Dr. Shruthi S Vembar

Assistant Professor, Molecular Parasitology

Vidwan-ID : 562945

Research Focus Key Words

Malaria, Plasmodium, Molecular parasitology, Gene regulation, RNA biology, DNA epigenetic modifications, CRISPR/Cas technologies, Host-parasite interactions, Genomics, Transcriptomics, Epigenomics, Metagenomics

Background

Having obtained an Integrated M.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Biological Sciences from BITS-Pilani, India, Dr. Shruthi S. Vembar moved to the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA, for her PhD work. For her thesis, she studied the molecular basis of Hsp70-Hsp40 interactions in budding yeast under the guidance of Dr. Jeffrey L. Brodsky. She then moved to Institut Pasteur, Paris, France, to work with Dr. Artur Scherf for her post-doctoral studies, which was supported by prestigious fellowships such as the EMBO Long-Term Fellowship and the ERC’s Marie Curie-Sklodowska International Incoming Fellowship (FP7). Thus began Dr. Vembar’s rendezvous with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, where she focused on using genome-wide approaches to understand gene regulation at the epigenetic and post-transcriptional levels, and how this affects host-parasite interaction. In 2018, Dr. Vembar returned to India to join IBAB as an Assistant Professor to head a research program in malaria molecular parasitology. She also received the prestigious Ramalingaswami Life Sciences Fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology, India, for the year 2018.

Education

2003: Integrated M.Sc. (Hons.) in Biological Sciences from BITS-Pilani, Pilani, India
2009: Ph.D in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

Professional Experience

2010-2018: Post-doctoral Researcher at Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
Dec 2018-: Assistant Professor, IBAB, Bengaluru, India

Research Interests

Dr. Vembar’s team focuses on using omics approaches to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interaction between the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, its human host and mosquito vector. Specifically, her team studies the following aspects of malaria biology:

The role of novel epigenetic DNA base modifications in regulating gene expression during Plasmodium asexual and sexual development – P. falciparum has one of the highest AT-rich genomes that has been sequenced to date (80% A+T-content). Years of research have found very low levels of the well-studied eukaryotic DNA base modification 5mC in the parasite genome. Therefore, we are studying other cytosine, guanosine and adenosine modifications such as 4mC, 8-oxoG and 6mA, which are found at higher levels in the genome by SMRT-seq. By identifying the writers, readers and erasers of these modifications, we hope to shed light on how DNA base modifications regulate the expression of virulence and commitment genes during the asexual and sexual blood stages of P. falciparum.
Functional analysis of atypical RNA-binding proteins in regulating the expression of genes involved in host-parasite interaction, including an in-depth analysis of their biochemical properties – Malaria parasites have dedicated more than 25% of their genomes to synthesise RNA-binding (RBPs) and/or RNA-dependent proteins, many of which appear to be unique to the parasite and function in a stage-specific manner. Focusing of select RBP families such as Albas and RRM domain-containing proteins, we are conducting an in-depth analysis of protein domain architecture, RNA targets in asexual and sexual stages, gene essentiality, protein disorder and liquid-liquid phase separation properties. This will not only help us understand how this pathogen uses RBPs to regulate gene expression, it may also provide insights into LLPS and disease pathology.
Exploration of new modes of gene regulation in Plasmodium spp. such as R-loops, inteins and miniproteins – We are interested in three modes of gene regulation that are understudied in malaria parasites: R-loops, i.e., three-stranded structures containing a DNA:RNA hybrid and a single strand of DNA, inteins or self-splicing internal protein sequences, and miniproteins, encoded by small open reading frames. We are using several genome-wide approaches to determine the distribution of R-loops during P. falciparum blood stage growth, which we will follow-up with in cellulo functional studies by identifying enzymatic regulators of R-loop formation and resolution. To identify inteins/miniproteins in the parasite proteome/genome, we are using an in silico machine learning approach, which we will follow up with their molecular, cellular and biochemical characterization. The latter is especially interesting given that more than 85% of the parasite genome is pervasively transcribed hinting at the presence of as yet unidentified functional RNAs/proteins.
Population genomics, epigenomics and transcriptomics of malaria parasites and mosquito vectors that are endemic to India – Within Asia, India continues to bear the highest burden of malaria. As the country gears towards eliminating malaria by 2030, surveillance of parasites and mosquito vectors needs to be scaled up, as this will help in designing optimal policies for malaria control. Whole genome sequencing serves as a starting point to not only understand parasite and vector diversity within India, but also their drug/insecticide-resistance status. Subsequent epigenomics, transcriptomics and metagenomics studies would provide a holistic insight into the impact of genomic changes on disease transmission dynamics within the Indian sub-continent.
The adaptation of state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas genomic and transcriptomic engineering technologies to perform forward genetic screens in Plasmodium spp. and identify new targets for anti-malarial drug development – Genetic manipulation of P. falciparum began in the 1990s with early studies relying on homologous recombination to create gene knockouts/knockins. With the sequencing of the parasite genome in 2002, it became apparent that the parasite lacks a functional non-homologous end joining pathway, which necessitated other methods such as transposon mutagenesis to perform forward genetics screens. In 2014, when CRISPR/Cas genome editing was adapted to P. falciparum, it was posited that the entire “dark” proteome of the parasite would be rapidly annotated. However, the currently available DNA-targeting systems face several limitations and are not scalable for forward genetics. Therefore, we are developing a DNA- and RNA-targeting CRISPR/Cas toolbox which will help us to regulate protein function, either at the genic or transcriptomic level, and utilize this toolbox for functional genomics.

