Our Experts
Meet Our Team
Dr. Reena Singh
Principal Investigator
Dr. Singh is an internationally recognised scholar in the field of Development and Stem Cell biology. She received her Ph.D. from Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (Hannover Medical School), Germany in “Molecular Medicine” under the supervision of Prof Andreas Kispert. She subsequently was offered a position to work in the lab of Prof Richard P Harvey, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia, where she continued her work in understanding the intricate mechanism of cardiovascular progenitor specification, differentiation and unravelling signalling pathways involved in heart defects. She established and contributed to “Stem Cells Research for Type 1 Diabetes” at Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Australia. During her PhD research and postdoctoral training in Germany and Australia, she established and worked on national and international collaborations and published highly significant and cited papers in the field of biological sciences as a leading author. Some of her publications include Circulation Research, Elife, Nature Cell Biology, Commentary in Cell and STEM CELLS Translational Medicine.
Dr Singh trains students and junior staff in the state-of-the-art Developmental and Stem cell Biology technologies. She has supervised more than fourteen research projects guiding international students at various career stages training them in cutting-edge competitive research projects and thesis writing. Dr Singh’s leadership in the field is reflected by her publications, national and international collaborations and funding she received throughout her career as PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow and as CIA from peer-reviewed competitive organisations and philanthropic partners. She was recognised as one of the “Rising Stars and Future Leaders in the field of Type 1 Diabetes- JDRF and Macquarie Foundation Australia”. She is regularly invited for research talks and podcasts (USA-based podcast “thesugarscience”), chair conference sessions, invited editorial review member of journals, community and stakeholders’ engagement.
At DBT-inStem, her lab is focused on understanding chronic cardiometabolic disease pathophysiology and developing novel therapeutic approaches for disease management and cure. Her team is utilising their long-standing expertise in human Pluripotent Stem Cell (hPSCs)-derived 3-D organoid system, advanced Molecular Biology, Cellular and Systems Physiology, Biochemistry and Developmental Biology to develop physiologically relevant organoid platforms for developmental studies, disease modelling, target identification and novel therapeutic approaches for unmet clinical needs in diabetes and cardiovascular complications.
Dikshant Singh
Project Associate I
01-08-2023 – Current. Dikshant is a Masters in Biotechnology from Alagappa University Science campus, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu.
Dikshant is a Masters in Biotechnology from Alagappa University Science campus, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu Project associate I (01-08-2023 – Current). Hello, I’m Dikshant Singh, a passionate student with a keen interest in unravelling the mysteries of molecular biology, immunology, and developmental biology. Throughout my academic journey, I have been captivated by the intricate dance of different signalling and molecular pathways in shaping both the development and function of living organisms. My curiosity drives me to explore how these pathways orchestrate the delicate balance between growth and differentiation. I recently join Dr. Reena’s laboratory, where our primary focus revolves around comprehending the intricate mechanisms governing organ development. We are deeply engaged in unravelling the underlying pathways of stem cell differentiation and growth, employing human pluripotent stem cells (HPSCs) using cutting edge technologies with a goal to develop to therapeutics for unmet clinical needs for diabetic patients.
The lab has an exciting environment with great support from the supervisor and lab mates, making it an ideal place to work. Our team embodies a dynamic blend of diverse skills, innovative ideas, and unique talents and this synergy emphasizes that success and growth of our lab. Beyond my scientific pursuits, when I’m not immersed in unravelling the mysteries of molecular world, my fascination turns me to the grandeur of the cosmos and the world of space. I’m also an ardent fan of the sporting arena, finding myself captivated by the rhythm of physical prowess.
Sheshadri S. Temkar
Intern
14-02-2024 – Current). Sheshadri is a B.Tech in Biotechnology from PES University Bangalore. He worked as intern in Dr Singh’s lab from 07-09-2023 – 13-02-2024.
Sheshadri S. Temkar has done his early schooling from Presidency School and completed his undergraduate study in the field of Biotechnology with a specialization in cellular and molecular biology at PES University, Bangalore. He has successfully interned at some of the best research institutes in India like Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research–Institute Of Genomics And Integrative Biology (CSIR–IGIB). He has developed a keen interest in the field of cellular and molecular biology and has successfully published a first author paper on Breast cancer. He chose to work with Dr. Reena to understand the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases and to further integrate this with the benefits of human induced pluripotent stem cells. During his tenure as an intern, he wants to understand and delineate the genetic/molecular causes of cardiometabolic diseases and thus wants to contribute to understanding the mechanisms of replace and repair for the same using various molecular biology techniques like CRISPR and also wants to gain exposure in human pluripotent Stem Cells-derived 3-D organoid system. Going ahead he aspires to obtain a PhD and wants to contribute to the field of human health and diseases.
Apart from science, he is also an avid swimmer and enjoys listening to music.
Dr Neha Pandey
Postdoc Fellow
25-09-2024 – Current. Neha has a Ph.D. from Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University.
She writes –
“I am writing to express my strong interest in joining your laboratory, focused on Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived 3D Organoids for disease modelling. I am particularly drawn to your lab’s focus towards Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived 3D Organoids which holds immense promise in recapitulating complex human tissue structures, accurately modelling diseases, and providing novel insights into disease mechanisms. Although my research focus during Ph.D. was directed towards human molecular virology and immunology, I always had a strong interest in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and developmental genetics. One of the aspects that sets your lab apart in the country is its focus towards translational research and the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, high-throughput screening, and organ-specific 3D organoids to solve the intricacies of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. I am eager to learn these technologies and contribute my skills to the lab’s ongoing projects, such as disease modelling, drug screening, and personalized medicine applications.”
Aiswarya Reghunath
Intern
8th January – Current. Aiswarya is doing her dissertation with thesis for the partial fulfilment of her Master’s degree. Aiswarya is a Masters in Biotechnology student from Amrita School of Biotechnology.
Darshan Manojkumar Joshi
Intern
1st January – Current. Darshan is doing six-months dissertation with thesis for the partial fulfilment of his Bachelor’s degree. Darshan is a student of B.Tech in Biotechnolgy from Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu.
Past Members
Shrestha Saha
Project Associate I
07-08-2023 to 06-02-2024. Shrestha is a Masters in Biotechnology from Hyderabad University.
Shailja Danuka
Intern
03-10-23 to 10-12-23. Shailja is a Bachelors in Biotechnology student from Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu. She has been chosen for ANU-FRT 2024 program, a fully funded summer internship at the Australian National University. Australia. We wish her all the beest.
Who we are
At the forefront of innovation, our mission pulses with the energy of discovery, propelling us to uncover the profound mysteries that shape our world, from the microscopic realms of life to the vast horizons of human well-being.
Dynamic Team
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, our diverse team of experts converges from fields as varied as developmental and stem cell biology, advanced molecular techniques, and beyond.
Beyond the Laboratories
We are the vanguards confronting the pressing health enigmas of our era — from the labyrinthine complexities of cardiovascular diseases to the enigma of diabetes.
