GULSAZ SHAMIM
E-mail: gulsazshamim@gmail.com ~ Mobiles: +91 9504431042 # +91 9546548612
QUALIFICATIONS
 Ph.D. (Biotechnology), Thesis Submitted (May, 2014), Department of Bio-Engineering,
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India; on the topic “Identification
of the genes related to resin and pigment biosyntheses in the Indian lac insect, Kerria
lacca (Kerr): A functional genomics approach” under the guidance of Dr. R. Ramani,
Director, Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums and Dr. D.M. Pandey, Associate
Professor, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra.
The study involves exploration of genetics of biosynthesis of lac resin and lac dye to identify
the genes involved and to deduce the biosynthetic pathway as well as to find out the enzymes
involved in this process and eventually the genes encoding them. PCR based strategies as
well as comprehensive transcriptome analysis were performed to find out the genes
expressed in different critical stages of lac insect and which might have significance in resin
production and pigment biosynthesis. De novo transcriptome assembly of three critical
developmental stages of K. lacca was performed using the Illumina HiSeq2000 sequencing
platform and the analyses were performed using various tools such as SeqQC_v2.2,
velvetv1.2.07, DESeqversion 1.9.12, ncbi-blast-2.2.28+ and MISA for Blast annotation,
Differential Gene Expression, SSR prediction and SNP calling. Since anthraquinones are
known for the antifeedant activity on insects and antineoplastic effect on cancerous cell lines,
the anthraquinone component of lac dye was also used for the screening of these properties.
This work has made a novel attempt to understand possible pathways related to resin and
dye biosynthesis and the genes involved.
 M.Sc. (Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology), 2009, Banasthali University, Rajasthan,
India, secured 77.35%
 B.Sc. Zoology (Hons.), 2007, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand,
India, secured 73.25%
ALL INDIA TESTS QUALIFIED
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CSIR-UGC-NET 2011 in Life Science; All India Rank (AIR)- 14.
ASRB-NET 2010 in Basic Plant Sciences for Lecturer/Assistant Professor.
General Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) 2009 in Life Sciences with 92.97
percentile; All India Rank- 907.
CERTIFICATE COURCES
 Certificate course in Bioinformatics, 2005, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India,
secured 64%.
 Certificate course in Modern European Language- French, 2008, Banasthali University,
Rajasthan, India, secured 64.4%.
PROFILE
 Approximately 4 years of research experience in Biotechnology and microbiology (3 years as
SRF at IINRG, a pioneer research institution of India dealing with natural resins and gums).
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Worked on complete transcriptome sequencing of Indian lac insects using NGS techniques.
Submitted Nucleotide Sequences to GenBank (NCBI), USA
Two patents filed.
Used various biological tools, software, and databases while research.
TECHNICAL EXPERTIES/COMPITENCIES
 Microbiology: Maintenance of different types of culture media, Specific biochemical tests
for the identification of a known/unknown microorganisms, Molecular identification of
microbes, Phylogenetic studies using several bioinformatics tools.
 Molecular Biology: Horizontal gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, Native-PAGE, genome
and plasmid DNA isolation, RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, transformation, Genetic
engineering, in vitro mutagenesis, Restriction digestion, Ligation of DNA fragments to the
vector DNA, Plant tissue culture.
 Lab Instrumentation: PCR, RT-PCR, Microarray, Bioanalyzer, , Gel electrophoresis unit,
Bioimaging system Laminar air flow, Autoclave, Hot air Oven, Incubator,
Spectrophotometer, Trans-illuminator, Centrifuge.
 Diversity study using molecular techniques: Phylogenetic study using different molecular
markers RAPD, ISSR, SNPs, Exon Primed Intron Crossing (EPIC), Microsatellite (SSR).
COMPUTER PROFICIENCY
 Biological tools and software: CLC workbenches, DARwin5, MEGA 5.05, TreeView X
0.5.0, iCODEHOP, Molsoft, Sequence Scanner v1.0, BankIt, Sequin, DNA Baser,
AutoDock, Primer Premier 6.11, Primer-BLAST, BioEdit, MarwinSketch, ClustalW2,
ClustalX2, SeqQC_v2.2, velvetv1.2.07, DESeqversion 1.9.12, ncbi-blast-2.2.28+, MISA etc.
 Biological databases: nucleotide nr/nt, Refseq database, flybase, Ribosomal DNA Project
II (RDP-II), 16S rDNA database, Protein Database (PDB) etc.
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MS Office 2003/2007/2010, Windows XP/Windows Vista/ Windows 7, 8
EXPERIENCES
Senior Research Fellow
(March 25, 2011 – March 31, 2014)
NAIP-LID Project
Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Wet lab work accomplished:
 DNA isolation and purification, PCRs, RT PCR and other routine lab work in laboratory of
Biotechnology to complete NAIP funded project entitled “To understand the nature of
diversity in lac insects of Kerria spp. in India and the nature of insect x host interaction.”
