Md Abu Kawsar Sarker

Highly motivated PhD Candidate in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on virology and immunology seeking to transition into an industry role in pharmaceuticals or biotech. Proven research skills in molecular biology and biochemistry, combined with 3+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance, offer a unique blend of scientific expertise and industry understanding.

• 49th Annual Meeting on Retroviruses, 05/24, Presented a poster titled 'Myoferlin regulates integrin α4 expression to facilitate invasion by HTLV-1-transformed T-cells.'
• 5 departmental seminar presentations for graduate school research.
• 3 departmental poster presentations for graduate school research.
• Travel Grant, Bangladesh Sweden Trust Fund, BD, $500
• Student Member | Brody Graduate Association
• Academic Excellence Award | East West University, BD

• Trained multiple undergraduate and MS students during Ph.D. at East Carolina University.
• Served as a Steering Committee member of IDPBBC graduate students.
• Tutored organic and inorganic chemistry to freshman students during undergraduate study.
• Served as President of the Pharmacy Cricket League at East West University.

• PhD Graduate Research Assistant, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Investigated the molecular processes behind HTLV-1 infection and how the viral protein HBZ contributes to the development of Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL)., Identified and elucidated the role of the viral protein HBZ in activating the expression of the cellular protein myoferlin., Employed a range of molecular biology techniques (Chip-seq, qPCR and Western blotting) to uncover the mechanism by which HBZ activates myoferlin upregulation., Developed and utilized various experimental models and techniques to investigate myoferlin's function in HTLV-1 biology., Established stable shRNA-mediated MYOF knockdown and control cell lines., Developed, optimized, and validated an infection assay to demonstrate myoferlin enhances HTLV-1 infection., Employed confocal microscopy to visualize and quantify the impact of myoferlin on viral protein trafficking and cellular interactions., Discovered that myoferlin regulates cell adhesion and motility in HTLV-1 infected cells, contributing to the invasive phenotype associated with ATLL., Developed, optimized, and validated various cell-based assays to characterize the function of myoferlin in HTLV-1 infected T-cells., Employed Flow cytometry techniques to visualize and quantify the impact of myoferlin on HTLV-1 infected T-cell migration.
• Research Assistant, East West University, Dept. of Pharmacy, Conducted in vitro experiments to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of various extracts from Coccinia cordifolia leaves., Employed biochemical assays and analytical techniques to evaluate the bioactivity of plant extracts and identify potential therapeutic compounds., Performed a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence and clinical manifestations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Dhaka city, Bangladesh., Collected and analyzed patient data, utilizing statistical methods to identify risk factors and evaluate diagnostic and treatment practices.

• In preparation, Sarker MAK, Polakowski N, Hoang K, Pique C, Green PL, Panfil AR, Lemasson I. Myoferlin regulates cell adhesion and motility of HTLV-1 infected cells.
• Polakowski N, Sarker MAK, Hoang K, Boateng G, Rushing AW, Kendle W, Pique C, Green PL, Panfil AR, Lemasson I. HBZ upregulates myoferlin expression to facilitate HTLV-1 infection. PLoS Pathog. 2023 Feb 24; 19(2):e1011202.
• Kabir TM, Basak D, Rahman MA, Sarker MAK, Ahmed S, and Hasan M. The scenario of COPD in Dhaka city Bangladesh: Extensive analysis of the prevalence, manifestation and standards of diagnosis and treatment. International Journal of Research in Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, 5(2), 192-198, 2016.
• Sarker MAK, Rinta SK, Chowdhury AS, Hasan M, Ahmed S, and Rahman A. In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the various extracts of Coccinia cordifolia leaves found in Bangladesh. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 5(1), 260-263, 2016.