Dr. Goel is a reproductive biologist and stem cell researcher with over two decades of experience spanning veterinary sciences, reproductive biotechnology, transgenesis, and regenerative medicine. A gold medallist veterinarian with advanced training from Kyoto University, Japan, he has pioneered work on germline and mesenchymal stem cells, gene-targeted mouse models, and conservation of endangered species. Currently at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, his research focuses on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and their therapeutic applications in veterinary and biomedical settings. By integrating strategies such as hypoxic and 3D spheroid priming, mitochondrial enhancement, and exosome-based therapies, his group develops next-generation interventions for wounds, osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, fibrotic mastitis, and orchitis-induced infertility, with a particular emphasis on transgenerational health and preservation of animal genetic resources.

Education
• Ph.D., Applied Biosciences / Reproductive Biology, Kyoto University, Japan (2008). Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship.
Thesis: Identification, stem cell potential and in vitro cultivation of primitive germ cells from neonatal porcine testis.
• M.V.Sc., Animal Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Chennai (2000). DBT Fellowship.
Thesis: Effect of growth factors on in vitro development of sheep oocytes.
• B.Vet.Sc. & A.H. (Hons.), Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (1996). Gold Medallist.

Key Appointments
1. Scientist F, DBT — NIAB, Hyderabad (06 Aug 2020 – present)
2. Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR–CCMB, Hyderabad (Jun 2018 – Aug 2020)
3. Principal Scientist, CSIR–CCMB, Hyderabad (Jun 2011 – Jun 2018)
4. Senior Scientist, CSIR–CCMB, Hyderabad (Jun 2007 – Jun 2011)
5. Scientist, CSIR–CCMB, Hyderabad (Jun 2003 – Jun 2007)
6. Junior Scientist, CSIR–CCMB, Hyderabad (Jun 2000 – Jun 2003)
7. Visiting Scientist (on deputation), Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA (Oct 2012 – Mar 2013)
8. Associate Professor (tenure-track, on lien), Kyoto University, Japan (Mar 2017 – Mar 2019)

Professional Training
• Visiting Scientist, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC (Oct 2012 – Mar 2013).
• Associate Professor (tenure-track), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan (Mar 2017 – Mar 2019).

Professional Memberships
• Life Member, International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR)
• Life Member, Indian Society for the Study of Reproduction and Fertility (ISSRF)
• Life Member, Association for the Promotion of DNA Fingerprinting & other DNA Technologies (ADNAT)
• Life Member, Indian Society for Veterinary Immunology & Biotechnology (ISVIB)

Selected Awards & Fellowships
• University Gold Medal, B.V.Sc. & A.H. (Outstanding academic performance)
• DBT Fellowship for M.V.Sc. (Animal Biotechnology)
• MEXT Scholarship (Japan) for Ph.D., 2005
• IUSSTF Fellowship, 2012 (Georgetown University visit)
• Multiple travel awards and grants: ISSCR travel grant, CSIR travel award, APDBN travel awards (Singapore, Kunming), ICAR grant (Budapest)

Dr. Sandeep Goel’s research programme at BRIC-NIAB focuses on developing next-generation regenerative interventions for veterinary and translational medicine, with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) as the central therapeutic platform. His laboratory has established robust systems for the isolation, culture, characterisation, cryobanking and functional enhancement of goat and buffalo ADSCs. Current strategies include mitochondrial priming, hypoxic preconditioning, three-dimensional spheroid culture, inflammatory priming and optimised cryopreservation to improve cellular survival, bioenergetic fitness, immunomodulatory activity and paracrine potency. Major Government of India-funded projects address mitochondrial enhancement of MSC therapy for osteoarthritis and cartilage regeneration, ADSC-mediated mitigation of orchitis-associated infertility and its transgenerational consequences, and the development of ADSC-based therapies for major livestock diseases.

