Shams Tabrez Khan



CURRICULUM VITAE

SHAMS TABREZ KHAN

Mobile: +966-0535341859, shamsalig@, stkhan@ksu.edu.sa

CURRENT POSITION:

Assistant Professor

Department of Zoology

College of Science, King Saud University

Riyadh 11541, Saudi Arabia P.O. Box 2455

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (11 years)

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2011-till date: Assistant professor, Dept. of Zoology King Saud Uinversity, KSA.

2008-2011: Research scientist, Japan Biological Informatics Consortium (JBIC), Biomedicinal Information Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 2-42 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan.

2003-2008: Research staff, Dept. of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), 2-5-8 Kazusakamatari, Kisarazu, Chiba, Japan.

1998-2003: Ph. D student at Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan.

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EDUCATION

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1998-2002: Ph. D Deptt. Of Environment and Life Engg. Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan.

[Title: Ecological and kinetic studies of solid-phase denitrification using biodegradable plastics for nitrogen removal from wastewater]. Grade A

1995-1997: M. Sc. Agricultural Microbiology, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Aligarh Muslim University. 72.5% of MM

1992-1995: B. Sc. Zoology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University. 79.6% of MM

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RESEARCH INTERESTS

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1. Human microbiome and health.

2. Novel microbes and their implication in industry and environment

3. Drug discovery from novel actinobacteria.

4. Nanobiotechnology/Nanotoxicology.

5. Colon and rectal cancer.

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AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

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1. Scholarship from Aligarh Alumni Association Washington D.C. USA for meritorious students at Post-Graduate level. 1995-1997.

2. MONBUSHO fellowship from Japanese govt. for pursuing Ph. D. from a recognized university of Japan (International) 1998-2002.

3. Invited speaker in the young scientist forum at 23rd annual convention of the Japanese society of microbial ecology. Concurrent meeting: International Symposium on Microbial ecology, Asia 2007.

4. Delivered invited lectures at Aligarh Muslim University and Delhi University.

5. Was actively involved in the organization of satellite symposium of marine biotechnology conference 2003, organized by National Institute of Technology and Evaluation.

6. Invited aboard deep sea research vessel (Yokosuka) of JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology).

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TECHNIQUES EXCELLED

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Cloning, cosmid library preparation, colony hybridization, heterlogous expression, Gene based screening of actinobacteria for drug discovery (based on pks, nrps and hmgr genes), Southern, Northern and Western blottings, 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), Quinone profiling, Fatty acid analysis, Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), TA cloning (16S rDNA clone library, nirS, nosZ genes, PhaZ gene and Klp-7 genes), SDS-page, RT-PCR, microinjection RNAi, and general microbiological techniques.

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PATENT

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Japanese Govt. patent (4847799) on the use of a new type of carotenoid adonixanthin diglucoside from a novel bacteria Paracoccus marinus in food industry.

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TEACHING EXPERIENCE

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Actively involved in teaching at King Saud University, performed examination duties, designing of examination papers, courses and designing new approaches for teaching, also guiding a Ph. D student.

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EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBER

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Journal of biological informatics and biodiversity

The Scientific world Journal

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REVIEWER OF JOURNALS

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1. International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology

2. Materials Science and Engineering C

3. Journal of general and applied microbiology

4. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

5. Agricultural Science Research Journal

6. International journal of biodiversity and conservation

7. The Scientific World Journal

8. World Journal of Biology and Biological Sciences

9. Oceanography-Open Access

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INNOVATIONS AND DISCOVERIES

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( During Ph.D. at Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan, a new type of nitrogen removal system was developed, wherein bioplastic was used as electron and energy source. The use of bioplastics (PHB, PHB-co-HV) is advantageous because it does not need monitoring as required for liquid sources such as methanol or acetate. As it is insoluble in water, and can easily be removed. Moreover bioplastics are free of any secondary organic pollution. Molecular approaches to study the microbial community involved in the process were used. Microorganisms involved in the process were isolated and kinetics of the process was also studied.

This process was successfully used for the nitrate removal from Suzuki motor’s plant waste water near Toyohashi city.

