Nishant K. T

Nishant K.T is a Professor in the School of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram, where he has served as Professor since 2022, Associate Professor from 2017-2022, and Assistant Professor from 2011-2017. He also served as Head of the School of Biology from 2017-2021. Prior to joining IISER-TVM, he was a Research Associate and Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, USA (2005-2010).

• Ph.D from Dept. of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (2005)
• M.S in Biological Sciences from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (2000)
• B.Sc(H) in Biochemistry from Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University (1997)

Dr. Nishant's research focuses on mechanisms that maintain genome stability using baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. His laboratory investigates two key areas: mechanisms of meiotic recombination, with emphasis on meiotic crossover pathways and their role in promoting accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis (errors linked to congenital birth defects like Down syndrome); and mechanisms of mitotic genome stability, studying processes contributing to mutagenesis, loss of heterozygosity and aneuploidy using high-throughput genomic technologies, classical genetics and molecular biology approaches. His work has significant implications for understanding disease progression (e.g., cancer), genome evolution and architecture.

Analysis of Dr. Nishant's recent publications (2017-2025) reveals a consistent focus on yeast genetics and genome stability, with particular emphasis on meiotic recombination mechanisms, chromosome segregation, and DNA repair pathways. His work often employs high-throughput genomic approaches to study loss of heterozygosity, crossover formation, and chromosome dynamics in both meiotic and mitotic contexts. The research spans fundamental mechanisms with implications for human health conditions including cancer and congenital disorders.

Scientific Awards and Editorial Positions

• Wellcome Trust-DBT Intermediate Fellow (2012-2017)
• Editorial board member of the journal YEAST (2021-present)
• Guest Editor for a special issue of the journal YEAST (2020)
• Editorial board member for Journal of Genetics (2018-present)
• Visiting Professor, Osaka University (2018)
• Visiting scientist, Osaka University, DST-JSPS exploratory exchange (2014)
• Best Poster awards at Society of Biological Chemists (India) meetings (2001, 2003)
• CSIR Research Fellowships (Junior 2001-2002, Senior 2002-2004)

Dr. Nishant has mentored numerous students through IISER-TVM's PhD and Integrated PhD programs, with several alumni now holding independent research positions. His laboratory (GSL Lab) maintains an active research program with current PhD students working on bioinformatics, yeast genetics, and chromosome stability projects. He has co-organized multiple International Chromosome Stability meetings at various locations in India (Trivandrum 2012, 2016, 2022; Bangalore 2014, 2018, 2024), demonstrating leadership in the field.

The GSL Lab operates as a dynamic research team using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system, combining high-throughput genomic technologies with classical genetics and molecular biology approaches. Current lab members include PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students working collaboratively on projects related to genome stability mechanisms.