Vasanta Subramanian

Vasanta Subramanian is a Reader in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, Faculty of Science. She is an active researcher and supervisor, leading multiple projects focused on developmental biology, stem cell regulation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Her lab uses advanced models including murine systems, zebrafish, killifish, and human iPSC-derived organoids to investigate molecular mechanisms in organogenesis and disease.

• Department: Department of Life Sciences
• Position: Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor)
• Email: V.S.Subramanian@bath.ac.uk
• Location: 4 SOUTH 0.67, University of Bath
• ORCID: 0000-0002-1969-7333

Research Interests:

Dr. Subramanian's research centers on understanding the molecular basis of development and disease. Her lab investigates three interconnected areas: (1) stem cell regulation in intestinal and brain epithelia, (2) the role of Cdx, polycomb, and trithorax genes in axial development, and (3) the function of angiogenins and cytotoxic ribonucleases in health and disease, particularly in ALS and Alzheimer’s. She employs CRISPR/Cas9, organoid models, and transgenic animals to dissect gene function and disease mechanisms.

Recent Research Trends:

Her recent publications (2020–2024) reflect a strong focus on neurodevelopment, ciliopathies, and neurodegenerative disorders. Key themes include the role of primary cilia in neural development, the impact of angiogenin mutations in ALS, and the use of novel models like the African turquoise killifish for aging and neurodegeneration studies. Her work bridges basic developmental biology with translational research in dementia and motor neuron diseases.

Scientific Funding and Projects:

• Principal Investigator, Developing the African Turquoise killifish as a novel model for Neurodegenerative Disease – Alzheimer's Research UK
• Principal Investigator, Developing the rapidly aging Nothobranchius furzeri as model to study Motor neurone disease – Motor Neurone Disease Association
• Principal Investigator, Targeting intracellular Aß-peptide by Neprilysin in a human iPS cell organoid model – UK charity funding
• Co-Investigator, Understanding the molecular basis of Aß peptide interacting proteins in Alzheimer's disease – UK charity
• Principal Investigator, Harnessing CRISPR/Cas9 technology to develop new models of Alzheimer's disease

Supervision and Collaborations:

Dr. Subramanian is actively supervising doctoral students and welcomes PhD inquiries. She has advised at least five research students. Her collaborations include Professor K.R. Acharya (University of Bath), Dr. Greg Elgar (Queen Mary University of London), and Dr. Anand Chandrasekhar (University of Missouri, USA), focusing on angiogenic molecules and zebrafish genomics.

Professional Memberships:

• Biochemical Society
• British Society for Developmental Biology (BSDB)
• Genetics Society
• Anatomical Society
• Indian Society of Cell Biology (Life Member)