Funding

2024-2027: PI, ASPIRE grant, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, India
2022-2025: Co-PI, SERB-Core Research Grant, Department of Science and Technology, India
2022-2026: PI, DBT-GET Grant, Department of Biotechnology, India
2021-2024: PI, SERB-Core Research Grant, Department of Science and Technology, India
2019-2024: Ramalingaswami Life Sciences Fellowship Contingency Grant, Department of Biotechnology, India
2019-2020: Industrial Research Grant, RL Fine Chem Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, India

Group Members
PhD Fellows

	Dimple Acharya, PhD student (2019-; DBT-SRF; Registered with MAHE, Manipal) “I have a Master’s degree in biochemistry from Sardar Patel University in Anand, Gujarat. I joined the lab in August 2019 for my PhD. I am investigating the epigenetic role of the 8-oxoguanosine DNA modification and its reader protein OGG1 during the intra-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. I am also working on the DNA/RNA binding PfAlba3 to better understand its post-transcriptional gene regulatory role and whether it cross-talks with the 8-oxoguanosine DNA repair pathway. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, listening to music, and travelling.”
	Seshan D, PhD student (2021-; UGC NET-SRF; Registered with MAHE, Manipal) “I have joined the molecular parasitology lab in January 2021, with an undergraduate degree from Loyola College, Chennai (2013-2016), and a postgraduate degree from Loyola College (2016-2018). At IBAB, I’ve been working on: 1. Evaluation of genome wide distribution and biological role of 6mA DNA modification and it’s regulators in Plasmodium falciparum blood stages. And, 2. Adaptation of CRISPR/Cas12 system to P. falciparum to transcriptionally repress the expression of essential genes in a conditional manner in blood stages. I love my work, and other than my work I like so many things! First thing is I like football – I started playing football from my 6th standard and still play regularly. I like playing video games, taking pictures and keeping my room clean.”
	Riya Mahapatra, PhD student (2022-; DST-INSPIRE SRF; To be registered with MAHE, Manipal) “After completing my Master’s in Human Genetics from Andhra University, I joined the molecular parasitology lab at IBAB in December 2021 as a Ph.D. student. My interest lies in understanding the role of RNA-binding proteins in post-transcriptionally regulating gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum. Apart from that, I hold a significant interest in Immunology and cancer immunotherapeutics. Besides my academic interests, in my leisure time, I like to volunteer for workshops, work in NGOs, paint, write blogs, and travel to new places.”
	Anitha Bavikatte, PhD student (2022-; IBAB JRF; Registered with MAHE, Manipal) “I completed my Master’s of Technology in Bioinformatics from PES Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. After my Master’s, I worked as a Bioinformatics Analyst in a genomics company, Leucine Rich Bio Pvt Ltd, for 3 years, where I had the opportunity to work on RNA-seq, variant calling and microarray analysis pipelines. After that, I joined as a Project Assistant in the Bio-IT centre of IBAB in 2020 and collaborated on a variety of projects in the domain of population genomics and RNA-seq analysis. I also helped conduct several workshops involving Linux programming and NGS analysis. Since 2022, I am a PhD research scholar in the molecular parasitology lab at IBAB. My thesis addresses the dissection of the population structure and diversity of Indian malaria parasites and indigenous vectors of infectious diseases using an omics approach. Apart from research, I like painting and reading books.”
	Varsha HJ, PhD student (2022-; DST-INSPIRE JRF; To be registered with MAHE, Manipal) “I completed my Integrated MSc in Biological Sciences from Bangalore University. As a researcher, I was always interested in understanding the genetic basis of diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and the biology behind them. I joined the Molecular parasitology Lab in 2022 as a Ph.D. student and am involved in understanding the role of R-loops in the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Apart from academic research, I like spending my free time painting, drawing, and doing butterfly photography.”
	Vaishakh V M, PhD student (UGC JRF; 2024-) “I’ve joined the molecular parasitology lab in IBAB after completing my Masters in Zoology from Central University of Kerala (2022). I am interested in research focusing on disease biology and regenerative medicine. Here my work will focus on understanding the functioning of Alba family proteins in Plasmodium falciparum and other RNA-binding proteins functioning in gametocyte differentiation of the same. Outside the lab I enjoy playing cricket, watching movies, exploring places and like to stay updated with current affairs, science and tech.”
	Shaurya Singh Rajput, PhD student (IBAB-Syngene SynRise Fellowship and DST INSPIRE JRF-eligible; 2025-) “I completed my Bachelor’s (2018–2021) and Master’s (2021–2023) degrees in Microbiology and joined the Molecular Parasitology Lab in January 2025 as a PhD scholar. My research focuses on developing an efficient CRISPR/Cas toolbox for Plasmodium falciparum genome editing during its intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle and using it to functionally characterize the P. falciparum STEVOR multi-gene family proteins. I have a deep passion for learning things from scratch, striving to become both a fantastic researcher and an inspiring teacher for my future students. I value discipline, hard work, and honesty, and I enjoy maintaining systematic organization in all aspects of my work.”