The programme integrates cell-based and cell-free regenerative approaches. Primed ADSCs, conditioned media, secretomes and extracellular vesicles are being evaluated for cartilage repair, mammary fibrosis and fibrotic mastitis, chronic kidney injury, cutaneous wound healing, reproductive damage and other inflammatory or degenerative disorders. Complementary research platforms include mammary gland organoids for modelling fibrosis, amniotic membrane-based veterinary products, and mechanistic studies of GADD45B-dependent stem-cell survival under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The laboratory combines transcriptomics, proteomics, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, gene silencing and overexpression, mitochondrial imaging, ATP and reactive oxygen species assays, membrane-potential analysis, histology, immunohistochemistry and relevant in vivo disease models. Together, these interconnected projects aim to establish scalable, quality-controlled ADSC and ADSC-derived therapeutic products that improve animal health, fertility, productivity and welfare while generating broadly applicable insights into regenerative biology.

Publons profile: https://publons.com/researcher/1503404/sandeep-goel/

Scientific publications in the cited journal

1. Abraham M, Kori I, Anusha P V, Fathima I, Idris M M and Goel S* (2026). Optimised cryopreservation preserves functional competence of goat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and is associated with stress-adapted mitochondrial and paracrine features. J. Tissue Eng. 17:1-38. doi: 10.1177/20417314261473533
2. Vishwakarma U, Abraham M, Kori I, Chawade A, Kushwaha SK and Goel S* (2026) Transcriptome analysis of goat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured in variable oxygen conditions. Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 14:1814793. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2026.1814793
3. Abraham M and Goel S* (2025). Species-Specific Optimisation of Cryopreservation Media for Goat and Buffalo Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cryobiology 118: 105211, DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2025.105211.
4. Abraham M and Goel S* (2024). Comprehensive characterisation and cryopreservation optimisation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Cryobiology 115:104896, DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104896.
5. Abraham M, Kori I, Vishwakarma U and Goel S* (2024). Comprehensive assessment of goat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured in different media. Scientific Reports, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58465-1.
6. Miki Y, Devi L, Imai Y, Koide T, Minami N and Goel S* (2020). Male fertility is not impacted by the deletion of the PDZ-binding kinase (Pbk) gene in mice. Reproduction Fertility and Development 32 (10):893-902
7. Goel S* and Minami N (2019). Altered hormonal milieu and dysregulated protein expression can cause spermatogenic arrest in ectopic xenografted immature rat testis. Scientific Reports 9 (1), 4036.
8. Devi L, Pothana L and Goel S* (2017). Dysregulation of angiogenesis-specific signaling in adult testis results in xenograft degeneration. Scientific Reports 7 (1), 2605.
9. Pothana L, Devi L and Goel S *(2017) Cryopreservation of adult cervid testes. Cryobiology 74, 103-109.
10. Pothana L, Devi L, Venna NK, Pentakota N, Varma VP, Jose J and Goel S* (2016). Replacement of serum with ocular fluid for cryopreservation of immature testes. Cryobiology 73 (3), 356-366.
11. Pothana L, Venna NK, Devi L, Singh A, Chatterjee I and Goel S* (2016). Cryopreservation of adult primate testes. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 62 (5), 619-626.
12. Devi L and Goel S* (2016). Fertility preservation through gonadal cryopreservation. Reproductive Medicine and Biology. 15(4): 235–251 (invited review article).
13. Varma VP, Devi L, Venna NK, Murthy CLN, Idris MM and Goel S* (2015). Ocular fluid as a replacement for serum in cell cryopreservation media. PloS one 10 (7), e131291.
14. Makala H, Pothana L, Sonam S, Malla and Goel S* (2015). Regeneration of Leydig cells in ectopically autografted adult mouse testes. Reproduction 49 (3), 259-268.
15. Pothana L, Makala H, Devi L, Varma V and Goel S* (2015). Germ cell differentiation in cryopreserved immature Indian spotted mouse deer (Moschiola indica) testes xenografted onto mice. Theriogenology 83 (4), 625-633.
16. Devi L, Pawar R, Makala H and Goel S* (2015). Conserved expression of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase l1 (uchl1) in mammalian testes. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 53: 305-312 PubMed PMID: 2604002.
17. Devi L, Makala H, Pothana L, Nirmalkar K and Goel S* (2014). Comparative efficacies of six different media for cryopreservation of immature buffalo calf (Bubalus bubalis) Testis. Reproduction Fertility and Development28 (7), 872-885.
