-
Mohanan, V. C., Chandarana, P. M., Chattoo, B. B., Patkar, R. N., and Manjrekar, J. (2017). Fungal Histidine Phosphotransferase Plays a Crucial Role in Photomorphogenesis and Pathogenesis in Magnaporthe oryzae. Front. Chem. 5. doi:10.3389/fchem.2017.00031.
-
Mohanan, V. C., Chandarana, P., Prasad, B. D., Sahni, S., Manjrekar, J., and Chattoo, B. B. (2022). Transcriptome analysis of Magnaporthe oryzae reveals the role of histidine phosphotransferase in pathogenesis and stress adaptation. Australas. Plant Pathol. 51, 155–165. doi:10.1007/s13313-022-00851-2.
Dr. Varsha Mohanan
Post Doctoral Fellow
Marine macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii associated bacteria: interaction with the host and its field validation.
The red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) widely known as “cottonii’, is one of the most industrially important carrageenophyte cultivated in the Asian seawaters. The cultivation of introduced macroalgae Kappaphycus has recently become an alternative economic source of coastline population in many of the Asian countries with tropical coastal waters. The industrial demand of Kappaphycus can be met and scaled up only with sufficient biomass cultivation. But, overtime, the productivity of the red seaweed crop has declined. The microbial association of macroalgae supporting and enhancing the growth of macroalgae through production of PGRs is of great importance in this regard. Endophytic bacteria is considered to support growth by production of growth hormones and siderophores, by nitrogen fixation, and by inducing systemic resistance in macroalgal systems. The biology of Kappaphycus and microbiome associated with would provide a promising path to unravel the interactive network and cooperative working of these two systems for a sustainable survival of the microalgae. The understanding of the host microbe interactions can help establish cultivable systems in a more effective manner. Therefore, in the present study, it is proposed to characterize the Kappaphycus associated microbes using polyphasic approaches and screen them for macroalgal growth factors and their interactions for potential application in seaweed cultivation and micropropagation..
Publications
-
Varsha C. Mohanan and Sangita Sahni, 2017, Fungal transformations and advancements. In: Sangita Sahni, Bishun Deo Prasad, Prasant Kumar (eds.)- Transgenics, Stress Management, and Biosafety Issues, Plant Biotechnology, Vol.2, E-Book ISBN: 9781315213736. Apple academic press,USA.
-
Varsha C. Mohanan, 2020, Induction of defense responses- pathogenesis related proteins, HR and reactive oxygen species. In: Sangita Sahni, Bishun Deo Prasad (eds.)- Host-pathogen interaction: A molecular approach,ISBN 13: 9788170196952, Today & Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, India
-
Varsha C. Mohanan, 2020, Molecular basis of host-pathogen (fungi) interaction. In: Sangita Sahni, Bishun Deo Prasad (eds.)- Host-pathogen interaction: A molecular approach, , ISBN 13: 9788170196952. Today & Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, India.
-
1. Presented Poster at the 8th International Conference on Yeast Biology held at Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh from December 4-7, 2013. Transcriptome of Magnaporthe oryzae Histidine Phosphotransferase mutant offers new insights into stress management and pathogenicity. (Poster)
-
Presented Poster at the two-day International conference on Integrating Basic and Translational Research in Modern Biology held at M. S. University of Baroda, December – 2013. Comparative Transcriptome analysis of Magnaporthe oryzae Histidine Phosphotransferase mutant under oxidative stress induced conditions reveals its role in nutritional uptake and pathogenicity. (Poster)
-
Scientific Poster at the world Brackish water aquaculture conference BRACQON-2019 held from 23-25 January2019. Transcriptome analysis of Etroplus suratensis: Identification of Growth, Reproduction and Immune-related genes and Microsatellite Markers. (Poster)
-
Conference paper entitled “Identification of stress responsive genes in Magnaporthe oryzae” at the International conference on “Trends in Microbiology and Molecular Biology” August 20-21,2019, Iringalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala. (Oral)
-
Conference paper entitled “Magnaporthe oryzae histidine phosphotransferase plays an important role in cell wall maintenance and pathogenicity” at the international conference on New Horizons in Biotechnology November 20-24, 2019, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. (Oral)
-
Conference paper entitled “Histidine Phosphotransferase of Magnaporthe oryzae plays an important role in oxidative stress response and mitochondria driven amino acid homeostasis” at the DST SERB funded National seminar on “Recent perspectives in Molecular Pharmacognosy”, February 7-8 2023 conducted at Vimala College, Thrissur, Kerala. (Oral)
Mentor
Prof. Valsamma Joseph 
Dr. Prem Kumar, a Senior Scientist in the Finfish Culture Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), is recognized for his contributions to finfish aquaculture and sustainable fish farming practices. His research focuses on advancing breeding, seed production, and grow-out techniques for economically important finfish species, essential for enhancing fish farming efficiency and profitability. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in developing improved methods for breeding and rearing native fish species, supporting biodiversity conservation while boosting aquaculture productivity in India.