Project Fellows

Sowmiya Ramesh, DBT-Project SRF (2022-)
“As a microbiologist, I was always fascinated by how microorganisms evade host immune mechanisms to cause infections. After completing my Master’s in Microbiology from Pondicherry University, I joined IBAB as a JRF in April 2022. My work involves establishment of CRISPR-Cas13 as a transcriptome engineering tool in malarial parasites. Apart from that, I also do miniature art, painting, calligraphy, cycling and swimming.”

Raee Gramopadhye, Project Assistant (2024-)
“I have completed my M.E. in Biotechnology from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani in July 2023. After my Master’s, I worked for one year in a consulting firm called PharmaACE Analytics, Pvt. Ltd. and joined IBAB as a Project Assistant in January 2024. My work at the Molecular Parasitology Lab at IBAB comprises of studying and establishing CRISPR-Cas13 systems for transcriptome engineering in malaria parasite. Apart from research, I love to cook, travel and watch movies.”

Interns
Spring 2025 (ongoing)

	Aadithya E (Project intern) Completed B.Tech. in Biotechnology from VIT, Vellore. Working on biochemically characterizing nucleotide methyltransferases from a variety of organisms
	Srujan Shetty (Project intern) “I recently completed my Master’s in Chemistry from Nottingham Trent University, UK, following a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry, Zoology, and Biotechnology from St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru. Currently, I work alongside Varsha, focusing on understanding the role of R-loops in the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum, with an emphasis on cloning techniques. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing volleyball, etymology and spending time with cats.”
	Tanya Girish (Project intern, NMAM Institute of Technology, Mangaluru, KA) “A final-year B.E. Biotechnology student at NMAM Institute of Technology, I joined the Molecular Parasitology Lab as an intern in 2025. My research focuses on 8-oxoG and PfOGG1 as epigenetic regulators in malaria parasites. My work would include assessing the activity of PfOGG1 via bacterial reporter assays. Beyond academics, I love to read novels and sketch coconut trees.”
	Austin Mathew (MSc13 Dissertation Intern, IBAB) “After completing my B. Sc. in Biotechnology from Manipal University Jaipur, I joined IBAB as a M. Sc. student in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. I am currently pursuing my final-year project, “Co-evolution of Histones and Histone Modifiers in Parasitic Protists,” which explores how histones and their modifiers have changed in parasitic protists, with a focus on histone sequence divergence and modifications in histone modifiers that support the transition to parasitism. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have a keen interest in reading fiction, playing table tennis, gardening, and origami.”
	Zamin Ahmed (MSc13 Dissertation Intern, IBAB) “With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Delhi University, I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at IBAB. For my final year project, ‘Drug Target Discovery in Malaria Parasites Using Multi-Omics Data Integration,’ I am developing a machine learning model to predict druggable target genes in Plasmodium falciparum by integrating transcriptomic and population genomics data. I hope my work contributes to identifying more effective drug targets, addressing the growing challenge of drug resistance in current antimalarial therapies. Apart from academics, pop music, thriller movies, and musical theatre pique my interest.”
