| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | INDIA
Dr. Shashank Arora is a molecular biologist and postdoctoral researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), working in the Orgamed Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Anubama Rajan. His research lies at the intersection of molecular biology, transcription factor regulation, cilia biology, respiratory epithelial biology, and organoid/3D cell culture models. His scientific work has focused particularly on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing FOXJ1-mediated transcriptional regulation and motile ciliogenesis, with potential relevance to respiratory health and cilia-associated disorders.
Dr. Arora completed his doctoral research at the UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS), Mumbai, where he investigated the molecular and biochemical properties of FOXJ1, a key transcription factor involved in the development and maintenance of motile cilia. His doctoral research combined structural biochemistry, molecular biology, protein science, cellular models, and transcriptomics to investigate how FOXJ1 regulates the formation of 9+2 motile multiciliated cells.
A notable contribution of his doctoral work was the biochemical characterization of recombinant human FOXJ1. He investigated its DNA-binding properties using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA), examined its higher-order oligomerization using size-exclusion chromatography, and identified intrinsically disordered regions that may contribute to the functional properties of this transcription factor. He also investigated the unusual electrophoretic migration and stability of FOXJ1 proteins and developed experimental approaches to examine the possible contribution of post-translational modifications.
Dr. Arora further established three-dimensional Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) cultures of human bronchial epithelial BCiNS1.1 cells, providing a physiologically relevant model for studying airway epithelial differentiation and motile ciliogenesis. Using transcriptomic profiling of differentiated epithelial cultures, his research investigated FOXJ1-dependent gene-expression programmes associated with the formation of 9+2 motile cilia. This work provides an important experimental framework for connecting transcription-factor biology with airway epithelial function.
His research has resulted in peer-reviewed scientific publications addressing FOXJ1 biochemistry, cilia biology, and the molecular regulation of ciliogenesis. His scientific interests also extend to respiratory disease, airway epithelial models, organoid systems, and translational applications of cilia biology.
At IIT Madras, Dr. Arora is currently pursuing postdoctoral research in medical science and technology, with an emphasis on organoid and advanced cell-culture models and their applications in respiratory and biomedical research. His recent scientific presentation at the AIIMS PULMOCRIT National Conference 2026 examined divergent transcriptional responses to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infant and adult nasal organoids and their association with asthma and COPD susceptibility. He received the Best Presentation Award with a cash prize of ₹7,500 for this presentation, reflecting recognition of the scientific quality and relevance of his work.
Notable Research Contributions
Molecular characterization of FOXJ1: Demonstrated DNA-binding properties of recombinant human FOXJ1 and investigated its biochemical behaviour and functional domains.
Ciliogenesis and transcriptional regulation: Investigated FOXJ1-mediated regulation of genes involved in the formation of 9+2 motile multiciliated cells.
Protein structural and biochemical studies: Characterized FOXJ1 oligomerization, intrinsically disordered regions, protein stability, and electrophoretic behaviour using complementary biochemical approaches.
Advanced airway epithelial models: Established 3D ALI cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells as a model for physiologically relevant airway ciliogenesis.
Transcriptomic research: Applied RNA sequencing and gene-expression analysis to identify transcriptional programmes associated with FOXJ1-dependent ciliogenesis.
Respiratory disease research: Expanded his research interests toward respiratory infection, airway organoids, asthma, COPD, and host responses to respiratory viruses.
Interdisciplinary biomedical research: Integrated molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell biology, microscopy, genomics, bioinformatics, and 3D culture systems.
Major Achievements
Dr. Arora has demonstrated sustained research performance through competitive fellowships, publications, scientific presentations, and interdisciplinary research training.
Best Presentation Award, AIIMS PULMOCRIT National Conference 2026, AIIMS New Delhi, with a cash prize of ₹7,500.
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Senior Research Fellowship, 2022–2025, awarded following successful doctoral research performance.
DAE Junior Research Fellowship, 2019–2022, supporting his doctoral research at UM-DAE CEBS.
CSIR-NET qualified, 2018.
GATE Life Sciences qualified twice, 2019.
University Merit Scholar throughout M.Sc., Central University of Rajasthan.
