Tushar Ahmed Shishir
Knowledge builds, collaboration fosters, and growth follows
Knowledge builds, collaboration fosters, and growth follows
Welcome! I'm an educator and research enthusiast at BRAC University. My teaching philosophy focuses on active learning, critical thinking and applying knowledge to real-world challenges, while my research spans molecular biology, microbial biotechnology, and computational biology. Whether you're a student or a fellow researcher, feel free to reach out and connect!
2025
Exciting Research Grant Announcement!
We are thrilled to announce that our team has been awarded a research grant to explore innovative solutions for improving salt tolerance in tomato using cutting-edge genome editing techniques and bioinformatics knowledge. This project aims to translate these findings into improved tomato varieties popular among local farmers.
Project Details:
Grant ID: SRG-241002
Project Title: Applying bioinformatics knowledge to investigate genome editing prospects to improve salt tolerance in tomato and generating in planta transformants in farmer popular varieties.
Funding Organization: Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
We thank the Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, for its generous support of this vital research. This project holds significant potential for enhancing agricultural productivity in salt-affected regions and contributing to food security. We are eager to embark on this work and share our progress in developing more resilient tomato crops for our farmers.
2024
Proud Moment!
Thesis Work Wins Runner-Up at BSM Conference!
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I feel incredibly proud to announce that a poster based on the thesis work of my student, Protik Roy, titled "Genomic Analysis of the Correlation between CRISPR Self-Targeting Spacers and Prophage-related Pathogenicity in Staphylococcus aureus," was awarded Runner-Up in the Computational Biology category at the 38th BSM Annual International Conference 2024 in Dhaka! This significant achievement for Protik's thesis, co-authored with Dr. Iftekhar Bin Naser, underscores the high-quality research being conducted by our students. It's a testament to Protik's hard work and the exciting discoveries emerging from his exploration of Staphylococcus aureus genomics.
We're excited to announce our recent publication in Virus Research! Our study details the characterization of two lytic bacteriophages, isolated in Dhaka, Bangladesh, that effectively target carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This research highlights the potential of phage therapy in combating this critical antibiotic-resistant pathogen. You can learn more from here.
Exciting Research Grant Announcement!
We are thrilled to announce that our team has been awarded a research grant to explore innovative solutions against antibiotic-resistant diarrheal pathogens using biofilm-degrading bacteriophages. This project aims to harness the power of bacteriophages and their enzymes to disrupt biofilms, paving the way for alternative therapies against resistant infections.
Project Details:
Grant ID: RSGI-2024
Project Title: Bacteriophage-mediated Biofilm Eradication for Enhanced Treatment of Antibiotic-resistant Diarrheal InfectionsÂ
Funding Organization: BRAC University
Fiscal Year: 2024-2025
I'm excited to share our recent research on the antioxidant and analgesic properties of Allophylus villosus and Mycetia sinensis, two traditional Bangladeshi plants. Our findings, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, could lead to new natural pain management strategies. Read the full article here.Â
Our research, published in Bioinformatics and Biology Insights, reveals that Azadirachta indica (neem) could be a potent weapon against Nipah virus. We've identified compounds in neem that show strong binding affinity to the virus's envelope glycoprotein through advanced computational techniques. Read the full article here
Research Grant Announcement!
Our research team, funded by Independent University, Bangladesh, is working on a project to design a universal Zika vaccine. This project will employ advanced in silico techniques to identify conserved and immunodominant epitopes of the Zika virus. The goal is to create a vaccine that can effectively protect against different Zika virus strains, offering a much-needed solution to this global health threat.
Project Details:
Grant ID: SU-SEL-24-006
Project Title: Predictive Design of a Universal ZIKA Vaccine: An In Silico Approach Targeting Conserved and Immunodominant Epitopes.
Funding Organization: Independent University, Bangladesh
Fiscal Year: 2024-2025
Stay tuned for updates on our progress!
