1. S. Kumar, CV
CURRICULUM VITAE
Dr. SANDEEP KUMAR, Ph.D.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Current Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Business Address: Diabetes Research Group
School of Pharmacy and biomolecular Sciences
University of Brighton,
Brighton, BN2 4GJ
Email: S.kumar@brighton.ac.uk; Mobile no: +44-7776141354
EDUCATION
2010-2014 Ph.D. in Cancer, Cell and Molecular Biology
University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
2007-2008 Master in Biomedical Sciences
University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
2001-2003 Master in Biotechnology
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, INDIA.
1999-2001 B.Sc. in Biology
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, INDIA.
DOCTORAL THESIS
“Expression, subcellular localization and regulation of Programmed Cell Death Gene 4
(PDCD4) in human pancreatic cells in response to hypoxia”. Mentor: Dr. Wendy Macfarlane.
During my thesis studies, I mainly focused on the role of novel tumour suppressor PDCD4 in
human pancreatic cancer under the influence of hypoxia. The main objective of this study was
to investigate expression, subcellular localization and regulation of Programmed Cell Death
Gene 4, Hypoxia inducible factor 1α and Nuclear factor kappa B in various pancreatic cell lines
(insulin producing beta cells, pancreatic ductal cells and pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells) and
pancreatic (mouse pancreatic tissue and human pancreatic adenocarcinoma) tissue samples.
Novel findings: Hypoxic microenvironment results into loss of PDCD4 expression in pancreatic
cancer and destroys this balance, directly contributing to the development and progression of this
condition.
Techniques: Histology (Tissue fixation, processing, paraffin embedding, sectioning and
staining), immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, western blotting, immunocytochemistry,
RT-PCR, and scanning electron microscopy.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Current: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cellon S.A., Luxembourg 1
and Diabetes Research
Group, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK2
.
2009-2015 Pharmacy Technician (Part-time), Image Analysis Unit, School of Pharmacy and
Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
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2. S. Kumar, CV
2013-2014 Research Associate (voluntary), Molecular Microbiology and Virology, PABS,
University of Brighton, Brighton, UK. Mentor: Dr. Brain Jones.
2013-2013 Marie Curie Visiting Research Fellow (one-month secondment), Institute of
Experimental Pathology, Oncology & Radiobiology, Kiev, UKRAINE.
2005-2007 Research Assistant, Department of Medical Microbiology, National Institute of
Communicable Diseases, Ministry of health, New Delhi, INDIA.
2003-2005 Research Assistant, Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University,
Amritsar, Punjab, INDIA.
SKILLS
• Molecular/Biochemistry/Cell biology: Western blotting, Southern blotting, Flow
cytometry, Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE and agarose), RT-PCR, DNA/RNA/Protein
extraction and quantifications. ELISA, Immunocytochemistry, Immunohistochemistry,
tissue preservation (Fixation, paraffin embedding and OCT embedding), tissue storage and
staining. Viability analysis by various methods such as MTT, MTS, LDH, Calcein AM
Ethidium homodimer 1, DNA ladder and HPI staining,
• Cell and tissue culture: 3D cell culture (Rotary Cell Culture System (batch and perfusion),
hanging drop method, Hydrogels), including epithelial cells (primary and cell-lines),
endothelial cells, mice pancreatic islets (isolation and culturing), fibroblasts, human stem
cells and blood cells.
• Microscopy: Light, Phase contrast, Confocal (Leica TCS SP5, Germany), Florescent
(Zeiss, Axiovert 25), Cryo-SEM and Scanning Electron Microscopy (Zeiss NTS).
• Microbiology: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, streaking, spreading, isolation of
microorganism, DNA & Plasmid isolation.
• Analytical: HPLC (Perkin Elmer, Series 200), GC (Perkin Elmer, Clarus 500), FT-IR
(Perkin Elmer, Spectrum 100), UV-Vis (Perkin Elmer, Lambda 25) and fluorescent
spectroscopy (Cary Eclipse).
• Computer literacy: Including all Microsoft programmes, statistical testing (Excel, SPSS
and Mintab) and results processing (GraphPad) software. Furthermore, I have quickly
learnt to operate many other software packages required to control the range of
instrumentation utilised in my work.
• Management: I am an experienced laboratory and project manager who has implemented
GLP, GCP and GMP standards within both industry and academic research groups. This
has included health and safety responsibilities, strategic prioritisation of student/staff work
and time management, and general organisation of laboratories (instrument maintenance,
logistics, budget and stock management). I have direct staff management experience with
the supervision of 1 Ph.D. project, 4 post-graduate students and to date, 2 final year
undergraduate student projects.
RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
• Cellon S.A., Luxembourg and University of Brighton, UK. Currently, investigating the
challenges of current methodology for pancreatic islet transplantation; loss of islet cell
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3. S. Kumar, CV
during pre-transplant culture and loss of islet during post-transplantation (immune
rejection). The full title of the project is “Nano Engineering for Cross Tolerance: a new
approach for bioengineered, vascularised, chimeric islet transplantation in non-
immunosuppressed hosts”. My role in this project is to provide novel solutions to the
challenges of current methodology for pancreatic islet transplantation by use of 3D cell
culturing (NASA, Huston microgravity Rotary Cell Culture System) of pancreatic beta cell
lines as well as primary cell culture (human and mouse islet of Langerhans), In vivo
(animal studies- mouse and rat) studies, molecular and cell biology. I also am developing
and designing (GMP) rotary micro-gravity bioreactor systems (Batch and Perfusion) to
transport isolated human pancreatic islets between isolation facilities and transplant centres.
A novel method for the safe and efficient transportation of isolated pancreatic islets.
• Image Analysis Unit, University of Brighton, UK. My role was to provide technical
support and training to students, new member of staff and researchers on Confocal and
Scanning Electron Microscopy. Day-to-day laboratory management, ordering reagents,
managing stocks, ensuring good laboratory practice (GLP), safe disposal of biohazard and
chemical waste. Organise work time between teaching, research and administration.
Ensure safety procedures was followed within the laboratory and all COSHH/Risk
assessments were maintained and keep up to date. Preparation and implementation of
standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and annual review of various class practical’s and
protocols.
• Molecular Microbiology and Virology, University of Brighton, UK. Examined the
disruption of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 K5 Capsule Biosynthesis, through Loss of
Distinct kfi genes, Modulates Interaction with Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Impact on Cell
Health by gene transfer into bacteria, generation of microbial genomic libraries, RT-PCR,
Southern & Western blotting and analysis of DNA sequences by using various software
packages.
• Institute of Experimental Pathology, Kiev, UKRAINE. Investigated the role of PDCD4,
HIF-1α and NFκB in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma using paraffin embedded tissue
biopsies from pancreatic cancer patients. Gained experience in the histopathology of
pancreatic cancer samples, tissue storing, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry and
H&E staining.
• Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK. Evaluated
exportin (CRM1) protein as a target for cancer drug development in ovarian cancer cell
lines by treating them with Leptomycin B. Our finding revealed that LMB inhibits CRM1
protein export, and results to nuclear entrapment of NES-bearing proteins (p53), which
play a role in relevant tumour signalling pathways.
• National Institute of Communicable Diseases, New Delhi, INDIA. Research project
title: To study antimicrobial susceptibility profile and ESBL (Extended-spectrum β-
lactamase) production as a phenotypic marker of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. My
responsibilities were to collect, culture, identify and retrieve clinical (Klebsiella
pneumonia) samples from various hospitals in New Delhi. I maintained accurate records,
developed and updated databases of new strains of Klebsiella pneumonia. I had
responsibility for day-to-day laboratory management, ordering reagents, managing stocks
and ensuring good clinical practice (GCP) was being followed, also provided
training/support/supervision to colleagues and new staff where appropriate.
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4. S. Kumar, CV
• Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, INDIA. Research
project title: Liposomal-entrapped tropane alkaloids delivery. During this research
project, I established and implemented a number of techniques including Liposome
preparation using a hand filming method, Lyophilisation, plant & mammalian cell culture,
animal handling & In vivo experimentation, MTT assay, Chromatography (Colum, Thin
layer, Ion-exchange & HPLC), Alkaloid extraction, Fluorescent and light Microscopy.
Also, my responsibilities were to provide assistance to master students and research staff
within the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND TRAININGS
• Research and human tissue legislation, Medical Research council, UK (08/2011).
• Teaching in Higher Education, Centre for learning and teaching, University of Brighton,
Brighton (07/2011).
• Cryo-SEM at JEOL, Quorum Technology, Welwyn Garden City, UK (05/2013).
• Training workshop HPLC method development, Hichrom Limited, UK (05/2010) and
Routine maintenance & Repair of UV spectrophotometer and FT-IR, held at Perkin Elmer,
Seer green, UK (03/2010).
Health and Safety Qualifications
PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS
1. Kumar S., Marriott C.E., Alhasawi N., Bone A.J., Macfarlane W.M. The Role of
Tumour Suppressor PDCD4 in Beta Cell Death in Hypoxia. Manuscript submitted to
Diabetologia (Diab-16-1177).
