✨ PROFESSOR ANANDITA SINGH: A PIONEER IN PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
Professor Anandita Singh is a distinguished scientist in the field of Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering. With over two decades of academic and research experience, she has made significant contributions to plant genomics, molecular breeding, and biotechnology. Currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, she is renowned for her work on Brassica species and gene regulation mechanisms.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Anandita Singh’s journey into the world of molecular biology began with a B.Sc. in Zoology (Honors) from the University of Delhi, where she was a top-ranking student. She further pursued her M.Sc. in Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Delhi, South Campus, before obtaining a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from Hamdard University. Her doctoral research focused on DNA fingerprinting for genetic diversity assessment in medicinal plants, a field that laid the foundation for her future research endeavors.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Professor Singh’s career spans a range of prestigious academic and research positions:
- Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies (2017 – Present)
- Associate Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies (2013 – 2017)
- Assistant Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies (2006 – 2013)
- Post-Doctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Germany (2002 – 2004)
- Research Associate, TERI, New Delhi (2002)
Her professional trajectory reflects her deep commitment to education, research, and innovation in plant biotechnology.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Molecular Biology
Professor Singh has been at the forefront of crop improvement research, employing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, molecular markers, and genomics for trait enhancement. Her research interests include:
- Molecular Genetics of Brassica Species
- Role of microRNAs in Plant Development
- Gene Regulation and Functional Genomics
- Genome Editing for Agricultural Advancement
She has led multiple government-funded research projects aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity, particularly in Brassicas, an important oilseed crop.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Beyond her research, Professor Singh is an influential educator with over 18 years of teaching experience. She has designed and taught courses on:
- Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA Techniques
- Molecular Genomics and Genetics
- Environmental Biotechnology and Societal Concerns
- Genome Structure and Diversity
Her commitment to academic excellence extends to curriculum design, having developed specialized programs like the M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology program at TERI.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Professor Singh has a prolific research portfolio with numerous peer-reviewed international journal publications. Some of her notable works include:
- “Multiple combinatorial interactions among natural structural variants of Brassica SOC1 promoters” (Molecular Biology Reports, 2025)
- “Differential Expression Pattern of Brassica juncea MIR160 paralogs” (Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 2025)
- “Understanding the role of P-type ATPases in regulating pollen fertility in pigeonpea” (Molecular Genetics and Genomics, 2024)
- “MIR159 regulates multiple aspects of stamen and carpel development” (Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2023)
- “A prescient evolutionary model for MIR160 homologs in Brassicaceae” (Molecular Genetics and Genomics, 2021)
HONORS & AWARDS
Her exceptional contributions have been recognized through various fellowships and awards:
- Max Planck Society Fellowship (Germany) for Post-Doctoral Research
- CSIR Fellowship (JRF/SRF), Government of India
- UGC-NET Qualified (1997)
- University of Delhi Postgraduate Scholarship
- Top Rank Holder in B.Sc. Zoology, University of Delhi
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Looking ahead, Professor Singh is set to drive research in CRISPR-based gene editing, plant stress tolerance mechanisms, and advanced genomics. Her work will undoubtedly continue to influence the next generation of scientists and researchers, paving the way for breakthroughs in plant biotechnology.
FINAL NOTE
Professor Anandita Singh’s groundbreaking research in plant molecular biology continues to shape the future of agricultural biotechnology. Her commitment to innovation, teaching, and research makes her a leading figure in her field. Through her extensive work on Brassica genomics, she has contributed immensely to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and food security.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Multiple combinatorial interactions among natural structural variants of Brassica SOC1 promoters and SVP: conservation of binding affinity despite diversity in bimolecular interactions
- Contributors: Simran Kaur; Rinki Sisodia; Bharat Gupta; Kishor Gaikwad; Chaithanya Madhurantakam; Anandita Singh
- Journal: Molecular Biology Reports
Year: 2025
Differential Expression Pattern of Brassica juncea MIR160 Paralogs and Homeologs and In Silico Analysis of Brassicaceae Promoters Uncover Evolutionary Distinctness of MIR160a
- Contributors: Swati Singh; Swetannita Chattopadhyay; Simran Kaur; Sandip Das; Anandita Singh
- Journal: Plant Molecular Biology Reporter
Year: 2025
Understanding the role of P-type ATPases in regulating pollen fertility and development in pigeonpea
- Contributors: Rishu Jain; Harsha Srivastava; Kuldeep Kumar; Sandhya Sharma; Anandita Singh; Kishor Gaikwad
- Journal: Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Year: 2024
Title: MIR159 regulates multiple aspects of stamen and carpel development and requires dissection and delimitation of differential downstream regulatory network for manipulating fertility traits
- Contributors: Saurabh Anand; Mukund Lal; Ekta Bhardwaj; Richa Shukla; Ekta Pokhriyal; Aditi Jain; Tanu Sri; P. S. Srivastava; Anandita Singh; Sandip Das
- Journal: Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants
Year: 2023
Combinatorial interactions among natural structural variants of Brassica SOC1 promoters and SVP depict conservation of binding affinity despite molecular diversity
- Contributors: Simran Kaur; Rinki Sisodia; Bharat Gupta; Chaithanya Madhurantakam; Anandita Singh
- Journal: Preprint
Year: 2023