Jash, Sukanta

Sukanta Jash

Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry (Research)

Overview

Dr. Jash is an assistant professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Biology, cell biology and Biochemistry. He received his postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School (Harvard University), where he investigated skeletal muscle stem cell aging and the molecular mechanism of human brown adipocyte formation. His research centered on the correlation between maternal pregnancy complications and the onset of autism spectrum disorders in their offspring. Dr. Jash received his M.D. in Medical Physiology , specializing in Clinical Endocrinology, and his Ph.D. In Genetic Engineering and Biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in 2014. He is an American heart association and NASI fellow. Dr. Jash was awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). Dr. Jash was awarded “The INSA Medal for Young Scientists for the year 2014” for his pioneering work on modified mRNA-mediated muscle stem cell activation leading to the acceleration of muscle regeneration.

Brown Affiliations

Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Research Areas

Research

Research Overview

Welcome to our cutting-edge research laboratory, where we push the boundaries of stem cell biology, reproductive health, and genome engineering. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of cellular reprogramming, placental development, and embryonic diversity, with the ultimate goal of improving human health and addressing critical reproductive challenges. At the heart of our research lies the fascinating world of iPSC-converted trophoblast stem cells, which we consider "The primer of Placenta." These cells offer unprecedented insights into the earliest stages of placental development and function. By studying these cellular building blocks, we aim to deepen our understanding of how the placenta forms and supports fetal growth, potentially unlocking new approaches to treating placental disorders. Our lab is at the forefront of mRNA-mediated cellular rejuvenation and stem cell reprogramming. We explore innovative techniques to turn back the cellular clock, investigating how mRNA can be harnessed to rejuvenate aged cells and reprogram them into various stem cell types. This research not only contributes to our understanding of cellular plasticity but also holds promise for regenerative medicine applications. Complementing our stem cell work, we employ CRISPR-mediated genome engineering to precisely modify genetic material. This powerful tool allows us to investigate gene function, model diseases, and develop potential therapeutic strategies at the genomic level. By combining CRISPR technology with our stem cell models, we're opening new avenues for studying and potentially treating genetic disorders.

A significant focus of our lab is on placental aging and its role in pregnancy complications. We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying placental dysfunction in conditions such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and miscarriage. Our goal is to develop early diagnostic markers and novel therapeutic interventions to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes. We're deeply intrigued by the role of the Dark genome in embryo diversity. Our research delves into the non-coding regions of DNA, seeking to illuminate how these often-overlooked genomic areas contribute to developmental variations and embryonic adaptability. By unraveling the secrets of the Dark genome, we aim to gain a more comprehensive understanding of early human development and the factors influencing embryonic success. Through this integrated approach, combining stem cell biology, genomics, and reproductive health research, our lab strives to make significant contributions to science and medicine, ultimately improving human health and addressing critical challenges in reproduction and development.

Background

Education and Training

Year	Degree	Institution
2013	PhD	Calcutta University
2005	MS	Calcutta University
2003	BS	Calcutta University

Postdoctoral/Other Training

Senior Scientist	Women & Infants, Department of Pediatrics	2018-2023
Post doctoral fellow	Ohio University, Biomedical sciences	2016-2018	Athens, Ohio, United states
Post doctoral fellow	Harvard university , Harvard Medical School, Centre for regenerative medicine	2014-2016	Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Honors and Awards

1. Awarded 2014 INSA young scientist Presidential medal from Indian Government [Indian National Science Academy (INSA),] for his pioneering work on modified mRNA biology and mitochondrial research during Ph.D.

2. Postdoctoral fellowship (2014-2016) from Harvard Medical School of Harvard University, Boston, USA.

3. Postdoctoral fellowship (2016-2018) from the Diabetes Institute of Ohio University, Ohio

4. Awarded young scientist 2012, Indian Institute of science, India.

5. Awarded young scientist at International Conference on Mitochondrial Research in Medicine (ICMRM) 2010.

6. 2^nd prize for best Ph.D. thesis at Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, India 2013.

7. Awarded Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) young investigator foreign travel grant to attend and present a short talk in Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Mitochondria and Chloroplast, 2012 in the USA.

8. Awarded young scientist travel grant from Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to attend the Gordon Research seminar (GRC) on Mitochondria and Chloroplast, 2012 in the USA.

9. Awarded Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) young investigator foreign travel grant to present a short invited talk on Mitochondrial gene therapy at International Conference on Genetic Syndromes & Gene Therapy,2013 in Los Angeles, USA.

.9. Awarded Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for Ph.D. by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, Government of India), 2009-2012.

10. Awarded junior research Fellowship for Ph.D. (June 2007) by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (Government of India).

11. Awarded junior research Fellowship for Ph.D. (Dec 2006) by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (Government of India).

12. Awarded Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for M.Tech, 2007. Conducted by HRD & Indian Institute of Technology, Government of India.

Affiliations Visualize it

Collaborators

Name	Title
Bath, Kevin	Associate Professor of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences
Cheng, Shibin	Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Research)
Sedivy, John	Hermon C. Bumpus Professor of Biology, Associate Dean and Director, Center for the Biology of Aging

Affiliations

Pediatrics,

Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Appointments

Assistant Professor of Molecular biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry. Women and Infants Hospital, 2023-

Researchers@Brown