( At National Institute for Technology and Evaluation, I established various methods for the isolation of previously uncultured bacteria including a medium specific for the isolation of “Bacteroidetes” group bacteria. Isolated more than 600 novel strains of bacteria. Published 10 new genera and more than a dozen new species of bacteria. Many novel compounds of industrial use were isolated from these strains; including a rare type of carotenoid (Adonixanthin diglucoside) from a novel species of Paracoccus; Paracoccus marinus (Japanese Govt. with patent no. 4847799).

( Isolated many novel Actinobacteria from marine habitats. Gene based screening of these strains for the production of compounds of therapeutic use was carried out. Many compounds of novel chemistry and anticancer activities were purified from these strains.

( Established the function of kinesin like protein (Klp-7) in C. elegans.

( Currently establishing the effect of ZnO and other metal oxide nanoparticles used in food or toothpastes on oral bacteria and human health.

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MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCITIES

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• The American Society for Microbiology.

• Japanese society for microbial ecology.

• The society for actinomycetes Japan.

• Japan society for bioscience, biotechnology, and agronomy.

• International society for the biology of actinomycetes.

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DETAILS OF RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

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Research articles……….…………………………………………………..44

Review………………………………………………………………………….1

Patent (International)…………………………………………………….1

Conference abstracts………………………………………………………14

International……………………………………………………….6

Domestic (Japanese)……………………………………………9

Book Chapters………………………………………………………………..2

International……………………………………………………….1

National………………………………………………………………1

Total Citations………………………………………………………………..723

h-index………………………………………………………………………….14

i10-index……………………………………………………………………….20

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2001

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1. Khan ST and Hiraishi A. (2001) Isolation and characterization of a new poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-degrading, denitrifying bacterium from activated sludge.

FEMS Microbiology Letters. 205, 253-257. Impact factor: 2.05

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2002

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2. Khan ST, Horiba Y, Yamamoto M and Hiraishi A. (2002) Members of the family Comamonadaceae as primary poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-degrading denitrifiers in activated sludge as revealed by a polyphasic approach. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 68, 3206-3214.

Impact factor: 4.46

3. Khan ST and Hiraishi A. (2002) Diaphorobacter nitroreducens gen. nov., sp. nov., a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-degrading denitrifying bacterium isolated from activated sludge. The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology. 48, 299-308. Impact factor: 0.98

4. Khan ST and Ahmad M. (2002) "Comparative toxicity of some pesticides on rhizospheric microflora and wheat plant". Journal of Microbial World. 4, 127-134.

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2005

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5. Horiba Y, Khan ST and Hiraishi A. (2005) Characterization of microbial community and culturable denitrifying bacteria in a solid-phase denitrification process using poly((-caprolactone) as the carbon and energy source. Microbes and Environments. 20, 25-33. Impact factor: 2.44

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2006

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6. Khan ST, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2006) Krokinobacter gen. nov., with three novel species, in the family Flavobacteriaceae. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 56, 323-328. Impact factor: 2.11

7. Khan ST, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2006) Sediminicola luteus gen. nov., sp., nov., a novel member of the family Flavobacteriaceae. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 56, 841-854. Impact factor: 2.11

8. Khan ST, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2006) Sandarakinotalea sediminis gen. nov., sp., nov., a novel member of the family Flavobacteriaceae. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 56, 959-963. Impact factor: 2.11

9. Takaichi S, Maoka T, Akimoto N, Khan ST and Harayama S. (2006) Major carotenoid isolated from Paracoccus schoinia NBRC 100637T is adonixanthin diglucoside. Journal of Natural Products. 69, 1823-1825. Impact factor: 3.28

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2007

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10. Khan ST, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2007) Sediminibacter furfurosus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Gilvibacter sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov., novel members of the family Flavobacteriaceae. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 57, 265-269.

