32 h-Index

51 i10-Index

3,420 Citations

Dr. Amul J. Sakharkar

Assistant Professor (UGC-FRP)
Fellow, Indian Academy of Neurosciences

Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
amul.sakharkar@unipune.ac.in | amulsakharkar@gmail.com
Phone: (+91) 020 2562 2233

At SPPU: Since 2015

Assistant Professor (2010–2015): University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

Post-doctoral Research Associate (2007–2010): University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

Post-doctoral Fellow (2006–2007): Pennington Biomedical Research Center, USA

Ph.D. Biochemistry (2001–2006): R.S.T.M. Nagpur University, India

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The laboratory is engaged in investigating the molecular underpinnings of the neural functions, such as decision-making, risky behavior and reward processing. The major focus of the lab remains to understand the epigenetic basis of neuroadaptations due to experience and how it manifest into the behavior. In addition, a project in the lab probes the involvement of gut microbes in shaping the neural circuits of emotion through epigenetic remodeling.

Research Focus & Thrust Areas

Neuroepigenetics of Addiction & Anxiety

Understanding how chromatin remodeling, histone deacetylases (HDACs), and DNA methylation in the extended amygdala regulate anxiety-like behavior, alcohol drinking, and rapid tolerance.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Elucidating the role of epigenetic regulation (DNMT3b, HDACs, TET1) in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and cognitive deficits.

Neuropeptidergic Circuitry

Exploring CART peptide, Neuropeptide Y (NPY), and Orexinergic pathways in the lateral hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens during reward, reinforcement, and stress response.

Gut-Brain Axis & Psychobiotics

Investigating how intestinal microbial diversity and gut epigenetic remodeling modulate amygdaloid function and traumatic stress-induced anxiety disorders.

Extramural Research Grants

Total Funding: ₹2.8+ Cr. (India since 2016)

Funding Agency	Project Title	Duration	Outlay (INR)
SERB, GOI	Novel role for GABAergic neurotransmission in epigenetic regulation of neuropeptidergic system in lateral hypothalamus during reward and reinforcement	2023 - Ongoing	₹55,60,000
RUSA, GOI	An interdisciplinary approach for psychobiotics development towards the management of anxiety disorders	2020 - Ongoing	₹32,00,000
SERB, GOI	Understanding the role of PRMT4 mediated Neuropeptide Y gene regulation in the amygdala during Reward and Reinforcement	2022 - 2025	₹48,72,000
SERB, GOI	Role of chromatin remodelling in the regulation of cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CARTp) during reward and reinforcement	2021 - 2024	₹70,40,000
SERB, GOI	A role for DNA methylation in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in hippocampus	2018 - 2022	₹64,70,000
CSIR, GOI	Role of histone acetylation-mediated regulation of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) gene function in learning and memory	2018 - 2020	₹12,00,000
IBRO, Switzerland	IBRO-School of Neuroscience	2018 - 2019	₹12,00,000
S. P. Pune University	Effects of social isolation stress (SIS) on mitochondrial DNA methylation and downstream gene expression in the hippocampus of rats	2016 - 2018	₹2,75,000
UGC, GOI	UGC – Start-up Research Grant	2015 - 2017	₹6,00,000

Publications in Peer-Reviewed International Journals

Sagarkar S, Rotti D, Raykar S, Upadhye GA, Sakharkar AJ*. (2025) Histone arginine methylation regulates neuropeptide Y expression in basolateral amygdala to promote reward seeking behavior. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 45:92. (ISSN: 0893-7648) (Impact Factor = 7.4).
Pawar N, Dudhabhate BB, Borade V, Sahare DK. Bhute YV, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM, Sakharkar AJ*. (2024) CREB-Binding Protein Regulates Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Peptide Expression in the Lateral Hypothalamus: Implication in Reward and Reinforcement. Mol Neurobiol 62(2):1388-1403. (ISSN: 0893-7648) (Impact Factor = 5.5).
Jadhav G, Dudhabhate B, Kokare DM, Sakharkar AJ*. (2023) Gut Microbiota Regulates Epigenetic Remodelling in the Amygdala: A Role in Repeated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (rMTBI)-Induced Anxiety. Molecular Neurobiology (DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03697-x). (ISSN: 0893-7648) (Impact Factor = 5.5).
Kulkarni PG, Balasubramanian N, Manjrekar R, Banerjee T, Sakharkar A*. (2023) DNA methylation-mediated Mfn2 gene regulation in the brain: A role in brain trauma-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and memory deficits. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology 43:3479-3495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-023-01358-0. (ISSN: 0893-7648) (Impact Factor = 7.4).

