Sandip Basak

Asst Prof Sandip Basak is a Nanyang Assistant Professor (NRF) and Assistant Chair (Safety) in the School of Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from NTU (2014) and completed postdoctoral research at Case Western Reserve University and the NIH, focusing on ion channel structure-function relationships using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

Education:

• Ph.D., Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology, NTU (2014)
• M.Pharm, Pharmaceutics, Jadavpur University (2009)
• B.Pharm, Pharmacy, Jadavpur University (2007)

Research Interests:

His lab specializes in cryo-EM to study ion channel function, particularly ligand-gated ion channels (e.g., GLIC, 5-HT3A receptors) and their modulation by lipids, drugs, and allosteric agents. Key focuses include:

• Mechanisms of ion channel activation/desensitization
• Protein-lipid interactions in membrane environments
• Structural basis for drug action on ion channels
• Bio-mineralization processes in ferritin nanocages

Publications:

Recent work includes breakthrough cryo-EM structures of GLIC ion channels in lipid nanodiscs, cannabinoid-modulated glycine receptors, and bacterioferritin nanocages. His research bridges structural biology with functional insights into membrane protein dynamics and drug discovery.

Lab Activities:

The Cryo-EM Lab at NTU employs cutting-edge cryo-EM and biophysical tools to elucidate atomic-level mechanisms of ion channels and transporters. Current projects explore polyamine uptake mechanisms, TRPV5 channel modulation, and structural insights into F-ATP synthase inhibitors for tuberculosis treatment.