Pradeep kumar

The third finalist of the #InspiringScienceAward 2024 is @Pradeepkumar_2 for his paper 'Distinct localization of chiral proofreaders resolves organellar translation conflict in plants'.

Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have reported the first documented case of a brain tumor linked to gene therapy. A boy diagnosed with Hurler syndrome (a rare, progressive genetic disorder) received an experimental treatment at 13 months old. Doctors injected an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector directly into his brain to deliver a functional copy of the missing enzyme gene. The therapy successfully halted his cognitive decline. Four years later, at age five, a routine MRI revealed a walnut-sized brain tumor. Genetic analysis confirmed that fragments of the therapeutic AAV had integrated into the child’s DNA and activated the cancer-promoting gene PLAG1, triggering tumor growth. The tumor was surgically removed, and the boy is now thriving with advanced cognitive development for his age. Nevertheless, the case has prompted significant concern. The FDA temporarily paused related clinical trials to investigate safety. While this remains an isolated incident, experts emphasize the need for improved gene promoter designs, stricter long-term monitoring, and enhanced vector safety in future AAV-based therapies. Importantly, the boy’s medical team, his mother, and many leading gene therapy researchers continue to support the development of these treatments, viewing the case as a critical lesson rather than a reason to abandon a promising field that has already helped thousands of patients with rare genetic diseases. This event highlights both the transformative potential and the ongoing safety challenges of in vivo gene therapies. [Ahrens-Nicklas, R., Kotch, C., Roche, A. M., ... George, L. A. (2026). Neuroepithelial Tumor with AAV Integration after Intracisternal Magna Vector Delivery. New England Journal of Medicine]

Many congratulations to @Pradeepkumar_2 and @meiosiva for the AcSIR Best Thesis Awards. @CSIR_IND @AcSIR_India

Huge kudos to @Pradeepkumar_2 for being recognized with the AcSIR Best Thesis Award!! 🌟 You're crushing it! #awardwinner @ccmb_csir @CSIR_IND @AcSIR_India @sankarfr1

My favourite discovery ever has just come online. Can I please tell you about some seriously wacky molecular biology? The story starts with a reverse transcriptase that SOMEHOW defends bacteria from viruses. (👇 I recommend sound ON for the video 🎹) 1/