Suryavanshi H, Chabukswar A, Meshram R, Waghmare P, Jagdale S, Sakharkar A, Patil V, Navin J (2025) Design, Synthesis, and Inhibitory Activity of Benzimidazole-2-thiol Derivatives on SHSY-5Y Neuroblastoma Cancer Cell Line. ChemistrySelect 10, e06047. (ISSN: 2365-6549) (Impact Factor = 2.3).
Shetye K, Sagarkar S, Shewale S, Sakharkar A, Bhargava S, Ashma R. (2025) Photoperiod-dependent expression of ‘Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide’ and ‘Neuropeptide Y’ in the brain of anuran Minervarya syhadrensis. General and Comparative Endocrinology 373: 114820. (ISSN: 0016-6480) (Impact Factor = 1.7).
Sagarkar S, Bhat N, Sapre M, Dudhabhate B, Kokare DM, Subhedar NK, Sakharkar AJ*. (2022) TET1-induced DNA demethylation in dentate gyrus is important for reward conditioning and reinforcement. Molecular Neurobiology 59:5426-5442. (ISSN: 0893-7648) (Impact Factor = 5.5).
Choudhary AG, Awathale SN, Dudhabhate BB, Pawar N, Jadhav G; Upadhya M, Khedkar T, Gadhikar YA, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. (2024) Response of the nitrergic system in the brain of rat conditioned to intracranial self-stimulation. J Neurochem 168:1402-1419. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.16090. (ISSN: 1471-4159) (Impact Factor = 4.2).
Hadawale KN, Shewale SA, Shetye KC, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*, Bhargava SY. (2022) Reproductive phase related variations in the expression of neuropeptide, cocaine- and amphetamine- regulated transcript (CART) in the brain and pituitary gland of adult male Microhyla ornate. Neuroscience Letters 786: 136783. (ISSN: 0304-3940) (Impact Factor = 3.197).
Kulkarni PG, Sakharkar AJ* and Banerjee T. (2022) Understanding the role of nACE2 in neurogenic hypertension among COVID-19 patients. Hypertension Research 45:254-269. (ISSN 1348-4214 (online) ISSN 0916-9636 (print)) (Impact Factor = 4.3).
Awathale SN, Waghade AM, Kawade HM, Jadhav G, Choudhary AG, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar NK and Kokare DM. (2022) Neuroplastic Changes in the Superior Colliculus and Hippocampus in Self-rewarding Paradigm: Importance of Visual Cues. Molecular Neurobiology 59: 890–915. (ISSN: 0893-7648) (Impact Factor = 5.6).
Balasubramanian N., Jadhav G., Sakharkar AJ*. (2021) Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries perturb the mitochondrial biogenesis via DNA methylation in the hippocampus of rat. Mitochondrion 61:11-24. (ISSN: 1567-7249) (Impact Factor = 4.0).
Sagarkar S., Choudhary A.G., Balasubramanian N., Awathale S., Somalwar A., Kokare DM, Subhedar, N., Sakharkar, AJ.* (2021) LSD1-BDNF activity in lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle area is essential for reward seeking behavior. Progress in Neurobiol 202:102048. (ISSN: 0301-0082) (Impact Factor = 11.7).
Balasubramanian N, Sagarkar S, Jadhav M, Shahi N, Sirmaur R, Sakharkar AJ*.* (2021) Role for histone deacetylation in traumatic brain injury-induced deficits in neuropeptide Y in arcuate nucleus: Possible implications in feeding behaviour. Neuroendocrinology. 111(12):1187-1200. (ISSN: 0028-3835) (Impact Factor = 4.91).
Balasubramanian N, Sagarkar S, Choudhary AG, Kokare DM, Sakharkar AJ*.* (2021) Epigenetic blockade of hippocampal SOD2 via DNMT3b-mediated DNA methylation: Implications in mild traumatic brain injury-induced persistent oxidative damage. Molecular Neurobiology 58(3), 1162-1184. (ISSN: 0893-7648) (Impact Factor = 5.6).
