Scientist Profile

Profile Details

Contact Details

Academic Qualifications:

  • BSc, MSc, PhD (Molecular Parasitology)

Address(O):

Dr. Md Atique Ahmed

Scientist D

ICMR- Regional Medical Research Centre, NE, Dibrugarh

About Profile

I am Dr. Md Atique Ahmed, Scientist D at ICMR-RMRCNE, Dibrugarh. My research is dedicated to advancing medical innovation through the development of low-cost, ultra-sensitive diagnostic assays and devices. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas, Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), and novel protein identification and expression studies, our division is at the forefront of revolutionizing diagnostic practices.

Area of Interest

Biotechnology, Molecular Diagnostics, Point of Care Diagnostics, CRISPR-Cas Technologies, Infectious diseases and malaria

Research Experience

Our lab specializes in utilizing advanced technologies to enhance diagnostic processes. We aim to transform disease detection and diagnosis by providing rapid, accurate, and cost-effective solutions. Our work is centered on improving early disease detection, enhancing patient outcomes, and contributing to global health efforts.

Our lab specializes in utilizing advanced technologies to enhance diagnostic processes. We are particularly focused on the development of point-of-care assays that provide rapid, accurate, and cost-effective solutions for disease detection. Our division is a leader in medical innovation, particularly in developing low-cost devices and applying CRISPR-Cas technology for diagnostic assay development. By leveraging the precision and versatility of the CRISPR-Cas system, we aim to revolutionize the detection and diagnosis of various diseases. Our goal is to improve early disease detection, enhance patient outcomes, and contribute to global health efforts through innovative diagnostic tools. Our work not only advances scientific knowledge but also has the potential to make a significant impact on public health by enabling more personalized and precise medical care.

Awards & Acheivements

ICMR-RMRCNE, Dibrugarh, and Meril Diagnostics Pvt Ltd have signed an MoA for the technology transfer of a CRISPR-Cas-based TB detection system developed by Dr Md Atique Ahmed & his team which has a turnaround time of ~3 hrs, this will add up to the efforts for TB elimination.

 

 

  • Technology transfer of a CRISPR-Cas-based TB detection system to Industry for commercialization (Meril Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd)
  • Excetionally meritorius scientist award (ICMR promotion from Scientist C to Scientist D)
  • DBT-Ramalingaswami Fellowship (2019-2024)
  • Post Doctoral Fellowship Kangwon National University (KNU), South Korea
  • Post Doctoral Fellowship Universiti of Malaya, Malaysia

Professional Experience

My background in molecular genetics has been enriched by extensive international experience. During my PhD and Postdoctoral research, I have worked on malaria-related molecular genetics projects across Malaysia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. This global exposure has provided me with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and innovations in the field. My expertise in molecular genetics and genomics informs my commitment to developing innovative diagnostic technologies.

