Final-Year PhD Candidate | Medical Genetics & Molecular Diagnostics
Kelambakkam, IN.
About
Highly accomplished final-year PhD candidate in Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics, specializing in genetic epidemiology, SNP-based association studies, and multi-omic integration for complex disease research. Proven expertise in case-control genetic studies and gene-environment interaction analysis, evidenced by a strong first-author publication record focused on cardiometabolic diseases and precision medicine. Seeking a Postdoctoral role to leverage advanced statistical genomics and molecular diagnostic skills to uncover disease mechanisms and develop predictive biomarkers.
Education
Chettinad Academy of Research and Education
Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
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Ph.D.Medical Genetics and Molecular DiagnosticsGrade:
Courses
Conducted comprehensive PhD research investigating the association between selected gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to myocardial infarction in a South Indian population.
Spearheaded a case-control study design, examining SNPs in genes related to lipid metabolism and inflammation.
Executed advanced genotyping using ARMS-PCR and DNA sequencing, alongside biochemical profiling of cardiac markers.
Performed rigorous statistical analyses including genotype/allele frequency comparisons, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing, and gene-environment interaction evaluations.
Identified potential genetic markers contributing to MI risk and enhanced understanding of inflammatory and cardiometabolic mechanisms underlying disease susceptibility.
The American College, Madurai
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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M.Sc.MicrobiologyGrade: 1st class with distinction
Courses
Led a final year project on *Investigation of In Vitro Screening for Antidiabetic, Anti-microbial, Anticancer activity against A549 human lung cancer cell line &Structural analysis (FTIR & GC-MS) of Achyranthes aspera*.
Conducted phytochemical characterization and biological evaluation of *Achyranthes aspera* extract, identifying major bioactive constituents via FT-IR spectroscopy and GC-MS analysis.
Assessed diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant (ABTS radical scavenging), and antidiabetic (α-amylase inhibition).
Validated anticancer effects against A549 human lung cancer cells using MTT assay, fluorescence staining, and flow cytometry to evaluate apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Demonstrated a strong correlation between chemical composition and multifunctional biological activities, highlighting plant-derived compounds' therapeutic potential.
The American College, Madurai
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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M.VocAquacultureGrade: Distinction
Courses
Managed a final year project on *Formulation and assessment of colour-enhancing feed using natural carotenoid sources derived from seafood waste (shrimp and crab shells) and vegetable residues, and evaluation of their effects on pigmentation in ornamental fishes (Poecilia reticulata, Betta splendens, and Cyprinus carpio)*.
Formulated cost-effective, natural carotenoid-enriched experimental feeds using agricultural and seafood waste sources.
Evaluated feed effects on color enhancement and survivability of ornamental fishes (*Poecilia reticulata, Betta splendens, Cyprinus carpio*) under controlled culture conditions.
Assessed critical parameters including feed physical properties, water quality parameters, and photoperiod effects.
Demonstrated superior pigmentation outcomes compared to commercial feeds, validating waste-to-value feed development and sustainable aquaculture approaches.
The American College, Madurai
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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B.Sc.MicrobiologyGrade: 1st class
Courses
Completed comprehensive coursework and laboratory training in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
Gained practical exposure to microbial culture, staining techniques, and biochemical analysis methods.
Developed foundational skills in aseptic techniques and experimental design relevant to molecular diagnostics and genetic research.
Lakshmi Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Higher Secondary EducationScienceGrade:
Courses
Completed Higher Secondary Education with a focus on Science subjects.
Publications
Genetic variants of APOE and CCR4 as determinants of myocardial infarction among type 2 diabetes patients: a South Indian case-control analysis.
Mol Biol Rep.
Sekar PK, Govindaraj A, Veerabathiran R. Genetic variants of APOE and CCR4 as determinants of myocardial infarction among type 2 diabetes patients: a South Indian case-control analysis. Mol Biol Rep. 2026;53(1):326.
Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Cancer.
Springer, Singapore.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran, R. (2026). Understanding the Connection Between Diabetes and Cancer. In: Noor, R. (eds) Diabetes and Cancer: Association, Mechanism, and Therapeutic Implications. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-5651-9_2
Combined impact of APOE and CCR4 gene polymorphisms on myocardial infarction risk in type 2 diabetes: Evidence from a South Indian population.
International Conference on Emerging Concepts in Biotechnological Innovations (ICECBI-2026)
Sekar PK. Combined impact of APOE and CCR4 gene polymorphisms on myocardial infarction risk in type 2 diabetes: Evidence from a South Indian population. International Conference on Emerging Concepts in Biotechnological Innovations (ICECBI-2026), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India. (Poster presentation).