18. Reddy N, Sreshtha S, Katakam M, Ashwini M, Sonam S, Kumar V and Goel S *(2013). Prepubertal buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Leydig cells: isolation, culture, and characterisation. Journal of Buffalo Science, 2(1), 25–33. https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2013.02.01.5.
19. SinghVP, Lakshmi BJ, Singh S, Shah V, Goel S, Sarathi DP and Kumar S (2012). Lack of Wdr13 gene in mice leads to enhanced pancreatic beta cell proliferation, hyperinsulinemia, and mild obesity. PloS one 7 (6), e38685.
20. Mahla R, Reddy N and Goel S* (2012). Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis. PLoS One 7 (4), e36020.
21. Reddy N, Mahla RS, Thati R, Suman SK, Jose J and Goel S* (2012). Gonadal status of male recipient mice influences the germ cell development in immature buffalo testis tissue xenograft. Reproduction 135 (6), 785-796.
22. Reddy N, Kasukurthi KB, Mahla RS, Pawar RM and Goel S* (2012). Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcript and protein in the testis of several vertebrates including endangered species. Theriogenology 77: 608-614.
23. Goel S*, Reddy N, Mahla RS, Suman SK, and Pawar RM (2011). Spermatogonial stem cells in the testis of an endangered bovid: Indian blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra L.). Animal Reproduction Science 126: 251-257.
24. Goel S*, Mahla RS, Suman SK, Reddy N and Imai H (2010). UCHL-1 protein expression specifically marks spermatogonia in wild bovid testis. European Journal of Wildlife Research 57: 663-667.
25. Goel S*, Reddy N, Mandal S, Kim S, Fujihara M and Imai H (2010). Spermatogonia-specific proteins expressed in prepubertal buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis and their utilisation for isolation and in vitro cultivation of spermatogonia. Theriogenology 74: 1221-1232.
26. Goel S, Fujihara M, Tsuchiya K, Takagi Y, Minami N, Yamada M and Imai H (2009). Multipotential ability of primitive germ cells from neonatal pig testis cultured in vitro. Reproduction Fertility and Development 21: 696-708.
27. Fujihara M, Goel S, Kimura Y, Minami N, Yamada M and Imai H (2008). 72 Preservation of porcine gonocytes at 4° c and in liquid nitrogen–a preservation model of genetic resources in domestic animals and in endangered species. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 20 (1), 117.
28. Goel S, Fujihara M, Minami N, Yamada M and Imai H (2008). NANOG is expressed by the progenitor-type stem cells and differentiated germ cells in pig testis. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 43, 217.
29. Fujihara M, Goel S, Minami N, Yamada M and Imai H (2008). In vivo and in vitro preservation of primitive germ cells from neonatal pig testis. Reproductive Medicine and Biology 7: 153- 160.
30. Goel S, Fujihara M, Minami N, Yamada M and Imai H (2008). Expression of NANOG, but not POU5F1, points to the stem cell potential of primitive germ cells in neonatal pig testis. Reproduction 135: 785-795.
31. Goel S, Sugimoto M, Minami N, Yamada M, Kume S and Imai H (2007). 146 Lectin dolichos biflourus agglutinin (DBA) is a specific marker for primitive germ cells in neonatal porcine testis. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 19 (1), 190.
32. Miyamoto K, Furusawa T, Ohnuki M, Goel S, Tokunaga T and Minami N, Yamada M, Ohsumi K and Imai H (2007). Reprogramming events of mammalian somatic cells induced by Xenopus laevis egg extracts. Molecular Reproduction and Development 74(10):1268-1277.
33. Goel S, Sugimoto M, Minami N, Yamada M, Kume S and Imai H (2007). Identification, isolation, and in vitro culture of porcine gonocytes. Biology of Reproduction 77 (1), 127-137.
34. Shekar P C*, Goel S*, Rani S D, Sarathi D P, Alex J L, Singh S and Kumar S (2006). kappa-casein-deficient mice fail to lactate. Proceeding of the National Academy of Science of the USA. 103 (21), 8000-8005. (*Equally contributing first authors)
35. Alex J L, Sarathi D P, Goel S and Kumar S (2005). Isolation and characterisation of a mouse embryonic stem cell line that contributes efficiently to the germline. Current Science. 88(7) 1167-1169
36. Ajaikumar KB, Nair HB, Goel S, Alex JA, Parachuri V, Patel KB, and Padikkala J (2004). Manipulation of the mouse genome and its application in biomedical research. Amala Research Bulletin 24: 224-245 (ISSN No. 0971-4987).
37. Goel S, Palanisamy A and Nainer M (2004). Development of sheep embryos in vitro: effect of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 74(4) 341-344.
38. Singh BN, Suresh A, UmaPrasad G, Subramanian S, Sultan M, Goel S, Kumar S, and Singh L (2003). A highly conserved human gene encoding a novel member of WD-repeat family of protein (WDR13). Genomics. 81 (3), 315-328.
    (* Corresponding author)

