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Dr. Tarique Sarwar
(Ph.D. in Biochemistry)
Department of Biosciences
Jamia Millia Islamia
New Delhi, India -110025
[email protected]
+919027671724
Current Position
Working as Post-Doctoral Fellow on the project entitled Identification and expression
analysis of novel isoforms of some genes associated with cancer in presence of bioactive
compounds: a bioinformatics and molecular biology approach at Genome Biology Lab,
Dept. of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
Education
2015 Ph.D. (Biochemistry)
A.M.U., Aligarh
Thesis title "Molecular and biochemical studies with polyphenols and analysis of some
affected genes in mice"
2008-10 (M.Sc. Biochemistry)
A.M.U., Aligarh
2005-08 (B.Sc. Biochemistry)
A.M.U., Aligarh
2002-04 (S.S.S.C II)
A.M.U., Aligarh
2002 (Class X)
CBSE, New Delhi
M.Sc. Project Dissertation
Detoxification and bio-remediation of organophosphorus pesticides using Pseudomonas
fluorescens strain.
Ph.D. Research summary
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found largely in fruits, vegetables, cereals
and beverages. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants and are considered to possess various
therapeutic properties against a large number of diseases.
My research work is broadly divided into three parts.
Proxidant properties of polyphenols in the presence of copper: In the first part of my
research, I have exploited pro-oxidant properties of polyphenols to specifically target cancer
cells. Intracellular copper levels are significantly elevated in number of malignancies and
cancer cells as compared to normal cells are under increased oxidative stress. Polyphenols are
generally antioxidants, however in the presence of metal ions such as copper, they may act as
a pro-oxidant. Ferulic acid is a plant polyphenol having diverse therapeutic effects against a
number of diseases. I have shown that the pro-oxidant properties of ferulic acid are enhanced
by redox cycling of copper. It causes dose dependent DNA damage in lymphocytes and
cytotoxicity towards cancer cell lines as observed by comet assay and MTT assay
respectively. Pre-incubation of lymphocytes and cancer cell lines with neocuproine (a
specific copper chelating agent) and various ROS scavengers could ameliorate DNA damage
and cytotoxicity suggesting the role of endogenous copper and ROS in the toxicity process.
Very low IC50 values of ferulic acid on cancer cell lines in comparison to normal cell lines
provide evidence for its cancer cell specific anti-proliferative effects. We can conclude that
pro-oxidant properties of ferulic acid through mobilization of endogenous copper can better
explain its anticancer activities.
Studying drug-DNA interaction: DNA is one of the major intracellular targets for wide
ranges of small molecules including polyphenols, alkaloids, anticancer and antibiotic drugs.
In this part of study, various biophysical techniques like UV-visible study, steady state
fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, DNA melting studies and viscosity measurements were
employed to decipher various non-covalent interactions between some polyphenols
(coumarin, esculetin and caffeic acid) and DNA. Various binding constants and
thermodynamic parameters were also calculated. The results obtained from biophysical
experiments were further validated using molecular docking studies.
Alternative splicing of genes: Polyphenols alter expression of genes leading to up or down
regulation of alternately spliced transcript isoforms. In this part of study, alternative splicing
of IRF-1, ARNT, and Her-2 genes were studied in order to identify their novel transcript
isoforms. A combination of bioinformatics tools were used to predict the potential novel
isoforms differing at the N-terminus. The existence of these transcripts in mouse was
confirmed through Reverse Transcriptase-PCR. The expression level of the new transcript
isoforms were compared with that of already published isoforms using real time PCR. All the
new variants reported in our studies differ at N-terminus and in silico studies report large
diversity in the properties of the conceptually translated amino acid sequences.
Experience
December 2015- July 2016
Worked as Senior Research Fellow at Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences,
A.M.U., Aligarh, India on project entitled “Identification of transcript isoforms of
NSAIDS associated genes and their expression analysis in mouse”.
Experience in guiding a number of M.Sc. (F) students in their Project dissertations.
Experience in teaching practical classes of M.Sc. (P) and B.Sc. Biochemistry.
