Biomolecular Structures and Drug Development Laboratory
Research Field
Dr. Roshan Satange, originally from India, completed his Master’s degree from the National Institute of Virology, Pune, India, before moving to Taiwan to pursue higher studies. He earned his PhD and completed postdoctoral training at National Chung Hsing University, specializing in structural biology and drug discovery.
Currently, Dr. Satange serves as an Assistant Professor at the Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Chang Gung University. His research focuses on the structural intricacies of non-canonical nucleic acids. Unlike the traditional double helix, these unique formations are linked to the development of various human diseases. By investigating how these structures form and interact with biomolecules like proteins, his work seeks to illuminate their specific roles in disease progression. The long-term goal of his laboratory is to translate these structural insights into clinical applications. By identifying disease-associated nucleic acids as viable targets for small-molecule therapeutics, Dr. Satange aims to develop innovative strategies for the detection and treatment of major human diseases.
Laboratory Introduction
At the Biomolecular Structures and Drug Development Laboratory, we investigate the structural intricacies of biomolecules to bridge the gap between fundamental science and translational medicine. Our primary focus is understanding the roles of non-canonical nucleic acid structures and their interactions with cellular proteins within the context of human disease. Specifically, we aim to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms by which these unique structures drive conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A core pillar of our research is the identification of novel biological targets for drug discovery. By targeting specific DNA and RNA structures and their associated proteins, we seek to modulate disease pathogenesis at the molecular level. Utilizing our expertise in structural biology, biophysical and biochemical methods, and cellular studies, our ultimate goal is to translate these structural insights into innovative treatments that improve patient outcomes.
For more information, please visit: https://roshansatange.wixsite.com/bmsdd-lab
Our ongoing research topics include:
- Understanding the structural basis of nucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
- Development of natural product-inspired ligands for treatments for neurological diseases and cancer.
- DNA repair modulators and precision oncology.
- Rational design of nucleic acid therapeutic drugs.
If you are interested in our research, please feel free to contact Dr. Satange to discuss more.
- Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher Award (111年度博士後研究人員學術研究獎) from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan.
- Gold medal for outstanding poster presentation and Bronze medal for outstanding oral presentation at the 16th International Symposium on Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology (ISBAB), Taiwan.
- India-EMBO Lecture Course grant as a co-organizer from the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).
- Honorable performance award from ABA.APPA.TBS Joint Congress 2022, Taiwan.
- Award of recognition, 26th Users’ meeting and workshop, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Taiwan.
- Scientific paper competition award, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan.
- International student scholarship, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan.
- Summer school on the ‘Modern Methods in Infection Biology’, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Germany.
- PhD (Medical Biotechnology), National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
- Master of Science, National Institute of Virology, Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly the University of Pune), India
- Bachelor of Science, Fergusson College, University of Pune, India
Job Description
We are seeking motivated international students to join our research team as an IIPP intern. This internship offers a unique opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in structural biology and drug discovery while experiencing Taiwan’s vibrant scientific ecosystem.
The interns will have the opportunity to contribute to one of our core research areas:
- Structural basis of disease: Investigating the structural mechanisms behind nucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
- Ligand discovery: Developing natural product-inspired ligands for the treatment of neurological diseases and cancer.
- Therapeutic design: Rational design of nucleic acid therapeutic drugs to modulate disease pathogenesis.
Key Responsibilities: Depending on your background and the specific project assigned, your duties may include:
- Protein & Nucleic Acid Preparation: Assisting in the expression and purification of recombinant proteins and the preparation of DNA/RNA constructs.
- Biophysical Characterization: Using techniques (e.g., CD spectroscopy, fluorescence, or melting temperature assays) to study interactions between biomolecules and potential drug candidates.
- Structural Analysis: Assisting in data collection and analysis to understand the 3D structures of biomolecules using X-ray crystallography.
- Cellular Assays: Performing basic cell culture and toxicity assays to validate therapeutic efficacy.
- Scientific Communication: Participating in weekly lab meetings and preparing a final report on your findings.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
We are looking for motivated students who view this internship as a stepping stone to future academic pursuits in Taiwan.
Desired Education Level:
- Current Undergraduate Students: Majoring in Biology, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, or Biotechnology who are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Taiwan.
- Current Master’s Students: Who are interested in pursuing a PhD in Taiwan.
Skill sets or Qualities
Expected skills & qualities from the interns:
- Essential: You must be familiar with standard Molecular Biology and Biochemistry methods.
- Desirable (Plus but not required): Hands-on experience in:
- Cell culture techniques
- Recombinant protein expression & purification
- Biophysical characterization
- Computational chemistry
Job Description
Depending on their academic background and expertise, the intern will be assigned to one of our ongoing projects:
- Structural Biology: Mechanisms of repeat expansion disorders.
- Therapeutic Design: Developing nucleic acid drugs.
- Computational Biology: Protein-nucleic acid interaction studies
Preferred Intern Educational Level
We welcome applications from:
- Current Master’s Students: Particularly those interested in pursuing a PhD in Taiwan.
- Current PhD Students: Those aiming to acquire advanced experimental techniques in structural biology.
Skill sets or Qualities
A strong foundation in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and basic Structural Biology is required. We are looking for candidates with practical experience in one or more of the following:
- Nucleic acid extraction, purification
- Recombinant protein preparation
- Biophysical studies
- Computational biology