Research interests
In my PhD, I have worked extensively on root-nodule symbiosis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and model legume Medicago truncatula to understand the crosstalk between phytohormonal pathway and symbiosis pathway in the development of nodule meristem through molecular biology and comparative transcriptomics.
Presently, under ENSA project I am working to understand the evolution of actinorhizal root nodule symbiosis in Rosaceae family by comparative genomics and in the process engineer RNS in Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and Apple (Malus sylvestris).
Research projects
Enabling Nitrogen Symbiosis for Agriculture (ENSA); Re-engineering nodulation in strawberry and apple; Duration: June 2019-Sep 2022; Partners: Sainsbury laboratories, University of Cambridge, Wageningen University, Aarhus University, University of Freiburg, University of Illinois, James Hutton Institute, John Innes Centre, University of Toulouse III
Publications
Recent publications
Kundu A, DasGupta M. Silencing of putative cytokinin receptor Histidine Kinase1 inhibits both inception and differentiation of root nodules in Arachis hypogaea. (2017) Mol Plant Microbe Interact.
Karmakar K‡, Kundu A‡, Rizvi AZ, Dubois E, Severac D, Czernic P, Cartieaux F, DasGupta M. Transcriptomic analysis with the progress of symbiosis in ‘crack-entry’ legume Arachis hypogaea highlighting its contrast with ‘Infection thread’ legumes. [‡equal contribution] (2018) Mol Plant Microbe Interact. Aug 15.
Mallik R‡, Kundu A‡, Chaudhuri S. Nuclear Architectural proteins: The multifaceted regulators of chromatin dynamics. (Review article) [‡equal contribution] (2018) Springer Nucleus. Dec 05.
Das DR‡, Horváth B‡, Kundu A, Kaló P, DasGupta M. Functional conservation of CYCLOPS in crack entry legume Arachis hypogaea. [‡equal contribution]. (2018) Plant Science. Dec 07.