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Have you previously received an FAOBMB Travel Fellowship? If yes, please indicate when.

-- No,

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Curriculum Vitae

Provide a brief CV showing education and research training, including any prizes or awards: (no more than one page)

Education:

• PhD (Research) : 1st year, Plant Biotechnology Laboratory (http://pbtlabdu.net), Department of

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, (2012)

Research Topic: Introgression of Ideal Plant Architecture (IPA) into salt tolerant rice landraces of

Bangladesh to enhance their yield potential: utilizing the complex regulation by small RNA,

• MS (Research) : 1st Class (69%), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Focusing genomics,

proteomics, bioinformatics, immunodiagnosis and agricultural biotechnology), Department of

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2008), University of Dhaka.

Thesis title: Microsatellite marker and sequence variability for determination of genetic diversity and

polymorphism in the red rice population of Bangladesh.

• BSc (Honours): 1st class (65%), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Department of Biochemistry and

Molecular Biology (2007), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Higher Secondary Certificate: 1st class (80.5%)Science, (2001), Holycross College, Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Secondary School Certificate: 1st class (86.5%)Science, (1999), Holycross Girls’ High School, Dhaka,

Bangladesh

Research Training:

• Research Associate, (September 2008 to June 2012.): Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dhaka University (Gene Expression Analysis, have expert

knowledge in regular molecular techniques, Evolutionary genetics analysis of rice landraces,

Characterization of NHX and Helicase gene, Providing guidance to graduate students, Building and

update of the READS promoter Database (http://pbtlabdu.net/READS

• Occupational Trainee, (June 2011 to November 2011): Computational proteomics Group, ANU College

of medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University. (Worked on sequence and

structure analysis of Rubisco and Rubisco Activase).

• Molecular Biologist and Bioinformatician, (January 2011 to May 2011): Basic and Applied Research

on Jute (BARJ) project, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute. (Worked on : Functional annotation of

putative genes and pathway analysis, Comparative analysis of transcriptome datasets, providing guidance

and training to researchers for NGS project.)

• Bioinformatician (January 2010 - December 2010): Swapnajaatra Genome Sequencing project,

Datasoft company, (Assembling NGS data, annotation, pathway analysis , Organeller genome analysis)

Important Training Courses and workshops/ conference attended:

• Chemical safety, Biological safety and Gene Technology Course, 2011, JCSMR, Australian National

University, Australia.

• Participated in Rice Annotation Project 6 (RAP6) workshop, 15th

November, 2009.

• GCP training workshop on Marker-assisted Breeding for Bangladesh with collaboration of IRRI, BRRI,

BINA and Dhaka University. held on 18th

to 27th

November, 2008

• BioVision Alexandria Conference 2012, Alexandria, Egypt

• 6th

International Rice Genetics Symposium and 7th

International Symposium on Rice Functional

Genomics held on 16th

to 19th

November, 2009 at Manila Hotel, The Philippines.

Awards received:

• Selected as TWAS/BVA.NXT 2012 fellow, April 2012, Alexandria, Egypt

• Fellowship for undertaking Occupational Training, June, 2011, ANU College of Medicine and

• Biology, Australian National University, Australia

• Participation with accomodation Grant from IRRI and USDA to attend the 6th

International Rice

Genetics Symposium , November 2009, The Philippines.

• Khandakar Mukaram Hossain Research fellowship by Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial

Research (BCSIR), 2009

• Rokeya Hall Scholarship for excellent result in BSc.

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List of Publications in International Journals* * Number all publications in international journals or book chapters, with earliest first and most

recent at the end. Provide the Impact Factor (IF) of the journal and indicate your contribution the

work described and the publication. Use as many pages as required. Follow the style in these

examples:

1. K.Y. Soo, J.D. Atkin, M.K. Horne and P. Nagley. Recruitment of mitochondria into

apoptotic signalling correlates with the presence of inclusions formed by amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis-associated SOD1 mutations. Journal of Neurochemistry 108, 578-590

(2009) (IF 4.337)

PN’s contribution to this work was......