Research publications
1. Sarwar T, Ishqi HM, Rehman SU, Husain MA, Rahman Y, Tabish M (2017) Caffeic
acid binds to the minor groove of calf thymus DNA: A multi-spectroscopic,
thermodynamics and molecular modelling study. International Journal of
Biological Macromolecules 98: 319-328. Impact factor 3.13
2. Rehman SU, Sarwar T, Husain MA, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2017) Identification of
two novel isoforms of mouse NUR77 lacking N-terminal domains. IUBMB Life 69:
106–114. Impact Factor: 2.65
3. Sarwar T, Zafaryab M, Husain MA, Ishqi HM, Rehman SU, Rizvi MM, Tabish M
(2015) Redox cycling of endogenous copper by ferulic acid leads to cellular DNA
breakage and consequent cell death: A putative cancer chemotherapy mechanism.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 289: 251–261. Impact factor 3.85
4. Sarwar T, Husain MA, Rehman SU, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2015) Multi-spectroscopic
and molecular modelling studies on the interaction of esculetin with calf thymus
DNA. Molecular Biosystems 11: 522-531. Impact factor 2.83
5. Sarwar T, Rehman SU, Husain MA, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2015) Interaction of
coumarin with calf thymus DNA: Deciphering the mode of binding by in vitro
studies. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 73: 9-16. Impact
factor 3.13
6. Rehman SU*, Sarwar T*, Husain MA*, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2015) Studying noncovalent drug-DNA interactions. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 576: 4960. *equal contribution Impact Factor: 2.807
7. Husain MA, Rehman SU, Sarwar T, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2016) NSAIDs induced
regulation of alternatively spliced transcript isoforms: possible role in cancer and
Alzheimer disease. Current Cancer Drug Targets. (In press) DOI:
10.2174/1568009616666161216093403 Impact Factor: 3.707
8. Husain MA, Sarwar T, Rehman SU, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2015) Ibuprofen causes
photocleavage through ROS generation and intercalates with DNA: A combined
biophysical and molecular docking approach. Physical Chemistry Chemical
Physics. 17: 13837-13850. Impact Factor: 4.449
9. Rehman SU, Sarwar T, Ishqi HM, Husain MA, Hasan Z, Tabish M (2015)
Deciphering the interactions between chlorambucil and calf thymus DNA: A multispectroscopic and molecular docking study. Archives of Biochemistry and
Biophysics 566: 7-14. Impact Factor: 2.807
10. Ishqi HM, Ur Rehman S, Sarwar T, Husain MA, Tabish M (2016) Identification of
differentially expressed three novel transcript variants of mouse ARNT gene. IUBMB
Life. 68: 122-135. Impact Factor: 2.65
11. Rehman SU, Ishqi HM, Husain MA, Sarwar T, Tabish M. (2016) A novel exon
generates ubiquitously expressed alternatively spliced new transcript of mouse Abcc4
gene. Gene. 594:131-137. Impact factor 2.319
12. Siddiqui AA, Khaki PSS, Sohail A, Sarwar T, Bano B. Isolation and purification of
phytocystatin from almond: Biochemical, immunological and biophysical
characterization. Cogent Biology, 1262489.
13. Rehman SU, Zubair H, Sarwar T, Husain MA, Ishqi HM, Nehar S, Tabish M (2015)
Redox cycling of Cu(II) by 6-mercaptopurine leads to ROS generation and DNA
breakage: possible mechanism of anticancer activity. Tumour Biology 36: 12371244. Impact factor 2.93
14. Rehman SU, Husain MA, Sarwar T, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2015) Modulation of
alternative splicing by anticancer drugs. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: RNA 6:
369-379. Impact factor: 4.519
15. Husain MA, Rehman SU, Ishqi HM, Sarwar T, Tabish M (2015) Spectroscopic and
molecular docking evidence of aspirin and diflunisal binding to DNA: a comparative
study. RSC Advances 5: 64335-64345. Impact Factor: 3.289
16. Rehman SU, Yaseen Z, Husain MA, Sarwar T, Ishqi HM, Tabish M (2014)
Interaction of 6 mercaptopurine with calf thymus DNA - deciphering the binding
mode and photoinduced DNA damage. PLoS One 9: e93913. Impact Factor: 3.06
17. Husain MA, Yaseen Z, Rehman SU, Sarwar T, Tabish M (2013) Naproxen
intercalates with DNA and causes photocleavage through ROS generation. FEBS
Journal 280: 6569-6580. Impact Factor: 4.23
18. Akram M, Yousuf S, Sarwar T, Kabir-ud-Din (2014) Micellization and interfacial
behavior of 16-E2-16 in presence of inorganic and organic salt counterions. Colloids
and Surfaces A, 441: 281– 290. Impact factor: 2.76
19. Azim S, Banday AR, Sarwar T, Tabish M (2012) Alternatively spliced variants of
gamma-subunit of muscle type acetylcholine receptor in fetal and adult skeletal
muscle of mouse. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 32: 957-963. Impact
factor 2.328.