Impact factor: 2.11

11. Khan ST, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2007) Galbibacter mesophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Flavobacteriaceae. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 57, 969-973. Impact factor: 2.11

12. Khan ST, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2007) Sediminitomix flava gen. nov., sp. nov., of the phylum Bacteroidetes, isolated from marine sediment. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 57, 1689-1693. Impact factor: 2.11

13. Khan ST and Harayama S. (2007) Paraferrimonas sedimenticola gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium of the family Ferrimonadaceae. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 57, 1493-1498. Impact factor: 2.11

14. Khan ST, Horiba Y, Takahashi N and Hiraishi A. (2007) Activity and community composition of denitrifying bacteria in poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-using solid-phase denitrification processes. Microbes and Environments. 22, 20-31. Impact factor: 2.44

15. Khan ST, Fukunaga Y, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2007) Emended descriptions of the genus Lewinella and of Lewinella cohaerens, Lewinella nigricans and Lewinella persica, and description of Lewinella lutea sp. nov. and Lewinella marina sp. nov. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 57, 2946-2951. Impact factor: 2.11

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2008

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16. Khan ST, Takaichi S and Harayama S. (2008) Paracoccus marinus sp. nov., an adonixanthin diglucoside-producing bacterium isolated from coastal seawater in Tokyo bay. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 58, 383-386. Impact factor: 2.11

17. Khan ST, Nakagawa Y and Harayama S. (2008) Fulvibacter tottoriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from marine sediment. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 58, 1670-1674. Impact factor: 2.11

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2009

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18. Khan ST, Harayama S, Tamura T, Ando K, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2009) Paraoerskovia marina gen. nov., sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from marine sediment. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 59, 2094-2098. Impact factor: 2.11

19. Komaki H, Izumikawa M, Ueda J, Nakashima T, Khan ST, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2009) Discovery of a pimaricin analog JBIR-13, from Streptomyces bicolor NBRC 12746 as predicted by sequence analysis of type I polyketide syntase gene. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 83, 127-133. Impact factor: 3.61

20. Keiichiro M, Hashimoto J, Inaba S, Khan ST, Komaki H, Nagai A, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2009) New sesquiterpenes, JBIR-27 and -28, isolated from a Tunicate-derived fungus, Penicillium sp. SS080624SCf1. The Journal of Antibiotics. 62, 247-250. Impact factor: 2.19

21. Izumikawa M, Khan ST, Komaki H, Nagai A, Inaba S, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2009) JBIR-37 and -38, novel Glycosyl Benzenediols, isolated from the sponge-derived fungus, Acremonium sp. SpF080624G1f01. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. 73, 2138-2140.

Impact factor: 1.29

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2010

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22. Izumikawa M, Khan ST, Komaki H, Takagi M, and Shin-ya K. (2010) JBIR-31, a new teleocidin analog, produced by salt-requiring Streptomyces sp. NBRC 105896 isolated from a marine sponge. The Journal of Antibiotics. 63, 33-36. Impact factor: 2.19

23. Khan ST, Izumikawa M, Motohashi K, Mukai A, Takagi M, and Shin-ya K. (2010) Distribution of the 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene and isoprenoid production in marine-derived actinobacteria. FEMS Microbiology Letters. 304, 89-96. Impact factor: 2.05

24. Izumikawa M, Khan ST, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2010) Sponge-derived Streptomyces producing isoprenoids via the mevalonate pathway. Journal of Natural products. 73, 208-212.

Impact factor: 3.28

25. Khan ST, Tamura T, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2010) Streptomyces tateyamensis sp. nov., Streptomyces marinus sp. nov. and Streptomyces haliclonae sp. nov., three novel species of Streptomyces isolated from marine sponge Haliclona sp. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 60, 2775-2779. Impact factor: 2.11

26. Ueda J, Khan ST, Takagi M, and Shin-ya K. (2010) JBIR-58, a new salicylamide derivative, isolated from a marine sponge-derived Streptomyces sp. SpD081030ME-02. The Journal of Antibiotics. 63, 267-269. Impact factor: 2.19

27. Khan ST, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2010) Diversity, salt requirement, and antibiotics production of Actinobacteria isolated from marine sponges. Actinomycetologica. 24, 18-23. Impact factor: 2.19

28. Takagi M, Motohashi K, khan ST, Hashimoto J and Shin-ya K. (2010) JBIR-65, a new diterpene, isolated from a sponge-derived Actinomadura sp. SpB081030SC-15. The Journal of Antibiotics. 63, 401-403. Impact factor: 2.19