Kale S, Sarode LP, Kharat A, Ambulkar S, Prakash A, Sakharkar AJ*, Ugale RR. (2021) Protocatechuic Acid Prevents Early Hour Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Damage by Restoring Imbalance of Neuronal Cell Death and Survival Proteins. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases. 30:1055071. (ISSN: 1052-3057) (Impact Factor = 1.7).
Vijayalaxmi, Sakharkar AJ*, Ganesh CB. (2020) Leucine-enkephalin-immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Neuropeptides 81:101999 doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101999. (ISSN: 0143-4179) (Impact Factor = 3.3).
Matharu D, Dhotre D, Balasubramanian N, Pawar N, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*.* (2020) Repeated mild traumatic brain injury affects microbial diversity in the rat jejunum. Journal of Biosciences 44:120. (ISSN: 0250-5991) (Impact Factor = 1.8).
Somalwar AR, Choudhary AG, Nagalaksmi B, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. (2020) Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide promotes reward seeking behavior in socially isolated rats. Brain Research 1728:146595. (ISSN: 0006-8993) (Impact Factor = 3.3).
Upadhya MA, Upadhya HM, Borkar CD, Choudhary AG, Singh U, Chavan P, Sakharkar A, Singru P, Subhedar NK, Kokare D. (2020) Nicotine-induced brain stimulation reward is modulated by melanocortin-4 receptors in ovariectomized rats. Neuroscience 431:205-221. (ISSN: 0306-4522) (Impact Factor = 3.6).
Sakharkar AJ*, Kyzar EJ, Gavin DP, Zhang H, Chen Y, Krishnan HR, Grayson DR, Pandey SC. (2019) Altered amygdala DNA metylation mechanisms after adolescent alcohol exposure contribute to adult anxiety and alcohol drinking. Neuropharmacology 157:107679. (ISSN: 0028-3908) (Impact Factor = 5.3).
Balasubramanian N, Srivastava A, Pawar N, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*.* (2019) Repeated mild traumatic brain injury induces persistent variations in mitochondrial DNA copy number in mesocorticolimbic neurocircuitry of the rat. Neuroscience Research 155:34-42. (ISSN: 0168-0102) (Impact Factor = 3.3).
Hadawale KN, Sawant NS, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*, Bhargava SY. (2019) Sex-specific distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the brain of the frog, Microhyla ornate. Neuropeptides 74: 1-10. (ISSN: 0143-4179) (Impact Factor = 3.3).
Borkar CD, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. (2019) Neuropeptide CART prevents memory loss attributed to withdrawal of nicotine following chronic treatment in mice. Addiction Biology 24(1):51-64. (ISSN: 1369-1600) (Impact Factor = 4.3).
Singh O, Pradhan DR, Nagalakashmi B, Kumar S, Mitra S, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*, Lechan RM, Singru PS. (2019) Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the brain and pituitary of the teleost, Clarias batrachus and its role in regulation of hypophysiotropic dopamine neurons. J Comp Neurol. 527(6):1070-1101. (ISSN: 1096-9861) (Impact Factor = 3.2).
Berkel TDM, Zhang H, Teppen T, Sakharkar A, Pandey SC. (2019) Essential role of histone methyltransferase G9a in rapid tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of alcohol. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 22: 292-302. (ISSN: 1461-1457) (Impact Factor = 5.2).
Sagarkar S, Nagalakshmi B, Mishra S, Choudhary A, Kokare DM, Sakharkar AJ*.* (2019) Repeated mild traumatic brain injury causes persistent changes in histone deacetylase function in hippocampus: Implications in learning and memory deficits in rats. Brain Research 1711:183-192. (ISSN: 0006-8993) (Impact Factor = 3.3).
