Jayandharan Giridhara Rao

Dr. Jayandharan Giridhara Rao is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences & Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). He has been with IIT Kanpur since 2014, initially serving as an Associate Professor until December 2019, when he was promoted to Professor.

Dr. Rao earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences/Molecular Biology from Christian Medical College, Vellore in 2008. He completed his postdoctoral training at the Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA from 2007-2009.

Dr. Rao's research program focuses on developing molecular medicine platforms to address unmet clinical needs for monogenic human diseases and cancers. His work interfaces at the basic biology of adeno-associated virus (AAV) and its translational science. He utilizes a variety of molecular, cellular, and preclinical models to advance gene therapy approaches. His expertise lies in viral vector engineering, particularly with AAV vectors, for therapeutic applications in hemophilia, retinal degeneration, and various cancers.

Analysis of Dr. Rao's recent publications reveals a strong focus on engineering AAV vectors for improved therapeutic efficacy. His work spans multiple applications including hemophilia treatment, retinal degeneration therapy, and cancer treatment. He has made significant contributions to understanding post-translational modifications in viral capsids and their impact on gene delivery efficiency.

Dr. Rao has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions for his research:

• Senior Fellowship, Wellcome Trust DBT India Alliance (2017-22)
• B.M. Birla Science Prize in Biology (2015)
• Young scientist award, YIM-MIT Boston, USA (2014)
• Senior Innovative Young Biotechnologist award, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India (2014-17)
• Swarnajayanti Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (2012-17)
• Bayer Hemophilia Early Career Investigator Award, Bayer Inc, USA (2010-12)

While specific details about his advising and grant history are not provided in the available information, Dr. Rao's extensive publication record and prestigious fellowships suggest a robust research program with significant funding support. His work appears to bridge basic virology with translational medicine, positioning him as a key contributor to the field of gene therapy in India.

Dr. Rao's laboratory likely focuses on viral vector engineering and preclinical testing of gene therapy approaches, though specific details about his lab structure and team composition are not provided in the available information.