Genetic predisposition of IL-12B (rs3212227) and IL-23R (rs11209026) genes on psoriasis susceptibility: A comprehensive meta-analysis of case-control studies.
Russian Journal of Genetics.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Genetic predisposition of IL-12B (rs3212227) and IL-23R (rs11209026) genes on psoriasis susceptibility: A comprehensive meta-analysis of case-control studies. Russian Journal of Genetics. (In press).
Association of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism with Increased Susceptibility to Vasculitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Association of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism with Increased Susceptibility to Vasculitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology. (In press).
Association of tumor necrosis factor-a (rs1800629) and interleukin-10 (rs1800896) gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis.
Reumatologia.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Association of tumor necrosis factor-a (rs1800629) and interleukin-10 (rs1800896) gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis. Reumatologia. 2025;63(1):41. (Meta-analysis)
Investigating the impact of IKZF1 SNPs rs4132601 and rs11978267 on acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A comprehensive meta-analysis.
Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute.
Thomas SM, Muruganantham JK, Sekar PK, Iyshwarya BK, Veerabathiran R. Investigating the impact of IKZF1 SNPs rs4132601 and rs11978267 on acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute. 2025;37(1):18.
Post-COVID syndrome: A multisystemic perspective on long-term complications.
Tanzania Journal of Health Research.
Rajendran M, Satheeshkumar A, Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Post-COVID syndrome: A multisystemic perspective on long-term complications. Tanzania Journal of Health Research. 2025;26(6).
Real-Time PCR in the Diagnosis of Opportunistic Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: Clinical Utility, Challenges, and Future Directions
Infectious Diseases & Immunity
Meganathan K, Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Real-Time PCR in the Diagnosis of Opportunistic Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: Clinical Utility, Challenges, and Future Directions Infectious Diseases & Immunity (In press)
Oncogenic roles of PIK3CA, KRAS, and PTEN mutations in cervical carcinoma in South Indian women.
Advanced Clinical and Experimental Medicine.
Akram Husain Rehman Syed Rasheed, Sekar PK, Anoop Sreevalsan, Ramakrishnan Veerabathiran, Vijaya Anand. Oncogenic roles of PIK3CA, KRAS, and PTEN mutations in cervical carcinoma in South Indian women. Advanced Clinical and Experimental Medicine. (In press).
Current advances in surgical techniques for secondary cleft palate repair: A systematic review.
The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Current advances in surgical techniques for secondary cleft palate repair: A systematic review. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal. 2025.
Meta-analysis of 1858C→T polymorphism in the PTPN22 gene demonstrates lack of association with risk for vitiligo.
Indian Dermatology Online Journal.
Sekar PK, Iyshwarya BK, Veerabathiran R. Meta-analysis of 1858C→T polymorphism in the PTPN22 gene demonstrates lack of association with risk for vitiligo. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2025;16(2):315–318. (Meta-analysis)
An artificial intelligence-based approach to predict mental health and disabilities.
Springer Nature
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. An artificial intelligence-based approach to predict mental health and disabilities. In: The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Disability. Springer Nature; 2025.
Systems immunology meets clinical translation: Multi-omic approaches to predict therapy response in cancer and autoimmune disease.
Clinical Immunology Communications.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Systems immunology meets clinical translation: Multi-omic approaches to predict therapy response in cancer and autoimmune disease. Clinical Immunology Communications. 2025.
A comprehensive investigation of the association between IL-6 rs1800795 (-174G/C) and severity of COVID-19: A meta-analysis of case-control studies.
Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. A comprehensive investigation of the association between IL-6 rs1800795 (-174G/C) and severity of COVID-19: A meta-analysis of case-control studies. Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology. 2025;10(2):141–152. (Meta-analysis)
Genes linked to obesity-related infertility: Bridging the knowledge gap.
Reproductive and Developmental Medicine.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Genes linked to obesity-related infertility: Bridging the knowledge gap. Reproductive and Developmental Medicine. 2024;8(2):121–129.
Influence of interleukin polymorphisms on the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Influence of interleukin polymorphisms on the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences. 2024;17(3):142–157. (Systematic review & meta-analysis)
An overview of the role of monoamine oxidase-B in Parkinson's disease: Implications for neurodegeneration and therapy.
Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy.
Sekar PK, Thomas SM, Veerabathiran R. An overview of the role of monoamine oxidase-B in Parkinson's disease: Implications for neurodegeneration and therapy. Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy. 2024;4(4):308–318.
