Vinay k. sharma

I am currently working as a Research fellow in the Section on Cellular Neurobiology at NICHD, NIH. My work is centered around understanding mechanisms of neuroprotection and neurogenesis, particularly as they pertain to neurodegenerative diseases.

I am currently working as a Research fellow in the Section on Cellular Neurobiology at NICHD, NIH. My work is centered around understanding mechanisms of neuroprotection and neurogenesis, particularly as they pertain to neurodegenerative diseases.

At the NIH, I lead a project investigating the immunomodulatory potential of AAV-mediated Neurotrophic factor-α1 also known as Carboxypeptidase E (NFα1/CPE) gene delivery in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. This research integrates stereotaxic gene delivery, behavioral assessments, and immunohistochemistry, combined with profiling of key pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines to characterize the immunological role of NFα1/CPE in brain. I also conduct in vitro studies using neuronal, microglial, and cancer cell cultures to further dissect the impact of NFα1/CPE on neuroinflammatory signaling, glial activation, and cytokine expression within the context of neurodegeneration." In a parallel study, I am examining the role of the CPE-ΔN variant in neurogenesis using knock-in mouse models, seeking to determine its potential to compensate for the CPE-WT type gene.

In my postdoctoral training at NIH, I focused on characterizing the interaction between NFα1 and the 5-HTR1E serotonin receptor. This work involved an array of biochemical and protein chemistry techniques to dissect downstream signaling pathways like cAMP, ERK, β-arrestin, and Gαi, in both neuronal and cancer cell models. At NIH I excelled in various molecular and biochemical assays like radioligand binding, luciferase assay, co-immunoprecipitation, ELISA, confocal microscopy, RNA isolation, qPCR, animal handling and injections etc. In another project, I employed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify and characterize the expression of neuropeptides such as α-MSH and NPY in mouse brain tissues. Additionally, I contributed to a collaborative study identifying and characterizing multiple isoforms of the Serpinin peptide in rat skin, highlighting my engagement with peptide profiling methodologies.

As part of my PhD at AIIMS, New Delhi, I analyzed the expression of PDAP-1 and PDGF in human glioblastoma patients using qPCR and Immunohistochemistry. I further cloned, expressed, and purified PDGF-associated protein-1 (PDAP-1) in E. coli, and performed various biophysical assays to study protein-protein interaction. This work not only refined my molecular biology skills but also strengthened my command of gene and protein studies. 

Previously, I also worked as a Junior Research Fellow at AIIMS, New Delhi expanding my expertise in protein purification and proteomic profiling of human and animal body fluids (seminal plasma and saliva) using 2D gel electrophoresis and DIGE experiments. I extensively applied chromatographic techniques, including affinity, ion exchange, and gel filtration chromatography, both manually and using the ÄKTA purifier system. Further, I routinely conducted SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and various biochemical assays to characterize clinically relevant proteins.

Collectively, these experiences have equipped me with a robust foundation in cell and molecular biology to design and interpret complex experiments in biochemical research. I am eager to bring this expertise to your team and contribute meaningfully to your ongoing research.

In addition to my research credentials, I am actively involved in general laboratory management, including responsibilities such as ordering chemicals and reagents, maintaining and calibrating instruments, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and coordinating with vendors and facility services to support smooth day-to-day operations. 

PhD BIOPHYSICS

MSc. BIOTECH