20. Tabish M, Azim S, Hussain MA, Rehman SU, Sarwar T, Ishqi HM (2013)
Bioinformatics Approaches in Studying Microbial Diversity, Chapter 6:
Management of Microbial Resources in the Environment. Malik, Abdul;
Grohmann, Elisabeth; Alves, Madalena (Eds.) XII, 530 p. 34 illus. pp 119-140.
Research articles under communication
1. Molecular spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies on the interaction of anti-platelet
drug ticlopidine with calf thymus DNA. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and
Biopharmaceutics
2. Identification and Expression of Alternatively Spliced Novel Isoforms of cancer
associated MYD88 Lacking Death Domain in Mouse. Tumor Biology
3. Identification and expression analysis of alternatively spliced new transcript isoform
of Bax gene in mouse. Gene
4. Interaction of indomethacin with calf thymus DNA: A Multi-spectroscopic,
thermodynamic and molecular modelling approach. Archives of Biochemistry and
Biophysics
Achievements and awards
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Awarded SERB National Post-Doctoral fellowship by Department of Science and
Technology, Government of India in the year 2016.
International Travel award (ITS-SERB) by Department of Science and
Technology, Government of India to attend international conference “Experimental
Biology 2016” at San Diego, USA.
International Travel award by Department of Biotechnology, Government of
India to attend international conference “Experimental Biology 2016” at San Diego,
USA.
Awarded Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) by UGC- Maulana Azad National
Fellowship, New Delhi, India (June, 2013 -June, 2016)
Awarded Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) UGC- Maulana Azad National
Fellowship, New Delhi, India (June, 2011 -June, 2013- June 2013)
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Awarded Best Poster prize: Sarwar T, Rehman S.U, Hussain M.A. and Tabish M.
(2013). Molecular Spectroscopic Studies on the Interaction of Coumarin with Calf
Thymus DNA. International conference and Exhibition on traditional and alternative
medicine, held on 9-11 December 2013. Organised by Omics Publishing Group at
Hyderabad. Abstract # http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/23275162.S1.003.
Was awarded First prize in scientific model making competition held on the occasion
of National Science Day Celebration at Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life
Sciences, A.M.U, Aligarh in the year 2008.
Experimental Expertise
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Molecular biology techniques: DNA/RNA isolation, plasmid isolation and
transformation, preparation and maintenance of bacterial cultures, PCR, western blot.
Maintenance of animal cell cultures MTT assay, experience of animal handling (rats
and mice), Flow cytometry.
Electrophoresis (Protein, DNA, RNA), DNA damage assessment by comet assay.
Biophysical techniques: UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy,
fluorescence microscopy, CD spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and ITC
Bioinformatics softwares: gene finder programs, ORF finder, blast searches,
alignment tools
Molecular modelling and structure visualization softwares: (HEX, AutoDock,
PyMOL, UCSF Chimera, Avogadro, Open Babel
In silico toxicity and ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and
Elimination) analysis softwares: PASS, ACD/I-lab, Lazar, AdmetSAR, TOPKAT
Conferences and symposium
1. Sarwar T and Tabish M (2016). Deciphering the mode of interaction of caffeic acid
with calf thymus DNA. International Conference on Emerging Trends in Biomedical
Sciences (March 6-8, 2016) Organized by Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of
Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh. Abstract P-188.
2. Sarwar T and Tabish M (2016). Ferulic acid induces DNA damage and cell death in
cancer cells through mobilization of endogenous copper and generation of reactive
oxygen species. 6th International Conference on Metals in Genetics, Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics (ICMG-2016) (February 17-20, 2016) organized by
Department of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
India. P-38.