Characterization of lac insects especially at intraspecific level (morphologically
indistinguishable) was done to facilitate genetic improvement programs.
 Phylogenetic study of 48 lac insect lines was done based on the gene sequences of housekeeping genes, 18 S rDNA and elongation factor alpha. Both the genes are believed to be
highly conserved and therefore are widely used for variation study.
 Diversity study in 48 lac insect lines using EPIC PCR (Exon Primed Intron Crossed), the
genes used for this study were ATPS alpha, Cathapsin, Myosin, lw-Rh gene for long
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wavelength opsin and S7 Ribosomal protein. Intron length polymorphism was screened and
the resulting dendogram from the EPIC scores was constructed using DARwin5.
Studies related to variation in insects for future lac insect breeding program, SSR (Simple
sequence repeats) markers and SNP approaches were also done.
De novo transcriptome sequencing of Indian lac insects using NGS sequencing techniques
(454 and illumina) was performed and the annotation as well as analysis of sequencing data
was performed using various biological software.
Non-research responsibilities:
 Responsible for conducting research activities of the project, initialization of research
proposals, finalization of research proposals, performing and conducting various field
experiments/management with different treatments as required by the projects.
 Preparing Specifications, Technical summary reports, analytic data review.
 Responsible for carrying out research and data collection; conducting analysis to determine
project’s technical and strategic needs.
 Identifying issues and forming hypotheses, formulating and implementing
recommendations/solutions. Coordinating with colleagues and subordinates for getting the
work done effectively.
PATENT APPLIED
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Shamim G., Ranjan S.K., Pandey D.M., Sharma K.K., Ramani R., “Inhibition of growth in
human malignant cell lines using lac dye”. Provisional patent No. Temp/1435/KOL/2013.
Ranjan S.K., Shamim G., Thmilarasi K., Vidyarthi A.S., Sharma K.K., Ramni R., “Novel
molecular method to identify Kusmi and Rangeeni lac insect”. Provisional patent No.
Temp/1333/KOL/2013.
PUBLICATIONS
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Shamim G., Ranjan S.K., Pandey D.M. and Ramani R. 2014. Biochemistry and biosynthesis of
insect
pigments.
European
Journal
of
Entomology,
111
(2),
149–164
(http://dx.doi.org/10.14411/eje.2014.021 ).
Shamim G., Pandey D.M., Sharma K.K. and Ramani R. 2014. Identification of genes related to
resin biosynthesis in Indian Lac Insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr). International Journal of Tropical Insect
Science, 34(2), 149-155 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1742758414000277).
Shamim G., Ranjan S.K., Kandasamy T., Sharma K.K. and Ramani R. 2014. Isolation and
identification of bacterial flora associated with Kerria lacca (Kerr). Symbiosis (communicated).
Shamim G., Ranjan S.K., Pandey D.M., Sharma K.K. and Ramani R. 2014. Lac dye as a
potential anti-neoplastic agent. Pharmacological Biology (Communicated).
Shamim, G., Pandey, D.M., Sharma, K.K. and Ramani, R. 2014. Identification of genes involved
in polyketide pathway for pigment biosynthesis in Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr). Current Science
(Communicated).
Shamim G., Ranjan S.K., Kandasamy T., Mohanasundaram A., Sharma K.K. and Ramani R.
2014. Phylogenetic Study of Lac Insects of Kerria spp. using Intron Length Polymorphism
(EPIC-PCR). Journal of Entomology and Zoology (Communicated).
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Abstract on “Reprogrammed Mouse Skin Cells Cure Mouse Sickle Cell Anemia” in the
proceedings of 3rd Annual Indo-Japan Symposium on Biotech held at Biyani Girls College,
Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Abstract on “A suggestion for generating transgenic lac insects for enhanced lac
production” in the sourenir of 2nd International conference on Bio-wealth management for
sustainable livelihood at Institute of Forest Productivity, Ranchi.
Abstract on “Polyketide Pathway in Anthraquinone Biosynthesis: A comparative
analysis in Phylogenetically diverse Organisms” in the proceedings of International
Symposium on Plant Biotechnology towards tolerance to stresses and enhancing crop yield
organized by Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Abstract on “Identification of genes related to resin biosynthesis in Indian Lac Insect,
Kerria lacca (Kerr)” in the souvenir of National Symposium on Recent Advances in
Beneficial Insects at IINRG, Ranchi.
NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES SUBMITTED ON “GenBank (NCBI), USA”
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Submitted Elongation factor alpha gene sequences of 41 different lines of Kerria spp. in
GenBank under the title “Diversity analysis of Kerria spp. (Hemiptera: Coccoidea:
Tachardiidae) through sequence variation of housekeeping genes”. Accession numbers of the
sequences are KF537579 to KF537619.
Submitted 18S rRNA sequences of 46 different lines of Kerria spp. in GenBank under the
title “Diversity analysis of Kerria spp. (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Tachardiidae) through sequence
variation of housekeeping genes”. Accession numbers of the sequences are KF554253 to
KF554298.
