Ravi Shankar Kumar: Plant Physiology First Author

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Ravi Shankar Kumar, first author of “microRNA408 and its encoded peptide regulate sulfur assimilation and arsenic stress response in Arabidopsis”

Current Position: Project Associate at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow India.

Education:

Ph.D. in Science (2022): CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India

Masters in Biotechnology, (2011): Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar University (Central University), Lucknow, India.

Bachelors in Sciences (2009): Vinayaka Mission University, Salem, India

Non-scientific interests: Playing badminton, cricket, travelling and singing.

 Brief bio:

I have completed my Ph.D. from CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India, a renowned plant research institute. I was always curious and had a lot of interest in exploring the role of small molecules in regulating plant physiology, their optimal growth and stress response. My Ph.D. work aimed to identify miRNA(s) and their encoded peptides (miPEPs) responsive to sulphur assimilation and arsenic stress in plants. The identified miRNA (miR408) and encoded peptide (miPEP408) have been functionally characterized through several approaches such as over-expression, genome-editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 and exogenous peptide assays. My study provided a better understanding for the molecular and biological significance of the identified regulatory molecules in regulating arsenic stress response under limiting sulphur conditions. I have recently defended my Ph.D. viva and am currently looking for a post-doctoral position.