Designation: Assistant Professor
Department: Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Email: souravdey[at]iitism[dot]ac[dot]in
Contact Number: 8274964758
Office Number: +91-326-223-5342
Personal Page: Click Here
About Me: My current research interests are in the field of RNA Chemical Biology. My doctoral and postdoctoral training have focused on using multidisciplinary chemical and biochemical approaches to study RNA and develop RNA-based sensing devices. I received my doctoral training at Carnegie Mellon University where I was jointly advised by Dr. Subha R. Das (for RNA synthesis and biochemistry) and Dr. Linda A. Peteanu (for single molecule spectroscopy). During my PhD, I developed novel solid phase methods for the chemical synsthesis of lariat RNA analogs which are substates for the lariat debranching enzyme (Dbr1p). These synthetic analogs of lariat RNA allowed me to study the biochemistry of Dbr1p using biochemical and single molecule techniques. During my postdoctoral work at Weill Cornell Medical College under the supervision of Dr. Samie R. Jaffrey, I focused on developing RNA-based imaging and sensing techniques. I developed a new fluorogenic RNA aptamer named Squash for imaging RNA and generate RNA-based sensors for small molecules. Using a novel selection technique, Squash was evolved from a naturally occurring adenine riboswitch, resulting in high folding and bright cellular fluorescence. Squash was used to develop a ratiometric sensor for quantitative imaging of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in live mammalian cells. Using this sensor, I uncovered previously unknown heterogeneity in SAM levels and SAM metabolism in cancer cells and in stem cells. Currently we use chemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology and imaging techniques to develop RNA-based tools to study neurological disorders and cancer metabolism.
Research Interest: 1. Fluorogenic RNA Aptamers. 2. mRNA Imaging Tags. 3. RNA-based Metabolite Sensors. 4. Cancer Metabolism. 5. Phase Separation Of Toxic RNAs In Repeat Expansion Disorders.
Theory
Practical
PhD : Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA, (Awarded: Dec 2016)
MSc (Chemistry): Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
BSc (Chemistry Hons): Prsesidency College, Kolkata (under University of Calcutta)
August 2022-till date: Assistant Professor (Grade I), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Sept 2016-Sept 2021: Postdoctoral Assiciate, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
1. Recipient of CSIR Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Fellowship (SPMF), 2009.
2. Secured 3rd rank in GATE, 2009 in Chemistry.
3. Received the General Proficiency Medal, 2009 for best academic performance in Chemistry at IIT Kanpur.
4. Secured 3rd rank in JAM (Joint Admission test for Masters), 2007.
5. Secured 2nd rank in the B. Sc Chemistry (Hons), 2007 examination, University of Calcutta.
1. Mr. Sanjib Kumar Bag (July 2023-continuing)
2. Ms. Namrata Kumari (July 2023-continuing)
3. Ms. Sariya Minnat (July 2024-continuing)
4. Ms. Priti Thakur (October 2024-continuing)
