Nickname: Guddu
Hometown: Amet, Rajasthan.
Graduate School: PGIMER, Chandigarh
PhD: June-2012-July 2018
Current affiliation: Translational Immunopsychiatry Unit, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, United States
E-mail: rahul15tyagi@gmail.com
More about you
I am inclined towards spirituality and admirer of nature. Singing, cricket and beautiful natural sites are my source of inspiration. I would like to travel all around the world and would like to explore human culture.
How would you explain your research in 3 sentences to someone who is not in science?
My work includes detection of Neurological Disorders by analysing changes in nucleic Acids, proteins levels and physiological/anatomical characteristics. Analysis of these molecular markers in its pre or post-symptomatic phase by sophisticated techniques is my area of interest.
About your work
My PhD thesis focused on investigating the cognitive deficits associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and how these deficits correlate with specific genetic variants in the dystrophin gene. By analyzing genetic data and conducting comprehensive cognitive assessments on a cohort of 100 DMD subjects, the study identified key patterns of copy number variations and their impact on various cognitive and neuropsychological domains. The working memory induced global deficits were additionally validated by computational cognitive modeling to simulate cognitive processes and decision-making in DMD patients. The findings revealed significant cognitive deficits linked to specific mutations and highlighted the role of early intervention. Overall, my work contributed to a better understanding of the genotype-phenotype relationship in DMD and proposed new avenues for cognitive rehabilitation.
How was your experience in Neuroscience Research Lab, how did it contribute to your academic or professional development?
During my time in the Neuroscience Research Lab (NRL), I underwent a transformative journey that significantly advanced my academic and professional development. My experience in the lab was not only a deep dive into the complexities of neuroscience, molecular diagnostics, neurogenetics and psychology but also a comprehensive training ground for developing critical research skills backed by environment backed by good lab practices. A pivotal aspect of my growth was the guidance provided by my mentor as well as seniors. Their unwavering motivation and insightful feedback were instrumental in shaping my approach to research. The NRL team fostered an environment of curiosity and rigor, encouraging me to push the boundaries of my knowledge and tackle complex questions with confidence. Participating in periodic journal clubs and seminars was another cornerstone of my experience in NRL. These sessions were invaluable for staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field and for honing my critical analysis skills. Engaging in discussions about cutting-edge research, presenting our own findings, and critiquing the work of others greatly enhanced my ability to evaluate scientific literature and integrate new insights into my own research. The collaborative nature of these journal clubs fostered a dynamic learning environment, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and intellectual exchange. During this time, I was also re-introduced to Yoga and evidence-based research on it. Overall, my journey in the Neuroscience Research Lab has profoundly enriched my academic pursuits and professional aspirations. The experience has equipped me with a solid foundation in research methodology, and the motivation to continue contributing to the field with both rigor and passion.
What are your research interests?
My research journey has been driven by a profound interest in understanding the intricate relationships between genetic factors, cognitive function, and immune system disorders. Currently, my focus is to understand the autoimmune neuroimmunology axis and its role in autoimmune pathologies of the brain. I am investigating how autoimmune processes interact with neurological and psychological functions and contribute to autoimmune encephalitis, neuroinflammatory and neuropsychiatric autoimmune conditions. This research includes screening autoantibodies and its orthogonal validations.