	Anjali K Mina (MSc13 Dissertation Intern, IBAB) “I am currently pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at IBAB, Bangalore. My project “Genetic Manipulation of Plasmodium falciparum Using Inteins and Split Markers” focuses on splitting known P. falciparum drug selection markers—blasticidin-S-deaminase, human dihydrofolate reductase, and yeast dihydroorotate dehydrogenase—and tagging them with split inteins on separate vectors. Upon co-transfection, inteins reconstitute functional markers, enabling stable maintenance with a single drug and reducing cellular stress. Beyond academics, I enjoy exploring digital art and listening to music in my free time.”
	Vaibhav Kini (MSc13 Dissertation Intern, IBAB) “I am pursuing my Master’s at IBAB, and the dissertation that I am currently engaged with focuses on CRISPR-Cas systems. The proposed project involves building a versatile CRISPR-Cas toolkit that contains varied Cas systems which can enable exact and flexible editing of the Plasmodium genome. I’m interested in biology and the questions it raises. Beyond the lab, I love bike rides & road trips and competitive badminton & tennis. I also spend hours playing video games during my free time, this balances my interest in science with my love for adventure.”
	Sonal Kudva (MScBDB01 Dissertation Intern, IBAB) “Numerous proteins work together to attach to a single RNA molecule in order to regulate gene expression in every biological system. These proteins, also known as RNA Binding Proteins or RBPs, have been shown to exhibit Phase Separation Properties and Intrinsically Disordered Regions (IDRs). In my work, I will determine whether IDRs are present in Plasmodium RBPs and if their presence is predictive of phase separation. By combining bulk and single cell RNA-seq data as well as growth essentiality, I hope to gain a fundamental understanding of how Plasmodium RBPs are regulated as the parasite adapts to different host cellular environments. A little about myself: I am a foodie at heart, who is constantly seeking out new cuisines and cultures and also read fiction in my free time.”

Lab alumni

Project Fellows and Project Assistants

Aabhas Martand, DBT Project SRF (2.5 yrs; 2022-2024) — Research Assistant, Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru
Ekta D, DST-SERB Project SRF (8 months; 2023-2024) — n/k
Jaiganesh S, Project Assistant (2.5 yrs; 2021-2023) — now enrolled in the iMM LisbonBioMed International PhD program, Lisbon, Portugal
Anjani Rao, Project Assistant (1.5 yrs; 2022-2023) — now pursuing a PhD at the University of Montpelier, France
Elvis Christie, DST-SERB Project JRF (1 yr, 2 months; 2022-2023) — n/k
Anitha Bavikatte, Project Assistant (2 yrs; 2020-2022) — now pursuing a PhD at IBAB, Bengaluru
Sneha Murthy, Project Assistant (2.5 yrs; 2020-2022) — now pursuing a PhD at the Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
Mohan Govindasamy, DST-SERB Project JRF (1 yr; 2021-2022) — now pursuing a PhD at National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Kapil Pareek, Project Assistant (8 months; 2021) — now pursuing a PhD at the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Germany
Cynthia Francis David (4 months; 2021) — now pursuing a PhD at Washington State University, Pullman, USA
Ambika Doddamani, Project Assistant (2.5 yrs; 2019-2021) — now working at Syngene, Bengaluru
Venkat Mudiyam, Project Assistant (2 yrs; 2019-2021) — now pursuing a PhD at the University of Lille and Institut Paster-Lille, France
Venitha Bernard, Project Assistant (1.5 yrs; 2019-2020) — now pursuing a PhD at Penn State University, State College, PA, USA
Shilpa Ajit, Project Assistant (6 months; 2019) — now working at Jubilant Biosys Limited, Bengaluru