Somalwar AR, Choudhary AG, Sharma PR, B N, Sagarkar S, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. (2018) Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) induced reward behavior is mediated via Gi/o dependent phosphorylation of PKA/ERK/CREB pathway. Behav Brain Res. 348:9-21. (ISSN: 0166-4328) (Impact Factor = 3.3).
Borkar C, Bharne A, B Nagalakshmi, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar N, Kokare D. (2018) Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) alleviates MK-801 induced schizophrenic dementia-like symptoms. Neuroscience 375:94-107. (ISSN: 0306-4522) (Impact Factor = 3.6).
Choudhary AG, Somalwar AR, Sagarkar S, Rale A, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar NK, Kokare M. (2017) CART neurons in the lateral hypothalamus communicate with the nucleus accumbens shell via glutamatergic neurons in paraventricular thalamic nucleus and modulate reward behaviour. Brain Structure and Function 223:1313-1328. (ISSN: 1863-2653) (Impact Factor = 3.3).
Kokare DM, Kyzar EJ, Zhang H, Sakharkar AJ*, Pandey SC. (2017) Adolescent alcohol exposure-induced changes in alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and neuropeptide Y pathways via histone acetylation in the brain during adulthood. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 20(9):758-768. (ISSN: 1469-5111) (Impact Factor = 5.2).
Sagarkar S, Bhamburkar T, Chaudhary A, Shelkar G, Kokare M, Sakharkar AJ*.* (2017) Minimal traumatic brain injury causes persistent changes in DNA methylation at BDNF gene promoters in the amygdala of rat: A possible role in anxiety-like behaviors. Neurobiology of Disease 106:101-109. (ISSN: 0969-9961) (Impact Factor = 7.0).
Sagarkar S, Mahajan S, Choudhary A, Borkar CD, Kokare DM, Sakharkar AJ*.* (2017) Traumatic stress-induced persistent changes in DNA methylation regulate neuropeptide Y expression in rat jejunum. Neurogastroenterology and Motility 29:e13074. (ISSN: 1365-2982) (Impact Factor = 3.8).
Kyzar EJ, Zhang H, Sakharkar AJ*, Pandey SC (2017) Adolescent alcohol exposure alters lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1) expression and histone methylation in the amygdala during adulthood. Addiction Biology 22(5):1191-1204. (ISSN: 1369-1600) (Impact Factor = 5.6).
Sakharkar AJ*, Zhang H, Vetreno RP, Kokare DM, Crews FT, Pandey SC. (2016) A role for histone acetylation mechanisms in adolescent alcohol exposure-induced deficits in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and neurogenesis in adulthood. Brain Structure and Function 221:4691-4703. (ISSN: 1863-2653) (Impact Factor = 4.2).
Sagarkar S, Gandhi D, Saravana Devi S, Sakharkar A, Kapley A. (2016) Atrazine exposure causes mitochondrial toxicity in liver and muscle cell lines. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 48:200-207. (ISSN: 0253-7613) (Impact Factor = 0.9).
Teppen TL, Krishnan HR, Zhang H, Sakharkar AJ*, Pandey SC. (2016) Alcohol-induced anxiolysis is mediated through inhibition of microRNA-494 expression in the amygdala. Biological Psychiatry 80(9):711-719. (ISSN: 0006-3223) (Impact Factor = 11.98).
Pandey SC, Sakharkar AJ*, Tang L, Zhang H. (2015) Potential role of adolescent alcohol exposure-induced amygdaloid histone modifications in anxiety and alcohol intake during adulthood. Neurobiology of Disease 82:607-619. (ISSN: 0969-9961) (Impact Factor = 7.0).
Krishnan HR, Sakharkar AJ*, Teppen T, Berkel TDM, Pandey SC. (2014) The Epigenetic Landscape of Alcoholism. International Review of Neurobiology 115:75-116. (ISBN: 978-0-12-801311-3) (Impact Factor = 2.5).