29. Takagi M, Motohashi K, Izumikawa M, khan ST, Hwang J-H, and Shin-ya K. (2010) JBIR-66, a new metabolite isolated from a Tunicate-derived Saccharopolyspora sp. SS081219JE-28. Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry. 74, 2355-2357. Impact factor: 1.29

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2011

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30. Khan ST, Komaki H, Izumikawa M, Motohashi K, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2011) Streptomyces associated with a marine sponge Haliclona sp.; biosynthetic genes for secondary metabolites and products. Environmental microbiology. 13, 391-403. Impact factor: 5.75

31. Nagai A, Khan ST, Tamura T, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2011) Streptomyces aomiensis sp. nov., a isolated from a soil sample using membrane filter method. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 61, 947-950. Impact factor: 2.11

32. Motohashi K, Kennichi I, Shinichiro F, Takayuki D, Izumikawa M, Khan ST, Takagi M, Takahashi T, and Shin-ya K. (2011) JBIR-56 and JBIR-57, 2(1H)-Pyrazinones from a marine sponge-derived Streptomyces sp. SpD081030SC-03. Journal of natural products. 74, 1630-1635.

Impact factor: 3.28

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2012

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33. khan ST, Takagi M, Izumikawa M, and Shin-ya K. (2012). Actinobacteria associated with marine sponges Cinachyra, Petrosia sp., and Ulosa sp., and their culturability. Microbes and Environments. 27, 99–104. Impact factor: 2.44

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2013

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34. khan ST, Ahamed M, Al-Khedairy AA, Musarrat J. (2013) Biocidal effect of copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles on human oral microbiome and biofilm formation. Materials Letters 97, 67–70.

Impact factor: 2.32

35. Wahab R, Khan ST, Dwivedi S, Ahamed M, Musarrat J, Al-Khedhairy AA. (2013) Effective inhibition of bacterial respiration and growth by CuO microspheres composed of thin nanosheets. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 111, 211-217. Impact factor: 3.41

36. khan ST, Ahamed M, Alhadlaq HA, Al-Khedairy AA, Musarrat J. (2013) Comparative effectiveness of NiCl2, Ni- and NiO-NPs in controlling oral bacterial growth and biofilm formation on oral surfaces. Archives of oral biology 58, 1804–1811. Impact factor: 1.76

37. Saquib Q, Al-Khedhairy AA, Ahmad J, Siddiqui MA, Dwivedi S, Khan ST, Musarrat J. (2013) Zinc ferrite nanoparticles activate IL-1b, NFKB1, CCL21 and NOS2 signaling to induce mitochondrial dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway in WISH cells. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 273, 289-297. Impact factor: 4.11

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2014

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38. Khan ST, Musarrat J, Alkhedhairy AA, Shin-ya K. (2014) Diversity of bacteria and polyketide synthase associated with marine sponge Haliclona sp. Annals of Microbiology 64, 199-207. Impact factor: 1.03

39. Khan M, Khan ST, Khan M, Adil SF, Musarrat J, Alkhedhairy AA, Al-Warthan A, Siddiqui MRH, Alkhathlan HZ. (2014) Anti-Bacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Pulicaria glutinosa Plant Extract as Green Bio-reductant. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 9, 3551–3565. Impact factor: 4.53

40. khan ST, Ahamed M, Musarrat J, Al-Khedairy AA. (2014) Anti-biofilm and antibacterial activities

of zinc oxide nanoparticles against the oral opportunistic pathogens Rothia dentocariosa and Rothia

mucilaginosa. European Journal of Oral Sciences 122, 397–403. Impact factor: 1.73

41. Siddiqui MA, Saquib Q, Ahamed M, Farshori NN, Ahmad J, Wahab R, Khan ST, Alhadlaq HA, Musarrat J, Al-Khedhairy AA, Pant AB. (2014) Molybdenum nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, G2/M arrest, and DNA damage in mouse skin fibroblast cells (L929). Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 125C:73-81. Impact factor: 4.2

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REVIEW

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42. Hiraishi A and Khan ST. (2003) Application of polyhydroxyalkanoates for denitrification in water and wastewater treatment. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 61, 103-109.

