INTRODUCTION
Dr. Soumitra Paul is a distinguished scientist specializing in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. With a career spanning over two decades, he has made remarkable contributions to understanding plant stress tolerance, nutrient homeostasis, and molecular signaling pathways. As an Assistant Professor at the Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, he leads the Molecular Plant Physiology Laboratory (MPP Lab), driving cutting-edge research in plant science.
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Dr. Paul laid the foundation for his scientific journey with a B.Sc. in Botany (Honors) from Rishi Bankim Chandra College, University of Calcutta, in 2003. He further pursued an M.Sc. in Botany (2005) and a Ph.D. in Botany (2013) from the University of Calcutta, specializing in plant molecular mechanisms. To expand his expertise, he completed a DBT-Research Associate program in Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (2012-2014).
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Calcutta, Dr. Paul has held various research positions and has been instrumental in advancing plant molecular biology research. He has successfully led multiple research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as UGC, DBT, CSIR, and SERB, focusing on plant stress response and genetic regulation.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Molecular
- Regulation of Iron and Phosphate Transport in Plants
- Dr. Paul’s research explores the mechanisms plants use to transport iron and phosphate, vital nutrients for their growth and development. His work has identified key transporters and regulatory molecules influencing nutrient uptake under deficiency conditions.
- 2. Plant Growth, Development, and Stress Tolerance
- His research investigates the role of lectin proteins in imparting drought and salinity tolerance in rice. His studies on OsR40 proteins have uncovered their involvement in chromatin modification and stress regulation.
- 3. MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation in Plants
- Dr. Paul has made significant strides in understanding the role of small RNAs in modulating plant responses to environmental stresses, contributing to developing stress-resilient crops.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Dr. Paul’s groundbreaking research has had a profound impact on the field of plant molecular biology. His work has been widely cited in the scientific community, influencing studies on genetic regulation, stress physiology, and plant biotechnology. His contributions have led to novel insights into plant adaptation mechanisms, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Paul has authored and co-authored numerous high-impact research papers in esteemed journals such as Plant Cell & Environment, Journal of Experimental Botany, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Environmental and Experimental Botany. His research publications focus on iron transport, microRNAs, stress tolerance, and plant biotechnology.
Some of his notable works include:
- “Ectopic expression of Osr40g3 confers salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana” (2024)
- “Spirulina Biomass loaded with iron nanoparticles: A novel biofertilizer for rice plants” (2024)
- “ZFP37, C3H, NAC94 and bHLH148 transcription factors regulate cultivar-specific drought response in rice” (2023)
HONORS & AWARDS
- UGC Start-up Research Grant (2016-2018)
- DBT Extramural Project Grant (2017-2020)
- CSIR Extramural Project Grant (2018-2021)
- SERB Core Research Grant (2022-Ongoing)
- DBT NextGenRice Consortium Project (2024-Ongoing)
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
As a leading researcher in plant biotechnology, Dr. Paul envisions a future where genetic insights and biotechnological innovations lead to enhanced crop productivity and environmental sustainability. His research is poised to make lasting contributions to agriculture, ensuring food security in the face of climate change.
FINAL NOTE
Dr. Soumitra Paul continues to push the boundaries of plant molecular biology, striving to develop resilient crops and sustainable agricultural practices. His work not only contributes to scientific advancements but also holds promise for addressing global food security challenges.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Osr40g3 Imparts Salt Tolerance by Regulating GF14e-mediated Gibberellin Metabolism to Activate EG45 in Rice
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- Authors: Chandan Roy, Salman Sahid, Jadav Debgupta, Ananya Roy, Dibyendu Shee, Riddhi Datta, Soumitra Paul
- Journal: Plant and Cell Physiology
- Year: 2025
ZFP37, C3H, NAC94, and bHLH148 Transcription Factors Regulate Cultivar-Specific Drought Response by Modulating r40C1 Gene Expression in Rice
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- Authors: Salman Sahid, Chandan Roy, Dibyendu Shee, Ranjana Shee, Riddhi Datta, Soumitra Paul
- Journal: Environmental and Experimental Botany
- Year: 2023
Glutathione Regulates Transcriptional Activation of Iron Transporters via S‐Nitrosylation of bHLH Factors to Modulate Subcellular Iron Homeostasis
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- Authors: Ranjana Shee, Soumi Ghosh, Pinki Khan, Salman Sahid, Chandan Roy, Dibyendu Shee, Soumitra Paul, Riddhi Datta
- Journal: Plant, Cell & Environment
- Year: 2022
Glutathione Regulates Transcriptional Activation of Iron Transporters via S-Nitrosylation of bHLH Factors to Modulate Subcellular Iron Homeostasis (Preprint)
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- Authors: Ranjana Shee, Soumi Ghosh, Pinki Khan, Salman Sahid, Chandan Roy, Dibyendu Shee, Soumitra Paul, Riddhi Datta
- Year: 2021
Jacalin Domain-Containing Protein OsSalT Interacts with OsDREB2A and OsNAC1 to Impart Drought Stress Tolerance In Planta
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- Authors: Salman Sahid, Chandan Roy, Dibyendu Shee, Riddhi Datta, Soumitra Paul
- Journal: Environmental and Experimental Botany
- Year: 2021