Dr. Kazi Tawsif Ahmed

I am a highly motivated and passionate Ph.D. candidate with extensive research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. My expertise includes molecular biology techniques, microbial cell culture, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. I have a proven track record of innovative research in developing plasmid-based gene expression systems for heterologous proteins in dairy starter cultures.

During my Ph.D., I made significant contributions by discovering and characterizing nine novel plasmids from various bacterial strains, proposing a new classification system for theta-type plasmids, and unraveling the molecular basis of plasmid compatibility. Additionally, I successfully characterized constitutive gene expression from the lacL promoter of Lactobacillus fermentum M1 and developed novel, broad host-range, and stable plasmid-based gene expression systems.

In my current role as a Research Associate, I am leading a project focused on the development of an efficient food-grade genome engineering platform for Lactic Acid Bacteria using CRISPR-Cas9. This work is crucial for advancing our understanding of microbial genetics and has practical applications in biotechnological processes.

My publication record includes impactful articles in reputable journals, showcasing my research prowess. Notable achievements include publications on self-healable metallogels with anti-bacterial activity, the molecular characterization of plasmids from fermented milk samples, CRISPR-Cas Biology and Whole Genome Sequencing

Apart from my research expertise, I possess strong interpersonal skills, am adept at working independently and collaboratively, and can quickly adapt to new environments. My proficiency in various computer tools, including Linux/Windows and Next Generation Sequencing Data analysis, adds value to my research capabilities.

With a Ph.D. in Botany from Visva-Bharati, I have a solid educational background, including an Honours degree in Botany from the University of Burdwan and a Master's degree from Visva-Bharati.

My teaching experience includes lecturing and demonstrating to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and supervising and guiding the Ph.D.Scholars, showcasing my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively in Visva-Bharati University, NIPER kolkata and Sambalpur University.

I am confident that my research achievements, coupled with my strong academic background and practical skills, make me an ideal candidate for a postdoctoral research associate position. I look forward to contributing to cutting-edge research and furthering my academic and professional growth in your esteemed institution.

Research Achievements Summary during PhD.:

Plasmid Discovery and Classification:

  Identified and characterized nine novel plasmids from Enterococcus faecium RME, Enterococcus italicus SDI, and Lactococcus lactis CPE.
  Pioneered a class-A iteron-based theta type plasmid classification system, shedding light on plasmid coexistence and compatibility.

Gene Expression System Development:

  Engineered the novel vector pSK207 featuring a class-A theta-type replicon, constitutive lacL promoter, lacL terminator, and cat gene.
  Successfully created a structurally and segregationally stable vector with enhanced carrying capacity compared to pNZ8148.

Constitutive Gene Expression System:

  Discovered a constitutive lacL promoter in Lactobacillus fermentum M1, facilitating optimal gene expression across various carbon sources.
  Developed pVB-GFP, a functional vector constitutively expressing the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene.

Bioengineering Applications:

  Overcame limitations in LAB research, contributing to translational applications with societal benefits.
  Introduced constitutive gene expression vectors essential for both basic and applied research.

Ongoing Post-Doctoral Research :

CRISPR-Cas Systems Characterization:

  Characterizing CRISPR-Cas systems in carbapenem-resistant strains, comparing them with susceptible strains.
  Investigating cas gene expression and CRISPR-Cas system functionality in resistant strains.

Engineering CRISPR-Cas System for Resistance Control:

  Developing strategies to engineer the CRISPR-Cas system, aiming to impede horizontal gene transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Characterization and Development of CRISPR-Cas9 System from Lactobacillus fermentum:

  Characterizing the CRISPR-Cas9 system of L. fermentum M1, assessing the activity of Cas9 and sgRNA.
  Creating a plasmid-based food-grade CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing vector for lactic acid bacteria.

Off-Target Effect Evaluation and Rational Designing:

  Evaluating off-target effects in the genome and rationally designing M1 Cas9 to reduce unintended consequences.

Genome Editing in Dairy Starter Cultures:

  Assessing the potential of the improved M1Cas9 vector for genome editing in dairy starter cultures.
  Conducting gene knockout and knock-in for potential applications in health, focusing on therapeutic gene delivery in the human intestine.

