RB

Reena Bharti

University of California, San Francisco, University of Hyderabad, Jamia Millia Islamia

ORCID iD 0000-0002-3078-7735
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About

I have worked in a lab specializing in basic molecular and immunology techniques. My Ph.D. thesis supervisor emphasizes product-oriented translational research over publication-oriented research, which instilled strong research ethics and values in me. During my Ph.D., I gained experience in gene cloning, transformation studies, and various immunology and molecular biology techniques, both in vitro and in vivo. I have worked on diverse drug delivery systems, including inhalation, microparticles, and nanoparticles. I have experience working with mouse models and other small laboratory animals such as guinea pigs and hamsters. I am proficient in plasma, BAL fluid, and tissue collection techniques.

Our research group explored the behavior of proteins during mycobacterial infection and the role of SOCS during Mycobacterium infection. We also developed novel delivery systems (dry powder inhalation and injectable controlled release) containing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Fragment for managing type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

I have experience in statistical data analysis and presentation using various software programs, including ImageJ, Zeiss, PK Solver, Origin, and GraphPad Prism. My expertise extends to both basic molecular biology and formulation development techniques. I am skilled in western blotting, gel electrophoresis, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, protein-protein interaction techniques, RT-PCR, FACS, confocal microscopy, and other imaging techniques. I am confident in my ability to excel in basic biological research.

I aspire to grow professionally as an independent life science researcher who understands the field and can contribute to translational research. During my Ph.D., I worked on a project titled "Transient Transfection of Lung and Respiratory Epithelium with Gamma Interferon as a Host-Directed Therapy Against Tuberculosis." Our study has shown that it is possible to transiently transfect the lung and airway epithelium with gamma interferon for an optimal period. Condos et al. reported the clinical efficacy of nebulized gamma interferon (IFN- γ) protein in patients with pulmonary TB, but the prohibitive cost of IFN- γ protein is a hurdle in developing this as a host-directed therapy (HDT) for TB. Our study addressed the transient transfection of the lung and airway epithelium with IFN-γ. A prototype dry powder inhalation (DPI) product was developed for transient gene therapy over an optimal period of gene expression. The formulation is potentially affordable, because it is not a sterile product, does not require cold chain storage, and can be self-administered by outpatients. Transient transfection with IFN-γ did not induce pathological inflammation of the lung and airways. The long story cut to short is that IFN-γ, as expected of host-directed therapy, ‘heals the host;’ but does not ‘kill the bug.’
Currently, I am a postdoctoral research scholar at UCSF, USA and working on the mechanisms and signaling involved in T cell and NK cell-mediated acute lung injury and finding possible therapeutics to mitigate the lung injury.

Employment

  • University of California, San Francisco Post doctoral researcher
    2023 - Present

Education

  • University of Hyderabad Post graduation
    2014 - 2016
  • Jamia Millia Islamia Graduation
    2011 - 2014

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (11)