Zhang X, Kusumo H, Sakharkar AJ*, Pandey SC, Guizzetti M. (2014) Regulation of DNA methylation by ethanol induces tissue plasminogen activator expression in astrocytes. Journal of Neurochemistry 128:344-349. (ISSN: 1471-4159) (Impact Factor = 4.7).
You C, Zhang H, Sakharkar AJ*, Teppen T, Pandey SC. (2014) Reversal of deficits in dendritic spines, BDNF, and Arc expression in the amygdala during alcohol dependence by HDAC inhibitor treatment. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 17:313-322. (ISSN: 1469-5111) (Impact Factor = 4.7).
Sakharkar AJ*, Zhang H, Tang L, Baker K, Shi G, Moonat S, Pandey SC. (2014b) Effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on amygdaloid histone acetylation and neuropeptide Y expression: A role in anxiety-like and alcohol drinking behaviours. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 17:1207-1220. (ISSN: 1469-5111) (Impact Factor = 4.7).
Sakharkar AJ*, Tang L, Zhang H, Chen Y, Grayson D, Pandey SC. (2014a) Effects of acute ethanol exposure on anxiety measures and epigenetic modifiers in the extended amygdala of adolescent rats. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 17:2057-2067. (ISSN: 1469-5111) (Impact Factor = 4.7).
Moonat S, Sakharkar AJ*, Zhang H, Tang L, Pandey SC. (2013) Aberrant histone deacetylase2-mediated histone modifications and synaptic plasticity in the amygdala predisposes to anxiety and alcoholism. Biological Psychiatry 73:763-773. (ISSN: 0006-3223) (Impact Factor = 11.98).
Arora DS, Nimitvilai S, Teppen TL, McElvain MA, Sakharkar AJ*, You C, Pandey SC, Brodie MS. (2013) Hyposensitivity to gamma-aminobutyric acid in the ventral tegmental area during alcohol withdrawal: reversal by histone deacetylase inhibitors. Neuropsychopharmacology 38:1674-1684. (ISSN: 1740-634X) (Impact Factor = 6.4).
Starkman BG, Sakharkar AJ*, Pandey SC. (2012) Epigenetics-Beyond the genome in alcoholism. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews – Official Journal of National Institutes of Health, USA -National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH-NIAAA, USA) 34:293-305. (ISSN: 1930-0573) (NIH-NIAAA Journal).
Sakharkar AJ*, Tang L, Zhang H, Shi G, Pandey SC. (2012) Histone deacetylases (HDAC)-induced chromatin remodeling in the amygdala: A role in rapid tolerance to anxiolytic effects of alcohol. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 36:61-71. (ISSN: 1530-0277) (Impact Factor = 3.2).
Kalinin S, Polak PE, Lin SX, Sakharkar AJ*, Pandey SC, Feinstein DL. (2012) The noradrenaline precursor L-DOPS reduces pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiology of Aging 33:1651-1663. (ISSN: 0197-4580) (Impact Factor = 5.1).
Moonat S, Sakharkar A, Zhang H, Pandey SC. (2011) The role of amygdaloid brain-derived neurotrophic factor, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein and dendritic spines in anxiety and alcoholism. Addiction Biology 16:238-550. (ISSN: 1369-1600) (Impact Factor = 5.6).
Zhang H, Sakharkar AJ*, Shi G, Ugale R, Prakash A, Pandey SC. (2010) Neuropeptide Y signaling in the central nucleus of amygdala regulates alcohol-drinking and anxiety-like behaviors of alcohol-preferring rats. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 34:451-461. (ISSN: 1530-0277) (Impact Factor = 3.2).
Moonat S, Starkman BG, Sakharkar A, Pandey SC. (2010) Neuroscience of alcoholism: molecular and cellular mechanisms. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 67:73-88. (ISSN: 1420-9071) (Impact Factor = 9.26).