Publications

  • Saif A, Baruah P, Wazid SW, Panigrahi A, Han JH, Ahmed MA, Quan FS. In silico comparative analysis of genetic diversity and natural selection of Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium vivax etramp11. 2 gene. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2025 Apr 1;129:105733.(IF: 2.9)
  • Mazigo E, Jun H, Lee WJ, Louis JM, Fitriana F, Syahada JH, Muh F, Lu F, Ahmed MA, Cha SH, Chun W. Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high-and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts. Parasites, hosts and diseases. 2025 Feb 25;63(1):57.
  • Jun H, Mazigo E, Lee W-J, Louis JM, Syahada JH, Fitriana F, Heo J, Kim Y, Kwon B, Muh F, Lu F, Ahmed MA, Lee SJ, Na S, Chun W, Park WS, Hong M, Han J-H, Kwon T-H, Lee S-U, Han E-T, Todd J, Manjurano A, Kidima W and Han J-H (2024) Estimation of PfRh5-based vaccine efficacy in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum patients from high-endemic areas of Tanzania using genetic and antigenicity variation screening. Front. Immunol. 15:1495513. (IF: 5.7)
  • Han JH, Lu F, Cheng Y, Ahmed MA. Identification and characterization of novel antigens of malarial parasites, volume II. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2024 Apr 15;14:1408366. (IF: 5.7)
  • Nguyen TK, Jun H, Louis JM, Mazigo E, Lee WJ, Youm HC, Shin J, Lungu DK, Kanyemba C, Ahmed MA, Muh F. Enhancing malaria detection in resource-limited areas: A high-performance colorimetric LAMP assay for Plasmodium falciparum screening. Plos one. 2024 Feb 9;19(2):e0298087. (IF: 3.752)
  • Lee SH, Chu KB, Kim MJ, Mao J, Eom GD, Yoon KW, Ahmed MA, Quan FS. Virus-like particle vaccine expressing the respiratory syncytial virus pre-fusion and G proteins confers protection against RSV challenge infection. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Feb 27;15(3):782. (IF: 5.4)
  • Eom GD, Chu KB, Kang HJ, Kim MJ, Yoon KW, Mao J, Lee SH, Ahmed MA, Moon EK, Quan FS. Protective mucosal and systemic immunity induced by virus-like particles expressing Toxoplasma gondii cyst wall protein. Plos one. 2023 Apr 27;18(4):e0283928. (IF: 3.752)
  • Ahmed MA, Baruah P, Saif A, Han JH, Al-Zharani M, Wazid SW, Alkahtani S, Patgiri SJ, Al-Eissa MS, Quan FS. In silico analysis reveals high levels of genetic diversity of Plasmodium Knowlesi Cell Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites (PkCelTOS) in clinical samples. Tropical medicine and infectious disease. 2023 Jul 26;8(8):380. (IF: 2.9)
  • Ahmed MA, Deshmukh GY, Zaidi RH, Saif A, Alshahrani MA, Wazid SW, Patgiri SJ, Quan FS. Identification, mapping, and genetic diversity of novel conserved cross-species epitopes of RhopH2 in Plasmodium knowlesi with Plasmodium vivax. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2022 Jan 13;11:810398. (IF: 5.7)
  • Nirmolia T, Ahmed MA, Sathishkumar V, Sarma NP, Bhattacharyya DR, Mohapatra PK, Bansal D, Bharti PK, Sehgal R, Mahanta J, Sultan AA. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum AMA-1 antigen from the Northeast Indian state of Tripura and comparison with global sequences: implications for vaccine development. Malaria Journal. 2022 Feb 22;21(1):62. (IF: 3.2)
  • Bin Dajem SM, Ahmed MA, Bohol FF, Wazid SW, Shafeai MI, Rudiny FH, Motaen AM, Morsy K, Alothaid H, Al-Qahtani AA. Genetic Diversity, Repeat Motifs, and Natural Selection at the C-Terminal Knob-Associated Histidine Rich Protein (KAHRP) of Plasmodium falciparum Clinical Samples from Saudi Arabia. Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2022 Mar 28;2022. (IF: 2.2)
  • Ahmed MA, Lu F, Cheng Y, Han JH. Identification and Characterization of Novel Antigens of Malarial Parasites. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2022 May 16;12:921027. (IF: 5.7)
  • Bin Dajem SM, Ahmed MA, Alghnnam FF, Alghannam SF, Deshmukh GY, Zaidi RH, Bohol MF, Salam SS, Wazid SW, Shafeai MI, Rudiny FH. Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Thrombospondin Related Anonymous Protein (TRAP) in Clinical Samples from Saudi Arabia. Genes. 2022 Jun 25;13(7):1149. (IF: 4.141)
  • Yoon KW, Chu KB, Kang HJ, Kim MJ, Eom GD, Mao J, Lee SH, Ahmed MA, Quan FS. Protection Induced by Vaccination with Recombinant Baculovirus and Virus-like Particles Expressing Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Protein 18. Vaccines. 2022 Sep 22;10(10):1588. (IF: 7.8)
  • Ahmed MA, Zaidi RH, Deshmukh GY, Saif A, Alshahrani MA, Salam SS, Elfaki MM, Han JH, Patgiri SJ, Quan FS. Genetic diversity and population genetic structure analysis of Plasmodium knowlesi thrombospondin-related apical merozoite protein (TRAMP) in clinical samples. Genes. 2022 Oct 25;13(11):1944. (IF: 4.141)
  • Kim MJ, Chu KB, Lee SH, Kang HJ, Yoon KW, Ahmed MA, Quan FS. Recombinant Vaccinia Virus expressing Plasmodium berghei apical membrane Antigen 1 or microneme protein enhances Protection against P. berghei Infection in mice. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2022 Nov 4;7(11):350. (IF: 2.9)
  • Patgiri SJ, Bhattacharyya DR, Bhowmick IP, Ahmed MA. Deciphering asymptomatic malaria – the missing link in India’s fight against the disease? Current Science. 2020 May 10:1333-4. (IF: 1.0)
  • Cheng Y, Wang B, Lu F, Ahmed MA, Han JH, Na SH, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Han ET. Identification and characterization of Pv50, a novel Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein. Parasites & vectors. 2019 Dec;12:1-1.
  • Ahmed MA, Quan FS. Plasmodium knowlesi clinical isolates from Malaysia show extensive diversity and strong differential selection pressure at the merozoite surface protein 7D (MSP7D). Malaria Journal. 2019 Dec;18:1-1.
  • Ahmed MA, Saif A, Quan FS. Diversity pattern of Plasmodium knowlesi merozoite surface protein 4 (MSP4) in natural population of Malaysia. PLoS One. 2019 Nov 21;14(11):e0224743.
  • Han JH, Cheng Y, Muh F, Ahmed MA, Cho JS, Nyunt MH, Jeon HY, Ha KS, Na S, Park WS, Hong SH. Inhibition of parasite invasion by monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor-like domain of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 paralog. Scientific Reports. 2019 Mar 7;9(1):3906.
  • Wong ML, Ahmed MA, Sulaiman WY, Manin BO, Leong CS, Quan FS, Chua TH, Drakeley C, Snounou G, Vythilingam I. Genetic diversity of zoonotic malaria parasites from mosquito vector and vertebrate hosts. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2019 Sep 1;73:26-32.
  • Ahmed MA, Kang HJ, Quan FS. Low levels of polymorphisms and negative selection in Plasmodum knowlesi Merozoite Surface Protein 8 in Malaysian isolates. The Korean journal of parasitology. 2019 Aug;57(4):445.
  • Cheng Y, Wang B, Lu F, Ahmed MA, Han JH, Na SH, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Han ET. Identification and characterization of Pv50, a novel Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein. Parasites & vectors. 2019 Dec;12:1-1.
  • Lu F, Ahmed MA, Xu S, Xu S, Han JH, Liu Q, Chen J, Zhu G, Zhou H, Cao J, Han ET. Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri in Chinese travelers: prevalence of novel genotypes of circumsporozoite protein in the African continent. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2019 Jun 1;70:9-14.
  • Han JH, Cheng Y, Muh F, Ahmed MA, Cho JS, Nyunt MH, Jeon HY, Ha KS, Na S, Park WS, Hong SH. Inhibition of parasite invasion by monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor-like domain of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 paralog. Scientific Reports. 2019 Mar 7;9(1):3906.
  • Ahmed MA, Chu KB, Quan FS. The Plasmodium knowlesi Pk41 surface protein diversity, natural selection, sub population and geographical clustering: a 6-cysteine protein family member. PeerJ. 2018 Dec 14;6:e6141.
  • Cheng Y, Wang B, Lu F, Han JH, Ahmed MA, Han ET. Immunological characterization of Plasmodium vivax Pv32, a novel predicted GPI-anchored merozoite surface protein. Malaria Journal. 2018 Dec;17:1-8.
  • Hoque MR, Elfaki MM, Ahmed MA, Lee SK, Muh F, Ali Albsheer MM, Hamid MM, Han ET. Diversity pattern of Duffy binding protein sequence among Duffy-negatives and Duffy-positives in Sudan. Malaria Journal. 2018 Dec;17:1-0.
  • Ahmed MA, Chu KB, Vythilingam I, Quan FS. Within-population genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium knowlesi merozoite surface protein 1 gene from geographically distinct regions of Malaysia and Thailand. Malaria Journal. 2018 Dec;17:1-2.
  • Ahmed MA, Fauzi M, Han ET. Genetic diversity and natural selection of Plasmodium knowlesi merozoite surface protein 1 paralog gene in Malaysia. Malaria Journal. 2018 Dec;17:1-1.
  • Ahmed MA, Lau YL, Quan FS. Diversity and natural selection on the thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) gene of Plasmodium knowlesi in Malaysia. Malaria Journal. 2018 Dec;17:1-1.
  • Muh F, Ahmed MA, Han JH, Nyunt MH, Lee SK, Lau YL, Kaneko O, Han ET. Cross-species analysis of apical asparagine-rich protein of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi. Scientific reports. 2018 Apr 10;8(1):5781.

