Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad | India
Dr. Narayana Nagesh, Ph.D., FTAS, FRSC, is a distinguished Chief Scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. With over three decades of experience in chemical biology, he has emerged as a pioneer in DNA chemistry, molecular diagnostics, and anticancer drug development. His career is marked by groundbreaking innovations in G-quadruplex DNA research and molecular probe development, alongside leadership in national scientific projects including COVID-19 testing and mRNA vaccine platforms.
Author Profile👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
Dr. Narayana Nagesh stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award due to his sustained, multidisciplinary contributions spanning over three decades at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. His research rigor and innovation are evident in his 94+ publications in high-impact journals, 2988+ citations, and an h-index of 35, reflecting both volume and influence.
His pioneering work on G-quadruplex DNA interactions, anticancer agents, mRNA vaccine platforms, and diagnostic biosensors underlines a career marked by scientific originality and societal relevance. Furthermore, his pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic—leading sample testing and mRNA vaccine platform development—demonstrates translational research leadership with direct public health impact. Dr. Nagesh has also contributed significantly to national capacity building, mentoring over 30 students, filing multiple patents, and leading interdisciplinary projects.
🎓 Education
Dr. Nagesh earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry (2002–2005), focusing on “Studies on the Structure and Interaction of G-Quadruplex DNA with Metal Ions and Drugs.” He completed post-doctoral research under Prof. Edwin A. Lewis at Northern Arizona University, USA (2006–2007), exploring Bcl2 Quadruplex DNA interactions. His strong academic foundation is complemented by merit recognitions during his M.Sc. and M.Phil. studies.
🧪 Experience
Joining CCMB as Scientist-B in 1990, Dr. Nagesh steadily rose to become Chief Scientist. He has led and collaborated on over eight major funded projects, generating ₹6.5 crores in extramural research funding. As a nodal project investigator, he has managed high-impact research on mRNA-based vaccines and diagnostics, and actively contributed to national-level scientific responses like COVID-19 testing.
Dr. Nagesh’s expertise lies in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular diagnostics. He specializes in G-quadruplex DNA interactions, synthesis of anticancer agents, aptamers, and targeted therapeutic molecules. His research extends into biophysical characterizations, ligand-DNA interactions, and small-molecule diagnostics for cardiovascular and infectious diseases. His interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, biophysics, and disease biology.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Nagesh is a Fellow of the Telangana Academy of Sciences (2022) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2024). He has received prestigious fellowships such as the NAU-TRIF and ABRC (USA), and the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP). His contributions to science have also earned him recognition in international academic committees, editorial boards, and funding panels.
📚 Selected Publications
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Characterization of an alkaline active – thiol forming extracellular serine keratinase by the newly isolated Bacillus pumilus
Authors: AG Kumar, S Swarnalatha, S Gayathri, N Nagesh, G Sekaran
Year: 2008
Citations: 144
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DNA-binding affinity and anticancer activity of β-carboline–chalcone conjugates as potential DNA intercalators: Molecular modelling and synthesis
Authors: N Shankaraiah, KP Siraj, S Nekkanti, V Srinivasulu, P Sharma, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 119
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Design and synthesis of dithiocarbamate linked β-carboline derivatives: DNA topoisomerase II inhibition with DNA binding and apoptosis inducing ability
Authors: A Kamal, M Sathish, VL Nayak, V Srinivasulu, B Kavitha, Y Tangella, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 107
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Design and synthesis of C3-tethered 1,2,3-triazolo-β-carboline derivatives: Anticancer activity, DNA-binding ability, viscosity and molecular modeling studies
Authors: AK Nagula Shankaraiah, Chetna Jadala, Shalini Nekkanti, Kishna Ram Senwar, …
Year: 2016
Citations: 101
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Design and synthesis of C3‐pyrazole/chalcone‐linked beta‐carboline hybrids: antitopoisomerase I, DNA‐interactive, and apoptosis‐inducing anticancer agents
Authors: A Kamal, V Srinivasulu, VL Nayak, M Sathish, N Shankaraiah, C Bagul, …
Year: 2014
Citations: 98
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Production of melanin pigment from Pseudomonas stutzeri isolated from red seaweed Hypnea musciformis
Authors: C Ganesh Kumar, N Sahu, G Narender Reddy, RBN Prasad, N Nagesh, …
Year: 2013
Citations: 91
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Purification of extracellular acid protease and analysis of fermentation metabolites by Synergistes sp. utilizing proteinaceous solid waste from tanneries
Authors: AG Kumar, N Nagesh, TG Prabhakar, G Sekaran
Year: 2008
Citations: 86
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Genetic Locus Encoding Functions Involved in Biosynthesis and Outer Membrane Localization of Xanthomonadin in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: AK Goel, L Rajagopal, N Nagesh, RV Sonti
Year: 2002
Citations: 85
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Synthesis of podophyllotoxin linked β-carboline congeners as potential anticancer agents and DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors
Authors: AK Manda Sathish, Botla Kavitha, V. Laxma Nayak, Yellaiah Tangella, Ayyappan …
Year: 2018
Citations: 84
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Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Graphene Oxide‐Catalyzed S‐Arylation: An Efficient and Ligand‐Free Synthesis of Aryl Sulfides
Authors: A Kamal, V Srinivasulu, JC Murty, N Shankaraiah, N Nagesh, …
Year: 2013
Citations: 81
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Synthesis of β-carboline–benzimidazole conjugates using lanthanum nitrate as a catalyst and their biological evaluation
Authors: A Kamal, MPN Rao, P Swapna, V Srinivasulu, C Bagul, AB Shaik, …
Year: 2014
Citations: 76
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Ammonium ion at low concentration stabilizes the G-quadruplex formation by telomeric sequence
Authors: N Nagesh, D Chatterji
Year: 1995
Citations: 72
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Narayana Nagesh exemplifies scientific excellence with his pioneering work in DNA chemistry, diagnostics, and therapeutics. His contributions have influenced drug discovery, public health response (including COVID-19 testing), and molecular diagnostics across India. His commitment to innovation, societal impact, and mentorship of future scientists makes him an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award under the Forensic Scientist Awards.