2. A.W. Linnane, A. Baumer, R.J. Maxwell, C. Zhang and P. Nagley. Mitochondrial DNA

mutation: the ageing process and degenerative diseases. In New Horizons in Aging

Science: Proceedings of the Fourth Asia/Oceania Regional Congress of Gerontology, (H.

Orimo, Y. Fukuchi, K. Kuramoto and M. Iriki, eds.), University of Tokyo Press, pp. 85-

86 (1992)

***************** Peer Reviewed Research Articles:

1. S.M. Touhidul Islam,Rumana S. Tammi, Richard Malo, Mahzabin Amin, M. Sazzadur

Rahman, Sabrina M. Elias, Zeba I. Seraj . Constitutive expression of OsNHX1 under the

promoter Actin1D can improve the salt tolerance and yield characteristics of Bangladeshi

rice Binnatoa. Australian Journal of Crop Science, 329-335, November 2009. (IF: 1.63) (In the work

SME helped in some graphical analyses, editing and preparing the Manuscript for submission.)

2. Saima Shahid, Sabrina M. Elias, Sudip Biswas and Zeba I. Seraj , READS- a resource for plant

non-coding regulatory sequence analysis. Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, 20 (2):

211-223, 2010 (1st two authors have equal contributions) (ISSN 1817-3721) (SME performed the

database construction part and implemented the web interface for public access as well as helped in

manuscript writing, editing, reviewer’s response rebutting etc.)

3. Laisa A. Lisa, Sabrina M. Elias, M. Sazzadur Rahman, Saima Shahid, Tetsushi Iwasaki, A. K.

M.Mahbub Hasan, Keiko Kosuge, Yasuo Fukami and Zeba I. Seraj. Physiology and Gene

Expression of the Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Landrace Horkuch under Salt Stress, Functional Plant

Biology, 38: 282-292, 2011. (1st two authors have equal contributions) (IF: 2.929) (SME performed

the statistical analyses of the physiological study, the gene expression study and has a major contribution

in drafting, editing and generating conclusions for the manuscript as well as in responding to the

reviewers’ queries)

4. Sabrina M. Elias, A.K.M. Mahbub Hasan, Zeba I. Seraj, Microsatellite marker diversity and

sequence polymorphism in the red gene locus of indigenous rice populations of Bangladesh, Plant

Systematics and Evolution, DOI: 10.1007/s00606-011-0482-7, July, 2011 (IF:1.335) (SME has done the

experimental work as a part of her MS thesis and has also presented the work in an international

conference on Rice. The experimental work, analyses, writing and editing of the manuscript, as well as

responding to the reviewers’ queries were entirely done by SME with guidance from co-supervisor (AKM

MH) and supervisor (ZIS)).

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5. Mahzabin Amin, Sabrina M. Elias, Alamgeer Hossain, Aliya Ferdousi, , Md. Sazzadur Rahman, Narendra

Tuteja, Zeba I. Seraj..

Overexpression of a DEAD box helicase, PDH45, confers salinity tolerance to

rice. Molecular Breeding, Volume 30, Issue 1 (2012), Page 345-354, DOI 10.1007/s11032-011-9625-3 . (IF

:2.852) (SME performed the experimental work for gene expression analysis and statistical analyses of the

physiological screenings of transgenic lines, have major contribution in writing and editing the manuscript as

well as in rebutting the reviewers’ criticisms.)

