Doctorate Mohd Akbar Bhat: Postdoc Research Fellow at Georgetown University Medical Center, United States
Dr. Mohd Akbar Bhat is an accomplished human geneticist with a profound passion for understanding the genetic causes of complex diseases. With a Ph.D. in Human Genetics from Guru Nanak Dev University, India, Dr. Bhat has spent over a decade researching genetic variations, focusing on retinal degenerative diseases, cardiovascular genetics, and genotoxicity. He has worked in esteemed institutions like Georgetown University and the Dean McGee Eye Institute, where he led research projects exploring molecular and genetic mechanisms behind vision loss, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular pathologies. His multifaceted expertise integrates the application of advanced molecular biology techniques, stem cell biology, and cutting-edge CRISPR technology to unravel the genetic basis of human diseases. Beyond research, Dr. Bhat is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists and collaborating with global experts to foster innovative treatments for genetic disorders.
Online Profiles
Dr. Bhat is widely recognized for his impactful research contributions, and his professional profiles on platforms like ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and LinkedIn highlight his academic and research accomplishments. These platforms showcase a comprehensive list of his peer-reviewed publications, collaborative research efforts, and ongoing projects in the fields of molecular genetics and ophthalmology. Dr. Bhat’s profiles also facilitate networking with other researchers and experts worldwide, ensuring his work continues to influence the broader scientific community. His active engagement in academic discussions, online seminars, and conferences further enhances his visibility and reputation in the genetics research domain.
Research Metrics
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Total Citations: 409
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Citations Since 2020: 357
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h-index: 11
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i10-index: 11
Dr. Bhat’s research output has garnered considerable attention, with 409 total citations, and over 350 citations in the last few years alone. His h-index of 11 suggests consistent contributions to the field, while the i10-index of 11 reflects that at least 11 of his publications have been cited 10 or more times, underscoring the impact of his research.
Education
Dr. Bhat’s academic journey began with a deep-rooted interest in human genetics, which led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Human Genetics from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India, from 2008 to 2014. During this time, he conducted groundbreaking research on genetic markers associated with human diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. His dissertation focused on the molecular genetics of retinal diseases, providing key insights into genetic mutations and their role in visual impairment. Following his doctorate, Dr. Bhat participated in various specialized training programs, strengthening his knowledge of cutting-edge genetic technologies such as next-generation sequencing and CRISPR gene editing, which now underpin much of his current work.
Research Focus
Dr. Bhat’s research spans across various disciplines within molecular genetics, with a primary focus on understanding the genetic and molecular basis of retinal degenerative diseases and cardiovascular genetic disorders. His work involves identifying key genetic mutations and their impact on cellular functions, particularly in retinal neurons and cardiovascular tissues. Additionally, he investigates the role of oxidative stress and genotoxicity in the progression of these diseases. A major area of Dr. Bhat’s research is the development of gene therapies and stem cell-based interventions, including exploring the use of CRISPR technology to correct genetic mutations in retinal cells. By combining his expertise in molecular biology and clinical biochemistry, Dr. Bhat aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to more effective treatments for genetic disorders.
Experience
Dr. Bhat has an extensive research background spanning over a decade, with key roles in both academic and clinical settings. He began his career as a Research Scientist-II at Government Medical College, Amritsar, where he led a variety of genetic studies related to cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and the identification of genetic biomarkers. Later, Dr. Bhat expanded his expertise during his time at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (2020–2022), where he focused on gene therapy techniques for retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. Most recently, he held a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at Georgetown University Medical Center (2022–2024), where his research contributed significantly to the development of new gene-editing approaches to treat genetic mutations in retinal cells. Dr. Bhat’s work is known for its emphasis on translating molecular research into potential clinical applications, bridging the gap between bench science and patient care.
Research Timeline
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2008–2014: Dr. Bhat completed his Ph.D. in Human Genetics at Guru Nanak Dev University, India. His research focused on identifying genetic mutations involved in retinal degenerative diseases, providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of vision loss.
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2014–2015: Dr. Bhat worked as a Researcher in the Department of Human Genetics at Guru Nanak Dev University, contributing to the exploration of genetic polymorphisms in neurodegenerative diseases.
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2015–2020: As a Research Scientist-II at the Multidisciplinary Research Unit of Government Medical College, Amritsar, Dr. Bhat led studies on cardiovascular genetics, investigating gene-environment interactions and their impact on disease progression.
