Prof. Asimul
Islam.
Protein Research Lab
Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
About Prof. Asim
Professor Asimul Islam is a researcher and educator at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, where his work connects fundamental protein biophysics with molecular mechanisms of disease.
His scientific interests include protein folding, conformational stability, cellular macromolecular crowding, osmolytes and stress biology, and protein aggregation associated with neurodegeneration. He combines experimental characterization with computational modelling to investigate protein structure, function and therapeutic targets.
He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), and contributes to academic mentorship, scientific events and university service.
Research Interests
Key questions investigated at the intersection of molecular structure, cellular environments and disease.
Protein folding & stability
Protein conformation, unfolding pathways, thermodynamic stability and folding intermediates.
Neurodegeneration & aggregation
Protein misfolding, amyloid formation and the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Macromolecular crowding
Effects of excluded volume and weak molecular interactions in cell-like environments.
Osmolytes & stress biology
How natural osmolytes and co-solutes influence stability, solubility and function.
Protein characterization
Isolation, purification and experimental characterization of biologically relevant proteins.
Computational biophysics
Molecular dynamics, structure-based drug discovery, docking and related in-silico methods.
Research Projects
Eight funded research studies, spanning protein folding, cellular biophysics, virology and molecular mechanisms of disease.
Reference states for protein folding
Whether heat- or acid-denatured protein states can serve as reliable reference states for understanding protein folding.
Macromolecular crowding & sugar osmolytes
The effects of macromolecular crowding agents on protein behaviour in the presence of sugar osmolytes.
Chikungunya envelope proteins
Cloning, bacterial expression and biophysical characterization of chikungunya virus envelope proteins.
Osmolyte size, protein stability & activity
How different sizes of sugar osmolytes affect the relationship between protein conformational stability and functional activity.
Signalling in gallbladder disease and cancer
Genetic, epigenetic and cellular signalling mechanisms in gallbladder disease and carcinoma, in collaboration with Gauhati University.
Kidney osmolytes and urea-induced protein changes
Computational molecular dynamics and in-vitro studies of protective kidney osmolytes against urea-induced protein disruption.
eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide synthesis
The effects of eNOS phosphorylation on uncoupled nitric oxide synthesis, BH₄ recycling and superoxide generation.
MARK4 inhibitors and neurodegenerative tauopathies
In-silico and in-vitro assessment of MARK4 inhibitors and their effects on tau hyperphosphorylation.
Publications
Representative publications grouped by research articles, review papers and book chapters.
Research articles
Original experimental and computational studies
Review papers
Critical syntheses of fast-moving areas of biomedical research
Book chapters
Contributions to edited volumes in molecular and life sciences
Education & Work Experience
Education
Ph.D. · Biosciences
Jamia Millia Islamia. Thesis: “Studies of Conformation and Conformational Stability of Nef Protein of HIV-1.”
M.Sc. · Biosciences
Jamia Millia Islamia · First Division. Dissertation: PCR amplification of the chrA gene from Indian E. coli isolates.
B.Sc. · Biosciences
Jamia Millia Islamia · First Division.
Work Experience
Professor · Jamia Millia Islamia
Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, New Delhi. Research, postgraduate teaching, doctoral supervision and academic leadership.
Undergraduate to doctoral education
Teaching in biosciences, biophysics, bioinformatics and biotechnology, including interdisciplinary M.Phil. and Ph.D. coursework.
Research and institutional leadership
Extension Activities Coordinator at CIRBSc; Institutional Animal Ethics Committee member; editorial and scientific society engagements.
Mentorship & Academic Service
Experience supporting students and researchers across experimental and computational life sciences.
Professional affiliations: NASI member; editorial-board roles and memberships across biophysical, biochemical and interdisciplinary scientific societies.
Awards & Honours
Research Excellence Award · 2020
Institute of Scholars
NESA Eminent Scientist of the Year · 2019
National Environmental Science Academy
DST–SERB Fast Track Young Scientist Award
Early-career research recognition
Fellow Award · 2019
Agricultural and Environmental Technology Development Society
Outstanding Researcher in Molecular & Structural Biology
Venus International Foundation
National competitive fellowships
CSIR–UGC NET, UGC–JRF and GATE qualification
News, Features & Videos
Selected external coverage, features and video profiles.
Architect of Young Minds
A video profile of Professor Islam and his contributions to academia.
Watch on YouTubeBIOPHYSIKA-2026
Coverage of the national biophysics conference at Jamia Millia Islamia, co-convened by Professor Islam.
Read coverageJournal of Aging Science profile
Academic biography and editorial profile, with an interview reference.
View featureLifetime Achievement Award feature
An external academic feature describing research and recognition in biochemistry.
Read profileConnect with Professor Islam
For research collaborations, speaking invitations, scholarly enquiries and academic opportunities.