Chief Scientist (Retd) at CCMB, India
Dr. Narayana Nagesh, PhD, FTAS, FRSC, is a distinguished Chief Scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India. With over three decades of research experience, he has made pioneering contributions in the fields of chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and molecular diagnostics. His work focuses on the synthesis of anticancer agents, DNA-drug interactions, and biomolecular sensing. He has published 94 peer-reviewed articles and holds multiple patents with global recognition. Dr. Nagesh has led several national and international research initiatives, notably in COVID-19 testing and mRNA vaccine development. As a mentor, he has guided over 28 students and served as an external PhD examiner. His contributions extend to national policymaking bodies, and he has played a key role in societal health initiatives. Widely respected for his scientific vision and leadership, Dr. Nagesh embodies excellence in translational research, innovation, and public health impact.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Dr. Narayana Nagesh completed his Master’s in Chemistry with a University II rank in 1987, followed by an MPhil with a merit scholarship between 1987–1990. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from 2002 to 2005 with a thesis on “Studies on the Structure and Interaction of G-Quadruplex DNA with Metal Ions and Drugs.” His doctoral work laid the foundation for his expertise in nucleic acid structures and their biomedical applications. Post-PhD, he undertook a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Northern Arizona University, USA, working under Prof. Edwin A. Lewis from 2006 to 2007. During this tenure, he focused on Bcl2 Quadruplex DNA interaction with porphyrins, contributing significantly to cancer-related DNA therapeutics. His academic journey reflects a strong multidisciplinary foundation, combining rigorous training in biophysics, organic chemistry, and molecular biology, and has been pivotal to his long-standing research career in biomolecular interactions and drug discovery.
Professional Experience📝
Dr. Narayana Nagesh began his career at CCMB in 1990 as a Scientist-B and has risen through the ranks to serve as Chief Scientist. Over his 30+ year tenure, he has led numerous interdisciplinary research projects funded by CSIR, DST, DBT, and international bodies. He has served as the nodal principal investigator in critical national initiatives, including India’s COVID-19 testing and mRNA vaccine platform development. Dr. Nagesh has played a vital role in institutional governance, acting as chairman of multiple selection and promotion committees and managing the performance review of over 40 staff members. He has also served as a reviewer for funding proposals across India and globally, including for UK’s MRC and Italy’s Fondazione Cariparo. His extensive administrative, collaborative, and scientific contributions reflect not only technical excellence but also deep commitment to institutional leadership and societal benefit in the field of life sciences and public health.
Research Interest🔎
Dr. Nagesh’s research interests lie at the intersection of chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and molecular diagnostics. He has specialized in the synthesis and evaluation of novel small molecules that target G-quadruplex DNA, an area relevant to cancer biology and therapeutic intervention. His work includes designing topoisomerase inhibitors, anti-cancer agents, porphyrin-based DNA binders, and synthetic ligands for biomarker detection. He has also pioneered research on mRNA-based platforms for vaccines and developed biosensors for early disease detection, including cardiovascular disorders and viral infections. Another focus of his research involves the synthesis of aptamers and ligands specific to overexpressed amino acids in disease states. His multidisciplinary approach blends organic chemistry, DNA structural biology, and clinical relevance. His recent innovations also include nanoparticle-coated fabrics for antibacterial protection, demonstrating his interest in real-world translational applications. Dr. Nagesh’s research is both foundational and futuristic, addressing pressing health challenges with novel scientific solutions.
Award and Honor🏆
Dr. Narayana Nagesh has earned widespread recognition for his exceptional scientific contributions. He was elected Fellow of the Telangana Academy of Sciences (FTAS) in 2022 and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in 2024—prestigious acknowledgments of his influence in the scientific community. He received the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Project (ISJRP) fellowship, facilitating international collaboration with the University of Neuchâtel. Earlier in his career, he was honored with the NAU-TRIF and ABRC awards in the USA during his postdoctoral tenure. Dr. Nagesh has received several travel fellowships and was invited to present his research at global platforms including the ACS National Meeting and international conferences on G-quadruplex DNA. Additionally, he serves on the executive committee of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), reflecting his impact on national science policy. His sustained record of excellence, leadership, and global collaboration underscore his stature as a leader in biomedical and chemical research.