*Though not included here, IBAB MSc Thesis Interns Chondamma BC and Monoswi Chakraborty worked briefly as Project Assistants to wrap up their thesis work before moving abroad for their PhD

External Thesis Interns

Spring 2024

Prashanth Y A, MSc Dissertation Intern (Univ. of Mysore, KA) — now working as Project Associate, CSIR- IGIB, New Delhi
Kanishka Ojha, MSc Dissertation Intern (Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, MP) — now working as Associate Researcher, Medgenome Labs Ltd., Bengaluru
Gargi Tikoo, MSc Dissertation Intern (Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, HP) — now working in Panacea Biotech, New Delhi

Spring 2023

Dikhita Basishtha, MSc Dissertation Intern (Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore) — now working as Bioinformatics Engineer I, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bengaluru
Sowmyaa Sridhar, BTech Dissertation Intern (PES University, Bengaluru) — now pursuing a Masters at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA

Spring 2022

Amruta Kulkarni, BTech Dissertation Intern (DY Patil Deemed to be University, Mumbai) — now working at Cisco, Bengaluru
Shatabdi Das, MSc Dissertation Intern (Amity University, Gwalior) — now working in MarketsandMarkets Research Company as a Research Associate in Healthcare

Spring 2021

Jaiganesh S, MSc Dissertation Intern (VIT, Vellore) — see above

2019-2020 (1 yr)

Nisha Madhukar, MSc Dissertation Intern (Banasthali University, Rajasthan) — now working as an Associate Business Analyst at Aastey, Bengaluru

IBAB MSc Interns

Spring 2024 (MSc12)

Dhanya Hegde — now working at Eli Lilly, Bengaluru
Ritwik Maity — now working at Eli Lilly, Bengaluru

Spring 2023 (MSc11)

Divya S — now working at JNCASR, Bengaluru
Varshini S — now working at Eli Lilly, Bengaluru
Nihar Lakhe — now working at Strand Life Sciences, Bengaluru

Spring 2022 (MSc10)

Monsowi Chakraborty — now pursuing a PhD at University of California, Riverside, USA
Muskaan Sharma — now working at Novartis, Hyderabad
Kanika Bhatia — now working at Eli Lilly, Bengaluru
Thrilok Gowda — now working at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bengaluru

Spring 2021 (MSc09)

Chondamma Bollachettira Vijaya, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now pursuing a PhD at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Aishwarya Rajurkar, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now pursuing a PhD at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
Ramyashree HJ, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now working at Strand Life Sciences, Bengaluru

Spring 2020 (MSc08)

Maanasa Bhaskaran, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now pursuing a PhD at the University of Lille, France
Vishnu Ashok, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now working at JNCASR, Bengaluru
Anshu Chitkara, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now working at Novartis, Hyderabad
Devangshu Nandi, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — n/k

Spring 2019 (MSc07)

Chaitanyaraj Jadeja, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now working at Strand Life Sciences, Bengaluru
Subrata Mishra, MSc Dissertation Intern (IBAB) — now pursuing a PhD at IIT-Mumbai, Mumbai

Short-term Interns

2024-ongoing

Aadithya Ezhil, B.Tech Summer Intern (VIT, Vellore) — degree completed
Srujan Shetty, — degree completed

2023

Shrujana Kandadai, Int. MSc Summer Intern (VIT, Vellore) — degree ongoing
Deepta Beji, Int. MSc Summer Intern (VIT, Vellore) — degree ongoing
Paarangi Chawla, B.Tech Summer Intern (IIT, Rourkee) — degree ongoing

2022

Sowmyaa Sridhar, BTech Intern (PES University, Bengaluru) — degree ongoing

2021

Preshita Dave, BTech Intern (RVCE, Bengaluru) — now working as Bioinformatics Specialist I at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA, after obtaining a Masters from Boston University, USA
Tanvi Garg, BTech Summer Intern (IIT-Kharagpur) — now pursuing a Masters at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

2020

Ria Sonigara, BTech Summer Intern (IIT-BHU) — degree ongoing

2019

Zara Anwar, MSc Summer Intern (Dayanand Sagar University, Bengaluru) — now working at Celegence, Bengaluru