• International Webinar on "COVID-19, THE FACTS AND FINDINGS", Department of Chemistry, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia - 723104, West Bengal, 06/08/2020, Oral presentation
• International Webinar on "Covid-19 SAGA - A GLOBAL THREAT", Department of Physics, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia - 723104, West Bengal, 06/26/2020 - 06/27/2020, Oral presentation
• National Seminar on "Sustainable Utilization of Plants and Microbes", Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731235, 03/28/2019, Participation
• Two-day online training program on Flowcytometry under NIPER Kolkata Outreach Program, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, 03/30/2021 - 03/31/2021, Participation

• Date of Birth: 10/22/1993
• Gender: Male
• Nationality: Indian
• Marital Status: Single

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, JRF(NET)-SRF(NET), File No.: 09/202(0070)/2017-EMR-I, 2016
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, NET-Lecturership, Roll. No. 337553, 2017
• Best Presenter award in the "6TH REGIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS (REGION-3), 2023-24

Articles

• Exploration of Variable Solvent Directed Self-Healable Supramolecular M(II)-Metallogels (M = Co, Ni, Zn) of Azelaic Acid: Investigating Temperature-Dependent Ion Conductivity and Antibacterial Efficiency, ACS Applied Bio Materials, 10.1021/ACSABM.3C00675, 4.7
• Suberic Acid-Based Supramolecular Metallogels of Ni(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) for Anti-Pathogenic Activity and Semiconducting Diode Fabrication, Langmuir, 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00765, 4.331
• Ni(II) and Zn(II)-metallogels based anti-bacterial scaffolds for fabricating light-responsive junction type semiconducting diodes with non-ohmic conduction mechanism, Materials Advances, 1, 525-553, 10.1039/D3MA00054K, 5.0
• Molecular characterization of five novel plasmids from Enterococcus italicus SD1 isolated from fermented milk: An insight into understanding plasmid incompatibility, Gene, 856, 147154, 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147154, 3.913
• Squaric acid driven supramolecular metallogels of Cd(II) and Zn(II): Sensitive inhibitors for multi-drug resistance ESKAPE pathogens, Journal of Molecular Liquids, 368, 120619, 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120619, 6.633
• Plasmid-Based Gene Expression Systems for Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Review, Microorganisms, 10, 1132, 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS10061132, 4.926
• CRISPR detectives against SARS-CoV-2: a major setback against COVID-19 blowout, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 105, 20, 7593-7605, 10.1007/s00253-021-11583-6, 5.560
• Characterization of a novel theta-type plasmid pSM409 of Enterococcus faecium RME isolated from raw milk, Gene, 777, 10.1016/J.Gene.2021.145459, 3.913
• Animal Hosts of Coronavirus: Unsung Reason behind Recurring Outbreaks Animal Hosts of Coronavirus: Unsung Reason behind Recurring Outbreaks, International Journal of Cell Science & Molecular Biology, 6, 122-124, 10.19080/IJCSMB.2020.06.555699, 0.889
• CRISPR-Cas9 system: A new-fangled dawn in gene editing, Life Sciences, 232, 116636, 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116636, 6.78
• Draft Genome Sequence of Cold-Tolerant Kurthia gibsonii B83, Isolated from Spinach Leaf, Microbiology Resource Announcements, 8, 11, 10.1128/MRA.01480-18
• Draft Genome Sequence of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis W8, a Potential Nisin-Producing Starter Culture for Indian Traditional Fermented Milk (Dahi), Microbiology Resource Announcements, 7, 23, 10.1128/MRA.01305-18

Book Chapters

• Kazi, T. A., & Biswas, S. R. (2021). CRISPR/dCas system as the modulator of gene expression. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science (1st ed., Vol.178). Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.002. I.F. 3.622
• Gupta, R., Gupta, D., Ahmed, K. T., Dey, D., Singh, R., Swarnakar, S., Ravichandiran,V., Roy, S., & Ghosh, D. (2021). Modification of Cas9, gRNA and PAM: Key to furtherregulate genome editing and its applications. Progress in Molecular Biology andTranslational Science, 178, 85–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/BS.PMBTS.2020.12.001. I.F. 3.622

• Dr. Swadesh Ranjan Biswas, Professor and Head, Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, swadesh_s2000@yahoo.co.in, 9064144574
• Dr. Dipanjan Ghosh, Assistant professor, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, dipnjan4u@gmail.com, 8583011190
• Dr. Sukhendu Mandal, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, University of Calcutta, sukhendu1@hotmail.com, 8509141790