Nishith Gupta's research focuses on metabolic interactions between intracellular parasites and host cells.[10][11][12] His group has published several research articles focusing on carbon metabolism, membrane biogenesis and signaling pathways primarily in a widespread model parasite
Toxoplasma gondii, but also in
Plasmodium, and
Eimeria species.[13][14][15]
Gupta's research on membrane biogenesis in apicomplexan parasites, involving the discovery of unique phospholipids, holds potential for advancing the development of vaccines against parasitic diseases.[16][17] Notably, his work on
phosphatidylcholine,
phosphatidylinositol and
phosphatidylethanolamine identified potential therapeutic targets, while phosphatidylthreonine and a novel
phosphatidylserine decarboxylase could serve as toxoplasmosis biomarkers.[8][18]
In collaboration with researchers at the
University of Melbourne[19] and
National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology in
Wuhan,[20][21] Gupta's group has revealed Toxoplasma's metabolic adaptability and identified proteins crucial for the parasite's development, suggesting potential drug targets for toxoplasmosis and related infections.[22][23] In addition, his group uncovered Plasmodium's reliance on host-derived sugars, offering new directions for the development of anti-malarial drugs.[24]
In a pioneering collaboration with
Peter Hegemann, Gupta's work in
Optogenetic regulation of cyclic nucleotide signaling within Toxoplasma gondii has paved the way for broader applications of light-activated proteins and biosensors in other intracellular pathogens, including parasites, bacteria, and viruses.[25][26][27]
In 2021, he founded the
Intracellular Parasite Education and Research Labs (iPEARL) in the Biological Science division of BITS Pilani and an integrated
One Health initiative – Veterinary And Medical Parasite Infection Research Ensemble (VAMPIRE).[32] These initiatives seek to support the development of future scientists and leaders and contribute to the advancement of our knowledge about parasitic infections in clinical and veterinary settings.[33]
Awards and recognition
In 2010 he was awarded
ESCMID research grant for his contribution to the field of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.[34] In 2014, Nishith Gupta received with the
Karl Asmund Rudolphi Medal, an award from the German Society for Parasitology.[35] In 2015, he received the young scientist award in Microbiology from the Robert Koch Foundation.[36][37] In 2020, he received the Outstanding Potential for Excellence in Research & Academics (OPERA) award from
BITS Pilani.[38]Banaras Hindu University honoured him with distinguished alumni award in recognition of his achievements in academics and research.[39] In 2023,
Indian Council of Medical Research awarded him an International Fellowships for Senior Biomedical Scientist in collaboration with the
SickKids Hospital and
University of Toronto.[40][41]