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2020–2022: Dr. Bhat’s time as a researcher at the Dean McGee Eye Institute focused on genetic therapies for retinal diseases, particularly gene therapies aimed at correcting mutations responsible for vision loss.
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2022–2024: During his postdoctoral fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center, Dr. Bhat conducted cutting-edge research on stem cell-based therapies and CRISPR-mediated gene editing, bringing new hope for patients suffering from inherited retinal diseases.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Bhat has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards for his research achievements. He was awarded the Best Researcher Award by Guru Nanak Dev University for his contributions to the field of human genetics. Additionally, he received the Young Scientist Award at the International Conference on Molecular Genetics in 2019, recognizing his innovative work in genetic therapies. Dr. Bhat has also been invited to serve as a reviewer for several high-impact journals, further underscoring his influence in the field. His recognition extends beyond academic accolades, with invitations to present his findings at international conferences and symposiums, enhancing the global dialogue on genetic diseases and therapeutic interventions.
Top-Noted Publication
One of Dr. Bhat’s most influential publications is titled “Gene and Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Retinal Degenerative Diseases: Update, Challenges, and Future Directions” published in Stem Cell Reviews and Reports (2025). This paper offers a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in gene therapy and stem cell-based interventions for retinal degenerative diseases, highlighting emerging therapeutic strategies and their clinical implications. His research has also been featured in journals such as Human Genetics and Molecular Vision, where he discusses the genetic pathways involved in retinal disorders and the potential for personalized treatments. These contributions have made Dr. Bhat a leading figure in ophthalmic genetics, influencing both clinical practices and research in the field.
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A Case-Control Association Study of APOE Promoter Region Variants with Glaucoma in the North Indian Population
S. Passan, S. Goyal, M.A. Bhat, R. Singh, M. Kaur, V. Vanita
Human Immunology, 86(3), 111299
2025
This study explores the genetic association between variants in the APOE promoter region and the risk of developing glaucoma in a North Indian cohort. The findings have implications for early genetic screening and potential therapeutic interventions for glaucoma in this population. -
Age-Related Retinal Degeneration Resulting from the Deletion of Shp2 Tyrosine Phosphatase in Photoreceptor Neurons
A. Rajala, R. Rajala, M.A. Bhat, M. Eminhizer, J. Hao, J. Du, R.V.S. Rajala
Cell Death & Disease, 15(8), 577
2024
This paper presents groundbreaking research on the role of Shp2 tyrosine phosphatase in the regulation of retinal degeneration. The deletion of Shp2 in photoreceptor neurons resulted in accelerated retinal degeneration, offering a potential new pathway for therapeutic strategies in age-related retinal diseases. -
Sex-Dependent Regulation of RPE and Retinal Function by Pgc-1α During Aging in Mice
K. Taskintuna, M.A. Bhat, T. Shaikh, J.R. Hum, N. Golestaneh
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 65(7), 4988-4988
2024
This study investigates the differential effects of Pgc-1α, a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and overall retinal function across sexes in aging mice. The findings reveal important insights into sex-specific vulnerabilities to age-related retinal diseases. -
Phosphatidylinositol 5-Kinase (PIKfyve) Negatively Regulates Photoreceptor Neuroprotection
R.V.S. Rajala, M.A. Bhat, K. Teel, A. Rajala
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 63(7), 3820-3820
2022
In this article, the authors demonstrate that PIKfyve, an enzyme involved in lipid signaling, negatively regulates photoreceptor survival under stress conditions. The study provides potential new targets for therapies aimed at protecting retinal cells from degenerative diseases. -
Genetic Damage Biomarkers in Buccal Epithelial Cells of Healthy Individuals Staying Near Three Mobile Phone Base Stations
G.G. Naresh Mahajan, Akbar Bhat
International Conference on Human Genetics and 39th Annual Meeting of the…
2014
This study investigates genetic damage in healthy individuals living near mobile phone base stations, highlighting the impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health, with a focus on genetic biomarkers of oxidative stress and cellular damage. -
A Prospective, Randomized, Open Label Study to Assess the Role of Vitamin C as an Adjuvant to Paroxetine in Pharmacotherapy of Major Depressive Disorder
K. Aggarwal, N.R. Singh, N. Bala, M.A. Bhat, S.K. Jain, S. Thakur, R. Sood
This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C as an adjunct therapy to paroxetine in treating major depressive disorder. The study found potential benefits in combining nutritional supplements with pharmacotherapy to enhance clinical outcomes in depression management.