As a molecular biology student, I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the field of molecular enzymology and cardiovascular research. My research primarily focuses on the role of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in cardiovascular disorders (CVDs).
Suboptimal NO generation by endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) and the related uncoupled production of ROS is a prevalent early hallmark of CVDs. Dysregulation of eNOS activity contributes to pathological dysfunction, which makes it an essential area of study. I am interested in exploring the strong regulation of eNOS activity by post-translational modifications.
My research focuses on understanding the influence of acetylation and phosphorylation on native, acetomimetic, and phosphomimetic mutants of eNOS and their effects on eNOS function, BH4 recycling, NO synthesis, uncoupling, and ROS generation. By investigating mechanisms at molecular, kinetic, and structural levels using biochemical, biophysical, and animal cell culture techniques, I aim to contribute to our understanding of the origins of cardiovascular damage and designing therapeutics.
Throughout my academic career, I have been fortunate enough to receive several accolades and recognitions for my academic achievements. I secured the first rank in my Ph.D. coursework in 2022 and have successfully qualified for several competitive exams such as GATE, CSIR-UGC NET, DBT-BET, TIFR-JGEEBILS, and IIT-JAM.
My hard work has also led to the publication of an article titled "Long non-coding RNA: An immune cells perspective" in Life Science, and another research paper titled "Soft interactions versus hardcore repulsions: A journey of Cyt c from acid-induced denaturation to native protein via pre-molten globule and molten globule conformations exploiting dextran and its monomer glucose" in the Journal of Molecular Liquids.
Apart from my academic pursuits, I also engage in extracurricular activities and social services. For the last nine years, I have been teaching underprivileged children. My passion for research and the drive to contribute to our understanding of cardiovascular disorders has been the driving force behind my academic pursuits. My research on the role of NO and ROS in CVDs, especially the regulation of eNOS activity by post-translational modifications, has significant implications for designing therapeutic interventions. With my academic achievements and experience in molecular biology and cardiovascular research, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the scientific community and make a positive impact on the lives of people affected by cardiovascular disorders.
1) Masood, M., A. Mohammad, Md. Z. Malik, A. Islam, R. Chaturvedi, M. M. Haque (2026). “Arginine Substitution of Conserved Lys609 and Lys733 Impairs FMN Dynamics, Electron Transfer, and Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules,151772.
2) Masood, M., S. Khan, D. Yameen, A. Anwar, F. Khan, S. Iqbal, R. Chaturvedi, A. Shamsi and M. M. Haque (2025). "Glutamine Substitution at Lysine609 in the Autoinhibitory Region Modulates Catalysis, Uncoupling, and Conformational Dynamics of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase." ACS Omega.
3) Masood, M., P. Singh, D. Hariss, F. Khan, D. Yameen, S. Siraj, A. Islam, R. Dohare and M. Mahfuzul Haque (2024). "Nitric oxide as a double-edged sword in pulmonary viral infections: Mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic implications." Gene 899: 148148.
4) Anwar, A., D. Yameen, M. Masood, S. Parvez and M. M. Haque (2025). "Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS) uncoupling in ischemic stroke: Mechanisms of oxidative/nitrosative stress and opportunities for neuroprotection: A review." International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 332: 148589.
5) Khan, S., M. Masood, H. Gaur, S. Ahmad and M. A. Syed (2021). "Long non-coding RNA: An immune cells perspective." Life Sciences 271: 119152.
6) Khan, S., A. Zaki, M. Masood, A. Khan, M. Mohsin, A. Verma, P. C. Wilson, S. Ali and M. A. Syed (2025). "Combating sepsis-induced acute lung injury: PARP1 inhibition mediates oxidative stress mitigation and miR-135a-5p/SMAD5/Nanog axis drives regeneration." International Immunopharmacology 148: 114166.
7) Akand, S. K., A. Rahman, M. Masood, S. Tabrez, J. J. Jawed, M. Z. Ahmed, Y. Akhter, M. M. Haque and A. Rub (2025). "Leishmania donovani alters the host sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway regulatory microRNA hsa-miR-15a-5p for its survival." Microbial Pathogenesis 208: 108019.
8) Akand, S. K., A. Rahman, M. Masood, S. Tabrez, M. Saleem, M. Z. Ahmed, Y. Akhter, M. M. Haque and A. Rub (2025). "hsa-miR-330-5p regulates serine palmitoyl transferase long chain base subunit 1 and augments host protective immune response against Leishmania donovani infection." Archives of Microbiology 207(6): 123.
9) Yameen, D., S. Siraj, Z. A. Parray, M. Masood, A. Islam and M. M. Haque (2022). "Soft interactions versus hard core repulsions: A journey of cytochrome c from acid-induced denaturation to native protein via pre-molten globule and molten globule conformations exploiting dextran and its monomer glucose." Journal of Molecular Liquids 366: 120257.
1. Masood, M. et al. (2026). "Charge Neutralization at Lys609 Modulates Catalysis and Interdomain Dynamics of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase" ASBMB Annual Meeting Program Abstracts Washington, D.C., USA, March 7-11, 2026.
2. Masood, M. et al. (2025). " Conserved Lysines in the FMN Domain of eNOS Govern Biochemical Catalysis Through Regulation of Interdomain Electron Transfer." ASHG Annual Meeting Program Abstracts Boston, USA, October 14-18, 2025.
3. Masood, M. et al. (2025). " Conserved Lysines in the FMN Domain of eNOS Govern Biochemical Catalysis Through Regulation of Interdomain Electron Transfer " FEBS Congress Abstracts Istanbul, Turkey, July 5-9, 2025.
4. Masood, M. et al. (2025). " Acetylation governs catalytic efficiency and uncoupling in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase." Drug Discovery 2025 Abstract Book New Delhi, India, February 24-26, 2025.
5. Masood, M. et al. (2024). " Acetylation governs uncoupling in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase " Young Scholar's Meet Abstract Book New Delhi, India, October 9, 2024.
Felicitation by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia and Dr. Subhas Sarkar, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India on the Foundation Day of JMI