Full Member
Muganti Rajah Kumar
Membership since:
2025
Field of activity:
Other Memberships/Affiliations
Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
Degrees:
2023
Doctorate Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences
PhD in Cell Biotechnology (2018–2023)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Malaysia
Thesis: Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Kefir Water in Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation Associated with Ageing: In Vitro and In Vivo Models.
My PhD research directly contributes to the academic field of Medical and Health Sciences, including Neurosciences, by addressing critical mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. The study investigated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation—key contributors to neurodegeneration—and examined the therapeutic potential of kefir water, a probiotic-based intervention. This interdisciplinary research combined molecular biology, biotechnology, and animal studies to explore neuroprotective mechanisms, leveraging in vitro models (SH-SY5Y and BV2 cells) and aged BALB/c mice for in vivo validation.
Through metagenomic analyses and microarray studies, I elucidated how kefir water enhances gut microbiota diversity, reduces pathogenic microbes, and mitigates neurodegeneration and inflammation. These findings bridged molecular mechanisms to translational outcomes, advancing therapeutic strategies for age-related neurological disorders and aligning with the core objectives of neuroscience and health sciences.
2017
Master Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences
M.Sc. in Biotechnology (2016–2017)
Northumbria University, UK
Thesis: Elucidating the Effect of Myeloid Differentiation Upon DNA Topoisomerase IIα and β and Sp1 Protein Levels and Chemotherapeutic Efficacy.
My MSc in Biotechnology focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms influencing chemotherapeutic efficacy, specifically examining the roles of DNA topoisomerase IIα and β, as well as Sp1 protein levels during myeloid differentiation. This research honed my skills in molecular biology, cell signaling, and protein regulation, foundational to medical and health sciences. The investigative approach to exploring cellular responses to treatment provided me with insights into the intricacies of molecular pathways, a perspective I carried forward into my PhD. This academic progression enabled me to delve into neurosciences, focusing on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and gut-brain axis research, bridging molecular and translational applications for neurodegenerative diseases.
2016
Undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences
B.Sc. (Honors) in Biotechnology (2014–2016)
Northumbria University, UK
Thesis: Evaluation of the Effect of the Adjuvant Action of Curcumin and Piperine on Docetaxel on Chemoresistant H1650 NSCLC Cells.
My BSc in Biotechnology laid the foundation for my academic journey in the medical and health sciences. The program provided comprehensive training in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry, equipping me with essential skills for experimental research. My thesis explored the synergistic effects of natural compounds, curcumin and piperine, with the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel, addressing drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. This research cultivated my understanding of cellular responses to treatments and molecular pathways influencing therapeutic efficacy.
The critical thinking and laboratory expertise gained during this program directly informed my subsequent MSc and PhD studies. It established a strong foundation for my focus on molecular mechanisms in disease pathology, including neurodegeneration and the development of therapeutic interventions, aligning with the broader scope of medical and health sciences, including neurosciences.
Publications resulting from Research
1. Brindle, A., Bainbridge, C., Kumar, M., Todryk, S. and Padget, Kay., 2024. The Bisdioxopiperazine ICRF-193 Attenuates LPS-induced IL-1β Secretion by Macrophages. Inflammation, 47(1), p.84-98. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656316/ (Q1, WOS IF 4.5)
2. Talib, N., Mohamad, E., Yeap, S., Ho, C., Masarudin, M., Abd-Aziz, S., Izham, M., Kumar, M., Hussin, Y. and Alitheen, N., 2023. Anti-Diabetic Effect of Lactobacillus Paracasei Isolated from Malaysian Water Kefir Grains. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, p.1-20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37755545/ (Q1, WOS IF 4.4)
3. Kumar, M., Azizi, N., Yeap, S., Abdullah, J., Khalid, M., Omar, A., Osman, M., Leow, A., Mortadza, S. and Alitheen, N., 2022. Clinical and Preclinical Studies of Fermented Foods and Their Effects on Alzheimer’s Disease. Antioxidants, 11(5), p.883. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35624749/ (Q1, WOS IF 6)
4. Kumar, M., Yeap, S., Lee, H., Mohamad, N., Nazirul Mubin Aziz, M., Khalid, M., Masarudin, M., Leow, A., Abdullah, J. and Alitheen, N., 2021. Selected Kefir Water from Malaysia Attenuates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress by Upregulating Endogenous Antioxidant Levels in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells. Antioxidants, 10(6), p.940. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34200854/ (Q1, WOS IF 6)
5. Kumar, M., Yeap, S., Mohamad, N., Abdullah, J., Masarudin, M., Khalid, M., Leow, A. and Alitheen, N., 2021. Metagenomic and phytochemical analyses of kefir water and its Subchronic toxicity study in BALB/c mice. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34210310/ (Q1, WOS IF 3.3)
6. Azizi, N., Kumar, M., Yeap, S., Abdullah, J., Khalid, M., Omar, A., Osman, M., Mortadza, S. and Alitheen, N., 2021. Kefir and Its Biological Activities. Foods, 10(6), p.1210. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34071977/ (Q1, WOS IF 4.7)
13th Malaysia International Genetics Congress (MiGC13) by Genetics Society of Malaysia & National Institute Biotechnology of Malaysia
2025
Bangi Resort Hotel, Selangor, Malaysia13th Malaysia International Genetics Congress (MiGC13) by Genetics Society of Malaysia & National Institute Biotechnology of Malaysia
2025
Bangi Resort Hotel, Selangor, MalaysiaAgricultural Biotechnology, Biosafety, and Technology Transfer
2025
Michigan State University (MSU), USA Workshop on the Care & Use of Rodents in Research
2025
Comparative Medicine and Technology Unit (COMeT) & IACUC UPM, Selangor, Malaysia Agilent Microarray Hands-On Workshop & GeneSpring Data Analysis Workshop
2025
Neoscience (M) Sdn Bhd