Microbiome-Drug Interactions in Neurological Disorders: Pharmacological Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutic Advances

Dr. S. Murugan is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, a distinguished Deemed University situated in Coimbatore. He boasts a rich academic background, holding an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Bharathiar University.

His illustrious career spans over 25 years, during which he has exhibited profound dedication to the realm of education. Dr. Murugan's scholarly contributions are remarkable, encompassing 72 research articles, 5 articles pertaining to career development, and 7 general articles in esteemed international journals. Additionally, he has showcased his erudition by crafting 6 insightful book chapters.

Dr. S. Murugan's commitment extends beyond research and publications. He has played a pivotal role in nurturing academic excellence by guiding 7 Ph.D. students and currently overseeing the mentorship of 7 promising Ph.D. scholars. His affiliations with prestigious organisations underscore his professional stature. Beyond academia, Dr. Murugan's endeavours in community health initiatives underscore his holistic approach to well-being. This showcases his commitment to fostering a positive impact beyond the academic sphere. His multifaceted contributions exemplify a distinguished educator, researcher, and advocate for community welfare.

Riddhi Upadhyay is an ardent Ph.D. scholar with a specialised focus on the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. Her research centres on these complex conditions, reflecting her deep commitment to unraveling their mysteries and advancing treatment approaches. Riddhi's academic journey commenced with an Honors Bachelor's degree in Zoology from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSUB). She then pursued a Master's degree in Molecular Medicine from the Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), enhancing her knowledge and research acumen.

One of her notable accomplishments was her involvement in a project titled “Study of neuroprotective potential associated with Oleuropein (Olea europaea leaf extract) using Drosophila melanogaster as an Alzheimer's Disease model” during her masters. In this endeavour, she gained invaluable hands-on experience in handling Drosophila melanogaster, along with exposure to a range of behavioural and biological assays. Furthermore, Riddhi served as a Teaching Assistant at Ahmedabad University in Gujarat, where she honed her skills in survey-based analysis and environmental impact factor assessment.

Her research pursuits are dedicated to crafting treatment strategies aimed at alleviating isolation-induced stress triggered by neurodegenerative diseases. With a solid academic foundation and an unwavering passion for research, Riddhi brings a unique perspective to her work. Her expertise spans the fields of behavioural science and the profound impact of disrupted homeostasis in the central nervous system. Riddhi’s contributions to her research, by her publication of a book chapter with two book chapters and one research article. Through her scientific and analytical prowess, she strives to develop safe and effective therapeutic approaches, enriching the landscape of neurodegenerative disease treatment.