The future of artificial intelligence and genetic insights in precision cardiovascular medicine: A comprehensive review.
Cardiology Discovery.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. The future of artificial intelligence and genetic insights in precision cardiovascular medicine: A comprehensive review. Cardiology Discovery. 2024;4(4):300–308.
Emerging technologies and applications in multimodality imaging for ischemic heart disease: Current state and future of artificial intelligence.
Exploration of Cardiology.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Emerging technologies and applications in multimodality imaging for ischemic heart disease: Current state and future of artificial intelligence. Exploration of Cardiology. 2024;2(6):253–264.
Assessing the impact of TLR4 rs4986790 polymorphism on bacterial meningitis risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Assessing the impact of TLR4 rs4986790 polymorphism on bacterial meningitis risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology. 2024;27(6):629–637. (Meta-analysis)
A genetic perspective on ischemic stroke: Recent advances and future directions.
Annals of Clinical and Experimental Neurology.
Sekar PK, Kumar CS, Veerabathiran R, Ramakrishnan V. A genetic perspective on ischemic stroke: Recent advances and future directions. Annals of Clinical and Experimental Neurology. 2024;18(4):55–67.
Genetics of inflammatory bowel disease: Current understanding and future directions.
Russian Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Coloproctology.
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Genetics of inflammatory bowel disease: Current understanding and future directions. Russian Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Coloproctology. 2024;34(5):7–16.
Genetic variants in BDNF (rs6265 and rs11030119) and stroke susceptibility: A case-control analysis in South India.
Annals of Human Biology.
Muraleedharan Nair A, Ramamoorthi C, Arumugam Senthilkumar M, Kanniyapillai R, Sekar PK, et al. Genetic variants in BDNF (rs6265 and rs11030119) and stroke susceptibility: A case-control analysis in South India. Annals of Human Biology. 2024;51(1):2415984.
Advanced strategies in liposome microarray-based assays for protein-lipid interactions.
Springer Nature
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Advanced strategies in liposome microarray-based assays for protein-lipid interactions. In: Biochemical Techniques for Analyzing Protein-Lipid Interactions. Springer Nature; 2024:71–90.
The emerging role of calpain-2 protease as a therapeutic target in breast cancer.
CRC Press
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R, Subramaniyan J. The emerging role of calpain-2 protease as a therapeutic target in breast cancer. In: Handbook of Proteases in Cancer. CRC Press; 2024:198–210.
Evaluating the impact of miR-499 genetic variants on coronary artery disease susceptibility.
International Conference on Advances and Application of Biotechnology (ICAAB 2024)
Sekar PK, Veerabathiran R. Evaluating the impact of miR-499 genetic variants on coronary artery disease susceptibility. International Conference on Advances and Application of Biotechnology (ICAAB 2024), B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India. (Poster presentation).
The future of cervical cancer prevention: Advances in research and technology.
Exploration of Medicine.
Sekar PK, Thomas SM, Veerabathiran R. The future of cervical cancer prevention: Advances in research and technology. Exploration of Medicine. 2024;5(3):384-400.
Languages
English
Tamil
Certificates
Soft Skill Development
NPTEL (IIT Kharagpur, Ministry of Education, Government of India)
Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis
SWAYAM, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
Skills
Genetic Epidemiology
Case-control association studies, SNP analysis, Genotype modelling, Gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, Genetic risk score analysis, Meta-analysis of genetic association studies, Complex disease genetics.
Statistical & Data Analysis
SPSS, RevMan, Microsoft Excel, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing, PRISMA systematic review methodology, Literature mining, Data extraction.
Molecular Genetics Techniques
DNA isolation, PCR amplification, ARMS-PCR, PCR-RFLP genotyping, Gel electrophoresis, Sequencing validation.
Bioinformatics & Databases
Bioinformatics database searching (NCBI), GWAS Catalog, Multi-omic data integration.
PhD supervisor, Associate Professor, Research Supervisor, Human Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), India. Email: rkgenes@gmail.com
Dr. Andrew Pradeep
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, The American College, Madurai, India. Email: andrewpradeep@americancollege.edu.in
Projects
Laboratory Training - SDS-PAGE, PCR & Biomarker Studies
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Summary
Three-day hands-on training at Clinic Biocare Technology, Tenkasi, focused on advanced laboratory techniques and introductory concepts in biomarker-based studies.
Research Internship - Basic Microbiology & Molecular Biology
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Summary
One-month internship at Bose Laboratory, Madurai, focused on gaining hands-on exposure to fundamental microbiology and molecular biology laboratory techniques.