Impact factor: 3.61

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BOOK Chapters

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1. Book chapter: Isolation of pesticides and heavy metal tolerant strains of Azotobacter chrococcum from the rhizospheric region of wheat crop. Book title “Biofertilizers and Biopesticides” Technoscience Publications ISBN-10 “8190055356.

2. Pictorial explanation of Solid phase dentrification. Book title: “The world of Microorganisms”. ISBN 9784924753563. Tsukuba Publishing Co. Maruzen.

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CONFERENCES/SYMPOSIUM/ABSTRACTS

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INTERNATIONAL:

1. 15th International Symposium on the Biology of Actinomycetes, August 20-25, 2009, Shanghai, China.

Khan ST, Komaki H, Motohashi K, Kozune I, Mukai A, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2009) Higher incidence of new metabolite discovery from salt requiring novel members of the genus Streptomyces isolated from Haliclona sp.

2. Marine Biotechnology Conference, September 21-27, 2003, Chiba, Japan

Khan ST, Endo R and Harayama S. (2003) Exploring the diversity of marine bacteria by cultivating them on autoclaved seawater.

3. 9th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology, August 26-31, 2001, Amsterdam, Holland.

Khan ST and Hiraishi A. (2001) Isolation and characterization of new poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate-degrading denitrifiers from activated sludge with special reference to the kinetics of denitrification.

4. 5th International symposium on Environmental Biotechnology, July 9-13, 2000, Kyoto, Japan.

Khan ST and Hiraishi A. (2000) Isolation and characterization of PHB-degrading denitrifying bacteria for development of nitrogen removal system.

5. 12th International C. elegans Meeting, June 2-6, 1999, Madison, USA.

Khan ST, Ali MY, and Siddiqui SS. (1999) OSM-3 subfamily of the kinesin motors in C. elegans.

DOMESTIC (Japan):

1. The 2009 annual meeting of the society for actinomycetes Japan, July 16-17, 2009, Akita, Japan.

Khan ST, Komaki H, Motohashi K, Kozone I, Mukai A, Takagi M and Shin-ya K. (2009) Marine actinobacteria: a promising resource for novel bioactive metabolites.

2. 23rd annual convention of the Japanese society of microbial ecology (JSME 23). Concurrent meeting: International Symposium on Microbial ecology, Asia 2007 (ISME Asia 2007), September 15-18, 2007, Matsuyama, Ehime.

Khan ST and Harayama S. (2007) Isolation of CFB group bacteria in high numbers from marine sediments of Japan and their characterization.

3. 23rd annual convention of the Japanese society of microbial ecology (JSME 23). Concurrent meeting: International Symposium on Microbial ecology, Asia 2007 (ISME Asia 2007), September 15-18, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan.

Invited speaker young scientist forum: “An introduction to the status of microbial ecology in India and to my work in Japan”.

4. Annual Meeting of JSBBA, March 28-30, 2005, Sapporo, Japan.

Khan ST and Harayama S. (2005) Use of gentamicin and polymyxin B for the enrichment of

Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides (CFB) group from marine sediment samples.

5. Annual Meeting of JSBBA, March 29-31, 2004, Hiroshima, Japan.

Khan ST, Endo R and Harayama S. (2004) Microbial diversity of Kisarazu-port seawater as revealed by transient cultivation in seawater.

6. 18th Annual meeting, Japanese society of Microbial Ecology, November 15-17, 2002, Tsu, Mie, Japan.

Khan ST and Hirashi A. (2002) Microbial community analysis of the solid-phase denitrification process by nirS and nosZ gene cloning and sequencing.

7. 21st Microbial Taxonomy Conference, October 26-27, 2001, Gifu, Aichi, Japan.

Khan ST and Hirashi A. (2001) The taxonomy of PHB degrading denitrifying bacteria isolated from activated sludge.

8. 17th Annual meeting, Japanese society of Microbial Ecology, November 9-11, 2001, Shizouka, Japan.

Khan ST and Hirashi A. (2001) Aerobic denitrification with PHB by a new bacterium.

9. 16th Annual meeting, Japanese society of Microbial Ecology, November 12-15, 2000, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Japan.

Khan ST and Hiraishi A. (2000) Comamonadacae: The important poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-degrading denitrifiers in activated sludge.

