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Champa Bhattacharyya
CURRICULUM VITAE Personal Resume
Contacts: Professional Resume Presently working as Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (September 2000 present).
1994-1999 Ph. D. (Science) from the University of Calcutta, India. Thesis Title: Neurosecretory cells of the cephalic nerve ring with particular reference to their relationship with vascularization in earthworm, Metaphire peguana (Rosa, 1890) 1989-1991 M. S. with Zoology (Major in Endocrinology) from the University of Calcutta, India in 1991. 1986-1989 B. S. with Zoology (Major), Physiology and Botany from the University of Calcutta, India.
M. peguana belongs to the phylum Annelida that exhibits simplified pattern of neuronal system. The neurosecretory cells (NSC) of the cephalic nerve rings were studied in these oligochaetes with particular reference to their relationship with extra and intra-ganglionic vascularization. Observations: 1. The supra and suboesophageal ganglia of earthworm, M. peguana are endowed with varied intensity of vascularization. Both the ganglia possess neurosecretory elements with glandular activities that produce neurochemical mediators. Cytomorphic studies indicate two major cell types; LTCs and STCs. Endocrine natures of these cells have been established. 2. SEM studies reveal the morpho-anatomical relationship of the neurosecterory cells with extra and intraganglionic blood capillaries. TEM studies confirm the presence of secretory granules within the axon terminals, which are in contact with the blood capillaries. So the release of secretory materials from the neurosecretory cells occurs in confluence with the intraganglionic blood capillaries infesting the 'accumulation zone' and forming 'intraganglionic neurohaemal release sites'. 3. Histochemical studies elaborate the presence of nucleic acids, disulfide groups, lipids, and proteins within the neurosecretory materials as observed in other invertebrate groups. 4. Impact of seasonal variations on the cytomorphic alterations of neurosecretory cells of both the ganglia in M. peguana reveal that the morphological signs of activation reach their peak at early post monsoon (Oct-Nov) period, indicates that the winter season may be considered as breeding season of the species under study. At that period neurosecretory material accumulation is also noticeable at the 'accumulation zone', where capillaries contain stainable inclusions. Conclusions: M. peguana discloses the indispensability of vascularization in CNS. This is important to release neurohormones straightway to the extracellular fluid without any visible neurohaemal organ, that present in higher coelomates. That substantiates the contention of having incipient neurohaemal structures in absence of blood brain barrier. Such arrangement is possibly conducive to monitor first order neuroendocrine integration for metabolic and physiologic changes to this first coelomate.
Post-doctoral Research: Present research interest: Molecular toxicology (Zebra fish as a model system) I am involved in the cloning, sequencing and characterization of CYP1A1, MTF-1 and NQO-1 genes in Zebra fish (Danio rario). These genes are sensitive to several environmental pollutants. I am using several molecular biological techniques while characterizing these genes. Research Skills 1. Histology: CAHP, PAF, Azocarmine, Masson, H and E, Azan-staining. 2. Histochemistry: PFAAB, PMAAB, DDD, Thioglycolate-DDD, Alkaline-tetrazolium blue, Million, PAS, SBB, ASBB, MBB, CAG, MGPY. 3. Microscopy: Light, Phase-contrast, Scanning and Transmission. 4. Molecular techniques: Isolation and purification of DNA, RNA and Protein, Gel electrophoresis (Agarose & SDS-PAGE), Southern & Northern blot, Molecular Cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, Primer Extension, RACE, DNA Sequencing, Transcript Mapping. Workshop/Training Attended the Summer Workshop 2000 on Molecular Techniques at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. Relevant Professional Aptitudes
1. Graduated with Education (B. Ed.) and familiar with High School teaching in Biology. Membership of the Professional Organization Member of the Zoological Society of India.
1. Biswas, C.; Chaudhuri, S.R.; Mukherjee, C. and Nanda, D.K. 1999. Vascularization of the cerebral ganglia and its implication with reference to neurosecretion of Metaphire peguana (Rosa, 1890). In National Symposium on Fifty years of Zoology, University of Calcutta. p 40-41. 2. Mukherjee, C.; Chaudhuri, S.R.; Biswas, C. and Nanda, D.K. 1999. Preliminary cyto-anatomical studies on cephalic ganglionic neurosecretory elements of the parasitic round worm, Ascaridia galli (Schrank, 1788; Freeborn, 1923). In National Symposium on Fifty years of Zoology, University of Calcutta. p 40. 3. Chaudhuri, S.R.; Biswas, C.; Mukherjee, C. and Nanda, D.K. 1999. Impact of viral (NPV) infection on the brain neurosecretory elements of Bombyx mori (Fifth instar larvae). In National Symposium on Fifty years of Zoology, University of Calcutta. p 41. 4. Biswas, C. and Nanda, D.K. 2000. Seasonal changes in the cerebral and suboesophageal neurosecretory cell activity of an oligochaete earthworm, Metaphire peguana (Rosa, 1890). (Manuscript under preparation). 5. Biswas, C. and Nanda, D.K. 2000. Electron microscopic observation on the neurosecretory cells of the brain of earthworm, Metaphire peguana (Rosa, 1890). (Manuscript under preparation).
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