Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
List of Publications
NCBI Submission Details
Languages
Hobbies and interests
References
Timeline
Generic

Dr. Shaifali Pal

Noida

Summary

Plant molecular biologist with ten years of experience in siRNA gene silencing and transgenic plant generation. Expertise in genetic engineering of secondary metabolites and GC-MS analysis of sterol metabolites in Tobacco and Withania. Demonstrated success in managing research projects and budgets while producing high-quality scientific documentation. Dedicated professional with a strong focus on continuous learning and adaptation to emerging techniques in biotechnology. Currently serving as Assistant Manager in Quality Assurance at Symbiotic Sciences Pvt. Ltd., demonstrating commitment to enhancing expertise in the field. Proven ability to implement quality assurance processes that improve in-vitro developed AMF product reliability and compliance.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Manager Quality Assurance

Symbiotic Sciences Pvt. Ltd
Gurgaon, India
02.2025 - Current
  • Performing quality assurance evaluations of industrial-scale production of in-vitro cultivated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Freelancer and Educator

Self Employed
Noida, India
12.2020 - Current
  • Produced comprehensive research review papers analyzing current trends and methodologies.
  • Crafted insightful book chapters that enhance understanding of the subject matter.
  • Wrote research articles targeted for publication in reputable academic journals.

Research Associate (RA)

IARI
New Delhi
06.2024 - 08.2024
  • Under World Bank-ICAR-NAHEP-CAAST funded initiative (71-01) titled Genomics Assisted Crop Enhancement and Management.
  • Dr. Chinnusamy Viswanathan, JD (R), Principal Scientist, Plant Physiology Div., IARI, New Delhi.

Career Break

Maternity Leave
Noida, India
10.2017 - 11.2020
  • Refined English capabilities, leading to successful completion of IELTS exam (General Training) with a 7.5 band (2019-2021).

National Post Doctoral Fellow

NIPGR
New Delhi
04.2017 - 10.2017
  • Understanding the effect of temperature on secondary metabolite profile of tomato and the underlying genetic basis.
  • Dr. Aashish Ranjan, Mentor. Senior Scientist, NIPGR, New Delhi

Senior Research Fellow (SRF)

IARI
New Delhi
12.2015 - 03.2017
  • Molecular breeding for improvement of tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, yield and quality traits in rice crop.
  • To transfer the blast resistance genes i.e., Pi9 and Pita into the genetic background of elite cultivar of Rice (Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 6) through molecular breeding approach.
  • Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Mentor and ICAR-IARI Ex-Director.

Senior Research Fellow (SRF)

CSIR-CIMAP
Lucknow
06.2012 - 06.2015
  • Complete cds of WsSMT1 was cloned in pET-28a expression vector.
  • Recombinant SMT1 protein was expressed and purified, and was further used for antibody generation and western blotting.
  • RNAi and overexpression constructs of this gene were also prepared to study its role in planta.
  • SMT1 silenced Withania transgenic plants were raised and analysed to determine sterols and withanolide content using GC-MS and HPLC, respectively.
  • QPCR analysis of pathway-related genes in SMT1-silenced plants was also performed.
  • SMT1 enzymes kinetic parameters such as Vmax and Km were measured.
  • I published eight research papers during my PhD, of which seven were published in SCI journals, and one in an Indian journal.
  • Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, PhD Guide, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow (LKO), currently Director of CSIR-NBRI, LKO, and Ex-Director of NIPB, New Delhi.

Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

CSIR-CIMAP
Lucknow
06.2011 - 05.2012
  • Carbon contribution and regulation for tri-terpene asicosides in Centella asiatica using RNAi approach.
  • Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CIMAP, LKO, and currently serving as Director of CSIR-NBRI, LKO.

Project Assistant-II (PA)

CSIR-CIMAP
Lucknow
11.2009 - 05.2011
  • Cloning and sequencing of Withanolide biosynthetic pathway genes.
  • Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CIMAP, LKO, and currently serving as Director of CSIR-NBRI, LKO.

Research Intern (RI)

CSIR-CIMAP
Lucknow
03.2007 - 03.2009
  • Prepared separate leaf and root cDNA libraries of W. somnifera and yielded non redundant 495 leaf and 76 root ESTs.
  • Constructed subtractive hybridized libraries between leaf and root cDNA populations that yielded 36 leaf-abundant and 47 root-abundant ESTs, some of which showed sequence (80%) homology to glucosyl transferases, which may be significant in view of the highly glucosylated nature of withanolides.
  • One EST showed homology with Sterol Methyl Transferase 1; the partially isolated EST was full length using the RACE approach.
  • The sequence of Withania SMT1 full-length gene was submitted to GenBank under Accession Numbers GQ921847.
  • Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CIMAP, LKO, and currently serving as Director of CSIR-NBRI, LKO.

