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Dr. Geetha Kumar

Dean & HoS, School of Physical Sciences, Amritapuri | Professor, School of Biotechnology, Amritapuri

Qualification: Ph.D
gkumar@am.amrita.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Orcid Profile
Research Gate Profile
Scopus Author ID

Bio

Dr Geetha Kumar obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA, where she elucidated the structure-function activity of FadL, a bacterial Long Chain Fatty Acid binding protein. Following her Ph.D., Dr Kumar did her post-doctoral studies under Dr Neil Nathanson, at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA, on the regulation of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor (mAChR). She was subsequently associated with Ceptyr Inc., a Biotech company where she worked in the High Throughput Screening (HTS) division, that focused on developing drugs against Diabetes.
Dr. Kumar is currently Dean, School of Physical Sciences and Professor, at the School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, where she heads the Antimicrobial Research (AMR) laboratory, that is focused on studying the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in nosocomial gram-negative pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii as well as Candida species. The primary research focus of the lab is on combating Antimicrobial Resistance using multiple approaches:

  • Screening Natural Products that can function as anti-quorum sensing agents and elucidating their mechanism of action
  • Isolation and characterization and of novel lytic bacteriophages against ESKAPE pathogens as well as identification and formulation of phage cocktails for environmental as well as clinical applications – Phage Therapy
  • Understanding Persistence and its role in antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
  • Studying the inter-relationship between virulence and antimicrobial resistance
  • Host directed therapies
  • Surveillance studies to understand and predict emerging patterns of resistance using AI/ML
  • Design and development of early diagnostics
Publications

Journal Article

Year : 2025

Rv1899c, an HDAC1–ZBTB25-Interacting Protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Promotes Stress Resistance and Immune Evasion in Infected Macrophages

Cite this Research Publication : Arjun M. Menon, Boinapalli Gopichand, Shwetha Susan Thomas, Kuniyil Abhinand, Bipin G. Nair, Geetha B. Kumar, Pradeesh Babu, KB Arun, Lekshmi K. Edison, Aravind Madhavan, Rv1899c, an HDAC1–ZBTB25-Interacting Protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Promotes Stress Resistance and Immune Evasion in Infected Macrophages, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI AG, 2025, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262210872

Publisher : MDPI AG

Year : 2023

Man vs Microbes – The Race of the Century

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Year : 2023

Prostate cancer in India: Current perspectives and the way forward

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Year : 2022

In silico based multi-epitope vaccine design against norovirus

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Year : 2022

In silico based multi-epitope vaccine design against norovirus

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Year : 2019

Analysis of Microarray Data for Identification of key MicroRNA signatures in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Cite this Research Publication : Sanu K. Shaji, Damu Sunilkumar, Mahalakshmi N. V., Geetha B. Kumar, and Dr. Bipin G. Nair, “Analysis of microarray data for identification of key microRNA signatures in glioblastoma multiforme”, Oncol Lett, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 1938-1948, 2019.

Publisher : Oncology Letters

Year : 2018

(I-3,II-3)-Biacacetin-mediated Cell Death involves Mitochondria

Cite this Research Publication : Jyotsna Nambiar, Gayathri Vijayakumar, G. Drishya, Sanu K Shaji, Nanjan Pandurangan, Geetha B. Kumar, and Dr. Bipin G. Nair, “(I-3,II-3)-Biacacetin-mediated cell death involves mitochondria.”, Molecular and cellular biochemistry, 2018

Publisher : Molecular and cellular biochemistry

Year : 2018

Clove Bud Oil Modulates Pathogenicity Phenotypes of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Cite this Research Publication : Jayalekshmi H., Omanakuttan, A., Menon, N. D., Muralidharan Vanuopadath, Nair, S. Sadasivan, Corriden, R., Nair, B. G., Nizet, V., and Kumar, G. B., “Clove Bud Oil Modulates Pathogenicity Phenotypes of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.”, Sci Rep, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 3437, 2018.

Publisher : Scientific reports

Year : 2016

Discovery of Arjunolic Acid as a Novel Non-zinc Binding Carbonic Anhydrase II Inhibitor

Cite this Research Publication : S. Kalyanavenkataraman, Pandurangan Nanjan, Dr. Asoke Banerji, Dr. Bipin G. Nair, and Geetha B Kumar, “Discovery of arjunolic acid as a novel non-zinc binding carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor”, Bioorganic chemistry, vol. 66, pp. 72–79, 2016

Publisher : Bioorganic chemistry

Year : 2016

Combinatorial Effect of D-amino Acids and Tetracycline against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilm

Cite this Research Publication : Jayalekshmi H., Norin Mary G Victus, R. Anoop, T. M. Sarath, Sajin Sali, C. .Harikrishnan, N. Kaushik, Dr. Geetha Kumar, and Dr. Bipin G. Nair, “Combinatorial effect of d-amino acids and tetracycline against pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm”, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol. 8, no. 11, pp. 216-220., 2016.

