MR

Mohit Pradip Rajabhoj

University of Pennsylvania, IISER Thiruvananthapuram

ORCID iD 0000-0002-6017-6150
Follow

About

My early research contributions focused on understanding stress tolerance and lipid metabolism in the salt tolerant alga Dunaliella salina. I demonstrated that this organism produces high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids under saline stress, providing insights into metabolic optimization and resilience mechanisms in photosynthetic organisms. This work also established Dunaliella salina as a key source of an important nutraceutical compound. This work laid the foundation for my interest in plant biology and environmental responsiveness.

My graduate research contributions centered on transcriptional and epigenetic gene regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana. I developed an innovative genetic approach using CENH3-based haploid induction and paternal allele transmission to generate sporophytic mutant lines for the gametophytic regulators MEDEA (MEA) and DEMETER (DME), overcoming a long-standing barrier in the field. My work revealed that MEA and DME together restrict supernumerary apical meristem formation and repress ectopic activation of key shoot regulators (CUC2, STM, PLT5, WUS), establishing their essential role in plant body-plan patterning. This publication was the first to demonstrate synergistic repression by these two factors in sporophytic development.

Prior to my doctoral work, I contributed to studies on gene regulatory networks controlling tuberization in potato. I was involved in the identification and functional characterization of Potato Homeobox 15 (POTH15), a class-I KNOX gene, and explored how KNOX transcription factors and microRNA circuits coordinate developmental transitions and plant architecture. I also participated in research demonstrating that microRNA156 acts as a graft-transmissible signal regulating tuberization, with implications for crop trait engineering.

Alongside my research career, I have actively contributed as a freelance science writer for prominent organizations such as Current Science, IndiaBioscience, STEAMindiaReports, and MedPiper Technologies Pvt. Ltd. In this capacity, I have authored articles and features designed to communicate scientific advances, promote awareness of current topics in sciences and foster dialogue between scientists and the wider public. This work supported both public engagement and professional development in the scientific community.

Employment

  • University of Pennsylvania Postdoctoral Researcher
    2025 - Present

Education

  • IISER Thiruvananthapuram PhD

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (8)