Publications
From IBAB

Bavikatte AN, Bernard VAM, Moudgalya S, Reegan D, Sreekanthreddy P, Mohan A, Hosahalli SS, Ghosh S*, Vembar SS*. Whole genome sequencing of Aedes aegypti field isolates from India reveals their evolutionary relatedness to global populations and genetic signatures of local selection.
Submission stage.
*Corresponding authors
Initial version deposited in biorxiv (2020): https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.08.083949
Bavikatte AN#, Kumar S#, White J, Chakrabarti R, Bernard VAM, Sharma A, Mascarenhas A, Pereira L, Walke J, Dash R, Mudeppa DG, Chery-Karschney L, Maki JN, Sarma DK, Bhowmick IP, Gogoi K, Nirmolia T, Khandeparkar A, Vaz M, Mohapatra PK, Rathod PK, Vembar SS. Unexpected deviations in the genomic structure of Plasmodium falciparum from the Indian sub-continent.
Lancet Microbe. Submitted.
#These authors contributed equally to the study.
Iragavarapu GP#, Varsha HJ#, Vembar SS, Ghosh B. Evolution of hierarchical switching pattern in antigenic variation of Plasmodium falciparum under variable host immunity.
Biophysical Journal. Under review.
#These authors contributed equally to the study.
Initial version deposited in biorxiv (2023): https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.30.555470
Vandanashree M, Pradhan RK, Bavikatte AN, Murthy S, Vembar SS, Jhunjhunwala S, Gopal B. A strain-specific clumping mechanism enables Staphylococcus aureus ST88 to circumvent the host neutrophil response.
ACS Infectious Diseases. In revision.
Kore M, Acharya D, Sharma L, Vembar SS, Sundriyal S. Development and experimental validation of a machine learning model for the prediction of new antimalarials.
BMC Chem. 2025, Jan 30;19(1):28.
Bulusu SN, Bavikatte AN, Shah S, Murthy S, Mariaselvam CM, Kavadichanda C, Vembar SS, Thabah MM, Negi VS. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood and renal tissue in proliferative lupus nephritis identifies genes that predict treatment response – a prospective observation study.
Immunology. 2025, 0:1–11.
Acharya D, Bavikatte AN, Ashok VV, Hegde SR, Macpherson C, Scherf A, Vembar SS. Ectopic overexpression of Plasmodium falciparum DNA/RNA-binding Alba proteins misregulates virulence gene homeostasis during asexual blood development.
Microbiol. Spectr. 2025, Jan 27:e0088524.
Kore M, Rao AR^#, Acharya D^#, Kirwale SS, Bhanot A, Govekar A, Mohanty A, Roy A, Vembar SS+, Sundriyal S+. Design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of primaquine and diaminoquinazoline hybrid molecules against the malaria parasite.
Chem Asian J. 2025, e202401366.
^#These authors contributed equally to the study.
+Corresponding authors
Jaiganesh J, Vembar SS. Evolution of sequence, structural and functional diversity of the ubiquitous DNA/RNA-Binding Alba domain.
Sci. Rep. 2024, Dec 5;14(1):30363.
Initial version deposited in biorxiv (2024): https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.16.589850
Berglar AV, Vembar SS, Gopaul DN. Localization of the putative recombinase Pf-int to the apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum.
Deposited in biorxiv (2021): https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.12.464051
Nadig S+, MurthyS, Vandanashree M, Hosahalli SS, Gopal B+ and VembarSS. Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus LVP-7 (ST88), a community-associated isolate from an eye infection.
Microbiol. Resour. Announc. 2021, Feb 18;10(7):e00077-21.
+Corresponding authors
Rawat M, Kanyal A, Sahasrabudhe S, Vembar SS, Lopez-Rubio JJ, Karmodiya K.Histone acetyltransferase PfGCN5 regulates stress responsive and artemisinin resistance related genes in Plasmodium falciparum.
Sci. Rep. 2021, Jan 13;11(1):852.
An initial version deposited in biorxiv: https://doi.org/10.1101/679100
Berglar A+, Vembar SS. Past, present and future of malaria prevalance and eradication in the light of climate change.
Book chapter in: Elsevier Science’s Encyclopedia of Environmental Health, 2e. 2019.
+Corresponding author