Books

1. Ahmad Shamsul Islam (Editor), Sabrina M. Elias, Mustak Ibne Ayub, Sumaya Farah Khan (Subeditors),

“Bongshogotibidyar mulkotha o gene prokoushol” (The title can be translated as: “Principles of heredity and

genetic engineering” A text book written in Bangla Language for undergraduate plant science students),

September, 2011, Scholars Publication, Bangladesh. (SME contributed in chapters on genomics , proteomics as

well as in current scenario of biotechnology in Bangladesh related chapters)

Conference abstracts:

1. Overexpression of a DEAD box helicase, PDH45 confers salinity tolerance in genetic background of farmer

popular rice varieties. Mahzabin Amin, Sabrina M. Elias, Alamgeer Hossain, Tasnim Ahmed, Taslima Haque,

Aliya Ferdousi, Md. Sazzadur Rahman, Narendra Tuteza, Zeba I. Seraj, Abstract Book, Biovision Alexandria

Conference 2012, Alexandria, Egypt, April, 2012.

2. Computational Identification of stress inducible promoter Saima Shahid, Taslima Haque, Saddam Raj ,

Sabrina M. Elias, Zohirul A. Tiemoon, Shabnam Zaman, Farjana Khatun, Fokhruz Zaman, Zeba I. Seraj

Abstract Book, 3rd

Congress of Young Bangladeshi Biotechnologists, Shahjalal University of Science and

Technology, Sylhet, March, 2012.

3. Microsatellite Marker And Sequence Variability For determination Of Genetic Diversity And

Polymorphism In The Red Rice Populations Of Bangladesh. Sabrina M. Elias, Mahbub Hasan, Zeba I. Seraj

, Poster No. P8-16, pg 207, 6th

rice genetics symposium proceeding abstract book, The Philippines, November

2009

Manuscript submitted

1. Sabrina M. Elias, Rokeya Begum, Md. Sazzadur Rahman, Md. Muntasir Ali and Zeba I. Seraj. Possible

relationship of highly polymorphic SSR loci with the phenotype of a farmer-developed variant within a

field of high-yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) , Submitted to Rice , July, 2012

2. Tasnim Ahmed, S.M. Ashiqul Islam, Kashfia Faruque, Md. Sazzadur Rahman, Sabrina M. Elias and Zeba I.

Seraj. Suitability of the In Planta transformation method for tissue culture unresponsive indica rice

cultivars. Submitted to Biologia plantarum, July, 2012

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Abstract

Indicate below the abstract that is submitted by you for presentation at the YSP and the

FAOBMB Congress in Bangkok (include all authors, affiliation(s) and the text of the

abstract)

*************************************************************************** Vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter overexpression for salt tolerance: A complex regulation in rice.

Sabrina M. Elias1, Richard Malo

1, U. S. Mahzabin Amin

1, Sudip Biswas

1, Touhid Omar

1, Farhana Nazneen

1,

Saima Shahid1, Taslima Haque1 and Zeba I. Seraj1*

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

*Corresponding author's email : zebai@univdhaka.edu

Key Words: OsNHX1, antiporter, Binnatoa, Vacuolar, salt stress.

Abstract

The vacuolar Na+/H

+ antiporter has been shown to alleviate saline stress by sequestering Na

+ in both WT

Arabidopsis and rice and when overexpressed in many transgenic crops. The level of salt tolerance conferred in

transgenics has been substantial in dicots like tomato and Brassica but only moderate in cereals like wheat and

rice. Overexpression of the Nipponbare Na+/H

+ antiporter 1.9 kb cDNA (including the partial 5' UTR truncated

at the 5′end and without the 460 bp 3′UTR) in the rice landrace Binnatoa (BA), conferred moderate salt

tolerance which correlated well with the transcript levels at the seedling stage. Transformation of rice was with

the cDNA corresponding to OsNHX1 transcript 2 (2394 bp), but not with transcript 1 (2265 bp) or transcript 3

(1820 bp). Transfer of the transgene into the high yielding farmer-popular background genome of BRRI dhan28

and BRRI dhan45 by cross-breeding, however lowered the level of tolerance originally obtained, despite

production of comparable levels of the NHX1 protein in Western blots. In another transformation event cloning

of the full cDNA of transcript2 including full 5´ UTR, 3´UTR and coding region in Binnatoa showed better

tolerance to salt stress emphasizing the importance of the 3´UTR in salt tolerance. The higher level of tolerance

found in the control Pokkali, wild type BA and transgenic BA could be correlated with the levels of transcript 3

having a truncated 3´ UTR sequence, which was absent in WT and transgenic BRRI dhan28 and BRRI dhan45.