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MAJOR PROJECTS

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I have been actively involved in research mainly in the field of molecular microbiology, environmental and applied microbiology. I have designed and undertaken a number of research projects successfully, starting from my Ph. D,

During and before Ph. D:

1. At Toyohashi University of technology as research student; in a short period of one year I studied the function of kinesin like proteins in C. elegans using techniques such as RNAi and northern blotting. I studied the function of KLP-7 protein and it was revealed that this protein is involved in mitotic spindle movement during early cell division (Please refer to review by Shahid S. Siddiqui Traffic 2002; 3: 20-28).

Later I joined the laboratory of Prof. Akira Hiraishi for Ph. D., where under his kind guidance I developed a new type of nitrogen removal system (solid-phase denitrification), wherein bioplastic was used as electron and energy source. The use of bioplastics (PHB, PHB-co-HV) is advantageous because it does not need any monitoring as required for liquid sources such as methanol or water soluble substrate acetate. Bioplastic is easy to handle as it is insoluble in water, and free from any form of secondary organic pollution. Microbial communities involved in the process were studied using molecular culture independent approaches such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, nirS, nosZ gene clone libraries. It is very difficult to correlate the micro-organisms present in environmental samples to their function. One of our most cited paper (in Applied and Environmental microbiology) describes our successful attempt to correlate a particular group of bacteria (members of family Commamonadaceae) to the solid-phase denitrification process in wastewater. Even more difficult is to isolate such microorganisms. Using enrichment techniques a bacterium capable of carrying out denitrification process using biodegradable plastics was isolated. This bacterium was very effective in nitrogen removal from wastewater. Moreover, a polyphasic taxonomic study showed that this strain actually represents a novel genus which was characterized and named as Diaphorobacter nitroreducens. Our research was not limited to laboratory we successfully used this system to remove the nitrate from the wastewater of Suzuki motor plant near Toyohashi city.

Post-Doc work:

1. After my Ph. D I joined National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) as research staff. There I worked for the microbial culture collection. Unculturability of bacteria is one of the major problems faced by microbiologists. It is well known that only 0.1-1% of bacteria present in nature can be cultured. To achieve the goals of the project to isolate such unculturable bacteria, I designed new techniques and media for the isolation of such microorganisms; isolated more than 600 novel strains of bacteria. Moreover, I used polyphasic study for the detailed characterization of these bacteria. Published 10 new genera and more than a dozen of novel species. These strains are being now studied for the production of industrially useful compounds. One of the novel species of Paracoccus was found to produce a new and rare carotenoid (Adonixanthin diglucoside) which can be used as food additive. This carotenoid has been patented by Japanese Govt. (patent no. 4847799).

I was also called aboard the research cruise of JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology). Wherein we attempted to study the microbial community of the deep sea (3000 m).

2. At JBIC I was involved in drug discovery from marine actinobacteria. Contrary to the popular belief that there are no actinobacteria in marine habitats we have successfully isolated many novel species of actinobacteria from different marine sponges and subjected these strains to gene based screening for the production of compounds of therapeutic use. Many novel compounds were isolated from these strains and some of these when tested show activity against cancer cell lines (HeLa and Meso-1). We attempted heterologus expression of biosynthetic gene clusters to either express the cryptic biosynthetic gene cluster to purify novel compounds or to improve the yield of previously reported compound. Many actinobacteria are known to posses’ cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters. Such biosynthetic gene clusters can be cloned into different hosts such as Streptomyces lividans or Streptomyces albus where they may be expressed. Such approaches can be used not only to express the cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters but also to improve the production of a known compound.

3. At King Saud university I am working on oral bacteria. Oral bacteria are known to cause diseases not only limited to oral cavity therefore it is important to intelligently control the growth of these bacteria.

During last many years I have published 45 research papers in peer-reviewed international journals, with more than 700 citations and an h-index of 14. Presented my work in a number of domestic and international conferences, was also invited to deliver a lecture by the forum of young scientists. I also 01 patent granted by Japanese Govt. (4847799). I was also actively involved in training the teams of foreign scientists visiting NITE (national institute of technology and evaluation).

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