Other scientific outputs

Book chapters

1. Goel S, Gandhi S, Dubey S, Shah M, Saini S, Arora P, Prakashan D, Shukla S and Sharma GT (2023) Stem Cell Therapy: Promises and Challenges in Treating Animal Diseases. In Biotechnological Interventions Augmenting Livestock Health and Production. Springer Nature DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-2209-3.
2. Mahla RS, Goel S, Jainarayanan A, Kumar N and Shukla R (2023) Germline Stem Cell Technology in Fertility Preservation. In Handbook of Stem Cell Applications. Springer Nature DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-0846-2_28-1.
3. Devi L and Goel S (2022). Spermatogonial stem cells and testis-tissue cryopreservation as a tool for conservation of buffalo germplasm. In Biotechnological Applications in Buffalo Research. Springer Nature (DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-7531-7).
4. Devi L and Goel S (2016). Conservation of Germplasm of Livestock through Gonadal Cryopreservation. In Innovation Designs, Implements for Global Environment and Entrepreneurial Needs Optimising Utilitarian Sources, INDIGENOUS, International Livestock Conference & Expo, 23^rd Annual Convention ISPAM, Hyderabad Reddy SR, Prasad RMV and Rao AR (Eds.), pp 377-389, ISBN No. 978-93-84869-99-1, Excel India Publishers.
5. Goel S and Imai H (2011). Pluripotent Stem Cells from Testis. In Embryonic Stem Cells – Differentiation and Pluripotent Alternatives, Michael S. Kallos (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-632-4, InTech

List of Publications (Conference Abstracts)