3. Sarwar T, Husain MA, Rehman SU, Ishqi HM, and Tabish M (2014). Deciphering
the Mode of Interaction of Esculetin with Calf Thymus DNA. National symposium on
“Recent advances in free radical biology and biochemistry” held on 6th March 2014.
Organized by Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh.
Abstract #A82.
4. Sarwar T, Husain MA, Rehman SU, Ishqi HM and Tabish M (2014). Studies on the
Interaction of Umbelliferone with Calf Thymus DNA. National symposium on
“Neurosciences and its future prospects” held on 15th February 2014. Organised by
Interdisciplinary Brain Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine AMU, Aligarh. Abstract
#P26.
5. Sarwar T, Rehman SU, Hussain MA and Tabish M (2013) Molecular Spectroscopic
Studies on the Interaction of Coumarin with Calf Thymus DNA. International
Conference & Exhibition On Traditional and Alternative Medicine (9-11 Dec. 2013).
Organised by Omics Publishing Group. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2327-5162.S1.003.
6. Sarwar T, Rehman SU, Husain MA, and Tabish M (2013). Studies on the putative
cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic properties of ferulic acid. 100th Indian
Science Congress meeting, Kolkata. 3-7 January 2013. Abstract # Poster-194.
7. Sarwar T, Rehman SU, Hussain MA, Azim S and Tabish M (2012). Studies on the
interaction of ferulic acid with DNA and BSA and its proxidant properties leading to
cancer chemoprevention. National symposium on Emerging trends in biological
sciences: special emphasis on neurosciences. Organized by Interdisciplinary Brain
Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, A.M.U. Aligarh, September 24-25, 2012.
Abstract # P-45.
8. Sarwar T, Rehman SU, Hussain MA, and Tabish M (2012). Studies on in vitro
interactions of polyphenols with DNA and BSA. Silver Jubilee Symposium on
Emerging trends in biochemical and toxicological sciences. Organised by Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, A.M.U. Aligarh, March 6, 2012. Abstract #
P-44.
9. Sarwar T, Banday AR and Tabish M (2011). In Silico Analysis and Expression of
Multiple Novel Splice Variants of PKA Catalytic Beta Subunit Gene in Mouse.
International interdisciplinary science conference on Bioinformatics: an interface
between computer science and biology. Organized by Centre for interdisciplinary
research in basic sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, November 15-17, 2011.
Abstract # GP-12.
10. Student Delegate, National Symposium on Current Trends in Biochemical,
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences organized by Department of Biochemistry,
Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh, 22nd February, 2011.
11. Student Delegate, National Symposium on Recent Trends in Enzyme Technology,
Toxicology and Bioinformatics organized by Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of
Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh on 3rd March, 2010.
12. Volunteer, International SFRR Satellite Symposium 2009 organized by Department of
Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, AMU, Aligarh on March 17-18, 2009.
13. International Symposium on Cancer Chemoprevention and Translational Research
organized by School of Life Sciences, JNU, New Delhi on December 21, 2009.
Workshops
1. A One Day Flow Cytometry Orientation Program held at BD-JH FACS Academy,
New Delhi on 20th October 2016.
2. Science Communication Workshop organised by Wellcome Trust-DBT India Alliance
at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh on 26th March, 2015.
3. Workshop on “Biomedical engineering & its recent trends” (BERT 2014), organized
by Zakir Husain College of Engineering & Technology (ZHCET), AMU, Aligarh.
4. International Symposium & Workshop on “The control of Helminth Parasites with
Emphasis on Liver Fluke” & Liver Fluke: an RNAi Workshop”, organised by
Department of Zoology, AMU, Aligarh, February 11-12, 2013.
Academic Referees
Prof. Mohammad Tabish
(Ph.D. supervisor)
Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Faculty of Life Sciences
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh-202002, India
Email: [email protected]
Contact number: +91-9634780818
Prof. Riaz Mahmood
Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Faculty of Life Sciences
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh-202002, India
Email: [email protected]
Contact number: +91- 9639901935
Prof. Bilqees Bano
Professor
Department of Biochemistry
Faculty of Life Sciences
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh-202002, India
Email: [email protected]
Contact number: +91-9997448621