Sandip Chorghade
Research Scientist (Department of Biochemistry)
Ph.D. (Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, 2013)
Past Research
Sandip has Bachelors in Industrial Microbiology and Masters in Microbiology from University of Pune, India. He completed his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Cell Biology at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, where he focused on protein-protein interactions, splicing mechanisms, and protein engineering. During his postdoctoral tenure at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, I conducted extensive research on cardiac biology, specifically exploring the post-transcriptional regulation of poly(A) binding proteins (PABPC1 and PABPN1). Sandip’s work demonstrated the crucial roles these proteins play in cardiac development and disease, revealing novel regulatory mechanisms for heart function. He regularly cutting-edge techniques such as polysome profiling, RNA-FISH HCR, and advanced in vitro transcription systems, significantly advancing our understanding of gene expression regulation. These experiences have shaped his interdisciplinary approach to research, blending molecular biology and bioengineering.
Current Research
Sandip’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, cardiac biology, gene regulation, and innovative biotechnological applications. Throughout his academic and professional journey, he has been captivated by the intricacies of post-transcriptional regulation, particularly how these mechanisms control gene expression in complex biological systems such as the heart. His research has focused on understanding how proteins like PABPC1 and PABPN1 regulate mRNA life cycles, from polyadenylation to alternative splicing, and how these processes contribute to cardiac development, hypertrophy, and heart disease.
In cardiac biology, Sandip is especially interested in the role of RNA-binding proteins and their regulation during development and stress responses. During his postdoctoral research, Sandip discovered that the nuclear poly(A) binding protein PABPN1 is silenced post-transcriptionally in adult cardiomyocytes, a critical process for normal heart maturation. The failure to properly regulate PABPN1 leads to structural and functional defects, which can result in heart failure. This research has broader implications for understanding the molecular underpinnings of cardiac disorders and could potentially open new therapeutic avenues targeting RNA-binding proteins to treat heart disease.
Furthermore, Sandip’s work with PABPC1 uncovered a novel poly(A) tail-based mechanism that regulates protein synthesis in response to stimuli like exercise or hypertrophy. He is am intrigued by how cells dynamically adjust their translational machinery during stress or developmental transitions. This line of investigation holds promise for improving our understanding of cardiac hypertrophy and identifying new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in heart disease.
Another area of keen interest is the application of gene regulation technologies for therapeutic purposes. Sandip has developed advanced methods using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to modulate mRNA splicing and expression in cardiomyocytes. He sees tremendous potential in the therapeutic application of ASOs for precise control of gene expression in cardiovascular diseases and beyond.
Moving forward, Sandip aims to continue exploring the dynamic regulation of gene expression in health and disease, with a particular focus on RNA-binding proteins and their roles in cardiac biology. He is also excited about expanding his work into translational research and biotechnology, developing innovative tools and therapeutic strategies for both cardiovascular disease and broader biomedical applications.
Outside the lab
Sandip loves painting and listning to music.