I'm proud to share my co-authored research paper titled "In silico design and evaluation of multi-epitope dengue virus vaccines: a promising approach to combat global dengue burden" published in Discover Applied Sciences. This research explores the potential of in silico design to develop multi-epitope vaccines against dengue virus. Dengue is a global public health concern, and this approach can accelerate vaccine development efforts. Read the full article here
2023
Research Grant Announcement!
Our Research on Salt Tolerance in Plants is Funded!
I am thrilled to announce that the Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, has awarded funding to our research project, which focuses on understanding salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato. This grant will enable us to delve deeper into the genetic mechanisms underlying salt tolerance and develop strategies to improve this trait in tomato varieties. This trait is essential for sustainable agriculture in salt-affected regions.
Project Details:
Grant ID: SRG-231002
Project Title: Analysis of genetic mechanisms associated with salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato putative antiporter gene; establishment of in planta transformation protocol for farmer popular tomato varieties.
Funding Organization: Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
Fiscal Year: 2023-2024
Stay tuned for updates on our findings!
Our research, published in Scientific Reports, comprehensively analyses globally distributed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) strains. Using phylodynamics and mutational analysis, we've uncovered key insights into the virus's diversification and evolution. Identified distinct genetic clusters of RSV strains and revealed the impact of specific mutations on the virus's adaptation and spread. This study contributes to a better understanding of RSV's global epidemiology and facilitates the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. Read the full article here
Our research, published in Bioinformatics and Biology Insights, sheds light on a previously unknown protein from Pasteurella multocida bacteria. Using computational techniques (in silico), we've uncovered its potential function as a novel S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase (MTase). This discovery could contribute to a better understanding of Pasteurella multocida and its role in bacterial adaptation and disease progression. Read the full article here
I'm happy to share my co-authored research paper titled "In silico analysis reveals mir-98-5p as a potential inhibitor of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis in colorectal cancer by targeting the fzd3 receptor of the Wnt signaling pathway," published in the Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. This research used in silico methods to identify a microRNA (mir-98-5p) that could potentially inhibit the growth and spread of colorectal cancer cells. By targeting a specific protein (fzd3 receptor) in the Wnt signaling pathway, mir-98-5p shows promise as a novel therapeutic target for this prevalent cancer. Read the full article here
2022
Our research, published in Frontiers in Genetics, provides valuable insights into the transmission and divergence dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh. By analyzing genomic data, we've traced the virus's evolution and identified key variants that contributed to its spread. These findings are crucial for understanding the pandemic's impact and developing effective public health measures. Read the full article here.
Joining the BRAC University Family!!
I am delighted to announce that I have joined the prestigious Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at BRAC University as a lecturer in the Biotechnology program. This opportunity perfectly aligns with my passion. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the department's research initiatives, collaborating with talented colleagues, and mentoring the next generation of biotechnologists. I am excited to be a part of BRAC University's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and social impact.
Environmental Link to Cholera Outbreaks in Bangladesh
Our research, published in PLOS ONE, explores the environmental factors contributing to cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh. Our findings reveal a potential link between the prevalence of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 (the bacteria causing cholera) and the presence of specific genetic variants of V. cholerae non-O1 non-O139. These non-O1/non-O139 variants seem to overproduce a communication molecule (autoinducer-2) that might trigger the growth of toxigenic O1 strains. This discovery could pave the way for improved environmental monitoring and outbreak prediction strategies. Read the full article here.
Our research, published in PLOS ONE, delves into the impact of mutations on the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Using computational methods (in silico), we've analyzed how these mutations might affect the protein's structure and function. We found the Mutations altering the electrostatic properties of the protein, impacting its interaction with human cells and how the protein's stability and potential for transmission might be affected. This research helps us understand the potential mechanisms behind the Omicron variant's behavior and contributes to ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19. Read the full article here.
Tracing the Origins of COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Our research, published in PLOS ONE, used computer analysis to study the spread of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. We found that the virus came from different countries and spread in unique ways in different parts of Bangladesh. Read the full article here