Before joining IBAB

Hammam E, Ananda G, Sinha A, Scheidig-Benatar C, Bohec M, Preiser PR, Dedon PC, Scherf A+, Vembar SS+. Discovery of a new predominant cytosine DNA modification linked to gene expression in malaria parasites.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2020.Jan 10;48(1):184-199.
+Corresponding authors
Herrera-Solorio AM, Vembar SS, Macpherson CR, Lozano-Amado D, Meza GR, Xoconostle-Cazares B, Martins RM, Chen P, Vargas M, Scherf A+, Hernandez-Rivas R+. Clipped histone H3 is integrated into nucleosomes of DNA replication genes in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
EMBO Rep. 2019 e46331.
+Corresponding authors
Shurtleff MJ, Itzhak DN, Hussmann JA, Schirle Oakdale NT, Costa EA, Jonikas M, Weibezahn J, Popova KD, Jan CH, Sinitcyn P, Vembar SS, Hernandez H, Cox J, Burlingame AL, Brodsky JL, Frost A, Borner GH+, Weissman JS+. The ER membrane protein complex interacts cotranslationally to enable biogenesis of multipass membrane proteins.
Elife. 2018 May 29;7. pii: e37018.
+Corresponding authors
Zanghì G, Vembar SS, Baumgarten S, Ding S, Guizetti J, Bryant JM, Mattei D, Jensen ATR, Rénia L, Goh YS, Sauerwein R, Hermsen CC, Franetich JF, Bordessoulles M, Silvie O, Soulard V, Scatton O, Chen P, Mecheri S, Mazier D+, Scherf A+. A Specific PfEMP1 Is Expressed in P. falciparum Sporozoites and Plays a Role in Hepatocyte Infection.
Cell Rep. 2018 Mar 13;22(11):2951-2963.
+Corresponding authors
Sierra-Miranda M, Vembar SS, Delgadillo DM, Ávila-López PA, Herrera-Solorio AM, Lozano Amado D, Vargas M, Hernandez-Rivas R. PfAP2Tel, harbouring a non-canonical DNA-binding AP2 domain, binds to Plasmodium falciparum telomeres.
Cell Microbiol. 2017 Sep;19(9). Epub 2017 May 3.
Cubi R*, Vembar SS*, Biton A, Franetich JF, Bordessoulles M, Sossau D, Zanghi G, Bosson-Vanga H, Benard M, Moreno A, Dereuddre-Bosquet N, Le Grand R, Scherf A, Mazier D. Laser capture microdissection enables transcriptomic analysis of dividing and quiescent liver stages of Plasmodium relapsing species.
Cell Microbiol. 2017 Aug;19(8). Epub 2017 Mar 13.
*First authors
Vembar SS+, Seetin M, Lambert C, Nattestad M, Schatz MC, Baybayan P, Scherf A, Smith ML+. Complete telomere-to-telomere de novo assembly of the Plasmodium falciparum genome through long-read (>11 kb), single molecule, real-time sequencing.
DNA Res. 2016 Aug;23(4):339-51. Epub 2016 Jun 26.
+Corresponding authors
Vembar SS+, Droll D, Scherf A. Translational regulation in blood stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium spp.: systems-wide studies pave the way.
Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA. 2016 Nov;7(6):772-792. Epub 2016 May 26. Review.
+Corresponding author
Scherf A+, Malmquist N, Martins RM, Vembar SS, Lopez-Rubio JJ. Gene regulation: New insights and possible intervention strategies.
Book chapter in: Wiley-IUBMB Series Recent Advances in Malaria. 2016.
+Corresponding author
Vembar SS+, Macpherson CR, Sismeiro O, Coppée JY, Scherf A+. The PfAlba1 RNA-binding protein is an important regulator of translational timing in Plasmodium falciparum blood stages.
Genome Biol. 2015 Sep 28;16:212.
+Corresponding authors
Vembar SS, Scherf A, Siegel TN. Noncoding RNAs as emerging regulators of Plasmodium falciparum virulence gene expression.
Curr Opin Microbiol. 2014 Aug;20:153-61. Epub 2014 Jul 12. Review.
Chêne A*, Vembar SS*, Rivière L, Lopez-Rubio JJ, Claes A, Siegel TN, Sakamoto H, Scheidig-Benatar C, Hernandez-Rivas R, Scherf A. PfAlbas constitute a new eukaryotic DNA/RNA-binding protein family in malaria parasites.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2012 Apr;40(7):3066-77. Epub 2011 Dec 13.
*First authors
Vembar SS, Jonikas MC, Hendershot LM, Weissman JS, Brodsky JL. J domain co-chaperone specificity defines the role of BiP during protein translocation.
J Biol Chem. 2010 Jul 16;285(29):22484-94. Epub 2010 Apr 29.
Vembar SS, Jin Y, Brodsky JL, Hendershot LM. The mammalian Hsp40 ERdj3 requires its Hsp70 interaction and substrate-binding properties to complement various yeast Hsp40-dependent functions.
J Biol Chem. 2009 Nov 20;284(47):32462-71. Epub 2009 Sep 11.
Vembar SS, Brodsky JL. One step at a time: endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation.
Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2008 Dec;9(12):944-57. Epub 2008 Nov 12. Review.
Feng D, Zhao X, Soromani C, Toikkanen J, Römisch K, Vembar SS, Brodsky JL, Keränen S, Jäntti J. The transmembrane domain is sufficient for Sbh1p function, its association with the Sec61 complex, and interaction with Rtn1p.
J Biol Chem. 2007 Oct 19;282(42):30618-28.