Projects

List of Projects implemented:

1. Title: Development of rapid point of care diagnostics and drug resistance monitoring techniques for malaria in Northeast India using highly sensitive CRISPR based molecular tools.

  • Source of funding: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Ramalingaswami Re-entry fellowship
  • Amount: 54 Lakhs
  • Duration: 2019-2024

2. Title: Microbial Detection within minutes: Development of rapid, low-cost, ultra-sensitive, mobile app based CRISPR Technologies for detection of clinically important bacterial infections and drug resistance.

  • Source of funding: Department of Health Research (DHR)
  • Amount: 70.42 Lakhs.
  • Duration: 2022-2025

3. Title: Field deployable CRISPR technologies for rapid, ultra-sensitive detection of malaria transmission biomarkers and sub-microscopic asymptomatic cases.

  • Source of funding: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
  • Amount: 50 Lakhs.
  • Duration: 2021-2024

4. Title: Optimization and external validation of a CRISPR-Cas based tuberculosis detection system.

  • Source of funding: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
  • Amount: 30 Lakhs.
  • Duration: 6 months

Staff

Group Working under Dr. Md Atique Ahmed

  • Samina Rahman (Acsir Ph.D Scholar, August 2022 batch)
  • Badal Maharana (Acsir Ph.D Scholar, August 2022 batch)
  • Ngangbam Pushparani Devi (Acsir Ph.D Scholar, January 2023 batch)
  • Pratisthita Baruah (Acsir Ph.D Scholar, January 2024 batch)

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