My primary research focus is on elucidating the mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of Barth syndrome (BTHS), a life-threatening, rare in-borne error of metabolism. The cause of the disease is a mutation in a gene called “TAFAZZIN” (TAZ), which encodes an enzyme “tafazzin.” The enzyme is involved in remodeling cardiolipin (CL), a unique inner mitochondrial membrane lipid. BTHS results in various disorders, including cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy, neutropenia, and exercise intolerance. Recent findings from our lab and collaborators have shown a complete rewiring of lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. We have also uncovered TCA cycle deficiencies in yeast and mammalian cell line models of BTHS, which is in concordance with observations made in BTHS patients.
I plan to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying BTHS-associated exercise intolerance and deficient muscle adaptation using a BTHS mouse model system.
More about Vikalp:
I am from Faridabad (Delhi NCR), India. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Delhi University, New Delhi, and my master’s degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. I love to make new friends, explore diverse cultures, and believe in science and discoveries! One of my favorite hobbies is randomly reading research articles published in any science discipline. Outside the lab, I enjoy going on nature walks, hanging out with my friends, and listening to music.