1. Utkarsh and Goel S (2025). Investigating the effect of transient-hypoxia preconditioning on 3D cultures of Goat ADSCs, a potentially better approach for chronic wound healing. 8th International Conference on Recent Trends in Bioengineering (ICRTB 2025), MIT ADTU School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, January 31-February 01,2025.
2. Kori I and Goel S (2024). Development of an in vitro model for fibrotic mastitis and stem cell therapy for its reversal. 4th PhD Mini-symposium, 6-7 Dec. 2024, NIAB, Hyderabad.Utkarsha and Goel S (2024). Investigating the effect of transient-hypoxia preconditioning on 3D cultures of Goat ADSCs, a potentially better approach for chronic wound healing. 4th PhD Mini-symposium, 6-7 Dec. 2024, NIAB, Hyderabad.
3. Goel S (2019). Testis tissue cryopreservation and xenografting as tools for the conservation of endangered species. International Conference on Advancement in Veterinary Sciences for Wildlife Conservation and 13th Annual Meeting of the Association of Indian Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India, 13-15 November 2019.
4. Goel S (2018). Testis tissue cryopreservation and xenografting as tools for the conservation of endangered species. The 8^th International Seminar on Biodiversity and Evolution, Kyoto, Japan.
5. Goel S, Devi L and Pothana L (2017). Impaired Angiogenesis-specific Signaling in Adult Testis Results in Xenograft Degeneration. The International Symposium on Regulation of Germ Cell Development in vivo and in vitro. Centennial Hall, Kyushu University, School of Medicine Fukuoka, Japan.
6. Biswa BB, Devi L, Pothana L, Iyer S, Ghoshal T and Goel S (2017). Role of testis-specific kinase PBK/TOPK in spermatogenesis. International Conference on Reproductive Health with Emphasis on Strategies for Infertility, Assisted Reproduction and Family Planning, New Delhi, India.
7. Goel S, Devi L, Pothana L and Varma V (2015). Can results from cryopreservation of livestock testis be extrapolated to germplasm conservation of endangered species? International Conference on Low-Temperature Science and Biotechnological Advances, New Delhi, India.
8. Goel S (2014). Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis: Protein expression, stem cell potential and alteration of spermatogenesis in xenogenic host. The International Conference on Reproductive Health: Issues and Strategies under Changing Climatic Scenario, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, India, February 6-8, 2014.
9. Kim SM, Fujihara M, Goel S, Sahare M, Minami N, Yamada M and Imai H (2011). Identification of reprogramming factors associated with a pluripotent potential of porcine and bovine spermatic stem cells in culture. 16^th World Congress on In-Vitro Fertilization and 5^th World Congress in In-Vitro Maturation, Tokyo, Japan.
10. Reddy N, Mahla RS, Suman SK, Pawar RM and Goel S (2011). Stem Cell Potential of Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) in an Endangered Bovid: Indian Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra L.). 8th Indo-Australia Biotechnology Conference on “Stem Cell Biology”, JNCASR, Bangalore, India.
11. Kim S, Fujihara M, Goel S, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H (2010). Lectin DBA specifically recognises glycan cell surface epitope of gonocytes in developing mouse testis. 11^th International Symposium on Spermatology, Okinawa, Japan.
12. Goel S, Mandal S, Reddy N, Mahla RS, Suman SK, Raj A, Kim S, Fujihara M and Imai H (2010). Stem cells of the male germline: An aid to the conservation of endangered species. 11^th International Symposium on Spermatology, Okinawa, Japan.
13. Mahla RS, Suman SK, Reddy N and Goel S (2010) Generation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressing cell line to aid in testis xenograft survival. International Conference on Stem Cells and Cancer (ICSCC), Pune, India.
14. Goel S, Fujihara M, Tsuchiya K, Takagi Y, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H (2009). Multipotency of cultured germ cells isolated from neonatal pig testis.27^th International Conference on Novel Updates in Reproductive Biology and Comparative Endocrinology, University of Hyderabad, India.
15. Goel S, Fujihara M, Tsuchiya K, Takagi Y, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H (2008). Multipotency of in vitro cultured primitive germ cells isolated from neonatal pig testis. 5^th Annual conference of Asian Reproductive Biotechnology Society (ARBS), Kunming, China.
16. Goel S, Fujihara M, Tsuchiya K, Takagi Y, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H (2008). Germ cells from neonatal pig testis acquire multipotent characteristic in vitro. 6th Annual Meeting of International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), Philadelphia, USA.
17. Goel S, Fujihara M, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H (2008). NANOG is expressed by the progenitor-type stem cells and differentiated germ cells in pig testis. Reprod Domestic Anim 43, 217. 16^th International Congress of Animal Reproduction (ICAR) Budapest, Hungary.
18. Fujihara M, Goel S, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H (2009). Characterisation and Cultivation of Gonocytes In Vitro Derived from Bovine Neonatal Testes. 7^th Annual Meeting of International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), Barcelona, Spain.
19. Fujihara M, Goel S, Kimura Y, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H (2008). Preservation of porcine gonocytes at 4°C and in liquid nitrogen – a preservation model of genetic resources in domestic animals and in endangered species. Reprod Fertil Dev 20 (1): 117. 34^th International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, USA.
20. Goel S, Sugimoto M, Minami N, Yamada M, Kume S, Imai H (2007) Lectin Dolichos biflorous agglutinin (DBA) is a specific marker for primitive germ cells in neonatal porcine testis. Reprod Fertil Dev 19 (1): 190. 33^rd International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) Annual Meeting, Kyoto, Japan.
21. Rani SD, Goel S, Alex JL, Sarathi DP and Kumar S (2003).Generation of a kappa-casein gene-deficient mouse through gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. 10th Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India.
22. Goel S, Palanisamy A and Nainar M (2000). Effect of Insulin and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-I) on In vitro Development of Sheep Embryo. International Congress on Fertilisation, Embryo Development, and Implantation, National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi, India.

