaiva1@iisc.ac.in