Sakharkar AJ*, Mazumdar M, Singru PS, Subhedar N. (2008) Neurosecretory neurons of the nucleus preopticus (NPO) express salmon GnRH mRNA and show reproduction phase-related variation in the female Indian major carp, Cirrhinus cirrhosus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology-Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 151:247-252. (ISSN: 1095-6433) (Impact Factor = 2.6).
Pan W, Hsuchou H, He Y, Sakharkar A, Cain C, Yu C, Kastin AJ. (2008) Astrocyte leptin receptor (ObR) and leptin transport in adult-onset obese mice. Endocrinology 149:2798-2806. (ISSN: 1945-7170) (Impact Factor = 4.5).
Singru PS, Sakharkar AJ*, Mazumdar M, Subhedar N. (2007b) Neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in forebrain, pineal, and pituitary of Oreochromis mossambicus (Tilapia). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 33:297-309. (ISSN: 1573-5168) (Impact Factor = 1.7).
Singru PS, Mazumdar M, Sakharkar AJ*, Lechan RM, Thim L, Clausen JS, Subhedar N. (2007a) Immunohistochemical localization of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (54-102) in the brain of the catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). Journal of Comparative Neurology 502:215-235. (ISSN: 1096-9861) (Impact Factor = 3.4).
Mazumdar M, Sakharkar AJ*, Singru PS, Subhedar N. (2007) Reproduction phase-related variations in the neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity in olfactory system, forebrain and pituitary of the female catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). Journal of Comparative Neurology 504:450-469. (ISSN: 1096-9861) (Impact Factor = 3.4).
Sakharkar AJ*, Singru PS, Mazumdar M, Subhedar N. (2006) Reproduction phase-related expression of β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity in the nucleus lateralis tuberis of the female Indian major carp Cirrhinus mrigala: correlation with LH cells-ovary axis. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 18:319-329. (ISSN: 1365-2826) (Impact Factor = 3.4).
Mazumdar M, Lal B, Sakharkar AJ*, Deshmukh M, Singru PS, Subhedar N. (2006) Involvement of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors in the regulation of LH and GH cells in the pituitary of the catfish, Clarias batrachus: an immunocytochemical study. General and Comparative Endocrinology 149:190-196. (ISSN: 0016-6480) (Impact Factor = 2.5).
Mazumdar M, Singru P, Sakharkar AJ*, Deshmukh M, Subhedar N. (2005) Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) immunoreactivity in the forebrain and pituitary of the teleost, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 31:173-176. (ISSN: 1573-5168) (Impact Factor = 1.7).
Sakharkar AJ*, Singru P, Subhedar N. (2005b) Reproduction phase-related variations in the GnRH immunoreactive fibers in the pineal of Indian major carp Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 31:163-166. (ISSN: 1573-5168) (Impact Factor = 1.7).
Sakharkar AJ*, Singru PS, Sarkar K, Subhedar N. (2005a) Neuropeptide Y in the forebrain of the adult male cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus: Distribution, effects of castration and testosterone replacement. Journal of Comparative Neurology 489:148-165. (ISSN: 1096-9861) (Impact Factor = 3.4).
Singru PS, Sakharkar AJ*, Subhedar N. (2003) Neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the olfactory system of an adult teleost fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Brain Research 977:157-168. (ISSN: 0006-8993) (Impact Factor = 3.1).

