Dr Tushar Ranjan Moharana

I am an experienced scientist (10 projects in 11 years including PhD) with both bioinformatics and wet-lab experience. I am specialized in the application of molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and machine learning for creating breakthroughs in protein engineering and drug discovery. My major experimental skills include molecular biology, biophysics(protein) and biochemistry(enzyme). Major research findings from my work are summarized below: 1. A lipase was engineered for fatty acid selectivity using computer-aided protein engineering and directed evolution. These engineered lipases preferred saturated fatty acids over health-friendly omega-3 fatty acids and concentrate them in fish oil hydrolysate. 2. A robust method for engineering stable protein using MDS was developed. „Optimal dynamics for stability and function is different for different regions of proteins‟ was discovered. 3. Hidden cryptic pockets of MepS enzyme were identified using MDS and further, inhibitors were screened for specific conformations using pharmacophore modelling and docking. 4. Developed a novel method for DNA/RNA sequencing using microarray. My coworkers would say I eat, drink and sleep science. I am always up for discussing, collaborating and solving scientific problems with my colleagues.