Dr. David Verner-Jeffreys is a Senior Scientist at WorldFish and an esteemed expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity. With a background in fish pathology and disease management, Dr. Verner-Jeffreys has dedicated his career to developing solutions that enhance disease prevention and sustainable health practices in aquaculture systems globally. His research focuses on combating infectious diseases that impact fish farming, particularly in developing countries, where aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods.
Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and environmental management in brackishwater aquaculture. With extensive experience in fish and shrimp health management, his work addresses critical challenges in disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity, contributing to the growth and resilience of India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector. By emphasizing biosecurity, environmental monitoring, and eco-friendly health management practices, Dr. Shekhar has contributed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shrimp and fish farming.
Dr. K.V. Rajendran is a prominent aquaculture scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) in India, recognized for his expertise in fish health management and aquatic animal disease control. With a focus on advancing disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and sustainable health practices in aquaculture, Dr. Rajendran’s work has greatly contributed to improving the resilience and productivity of India’s aquaculture sector. His research addresses major challenges related to fish and shellfish health, particularly in diagnosing and managing viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases that impact farmed species.
Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan is a renowned scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, India, with expertise in fish health management, aquaculture biosecurity, and disease diagnostics. His work focuses on addressing challenges related to aquatic animal health, particularly in ensuring sustainable and safe practices in India’s aquaculture industry. Dr. Swaminathan is recognized for his contributions to the detection and control of fish and shellfish diseases, which are critical for enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
Dr. Neeraj Sood, a distinguished scientist at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in India, is recognized for his work in fish genetics, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His research focuses on the genetic characterization and conservation of fish biodiversity, which is critical for protecting valuable genetic resources and promoting sustainable aquaculture. By identifying and cataloging fish species and their genetic diversity, Dr. Sood has contributed to the preservation of native fish species, ensuring that these resources can support resilient and productive aquaculture systems in India.
Dr. B. Santhosh, a leading scientist at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is known for his impactful contributions to marine aquaculture and coastal fisheries development in India. His work focuses on advancing sustainable practices in mariculture, particularly in seed production, hatchery technology, and the cultivation of high-value marine species like finfish, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Dr. Santhosh’s research has played a critical role in supporting livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by promoting aquaculture as a viable and environmentally sustainable industry.
Dr. Victoria Alday-Sanz is a renowned aquaculture expert at National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) in Saudi Arabia, recognized globally for her work in shrimp health management, biosecurity, and sustainable aquaculture practices. With a background in veterinary science and extensive experience in aquatic animal health, Dr. Alday-Sanz has played a critical role in advancing shrimp farming practices to enhance productivity while maintaining rigorous biosecurity standards. Her work is instrumental in addressing major health challenges in shrimp aquaculture, particularly in the prevention and management of viral and bacterial diseases that can impact large-scale operations.
J.M.P.K. Jayasinghe is a distinguished figure in aquaculture, known for his contributions to sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in Asia. With a focus on innovative aquaculture technologies and resource management, he has dedicated his career to improving the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of aquaculture systems. Jayasinghe has been involved in developing best practices that help small-scale and commercial farmers enhance yields while minimizing the environmental impact, which is crucial for both economic growth and ecological health.
Dr. Vasant Kripa is the former Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) in Chennai, India, and a highly respected scientist in marine biology, coastal aquaculture, and environmental management. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kripa has been instrumental in developing policies and practices that promote sustainable and responsible coastal aquaculture in India. Her work has focused on balancing the growth of aquaculture with environmental conservation, ensuring that coastal ecosystems remain resilient and productive.
Dr. K.M. Shankar is the Vice Chairman of the Asian Fisheries Society, Indian Branch, and former Dean of the College of Fisheries in Mangalore, India. A highly respected figure in fish health management and aquaculture, Dr. Shankar has contributed significantly to advancing aquaculture science, particularly in aquatic animal health, biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries. His research focuses on pathogen detection, disease management, and biosecurity in aquaculture, addressing key challenges to improve productivity and sustainability in the industry.
Prof. Arun K. Dhar is a Professor and Director of the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, USA. An expert in aquaculture pathology and virology, Prof. Dhar is highly regarded for his research on diseases affecting shrimp and other aquatic species. His work focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing viral pathogens that pose significant threats to aquaculture industries globally.
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and food safety expert, known for his pioneering work in aquatic microbiology, aquaculture health, and public health. His research focuses on seafood safety and disease management in aquaculture, with significant contributions to understanding and controlling microbial pathogens, such as Vibrio species, which affect marine organisms. His work has helped develop diagnostic tools and strategies that promote sustainability in aquaculture and ensure safer seafood.
Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo is the Director-cum-ICAR National Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). A leading expert in fish health management and aquatic animal diseases, Dr. Sahoo’s work focuses on advancing disease control, immunology, and molecular biology in freshwater aquaculture. His research is pivotal in improving the health, resilience, and sustainability of India’s aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Rohana Subasinghe is the Managing Director of FutureFish, a consultancy specializing in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and international fisheries, Dr. Subasinghe is a globally recognized expert dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support food security, environmental protection, and socioeconomic growth.
Dr. Eduardo Leano is the Director General of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), an intergovernmental organization focused on sustainable aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong background in aquatic animal health and pathology, Dr. Leano has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, improving disease management, and promoting biosecurity within the industry.