Research Skill🔬
Dr. Nagesh possesses a robust skill set spanning synthetic organic chemistry, DNA-ligand interaction studies, molecular diagnostics, and biophysical analysis. He is adept at designing and synthesizing anticancer and DNA-interacting compounds, with a deep understanding of pharmacophore modeling and structure-activity relationships. His skills extend to developing biosensors, including electrochemical and optical sensing platforms for disease biomarkers like homocysteine and cysteine. He is also experienced in aptamer synthesis and RNA-based therapeutics, particularly mRNA vaccine design. Dr. Nagesh has demonstrated competence in high-throughput screening, molecular docking, and cell-based assays. His hands-on experience in G-quadruplex structural studies and interaction thermodynamics provides a rare blend of theoretical and practical expertise. With leadership in COVID-19 diagnostic operations and sensor development for cardiovascular diseases, his translational research skills are particularly strong. His comprehensive skill set enables him to seamlessly bridge basic chemistry with applied biomedicine, making him a multifaceted researcher of national and global relevance.
Conclusion💡
Dr. Narayana Nagesh demonstrates a stellar record of scientific excellence, translational research, and societal impact. His multidisciplinary work, impactful publications, leadership in national projects (e.g., COVID-19 testing and mRNA vaccine platforms), and international collaborations make him exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award.
🔹 His blend of academic rigor, innovation, mentorship, and national service exemplifies the spirit of the award.
🔹 His recognition as FRSC, FTAS, and active leadership across scientific and societal platforms further validate his eligibility.
Publications Top Noted✍
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Title: 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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Title: 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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Title: 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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Title: 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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Title: 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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Title: 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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Title: 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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Title: 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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Title: 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 …, Narayana Nagesh
Year: 2018
Citations: 84
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Title: 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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Title: 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, …, Narayana Nagesh
Year: 2014
Citations: 76
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Title: Ammonium ion at low concentration stabilizes the G-quadruplex formation by telomeric sequence
Authors: N Nagesh, D Chatterji
Year: 1995
Citations: 72
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Title: Halomonas glaciei sp. nov. isolated from fast ice of Adelie Land, Antarctica
Authors: G Reddy, P Raghavan, N Sarita, J Prakash, N Nagesh, D Delille, S Shivaji
Year: 2003
Citations: 71
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Title: Bcl-2 promoter sequence G-quadruplex interactions with three planar and non-planar cationic porphyrins: TMPyP4, TMPyP3, and TMPyP2
Authors: VH Le, N Nagesh, EA Lewis
Year: 2013
Citations: 68
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Title: Studies on the site and mode of TMPyP4 interactions with Bcl-2 promoter sequence G-Quadruplexes
Authors: N Nagesh, R Buscaglia, JM Dettler, EA Lewis
Year: 2010
Citations: 68
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Title: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new β-carboline-bisindole compounds as DNA binding, photocleavage agents and topoisomerase I inhibitors
Authors: J Kovvuri, B Nagaraju, VL Nayak, R Akunuri, MPN Rao, A Ajitha, …, N Nagesh
Year: 2018
Citations: 62
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Title: Magnetic bead-amplified voltammetric detection for carbohydrate antigen 125 with enzyme labels using aptamer-antigen-antibody sandwiched assay
Authors: M Sadasivam, A Sakthivel, N Nagesh, S Hansda, M Veerapandian, …
Year: 2020
Citations: 61
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Title: A dihydroindolizino indole derivative selectively stabilizes G-quadruplex DNA and down-regulates c-MYC expression in human cancer cells
Authors: N Nagesh, G Raju, R Srinivas, P Ramesh, MD Reddy, CR Reddy
Year: 2015
Citations: 61
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Title: BODIPY-based Ru(II) and Ir(III) organometallic complexes of avobenzone, a sunscreen material: potent anticancer agents
Authors: NNCYL Gajendra Gupta, Shirisha Cherukommu, Gunda Srinivas, Seon Woong Lee, …, N Nagesh
Year: 2018
Citations: 58
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Title: Synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrazole linked benzothiazole-β-naphthol derivatives as topoisomerase I inhibitors with DNA binding ability
Authors: B Nagaraju, J Kovvuri, CG Kumar, SR Routhu, MA Shareef, M Kadagathur, …, N Nagesh
Year: 2019
Citations: 51