Paul

Sunirmal Paul, Ph.D.

Contact Information

Center for Radiological Research
VC 11-215
630 W. 168th St.
New York, NY 10032

Tel: (212) 305-3911
Fax: (212) 305-3229
email: sp2507@columbia.edu

Research Interests

Gene expression and microarray analysis in response to ionizing radiation and other stressors
Developing gene expression signatures diagnostic of human radiation exposure and dose
The DNA damage response sensing and signaling

Academic Training

Undergraduate:

B.Sc (Honors), Institute of Life Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

Graduate:

M.S, Institute of Life Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

Ph.D, Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, UK

Current Academic and Professional Appointments

Associate Research Scientist, Center for Radiological Research, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University Medical Center

Current Research

Gene-expression biomarkers of radiation responses are potentially informative assets for life-saving triage for radiation victims following a radiological or nuclear disaster. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes have been shown as a sensitive target for early radiation injury, highly responsive in terms of induced gene expression changes, and relatively easily biopsied. We are developing microarray based gene-expression profiles using ex vivo irradiated human peripheral blood, documenting dose-response relationship across a broad dose range. To refine and validate radiation signatures for practical biodosimetry, we are currently studying in vivo gene expression with the peripheral blood of patients undergoing total body irradiation (TBI). Some additional experiments, including gene expression changes in the peripheral blood cells of smokers and diabetic patients are in progress.

In collaboration with Electrical Engineering Dept in Columbia University, we are developing a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) based chip for determining expression of target genes that aims to dramatically reduce overhead costs for currently available surface-based assays.

Selected Publications

Paul S, Hasimoto M, Bhanot O, Kow YW and Tang M-s. Preincision Processing of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers in E. coli. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (accepted for publication).

Paul S and Amundson SA. Development of gene expression signatures for practical radiation biodosimetry. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 71:1236-44, 2008. [abstract]

Paul S and Amundson SA. Improved isolation of RNA for microarray analysis from thin slices of human skin tissue. Center for Radiological Research Annual Report, pp 21-3, 2007.

Paul S and Amundson SA. Early Radiation-Induced Gene Expression in Human PBL. Center for Radiological Research Annual Report, pp 88-9, 2007.

Paul S, Gros L, Laval J and Sutherland BM. Expression of the E. coli fpg protein in CHO cells lowers endogenous oxypurine clustered damage levels and decreases accumulation of endogenous Hprt mutations. Environ Mol Mutagen 47:311-9, 2006. [abstract]

Paul S and Amundson SA. Ex vivo Gene Induction for Development of Radiation Biodosimetry Profiles. Center for Radiological Research Annual Report, pp 59-60, 2006.

Bennett PV, Cuomo NL, Paul S, Tafrov ST and Sutherland BM. Endogenous DNA damage clusters in human skin, 3-D model, and cultured skin cells. Free Radic Biol Med 39:832-9, 2005. [abstract]

Paul S and Summers D. ArgR and PepA, accessory proteins for XerCD-mediated resolution of ColE1 dimers, are also required for stable maintenance of the P1 prophage. Plasmid 52:63-8, 2004. [abstract]

Paul S, Khan AM, Baqui MA and Muhibullah M. Evaluation of the common cockroach Periplaneta americana (L.) as carrier of medically important bacteria. J Commun Dis 24:206-10, 1992. [abstract]