Collaborators

Dr. Melissa Laird-Smith, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Prof. Eric Greer, Washington University, St. Louis, USA
Dr. Bhaswar Ghosh, IIIT-Hyderabad, India
Prof. Sandeep Sundriyal, BITS-Pilani, Pilani, India
Dr. Suchi Tyagi, NIMR, New Delhi, India
Dr. Ajeet Mohanty, NIMR, Goa, India
Dr. Niti Kumar, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, India
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, IBAB, Bengaluru, India
Dr. Shubhada Hegde, IBAB, Bengaluru, India
Dr. Daniel Reegan, National Centre for Disease Control, Bengaluru, India
Prof. Artur Scherf, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
Dr. Benoit Gamain, CNRS, INSERM, INTS, Paris, France
Dr. Abhilash Mohan, Merck Group, Bengaluru, India
Prof. B. Gopal, IISc, Bengaluru, India
Prof. Vir Negi, JIPMER, Puducherry, India
Dr. Christina Mary Mariaselvam, JIPMER, Puducherry, India
Prof. R. Srivatsan, IBAB, Bengaluru, India
Dr. Sweta Srivastava, St. Johns National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, India

Plasmobees – Jun 2019, with CJ, Subrata and Ambika	Plasmobees – Aug 2019, with Ambika, Zara, Nisha and Venkat	Plasmobees – Oct 2019, with Ambika, Vineetha, Venkat, Nisha, Dimple and Bhavesh
Plasmobees – Jan 2020, with Ambika, Vineetha, Nisha, Dimple and Venkat	With IBAB MSc08 thesis students in Hampi – field trip in Feb 2020	Plasmobees – Jun 2020, with Maanasa, Anshu, Vishnu, Venkat, Ambika Devangshu, Dimple and Nisha
Plasmobees – Mar 2021, with Sneha, Anitha, Aishwarya, Ramyashree, Ambika, Chondamma, Dimple, Venkat and Seshan	Plasmobees – Mar 2021 v2, with Seshan, Jaiganesh, Ramyashree, Dimple, Preshita, Aishwarya, Ambika, Anitha, Sneha and Chondamma	Plasmobees – Jun 2021, Ambika’s hybrid farewell
Plasmobees – Aug 2021, with Mohan, Dimple, Cynthia, Chondamma, Kapil, Tanvi, Venkat, Jaiganesh, Aishwarya, Ramyashree and Seshan	Plasmobees – Sep 2021, with Seshan, Mohan, Kapil, Anitha, Sneha, Chondamma and Dimple	Plasmobees – Gokarna lab retreat in Oct 2021
Plasmobees – Feb 2022, with Riya, Mohan, Varsha, Dimple, Amruta, Jaiganesh, Seshan, Monoswi, Anitha, Shatabdi and Sneha	Plasmobees – Apr 2022, at my Mehendi ceremony	Plasmobees – Mar 2022, with Kanika, Muskaan, Sneha, Jaiganesh, Dimple, Monoswi, Anitha, Elvis, Varsha, Mohan, Seshan, Amruta, Shatabdi, Riya and Anjani
Plasmobees – Aug 2022, at Sneha’s farewell	Plasmobees – Spring 2023	Plasmobees – Aug 2023
Plasmobees – Sep 2023	Plasmobees – Apr 2024	Sowmiya and team won the Best Poster Award at NCP 2024, IISER-Pune
The Vembar lab at NCP 2024, IISER-Pune, where Prof. Vembar was an invited speaker	Plasmobees – Dec 2024