Debasmita P Alone

About

I hold an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Nagpur University and a Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University, where I conducted graduate research under the guidance of Prof. Jagat K. Roy. My work involved molecular genetic analysis and genotype-phenotype correlation of Rab11, a small GTPase, and the characterization of l(3)tb, a novel tumor suppressor gene in Drosophila.

Following my doctoral studies, I pursued postdoctoral research at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), Bethesda, USA. In collaboration with the late Dr. Howard A. Nash, my research centered on identifying the molecular targets of general anesthetics using copy number variation. Additionally, I engaged in valuable discussions with the late Prof. Harvey S. Mudd, Scientist Emeritus at NIMH, which deeply influenced my ongoing research interests in human health and disease.

Since joining NISER in 2010, I have been leading the Molecular Genetics group within the School of Biological Sciences. My lab focuses on the molecular genetics and epigenetics of neurodegenerative eye disorders, particularly Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma and Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy, as well as cancer research. We employ a range of advanced molecular techniques, including sequencing, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunostaining, EMSA, chromatin immunoprecipitation, siRNA knockdown, and CRISPR genome editing.

Through cutting-edge methodologies, my team continues to explore the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying these diseases, with the goal of contributing to the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions. My research journey reflects an ongoing commitment to advancing molecular genetics, bridging fundamental science with practical applications in healthcare.

Employment

• NISER Associate Professor
  2019 - Present
• NISER Reader (F)
  2012 - 2019
• National Institute of Science Education and Research Assistant Professor
  2010 - 2012
• National Institute of Science Education and Research Visiting Faculty
  2009 - 2010
• National Institutes of Health Research Fellow
  2007 - 2008
• National Institutes of Health Post Doctoral Fellow
  2003 - 2007

Education

• Banaras Hindu University Ph.D
  1997 - 2002
• Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University M.Sc
  1994 - 1996
• Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University B.Ed
  1994 - 1995
• Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University B.Sc
  1991 - 1994

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (30)

• Characterisation of the role played by ELMO1, GPR141 and the intergenic polymorphism rs918980 in Fuchs' dystrophy in the Indian population
  FEBS Open Bio 2025 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.70006
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• Susceptibility to pseudoexfoliation linked to intronic variant rs4926246 in CACNA1A: Evidence from an Indian population study
  Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2025.195076
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• Fluorescent p53 helix mimetics pairing anticancer and bioimaging properties
  Biomaterials Science 2025 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm01681e
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• Generation of FECD Phenotypes in the Mouse Cornea by UVA Exposure and Surgical Removal of its Corneal Endothelial Layer
  BIO-PROTOCOL 2025 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.5249
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• Dihydroartemisinin induces tumor suppression in the Drosophila brain tumor with functional recovery and a rescue in lethality
  Scientific Reports 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-15969-8
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• Current understanding of genetics and epigenetics in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma.
  Molecular aspects of medicine 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101214
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• Role of clusterin gene 3'-UTR polymorphisms and promoter hypomethylation in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
  BBA – Gene Regulatory Mechanisms 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194980
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• Dickkopf-1 and ROCK2 upregulation and associated protein aggregation in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma.
  Life sciences 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121797
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• Genetic variants and haplotypes in fibulin-5 (FBLN5) are associated with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma but not with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
  Bioscience reports 2023 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221622
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• Intergenic variants, rs1200114 and rs1200108 are genetically associated along with a decreased ATP1B1 expression in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.
  Experimental eye research 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109403
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