Education

PhD - Biological sciences (Molecular biology and Plant Biotechnology)

Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, India
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
01.2016

M.Sc. - Biotechnology

Bundelkhand University
Jhansi, UP, India
01.2006

B.Sc. - Botany, Chemistry, Zoology

University of Lucknow
Lucknow, UP, India
01.2004

Intermediate (12th) - English, Hindi, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

CBSE
01.2000

High School (10th) - English, Hindi, Math’s, Science, Social Science

CBSE
01.1998

Skills

  • DNA, RNA, and mRNA isolation
  • Gene Cloning, cDNA construction and DNA Sequencing
  • Designing degenerate primers
  • PCR and qPCR experiment and primer designing
  • cDNA library construction
  • Basic microbiological techniques
  • RNAi, gene silencing
  • Real-Time PCR
  • Gene expression analysis
  • Enzymatic assays
  • Enzyme kinetics
  • Basic plant tissue culture techniques
  • Agrobacterium mediated plant transformations
  • Direct regeneration studies
  • Bioinformatics tools eg BLAST, CLUSTAL W, CAP3 etc
  • EMBL
  • NCBI
  • KEGG pathway, MetaCyc pathway, Sol genomics Network, Gramene, Tomatomics
  • GC-MS analysis
  • Vacuum Infiltration
  • Protein isolation, quantification, purification (Ni-NTAHis Resin Columns)
  • Gel Electrophoresis (Agarose, Acrylamide)
  • Western Blotting
  • Yeast expression
  • Microsome isolation
  • Plant Molecular markers
  • Rice molecular breeding
  • Performing Rice crosses for breeding purposes
  • Mycorrhiza quality assurance: propagule and spore counting, viability reaction setup and analysis, and root colonization studies
  • Genetics
  • Research methodology
  • Data analysis (qPCR, GC-MS, transgenics)
  • Grant writing
  • Project management
  • Collaboration skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication strategies
  • Mentorship skills
  • Leadership and mentoring
  • Communication

Accomplishments

  • Received SERB-National Post Doctoral Fellowship in Life Sciences, conducted by Science and Engineering Research Board, New Delhi, India (2017).
  • Qualified CSIR-Research Associate Fellowship (RA) in Biological Sciences, conducted by CSIR, New Delhi, India (2017)-not availed.
  • Qualified CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) in Biological Sciences, conducted by CSIR, New Delhi, India (2012).
  • Qualified Joint CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) for Lectureship in Life Sciences, conducted by CSIR-UGC, India (2009, 2010).
  • Got CSIR Diamond Jubilee Research Interns Award fellowship by CSIR- CIMAP, Lucknow, India for two year (2007-2009).
  • Qualified GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) Exam conducted by IIT, Kanpur in Life sciences (2007).
  • PB Kakkar Gold Medal (2004) for obtaining highest marks in Botany during Graduation from Navyug Kanya Degree College (Lucknow University, Lucknow, India).
  • National Level Competitive Examination (JNVST) conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 1993 and got 7 year fellowship from class VI to class XII under a scheme in which education of students are fully financed by Government of India.