Transcript 3 lacks the nucleotides coding for the C-terminal regulatory domain responsible for increasing Na+/H

+

antiport activity and increasing Na+ selectivity

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Personal Statement

Indicate briefly here your Research Interests and Career Goals, why you are interested

to participate in the YSP Program (including what you will bring to the YSP and what you hope to gain from it): (no more than one page)

***************************************************************************

Life science always fascinates me with its mysterious mechanisms and regulations taking place inside all living

organisms. Undergraduate study in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has given me the opportunity to

understand and investigate some of these mechanisms in depth and I feel fortunate being part of the ongoing

human efforts deciphering the mysteries of life. My current research of interest is in understanding the

mechanism of salt tolerance of plants. It’s very wonderful to note how some plants can survive the crucial

environment while some others not. What if the processes conferring this mechanism of tolerance can be

transferred to an important food crop that cannot survive the salty environment and dies charging a critical food

crisis for human. Currently I am trying to understand this mechanism from aspects of two important genes as

well as with studies from transcriptional profiling. Integrating the computational tools to understand this network

is an excellent and quick way to have glimpse of the possible mechanisms. A marriage of Biology to computer

science is mandatory for the future life science and I have interest on use of easy scripting languages and

computational tools to understand the life.

Working on finding solution for food crops under abiotic stress has given me the opportunity to implement the

knowledge I gathered which is also crucial for climatically challenged Bangladesh to ensure future food security.

Besides I have worked in a national genome sequencing project which trained me novel approaches and

advanced knowledge to deal with high throughput genome data. Working with the computational proteomics

group at Australian National University for six months has given me an excellent opportunity to utilize modern

techniques and exchanging ideas in a multinational environment. I have just started my Doctoral study in

University of Dhaka, so that I can work with the natural resources of my own country. Rice is the staple of food

in Bangladesh and it is important to develop rice varieties that is adaptable with this climate as well as gives

better yield. Gaining the opportunity to perform world class research in a developing country like Bangladesh

has increased my confidence as well as keenness to acquire more knowledge and implement that for betterment

of humankind through applied research endeavours.

In the current time developing countries like mine are facing serious lacking of brain power due to brain drain. I

believe it is important to work with our own resources. To develop such kind of skills and to keep pace with the

current advanced scientific researches it is important to build network with the researchers in other countries. On

this purpose this kind of programs specially acknowledging the role of young researchers are very useful and

beneficiary. As a representative of my country and research I believe I will be able to acquire the core outcome

from this kind of scientific discussion which will help me to develop new ideas, designing new schemes to

implement my research for the broader community. At the same time, I believe my participation and contribution

as a young researcher along with other scientists will also fulfil the goal of YSP-FAOBMB program

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Attachments:

• Letters of recommendation from two referees.

Submission methods: You can apply in either of two ways:

• by sending an email with scanned attachments to the Chair of the FAOBMB Fellowship

Committee, Prof. Piamsook Pongsawasdi:

piamsook.p@chula.ac.th or piamsook.p@gmail.com

This is the preferred method. If using this method, please assemble the Application Form and

the Attachments into a single PDF file.

• by sending a hard copy of the application form and supporting documents to:

Professor Piamsook Pongsawasdi,

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science,

Chulalongkorn University,

Bangkok 10330, Thailand.

Closing Date: Applications must be received by 31 July, 2012 (Bangkok time, GMT + 7 Hours).

Applicants will be notified by email of the decision of the Committee by no later than 15 September,

2012.