Rao, K.K.

Dr. K. Krishnamurthy Rao
Professor

E-mail: kkr [at] iitb.ac.in

Prof. KK Rao is a founding member of the department. He was instrumental in initiating the fledgling biology research at IIT Bombay, which grew and evolved into the Biotechnology Center, and is today the flourishing Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering. Prof. Rao also led the department as Head at a crucial period when the biology and bioengineering groups were merged. His skilful leadership helped in building a solid foundation for what we are today.

Prof. Rao’s research on Bacillus subtilis gene regulation led to many significant publications and the training of outstanding researchers, many of whom have gone on to start their own labs both in India and abroad. His scientific training is appreciated so much, that his lab alumni have monthly “catching up” sessions with him to this day. Prof. Rao’s teaching was memorable as well. Our students remember the clarity of his teaching style together with his engaging and fun personality. He has also been extremely approachable for all students, making him a great mentor.

We gratefully acknowledge Prof. Rao’s many contributions to the department, in teaching, research and leadership.

Research Interest

  • Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Protein Biochemistry, Mammalian Cell Culture

Academic Background

  • B.Sc. Chemistry & Microbiology : 1972 Bombay University India
  • M.Sc. Biochemistry : 1974 Bombay University India
  • BARC Training School : 1975 Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Trombay, India
  • Ph.D. : 1981 Tata Institute of Fundamental Research,Bombay, India

Awards and Prizes won

  • Dr. Sadgurunath Warawdekar Prize in B.Sc.
  • Dhabolkar Prize for second rank in B.Sc.
  • Govt. of India National Talent Scholarship
  • Gold medal for first rank in M.Sc.
  • Prize for first rank in BARC Training School

Professional Experience

  • University of Minnesota, Medical School : 1979-1980
    Research Scientist
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre : 1980-1982
    Designation : Research Associate
  • National Institutes of Health, USA : 1982-1987
    Designation : Visiting Associate
  • Orkay Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Bombay : 1987-1988
    Designation : R&D Manager
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay : 1988-2018
    Designation : Faculty

Publications

    • Prashant Kodgire and K. Krishnamurthy Rao. A dual mode of regulation of flgM by ScoC in Bacillus subtilis. Canadian J. Microbiol (2009) 55: 983-989
    • Monica Gupta and K.Krishnamurthy Rao. Epr plays a key role in DegU mediated swarming motility of Bacillus subtilis. FEMS Microbiology Letters (2009) 295: 187-194.
    • Prashant Kodgire and K. Krishnamurthy Rao. hag expression in Bacillus subtilis is both negatively and positively regulated by ScoC. Microbiology (2009) 155: 142-149.
    • Prashant Kodgire, Madhulika Dixit and K.Krishnamurthy Rao. ScoC and SinR Negatively Regulate epr by Corepression in Bacillus subtilis. J.Bacteriol (2006) 188: 6425-6428.
    • Charuta S. Murudkar, Prashant Kodgire and K. Krishnamurthy Rao. The carboxy terminal domain of Epr, a minor extracellular serine protease, is essential for the swarming motility of Bacillus subtilis 168. FEMS Microbiology Letters (2006), 257, 24-31
    • Susmita Sahooa, K. Krishnamurthy Raob, and G. K. Suraishkumara,b1 Reactive Oxygen Species Induced by Shear Stress Mediate Cell Death in Bacillus subtilis. Biotechnology and Bioengineering (2006), 94, 118-127.
    • Nipen Chanda, Debamita Paul, Sanjib Kar, Shaikh M. Mobin, Anindya Datta, Vedavati G. Puranik, K. Krishnamurthy Rao, and Goutam Kumar Lahiri (2005) Effect of 2-(2-Pyridyl)azole-Based Ancillary ligands (L1-4 ) on the Electrophilicity of   the Nitrosyl Function in [RuII(trpy)(L1-4)(NO)] 3+ [trpy = 2,2’:6’, 2” – Terpyridine]. Synthesis, structures, and spectroscopic, electrochemical, and kinetic aspects”, Inorganic Chemistry.