List of Publications

  • RNAi of Sterol Methyl Transferase1 reveals its Direct Role in Diverting Intermediates towards Withanolide/Phytosterol Biosynthesis in Withania somnifera, Pal S, Rastogi S, Nagegowda DA, Gupta MM, Shasany AK, Chanotiya CS, Plant and Cell Physiology, 2019, 60, 3, 672-686, https://doi.org/10.1093/pcp/pcy237
  • A WRKY transcription factor from Withania somnifera regulates triterpenoid withanolides accumulation and biotic stress tolerance through modulation of phytosterol and defence pathways, Singh AK, Sarma RK, Dwivedi V, Rai A, Pal S, Shasany AK, Nagegowda DA, New Phytologist, 2017, 215, 3, 1115–1131, 10.1111/nph.14663
  • Nitrogen treatment enhances sterols and withaferin A through transcriptional activation of jasmonate pathway, WRKY transcription factors and biosynthesis genes in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Pal S, Yadav AK, Singh AK, Rastogi S, Gupta MM, Verma RK, Nagegowda DA, Pal A, Shasany AK, Protoplasma, 2017, 254, 1, 389-399, 10.1007/s00709-016-0959-x
  • Repurposing L-menthol for systems medicine and cancer therapeutics? L-menthol induces apoptosis through caspase 10 and by suppressing HSP90, Faridi U, Dhawan SS, Pal S, Gupta S, Shukla AK, Darokar MP, Sharma A, Shasany AK, Omics: a journal of integrative biology, 2016, 20, 1, 53-64, 10.1089/omi.2015.0118
  • Virus-induced gene silencing of Withania somnifera squalene synthase negatively regulates sterol and defence-related genes resulting in reduced withanolides and biotic stress tolerance, Singh AK, Dwivedi V, Rai A, Pal S, Reddy SGE, Rao DKV, Shasany AK, Nagegowda DA, Plant Biotechnology Journal, 2015, 13, 1287-1299, 10.1111/pbi.12347
  • Sterol partitioning by HMGR and DXR for routing intermediates towards withanolide biosynthesis, Singh S, Pal S, Shanker K, Chanotiya CS, Gupta MM, Dwivedi UN, Shasany AK, Physiologia plantarum, 2014, 152, 4, 617-633, 10.1111/ppl.12213
  • Comparative withanolide profiles, gene isolation and differential gene expression in leaves and roots of Withania somnifera, Pal S, Singh S, Shukla AK, Gupta MM, Khanuja SPS, Shasany AK, Journal of horticultural science and biotechnology, 2011, 86, 4, 391-397
  • Screening and analysis of expressed sequence tags from trichome specific cDNA library of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis), Dhawan SS, Shasany AK, Gupta S, Bakhla A, Pal S, Nair P, Khanuja SPS, Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences, 2008, 30, 281-285, Indian Journal

NCBI Submission Details

  • Submission of total 652 ESTs to dbEST division of GenBank under accession numbers: GR923244-GR923812, GR930348-GR930349 (495 ESTs from leaf and 76 ESTs from root cDNA library of Withania somnifera respectively), GT087796- GT087877 (36 ESTs from subtracted leaf library and 45 ESTs from subtracted root library).
  • Full-length sequence of Sterol Methyl Transferase 1 (SMT1) gene, Sterol Methyl Tranferase 2 (SMT2) and Sterol Methyl Oxidase 2 (SMO2) from Withania somnifera have been submitted to GenBank under accession number GQ921847, KR919799 and KR919800 respectively.
  • Full-length sequence of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) gene from Centella asiatica has been submitted to GenBank under accession number JQ965955.

Languages

English
Proficient
C2
Hindi
Proficient
C2

Hobbies and interests

  • Painting, Gardening and Reading Scientific Journals.

References

1) Dr. Ajit K. Shasany (Ph.D. Guide),

FNAAS, FNASc

Director,

CSIR- National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow- 226001

&

Former Director, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology (NIPB), New Delhi-110012 .

&

Former Chief Scientist, Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants,

Email: akshasany@gmail.com; director@nbri.res.in

Contact No: +91-9415027245

2) Dr. Aashish Ranjan (N-PDF Guide),

Scientist-V and Ramalingaswami fellow

National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), 

Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Post Box No: 10531, New Delhi, INDIA-110067

Email address: aranjan@nipgr.ac.in

ContactNo: +91-9717363272

Timeline

Assistant Manager Quality Assurance

Symbiotic Sciences Pvt. Ltd
02.2025 - Current

Research Associate (RA)

IARI
06.2024 - 08.2024

Freelancer and Educator

Self Employed
12.2020 - Current

Career Break

Maternity Leave
10.2017 - 11.2020

National Post Doctoral Fellow

NIPGR
04.2017 - 10.2017

Senior Research Fellow (SRF)

IARI
12.2015 - 03.2017

Senior Research Fellow (SRF)

CSIR-CIMAP
06.2012 - 06.2015

Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

CSIR-CIMAP
06.2011 - 05.2012

Project Assistant-II (PA)

CSIR-CIMAP
11.2009 - 05.2011

Research Intern (RI)

CSIR-CIMAP
03.2007 - 03.2009

PhD - Biological sciences (Molecular biology and Plant Biotechnology)

Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, India

M.Sc. - Biotechnology

Bundelkhand University

B.Sc. - Botany, Chemistry, Zoology

University of Lucknow

Intermediate (12th) - English, Hindi, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

CBSE

High School (10th) - English, Hindi, Math’s, Science, Social Science

CBSE
Dr. Shaifali Pal