Publisher : International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Year : 2016

Clove Bud Oil Reduces Kynurenine and Inhibits pqs A Gene Expression in P. Aeruginosa

Cite this Research Publication : Jayalekshmi H., A. Omanakuttan, N. Pandurangan, V. S. Vargis, M. Maneesh, Dr. Bipin G. Nair, and Geetha B. Kumar, “Clove Bud Oil Reduces Kynurenine and Inhibits pqs A Gene Expression in P. Aeruginosa”, Applied microbiology and biotechnology, vol. 100, no. 8, pp. 3681-3692, 2016

Publisher : Applied microbiology and biotechnology

Year : 2016

Anacardic Acid Inhibits Gelatinases through the Regulation of Spry2, MMP-14, EMMPRIN and RECK

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Jyotsna Nambiar, Chinchu Bose, Meera Venugopal, Dr. Asoke Banerji, T. B. Patel, Dr. Geetha Kumar, and Dr. Bipin G. Nair, “Anacardic acid inhibits gelatinases through the regulation of Spry2, MMP-14, EMMPRIN and RECK”, Experimental Cell Research, vol. 349, pp. 139-151, 2016

Publisher : Experimental Cell Research

Year : 2015

A Novel2-Alkoxy-3, 5-Dihydroxypyridine Mediated Regulation of Gelatinases

Cite this Research Publication : Dr. Jyotsna Nambiar, Dr. Geetha Kumar, Sanjana S. R., Gorantla S. N., Lankalapalli R. S., and Dr. Bipin G. Nair, “A Novel2-Alkoxy-3, 5-Dihydroxypyridine Mediated Regulation of Gelatinases”, International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, vol. 6, pp. 779-788, 2015.

Publisher : International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences

Conference Paper

Year : 2015

Ecdysterone Mediates Wound Healing in a Nitric Oxide Dependent Manner in 3T3L1 Fibroblasts.

Cite this Research Publication : A. Omanakuttan, Dr. Geetha Kumar, and Dr. Bipin G. Nair, “Ecdysterone Mediates Wound Healing in a Nitric Oxide Dependent Manner in 3T3L1 Fibroblasts.”, in The XXXIX All India Cell Biology Conference , 2015.

Publisher : The XXXIX All India Cell Biology Conference

Patents

Year : 2012

Medical device keypad interface.

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Year : 2012

Key pad for Medical Devices

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Qualification
Institution and Location Degree Year Field of Study
University of Washington, Seattle, USA Postdoc 1994 Pharmacology
University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA Ph.D. 1992 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M.S. University, Baroda M.Sc. 1985 Microbiology
Chinoy College, Mumbai B.Sc. 1982 Microbiology
Experience
Position Held Name of the Institute From To
Dean School of Physical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala 2021 Present
Professor School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala 2015 Present
Associate Professor School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala 2005 2014
Research Scientist Ceptry Inc., USA 1996 2005
Research Scientist Pan Labs 1993 1996
Teaching
Research

Area of Specialization

Antimicrobial Resistance, Application of bacteriophages in clinical as well as environmental settings, Host Pathogen Interactions, Pharmacology, Drug Discovery.

Research Support

  • Grant funded in 2018 by The Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS): Reversal of  antibiotic resistance in ESKAPE
  • Grant funded in the Science Research Scheme (SRS),(2014) Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Govt. Of Kerala:  Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms of Anacardic Acid Mediated Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cancer.
Projects
S. No. Name of the Project Name of the Funding Agency Status
(On-going / Completed)
Project Grant / Assistance Duration of the Project Start Year
1 Development of affordable POT (Point of Testing) devices for monitoring of AMR in the Environment. GAMRIF On-going ₹50 lakhs 1 year 2025–2026
2 Therapeutic Chemicals (TC) – Creation of Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) DST-TDT Sanctioned ₹15.5 crores 5 years 2024–2029
3 Development of nitric oxide releasing multifaceted biomaterial-based approach for infected diabetic wounds STARS On-going ₹59 lakhs 3 years 2023–2026
4 Reversal of antibiotic resistance in ESKAPE pathogens TIGS Completed ₹30 lakhs 2 years 2020–2022
5 Reversal of antibiotic resistance in ESKAPE pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa TIGS Completed ₹3.6 crores 2 years 2018–2020
6 Anacardic Acid and its derivatives as novel template for cancer therapy KSCSTE Completed ₹30 lakhs 3 years 2014–2017
7 Wound Healing BMS Completed ₹30 lakhs 4 years 2012–2016
8 Role of MMPs in Cancer Amrita University Completed ₹2 crores 4 years 2012–2016
9 Insulin Pump DST Completed ₹4 crores 6 years 2010–2016
Summit