    Conference proceedings

    1. Kesarwani S and Goel S (2024). Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Therapy of Livestock Species. XXIX Annual Convention of ISVIB and National Conference on “Challenges in Animal Health and Production amidst Climate Change: Innovative, Sustainable Solutions and their Translation” –VIBCON 2024, 07-09 August 2024, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai.
    2. Saini S, Arora P, Dalabehara S and Goel S (2022).Mesenchymal stem cells therapy: an Indian perspective. In Recent Advances in Stem Cell Biology and Therapeutics, Deepa Bhartiya and Vikash Chandra (Eds.) PP 9-12, 29th ISSRF Newsletter (ISSN: 2395:2806).
    3. Goel S (2022). Spermatogonial stem cells can aid in the conservation of the germplasm of prized and endangered animals. In Recent Advances in Stem Cell Biology and Therapeutics, Deepa Bhartiya and Vikash Chandra (Eds.) PP 43-45, 29th ISSRF Newsletter (ISSN: 2395:2806).

       Popular Articles

       1. Goel S and Kumar S (2005). Avian Transgenics: An Industrial Perspective, http://www.poulvet.com/poultry/articles/3.php. Indian Poultry Science Association and National Symposium (IPSACON).

       Media Coverage

       1. Stemming the tides, The Telegraph, July 11, 2011. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110711/jsp/knowhow/story_14222109.jsp

        

       Technical manual

       1. Collection of the testis from dead animals for germplasm preservation (2017). Manual for biological sample collection and preservation for genetic, reproductive, and disease analysis. Central Zoo Authority, Govt. of India.

Current Members

Akshatha D P | ANRF-PDF
Education:
Ph.D. (Clinical Embryology), MAHE, Manipal, KA (2024)
Research Interest:
ProGly-DES as a cryoprotectant for adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: impact on ovarian regeneration, oocyte quality and transgenerational safety.

Ibraz Kori | DBT-SRF
Education:
M.Sc. (Biotechnology), Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi (2021)
Research Interest:
Ibraz’s research interests include the mechanisms of fibrosis and the development of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)-based therapeutics to reverse fibrotic processes.

Utkarsha | CSIR-SRF
Education:
M.Sc. (Life Sciences), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, UP (2020)
Research Interest:
Utkarsha’s work is centred on optimising ADSC characteristics by employing hypoxic preconditioning and advanced three-dimensional culture systems.

Pankaj Kumar Sharma | DBT-SRF
Education:
M.Sc. (Biotechnology), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP (2023)
Research Interest:
Pankaj’s research focuses on optimising ADSC-based therapies by modulating mitochondrial function through small molecules and exogenous mitochondrial augmentation.

Shivam Kesarwani | DBT-SRF
Education:
M.Sc. (Biotechnology), Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, OR (2022)
Research Interest:
Shivam’s research focuses on developing ADSC-based therapies to mitigate infertility caused by orchitis.

Kirti | CSIR-JRF
Education:
M.Sc. (Genetics), Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, HR (2023)
Research Interest:
Kirti’s research focuses on evaluating the bioenergetic properties of buffalo and goat ADSCs that differ in intracellular fat content.

Mohini Yadav | CSIR-JRF
Education:
M.Sc. (Entomology), Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, UP (2025)
Research Interest:
Mohini’s research focuses on cell-free regenerative approaches such as primed ADSCs, conditioned media, secretomes and extracellular vesicles.

Project Fellows

Michelle Abraham | PTA-III (ICMR)
Education:
M.Sc. (Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Biology), Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MAHE), Manipal (2021)
Research Interest:
Michelle’s research centres on ADSCs from goats and buffaloes, with expertise in their isolation, culture optimisation, characterisation (surface marker profiling, clonogenicity, apoptosis, and senescence), and species-specific cryopreservation for biobanking.

Maqphira Fathima | PTA-III (ICMR)
Education:
M.Sc. (Biotechnology), University College of Science, Hyderabad, TG (2021)
Research Interest:
Fathima’s research focuses on developing ADSC-based therapies to improve male reproductive health.