Sequence Submissions

DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) Submissions: 9 sequence submissions mapping mRNA for Microhyla ornata (Neuropeptide Y, GnRH, CART 1/2, nucleobindin 2) and Clarias batrachus (Pro-thyrotropin-releasing hormone, beta-actin) spanning 2017-2018.

Lab Mentorship & Alumni Placement

Current Lab Members

Ongoing Ph.D. Scholars

Namrata Pawar

(2021-26) - SRF (ICMR)
Submitted

Vaishnavi Borade

(2022-Ongoing)
SRF (MJ-SRF)

Trainees & Interns (2025-26)

Nupur Kale

M.Sc. Biotech

Prarona Sikdar

M.Sc. Biotech

Samruddhi Avhad

M.Sc. Biotech

Diksha Londhe

M.Sc. Biotech

Navinya Birje

B.Sc. Biotech

Shambhavi Nirmal

B.Sc. Biotech

Gayatri Kappe

B.Sc. Biotech

Aditya Subhedar

B.Tech CS & Eng.

Lab Alumni (Past Members)

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Dr. Sneha Sagarkar - Scientist D, DYPU Pune

Ph.D. Awarded

Dr. B. Nagalakshmi (2016-2020) - Postdoctoral Fellow, Iowa University, USA
Dr. Prakash Kulkarni (2018-2024) - Senior Research Fellow, Reliance Life Sciences, Mumbai
Dr. Gouri Jadhav (2020-2025) - Ph.D. Awarded

M.Sc. Alumni (35 Completed Projects)

Shruti Mishra (2015-16) - BARC, Mumbai
Priyanka Raina (2015-16) - Reddy’s Discovery Program, Hyderabad
Tanmayi Bhamburkar (2015-16) - Venky’s Research, Pune
Namrata Pawar (2016-17) - PhD, SPPU
Meha Jadhav (2016-17) - University of Konstanz, Germany
Richa Sirmaur (2017-18) - IISc, Bangalore
Abhinav Srivastava (2017-18) - NISER, Bhubaneswar
Sananda Biswas (2018-19) - IISc, Bangalore
Navneet Shahi (2018-19) - IISc, Bangalore
Vaidehi Rajguru (2018-19) - CCMB, Hyderabad
Sagarika Das (2019-20) - IIT, Kharagpur
Bhaskarjyoti Giri (2019-20) - IIT, Kharagpur
Bhagyashri Bhoir (2019-20)
Apurva Sonawane (2020-21) - Industry
Pratik Gawali (2020-21) - NIV Pune
Neha Sapkal (2020-21) - PhD, Max Planck Institute, Florida, USA
Sachit Chaubey (2021-22) - Allen Institute
Sneha Sapkal (2021-22) - RARI, Pune
Sai Kulkarni (2021-22) - MIT, Boston, USA
Deepa Bam (2021-22) - DPS School; Dubai
Smruti Sahoo (2022-23) - JNCASR, Bangalore
Shivani Havaldar (2022-23) - Max Planck Florida Institute of Neuroscience
Darshna Pandey (2022-23) - ICGEB, New Delhi
Janhvi Navin (2022-23) - IISc, Bangalore
Aadesh Kapadne (2022-23) - NCCS, Pune
Harshita Pandey (2023-24)
Vaishnavi Kamble (2023-24) - NBRC, Bangalore
Pragya Singh (2024-25) - BHU Varanasi
Abhilasha Chaware (2024-25)
Rashi Kumari (2024-25) - CDFD Hyderabad
Nikita Gaikwad (2024-25) - SPPU, Pune
Unmani Harsulkar (B.Sc. Biotechnology)
Maithili Borkute (Biotechnology)
Avanti Kale (Biotechnology)
Anushka Walupante (Biotechnology)
Anuja Kamble (Human Genetics)

Consultancy Services

M/s Scitesla Pvt. Ltd., Navi Mumbai: Histology, Analysis, Interpretation (2024-25, Cost: Rs. 38,940).

Professional Affiliations

Secretary, Society for Neuropeptides and Neuroendocrinology, India.
Treasurer, University Faculty Association, India.
Life Member, Indian Academy of Neurosciences, India (LS-284).
Life Member, Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine, India.
Life Member, Indian Society for Comparative Endocrinology, India.
Life Member, Vaidika Samshodhana Mandala, Tilak Vidyapeeth Nagar, Pune.

PhD Positions

Our lab is currently looking for highly motivated students from any subject of life sciences, who are interested in the field of molecular neuroscience.

If you have any National fellowship (UGC-CSIR, DBT, etc.), you can quickly register for a PhD.
Or else you can join the lab and apply for various projects and independent State-sponsored and Nationally-funded fellowships.

Share your CV and interests in joining our groups of highly excited and motivated students.

Post-doctoral Positions

If you have completed your PhD in any life science subject, but are interested in neuroscience, you are encouraged to apply for Nationally funded post-doctoral fellowships (DBT, DST, ICMR, etc.) through our lab.

You are someone who is highly motivated to indulge into the exciting and upcoming field of neuroscience. Contact us by sharing your CV and your interest area to continue for your post-doctoral work.

Interns/Trainees

We encourage students to pursue neuroscience by offering them Summer/Winter training opportunities. You will find our lab a place where doing science is fun.

If you are interested in enjoying doing neuroscience, visit our lab or drop an email for training opportunities.

Work With Us

Interested in joining the Neuroepigenetics Lab? Contact us at:
amul.sakharkar@unipune.ac.in