Workshops

S. No. Title of the Talk Name of the Event National / International Organizer Venue Date
1 Disarm and Conquer: Anti-Quorum Sensing Agents as Alternative Strategies to Combat AMR CARPE DIEM – Challenging Antibiotic Resistance: Perspectives on Novel Tools and Diagnostics for Efficient Management International Global AMR R&D Hub, Berlin and Manipal School of Life Sciences, MAHE, Manipal Meitner Hall at Harnack Haus, Berlin 16–17 May 2022
2 AMR under Therapeutic Chemicals program of DST AMR under Therapeutic Chemicals program of DST National Technology Development and Transfer (TDT) Division, Dept. of Science and Technology (DST) Hybrid (Online and IIT Kanpur) 16 May 2023
3 Alternatives to Antibiotics – Research Gaps and Priorities Workshop for Creating Momentum for AMR Mitigation – Role of ASPIC Network National ReAct Asia Pacific and ASPIC (Antibiotic Stewardship and Prevention of Infection in Communities) Clubs 8 Aug 2023
4 Meeting at ICMR on “Phage Therapy in Treating Bacterial Infections” Phage Therapy in Treating Bacterial Infections National ICMR, Delhi Delhi 14 June 2023
5 Resisting Antimicrobial Resistance: Strategies to Combat AMR SPARC III Symposium “Point-of-Care Healthcare Devices” & Pant Workshop Series on Medical Technology & Future Medicine National IIT Kanpur IIT Kanpur 25 Nov 2024
6 Phage Therapy with Particular Emphasis on the Regulatory Landscape and Ethical Considerations 5-Day Intensive Workshop: Harnessing Bacteriophages and One Health Approaches to Combat AMR National JSS Science and Technology University JSS Science and Technology University 18–22 Aug 2025
7 Evaluating the Use of Bacteriophages for Global Health Evaluating the Use of Bacteriophages for Global Health International Park Plaza Wallstreet, Berlin, Germany 9 Apr 2025

Conferences attended

S. No. Title of the Talk / Presentation / Poster Name of the Event National / International Organizer Date
1 Formulation of Bacteriophage Cocktails Against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from South India: Implications in Phage Therapy (Oral Presentation) 6th World Conference on Targeting Phage Therapy International International Society of Microbiota, Paris 1–2 June 2023
2 Klebsiella Specific Jumbo Phages: Isolation, Characterization and Clinical Implications (Poster Presentation) VOM 2023 International Viruses of Microbes & Georgian Association for General and Applied Microbiology (GAGAM), Tbilisi 3–7 July 2023
3 From Anti-Virulence Strategies to Bacteriophages: Resisting Antimicrobial Resistance International Conclave on AMR and the Future of Antibiotics National SRM University – AP together with UK Innovate and AMR Insights (Netherlands) 8–10 Oct 2023
4 Bacteriophages as Biologics: Combating the AMR Crisis 4th International Conference on Bacteriophage Research and Anti-microbial Resistance International University of Madras & Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Chennai 28–30 Sept 2023
5 Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Anacardic Acid: Implications in Cancer Biology Indian Conference on Bioinformatics 2023 – Inbix’23 National Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) 24–26 Nov 2023
6 Internal Conference Collaboration Discussion Amrita Research & Innovation Symposium for Excellence (ARISE ’24) National Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham 7–10 Jan 2024

Poster presentations

  • Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophages AM.P1 and AM.P2 from wastewater and characterization of phage activity against multidrug resistant clinical strains from South India – Authors: Nitasha D. Menon, Gayathri Vijayakumar, Manasi Baswe, Bipin G. Nair, Priyanka Somanath, Geetha B. Kumar – Presented at: 23rd Biennial Evergreen International Phage Meeting; International Conference on Bacteriophage Research and Antimicrobial Resistance (ICBRAMR) – Dates: August 4-9th, 2019; December 12-13th, 2019
  • Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophages against Clinical Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from South India – Authors: Nitasha D. Menon, Sudhanand M., Sruthi S., Anjali John, Susanna Thomas, Alan Anil, Akhila S. J., Bipin G. Nair, Priyanka Somanath, Geetha B. Kumar – Presented at: 23rd Biennial Evergreen International Phage Meeting – Date: August 4-9th, 2019
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