Akula Dakshitha | PTA-III (ICMR)
Education:
M.Sc. (Biotechnology), Reva University, Bengaluru, KA (2024)
Research Interest:
Dakshitha’s research focuses on developing ADSC-based therapies to improve osteoarthritis.

Research Interns

Tarannum Tamboli
Education:
M.Tech. (Biotechnology), D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, MS (2026–27)
Research Interest:
Tarranum is working towards deciphering the role of GADD45B in stem cell fate.

Mathruka Satish | Paid Intern
Education:
M.Sc. (Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Medicine), University of Nottingham, UK
Research Interest:
Mathruka’s research focuses on mitochondrial augmentation of ADSCs and its therapeutic outcomes.

Lab Alumni

Parvathy S Nair | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2020–21)
Affiliation:
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, KL
Dissertation Title:
Protein Expression Profile of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Goat Adipose Tissues
Current Affiliation:
Product Analyst, CloudLIMS, Indore, MP, India

Anjali Parihar | M.Tech. Dissertation Trainee (2020–21)
Affiliation:
ITM University, Gwalior, MP
Dissertation Title:
Cell Surface Marker Expression and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Goat Adipose Tissue
Current Affiliation:
Vice Principal, Narayana E-techno High School, Gwalior, MP, India

Pragati Singh | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2021–22)
Affiliation:
Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, BR
Dissertation Title:
Expression Profiling of Inflammatory, Apoptotic and Angiogenic Markers in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Goat Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Swati Shukla | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2021–22)
Affiliation:
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, MP
Dissertation Title:
Culture Characteristics and Expression Profile of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured Under Hypoxic Conditions
Current Affiliation:
Scientific Sales Associate, Bioserve – A Reprocell Company, Hyderabad, TG, India

Inagandla Bhargav | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2021–22)
Affiliation:
University of Mysore, Mysore, KA
Dissertation Title:
Cryopreservation and Characterisation of Hypoxic Cultured Goat Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Current Affiliation:
AI Engineer, SimplyFI Innovations PTE Ltd

Kanika Soni | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2021–22)
Affiliation:
Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, RJ
Dissertation Title:
Generation and Characterisation of 3D Cultured Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Livestock Therapy

Nutan Mali | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2022–23)
Affiliation:
Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Bastar, CG
Dissertation Title:
Induction of Fibrosis into the Mammary Epithelial Cells of the Goats

Anandhu C S | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2022–23)
Affiliation:
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, KL
Dissertation Title:
Transcriptome Analysis and Validation of Hypoxia-Induced Gene Expression in 3D Cultured Adipose-Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Current Affiliation:
Thermofisher Supply Centres Operations at Bio clusters, Hyderabad, TG, India

M Vaishnavi | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2022–23)
Affiliation:
Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Tirupati, AP
Dissertation Title:
Isolation, Culture, Characterisation, and Cryopreservation of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Current Affiliation:
Project Technical Support -III, Cancer Institute, Chennai, TN, India

Akula Dakshitha | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2023–24)
Affiliation:
Reva University, Bengaluru, KA
Dissertation Title:
Evaluating the Induction of Fibrosis in Mammary Epithelial Cells and the Potential for Reversal by Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Past Affiliation:
Young Professional-I, ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Bengaluru
Current Affiliation:
PTA-III, BRIC-NIAB, Hyderabad

Yogendra Thakur | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2023–24)
Affiliation:
Pandit Deendayal Upadhaya Memorial Health Science and Ayush University of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, CG
Dissertation Title:
Establishment and Characterisation of a Three-Dimensional Culture Model for Goat Mammary Gland

Perla Ankarao | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2024–25)
Affiliation:
Kakatiya University, Warangal, TG
Dissertation Title:
Transient Testicular Inflammation and Functional Impairment in a Mouse Model of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Orchitis
Current Affiliation:
Project JRF, CDFD, Hyderabad

Namitha E K | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2025–26)
Affiliation:
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Cochin, KL
Dissertation Title:
Protein Expression Dynamics and DNA-Damage Profiling of Testicular Tissue in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Transient Inflammation and Its Therapeutic Modulation by Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Bhakti Prajana Mohanty | M.Sc. Dissertation Trainee (2025–26)
Affiliation:
Central University of Karnataka, Kalburgi, KA
Dissertation Title:
Deciphering the Impact of GADD45B Overexpression on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Wound Healing