Multiple scientific presentations at national and international scientific meetings in the areas of cilia biology, ciliogenesis, molecular biology, and biotechnology.
Experience as a Teaching Assistant and mentor for undergraduate and postgraduate students in biological sciences.
Publications and Scientific Contributions
His publication record includes research on:
Recombinant human FOXJ1 protein, including its DNA-binding activity, higher-order oligomerization, gel-shifting properties, and intrinsically disordered regions, published in Protein Expression and Purification.
Cilia biology, including a review of the biology and dynamics of cilia in the Journal of Biosciences.
DNA-binding properties of human FOXJ1, with relevance to the regulation of 9+0 to 9+2 cilia, in Current Opinion in Structural Biology (under review).
These contributions demonstrate a focused scientific trajectory in transcription-factor biology and ciliogenesis, complemented by increasing engagement with respiratory disease models and translational biomedical research.
Key Areas of Expertise
Dr. Arora has developed a broad interdisciplinary skill set encompassing:
Molecular cloning, PCR, DNA purification and amplification
Recombinant protein expression in E. coli, insect Sf9/baculovirus, and mammalian systems
Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA)
Protein-protein interaction and overlay assays
Western blotting and SDS-PAGE
Reporter gene assays
Size-exclusion chromatography and protein characterization
Mass spectrometry
2D and 3D mammalian cell culture
Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) differentiation of human bronchial epithelial cells
Motile ciliogenesis models
Confocal and fluorescence microscopy
Electron microscopy
RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis
Bioinformatic analysis of gene-expression datasets
Intrinsically disordered region prediction and protein bioinformatics
Eligibility for Young Scientist Award
Based on the information provided, Dr. Shashank Arora presents a strong profile for consideration for a Young Scientist Award, particularly for awards recognizing emerging researchers in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, respiratory biology, or interdisciplinary medical science and technology.
His profile demonstrates several characteristics generally associated with young-scientist recognition:
A clearly defined and developing research niche in cilia biology and transcriptional regulation.
Demonstrated original research contributions to the biochemical and molecular characterization of FOXJ1.
Experience connecting basic molecular mechanisms with physiologically relevant respiratory epithelial models.
Interdisciplinary expertise spanning molecular biology, protein science, cell biology, transcriptomics, microscopy, and bioinformatics.
Competitive DAE JRF and SRF fellowships, demonstrating sustained research performance.
Peer-reviewed scientific publications and ongoing scholarly work.
Recognition through the Best Presentation Award at AIIMS PULMOCRIT 2026.
Current postdoctoral research at IIT Madras, providing an opportunity to extend his expertise toward translational medical-science applications.
A research trajectory extending from fundamental ciliogenesis mechanisms toward respiratory infection, airway organoids, asthma, COPD, and disease-relevant epithelial models.
Final eligibility, however, depends on the specific Young Scientist Award's rules, including age limit, date of Ph.D., number and type of publications, institutional requirements, nationality, postdoctoral status, and whether the award permits current postdoctoral researchers. These criteria should be checked against the particular award notification.
Important Topics Representing Dr. Arora’s Research
The major scientific themes associated with his research profile are:
FOXJ1 biology • Transcription factor regulation • Motile ciliogenesis • 9+2 multiciliated cells • Cilia and ciliopathies • Respiratory epithelial biology • Airway epithelial differentiation • Air-Liquid Interface models • Organoids • Respiratory viral infection • RSV • Asthma • COPD • Transcriptomics • RNA sequencing • Protein-DNA interactions • Intrinsically disordered proteins • Protein oligomerization • Molecular biochemistry • Biomedical science and technology
Overall Scientific Profile
Dr. Shashank Arora represents an emerging researcher working at the interface of fundamental molecular biology and translational respiratory research. His doctoral work established a strong foundation in the molecular characterization of FOXJ1 and the mechanisms of motile ciliogenesis, while his current postdoctoral research at IIT Madras is broadening this expertise toward advanced biomedical models and respiratory disease applications.
His combination of competitive research fellowships, peer-reviewed publications, interdisciplinary technical expertise, establishment of advanced airway epithelial models, transcriptomic research, and recognition at a national medical conference provides a substantive basis for consideration for a Young Scientist Award, subject to the specific eligibility requirements of the award.