Bio
Gene transfer agents (GTAs) are phage like particles produced by many bacteria and are involved in horizontal gene transfer. Rhodobacter capsulatus is a representative of the purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB), which are facultative anaerobes and are photosynthetic. The GTA of R. capsulatus (RcGTA) is a model system that can help investigate the mechanisms of gene transfer by GTAs. I am currently working on creating gene knockouts of R. capsulatus to find which surface receptors are involved in the binding of the bacteriophage-like gene transfer agent of this species. We have already created knockouts of several genes involved in the synthesis of lipopolysaccharides of the outer membrane of this bacterium, and are investigating the binding of RcGTA.
As Rhodobacter sp. are photosynthetic, they can convert solar energy to electrochemical energy. The photosynthetic proteins of these bacteria can be used in photovoltaic cells to increase the efficiency of harnessing solar energy, as these proteins are much more efficient as compared to man-made devices. However, as solar panels face high temperatures, there is a need to discover photosynthetic proteins that are stable in such extreme conditions. I am working on creating recombinant photosynthetic reaction centers in Rhodobacter sphaeroides by utilizing photosynthesis genes from metagenomes of hot springs, in order to achieve thermotolerant photosynthetic reaction centers for possible applications in photovoltaic cells.
Previously, I have been investigating microbial detoxification of heavy metals, especially arsenic, and how such microbes can promote plant growth at contaminated sites. I have completed numerous research projects and have published several research articles in this field. I have also investigated other PNSB for their potential of bioremediation and hydrogen production. Much of microbial activities in nature stem from the interactions of collections of individual species interacting in concert. Culture-independent studies, such as metagenomics, are powerful approaches for the investigation of such collective activities. This is another area of research that I am passionate about.
I completed my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. During my PhD, I visited the University of Oklahoma, USA, and conducted research in Prof. Dr. Michael McInerney's lab as a Visiting Research Scholar. During this time, I learned the techniques of anaerobic microbiology and microbial molecular ecology. I further developed these techniques at the University of Punjab during my tenure as Assistant Professor. My Ph.D. dissertation research focused on arsenic detoxification by bacteria, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. I also studied the phylogenetic structure and diversity of genes in microbial communities. Currently I am an Associate Professor at the University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan (on sabbatical).