Shiv Narayan Rai

My research interests lie at the intersection of RNA biology, host-pathogen interactions, and non-coding RNA-mediated gene regulation. During my doctoral studies, I focused on the identification and functional characterization of stress-responsive small RNAs (sRNAs) in Deinococcus radiodurans, an extremophilic bacterium renowned for its extraordinary resistance to ionizing radiation and DNA damage. This work provided novel insights into RNA-based regulatory mechanisms that facilitate cellular adaptation under stress.

Currently, I am conducting postdoctoral research investigating the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HIV-1 latency and reactivation. Utilizing a combination of molecular virology, transcriptomics, and cell culture systems, I examine the influence of lncRNAs on HIV-1 gene expression in human cell lines such as 293T, Jurkat, SupT1, TZM-bl cells, and primary macrophages. A central aim of this work is to elucidate molecular mechanisms that sustain viral latency, with the long-term goal of identifying lncRNA-based therapeutic targets for HIV cure strategies.

Research Objectives –

1. To investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the establishment and maintenance of HIV-1 latency.

2. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which lncRNAs modulate HIV-1 replication.

3. To identify potential lncRNA-based biomarkers for latent HIV-1 reservoirs.

4. To contribute to the development of novel RNA-targeted therapeutics for HIV cure strategies.

• Saikat Boliar, PhD

• PhD, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), India
• PhD Advisor: Dr. Tanmay Dutta
• MSc and BSc, Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, India