Submitted 29 16S rRNA nucleotide sequences at GenBank under the title “Isolation and
identification of bacterial flora associated with Kerria lacca (Kerr)”. Accession numbers of the
sequences are KF717499 to KF717527.
Submitted seven nucleotide sequences of Kerria lacca in GenBank under the title “Fatty
acid, Terpenoid and Pigment biosynthesis in Kerria lacca”. Accession numbers of the
sequences are KF463149 to KF463155.
(For sequence detail search on http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nucleotide/).
Whole Transcriptome data: Three whole transcriptome sequencing data of lac insects
belonging to different developmental stages are submitted at Transcriptome Shotgun
Assembly (TSA) database after getting Bioproject and Biosample Ids for all three samples.
Raw sequencing data were submitted to Sequence Read Archive (SRA) (For detail go to
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/biosample;
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/;
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/tsa).
PROJECTS AND TRAININGS
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5 months Dissertation Project Training at Bose Institute, Kolkata under Prof. Pratima
Sinha, Department of Biochemistry on Molecular Genetics of Yeast.
This work was towards the Phenotypic characterization of mutations in Chl1 Gene that
is required for sister chromatid cohesion in the budding yeast Saccharomyces
cerevisiae.
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A null mutant lacking this protein is affected in several functions of yeast such as sisterchromatid cohesion, rDNA recombination, life span, stress response, transcriptional
silencing and DNA damage repair (genome integrity).
The in vitro mutagenesis study on yeast identified several interesting clones which could be
carrying point mutations in CHL1 gene on the plasmid and suggested that a domain is
required for maintaining a proper heat shock response but not for the maintenance of
genome integrity.
One month summer training program in “Environmental & Value Addition to Waste”
aspects of Biotechnology on Study of production & process parameters’ optimization of
ethanol produced from ligninocellulytic waste (dried fallen Sal leaves) as a biofuel at
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi
This project aimed towards the use the litter containing fallen off Sal leaves (Shorea rubusta) as
a source of cellulose to produce butanol to be used as biofuel. The work can be broken
down in two phases, first was the extraction of sugar from dried leaves, and second was the
production of alcohol from the extracted sugar. Further work could result in the production
of alcohol from extraction sugar.
Short term National Training on “Bioinformatics in Multi-omics Era: A microbial
genomics perspective” at National Bureau of Agriculturally Important
Microorganisms (NBAIM), Maunath Bhanjan, UP.
Short term Workshop on “Genomics and Beyond” at National Institute of Animal
Biotechnology, Hyderabad organised by ADNAT (Association for Promotion of DNA
Fingerprinting and other DNA Technologies), C. R. Rao AIMSCS and University of
Hyderabad.
PARTICIPATIONS AND AWARDS
 Attended an Indo-Japan International Symposium on “Facilitating Interdisciplinary
Biotech for Future Entrepreneurship” at Biyani Girls College, Jaipur
 Attended an International conference on Molecular Biology & Biotechnology conducted
at Banasthali University, Rajasthan
 Participated in an international conference on “Bio-Wealth Management for sustainable
livelihood” at Ranchi & won best poster presentation award
 Participated in “International Symposium on Plant Biotechnology towards tolerance to
stresses and enhancing crop yield” at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi,
Jharkhand; and presented poster on “Polyketide Pathway in Anthraquinone
Biosynthesis: A Comparative Analysis in Phylogenetically Diverse Organisms”
 Attended ADNAT (Association for Promotion of DNA Fingerprinting and other DNA
Technologies) conference on “Animal Genetics and Genomics” at National Institute of
Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad and University of Hyderabad.
 Participated in oral and poster presentation in “National Symposium on Recent
Advances in Beneficial Insects” at IINRG, Ranchi.
MEMBERSHIPS
 Life member of Society for Advancement of Natural Resins and Gums (SANRAG),
Ranchi, Jharkhand, India; (Membership No. LM20)
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Life member of The Biotech Research Society (BRSI), India; (Membership No. LM1214)
Listed into the Directory of Coccidologists, Agricultural Research Organization
(AZO).
PERSONAL
Date of birth
Marital Status
Nationality
Languages known
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Passport
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Permanent Address :
23rd May 1985
Married
Indian
English, Hindi, Urdu, and French (Beginner’s)
Date of Expiry: 30-07-2016
D/o-Shamim Ahmed, Flat No. A-3, Ayesha Enclave, Roy
Compound, Near Church Road Post Office, Dr. Fatahullah Road,
Ranchi-834001, Jharkhand
REFERENCES
Dr. Rangnathan Ramani
Director
Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums,
Namkum - 834010
Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Email: ramani_9@scientist.com
Dr. D M Pandey
Associate Professor
Department of Biotechnology,
Birla Institute of Technology (B.I.T),
Mesra - 835215, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Email: dmpandey@bitmesra.ac.in
[I hereby declare that information furnished above by me is correct and in the best of my
knowledge.]
Dated: 06-08-2014
(GULSAZ SHAMIM)
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