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Aijaz A John

University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Central University of Punjab

ORCID iD 0000-0002-8261-2742
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About

Dr. Aijaz Ahmad John Bhat is a highly accomplished researcher in Bone Biology, holding a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from CSIR–Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), India. He further completed postdoctoral training in Bone Biology under the guidance of Dr. Jae-Huck Shim at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Massachusetts, USA. His extensive accolades include the prestigious Harold M. Frost Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), the Horae Gene Therapy Post-Doctoral Scholarship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, USA, and the New Investigator Award from ICCBH in association with the European Calcified Tissue Society in Germany. Dr. Aijaz's academic excellence is further underlined by his qualification in several prestigious examinations, including CSIR-JRF-NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Eligibility Test) and Junior Research Fellowship with 29th All India Rank, ICAR-NET (Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Eligibility Test), and GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering). With a remarkable track record, Dr. Bhat has also contributed significantly to his field by publishing over 28 research articles in reputed journals, demonstrating his dedication to advancing knowledge and pioneering innovative approaches in Bone Biology. Currently, Dr. Aijaz is working as a Senior Scientist at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, USA. As a molecular biologist with broad knowledge of Biotechnology, signal transduction, cell biology, and skeletal biology, Dr. Aijaz is capable of applying a unique cross-disciplinary combination of his skills and expertise to understand molecular and genetic mechanisms by which microRNAs control skeletal development and homeostasis. In particular, his research interests lie in the identification and characterization of novel microRNA (miRNA) candidates that will provide new therapeutic targets to combat bone diseases like osteoporosis. Further, Dr. Aijaz is interested in 1) understanding the molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs control activation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), bone-forming osteoblasts, and bone-resorbing osteoclasts under pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, and heterotopic ossification. 2) understanding how dysregulation of these signaling pathways can be involved in skeletal pathogenesis, and 3) development of microRNA therapy that targets these signaling components to treat the skeletal manifestations of specific disorders using bone-homing recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV).

Employment

  • University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Senior Scientist
    2026 - Present
  • University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Post Doctoral Scientist
    2019 - 2026

Education

  • Jawaharlal Nehru University Ph.D
    2014 - 2018
  • Central University of Punjab M.Sc.
    2011 - 2013

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (32)