2. Kumar S., Marriott C.E., Alhasawi N., Bone A.J., Macfarlane W.M. Loss of PDCD4
expression in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The manuscript is under preparation
will be submitted to Endocrine-Related Cancer.
3. Nzakizwanayo J, Kumar S, Ogilvie LA, Patel BA, Dedi C, Macfarlane WM, Jones
BV. Disruption of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 K5 capsule biosynthesis, through loss
of distinct kfi genes, modulates interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and impact
on cell health. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 19; 10(3):e0120430.
4. Kumar S., Alhasawi N., Marriott C.E., Bone A.J., Macfarlane W.M. Novel islet
culture technology significantly improves islet function and practical advantage of
good transportation of islets. Diabetic Medicine, Volume 33(1), P27, ISSN 1464-5491,
March 2016.
5. Kumar S, Alhasawi N, Marriott C, Bone A and Macfarlane W (2016). Novel cell
culture technology significantly improves islet function and practical advantage of
good transportation of islets. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. Conference Abstract: 10th
World Biomaterials Congress. doi: 10.3389/conf.FBIOE.2016.01.00158.
• IOSH Managing Safely
• Waste legislation and duty of care
• Gas Cylinder Safety and Liquid
Nitrogen Decanting
• Radiation safety for laboratory work
• First aid
• Level 2 and Level 3 Award in Health
& Safety
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5. S. Kumar, CV
6. Kumar S., Alhasawi A., Marriott C.E., Bone A.J., Macfarlane W.M. Differential
expression of programmed cell death gene 4 (Pdcd4) and hypoxia- inducible factor 1
alpha (HIF-1alpha) in isolated human pancreatic cancer tissue, as well as in pancreatic
cells in culture. Diabetic Medicine, Volume 31(1), P24, ISSN 1464-5491, March 2014.
7. Alhasawi A., Kumar S., Marriott C.E., Bone A.J., Macfarlane W.M. Protection of islet
cells for transplantation therapy in Type 1 diabetes. Diabetic Medicine, Volume 31(1),
P18, ISSN 1464-5491, March 2014.
8. Kumar S., Marriott C.E., Bone A.J., Macfarlane W.M. Expression and sub-cellular
localization of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), hypoxia- inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-
1alpha) and program cells death gene 4 (Pdcd4) in pancreatic cells in response to
hypoxia. Diabetic Medicine, Volume 30(1), P20, ISSN 1464-5491, March 2013.
9. Kumar S., Marriott C.E., Bone A.J., Macfarlane W.M. Cell type specific regulation of
program cell death protein PDCD4 in pancreas. Diabetic Medicine, Volume 29(1), 30-
177, March 2012.
INVITED ORAL PRESENTATIONS
1. The dynamic three-dimensional culture of pancreatic islets, Presented at Avanti cell
sciences, Ayr, Scotland, UK (4th May 2016).
2. Microgravity Rotary Cell Culture System: Preserve the viability, functionality and
the practical advantage method of Islets transport, Presented at Unit of Paediatric
endocrinology and Diabetes, Central Hospital of Luxembourg, Luxembourg (19th
November 2015).
3. Nano Engineering for Cross Tolerance: a new approach for bioengineered,
vascularised, chimeric islet transplantation in non-immunosuppressed hosts,
presented at Cellon S.A. Luxembourg (18th November 2015).
4. Strategies for successful Islet transplantation: Past to future, presented at Diabetes
unit, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (ISMETT),
Palermo, Italy (1st April 2015).
5. PDCD4 as a diagnostic marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Priory Square
Building, University of Brighton, Hastings, UK (28th July 2015).
6. The role of hypoxia in the development of pancreatic cancer, presented at School of
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, UK (10th February 2015).
7. The expression, subcellular localisation and regulation of Pdcd4, HIF-1α and NFκB
in pancreatic cancer cells, presented at Blond Mclndoe Research foundation, Queen
Victoria hospital, East Grinstead, UK (6th November 2014).
REFERENCES
1. Professor Adrian J Bone, Head of Diabetes Research Group, School of Pharmacy
and biomolecular sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK. Email:
A.J.Bone@brighton.ac.uk ; Phone number: +44 (0) 1273-642120.
2. Dr. Wendy Macfarlane, Reader, Diabetes Research Group, School of Pharmacy
and biomolecular sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK. Email:
W.M.Macfarlane@brighton.ac.uk Phone number: +44 (0) 1273-642101.
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