NIAB-CORE

1. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the therapy of livestock species
2. Priming effect of Lipopolysaccharide on Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Enhance Their Therapeutic Potential
3. Priming Effects of Hypoxia and 3D Culture on Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Enhance Their Therapeutic Potential
4. Developing amniotic membrane as a product for veterinary clinical applications.
5. Generation of mammary gland organoid model for understanding fibrotic mastitis and development of therapy for its reversal
6. Cell-Specific Roles of GADD45B in Stem Cell Survival: Implications for Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Under Normoxic and Hypoxic Culture Conditions
7. Enhancing Mitochondrial Abundance to Augment Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Therapeutic Efficacy for Osteoarthritis Treatment
8. A Translational Approach to Modulating the Mammary Fibrosis Microenvironment Using Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

   EMRs

   1. Enhancing the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Regeneration Using Mitochondrial Priming, ICMR, Government of India (GoI).
   2. Mitigating Infertility and Transgenerational Impact of Orchitis through Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy, ICMR, Government of India (GoI).
   3. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells for therapy in livestock Species, DBT, GoI.
   4. Isolation, characterisation, and culture of human male germline stem cells, IUSSTF
   5. Regulation and the role of serine-threonine protein kinase (PBK/TOPK) in spermatogenesis, JSPS, Govt. of Japan.
   6. Conservation of Endangered Species with an Emerging Technology: Exploiting the Male Germ Line Stem Cells, DBT, GoI.
   7. Preservation of Endangered Species and their Genetic Resources by Biotechnological Interventions, DST, GoI.
   8. Ectopic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): Implication in testis xenograft survival and development, CSIR, GoI.
   9. Conservation of Endangered Animals based on Genetic Polymorphism Studies and Assisted Reproduction, CZA, GoI.
   10. Conservation of Endangered Animals of India: Molecular Genetics and Reproductive Approach, CSIR, GoI.

   As Co-PI and Team Member 

   1. Deciphering the molecular processes underlying oxidative stress-induced ovarian reserve decline and identifying potential therapeutic strategies for impeding Premature Ovarian Ageing, ICMR, GoI
   2. X-Chromosome: Functional genomics approach, CSIR, GoI.
   3. Establishment of a national facility on transgenic and gene knockout mice, DBT, GoI.
   4. Targeted Deletion of Casein Gene Family in Mouse, CSIR, GoI.
   5. Functional Analysis of Mouse Wdr13 Gene, CSIR, GoI.

Room 215, 2nd Floor C Wing
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
Survey No. 37, Opp. Journalist Colony
Extended Q City Road, Near Gowlidoddy
Gachibowli, Hyderabad
Telangana – 500032

Email: goel[at]niab[dot]org[dot]in
Tel: +91-40-2312-0155

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADSCs): Specialised in isolation, characterisation, and therapeutic applications of ADSCs in veterinary species.

Therapeutic Enhancement of ADSCs: Established strategies include mitochondrial augmentation, hypoxic priming, and 3D spheroid culture to improve stemness, survival, and regenerative potency.

Cell-Free Therapies: Developed and evaluated ADSC-derived exosomes and conditioned media as scalable alternatives to cell-based therapies.

Veterinary Applications:

• Osteoarthritis – cartilage regeneration and anti-inflammatory therapy.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – renal protection and fibrosis reduction.
• Orchitis – reversing reproductive and transgenerational impacts.
• Fibrosis – mitigation of mammary and systemic tissue fibrosis.

Foundational Achievements: Established a dedicated stem cell laboratory, standardised robust ADSC culture systems, and optimised cryopreservation protocols for buffalo and goat ADSCs.

Translational Impact: Advancing next-generation regenerative platforms using ADSCs and exosomes to improve animal health, productivity, and welfare.

Looking for motivated students (for PhD and dissertation program) and post-doctoral scientists to work towards a holistic approach to “Animal Health and Human Welfare”. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me by sending a CV and a cover letter.