THILLAI SEKAR V Associate Professor

Profile Picture

  • Department of Microbiology
  • School of Life Sciences
  • thillaisekar73@gmail.com

Academic Activity

Academic Activity Picture1

Academic Activity Picture2

Educational Qualification (UG,PG & Higher Order)

S.No Degree Subject/Title of thesis University/Board Year of Passing
1 Ph.D. in Microbiolog Molecular characterization of the virulent factors of V. harveyi and Enterobacter cloacae pathogenic to the Indian Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus University of Madras 2007
2 M.Sc. Microbiology Madurai Kamaraj University 1995

Area of Specializaion

Bacteriophage display, Antibody mimetics, genetically encoded optical imaging sensors

Awards / Prizes Conferred

S.No Name / Title of the Award Type Name of the Agency conferred the Award Year of the Award Amount for Cash Award
1 Travel Award INTERNATIONAL World Molecular Imaging Society 2015 $1000
2 Travel Award INTERNATIONAL World Molecular Imaging Society 2013 $1000
3 Travel Award INTERNATIONAL World Molecular Imaging Society 2012 $1000
4 ICMIC Fellowship INTERNATIONAL Stanford University, USA 2011 $60000 per Annum
5 Visiting Scientist INTERNATIONAL National Science Council, Taiwan 2008 3.6 lakhs NTD for 6

Teaching Experience

S.No Designation Department/Centre Institution
1 Lecturer Microbiology Sengunthar Arts and Science College, Tiruchengodu
2 Lecturer Microbiology Sri Sankara College, Kanchipuram

Research Experience

S.No Designation Department/Centre Institution Area of Research
1 Senior Research Fellow Aquatic Animal Health Division Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture Aquatic Animal Diseases
2 Visiting Scientist DNA Vaccine Lab NTN University, Taiwan DNA vaccine
3 Postdoctoral Fellow Physiology University of California, Irvine, CA Vitamin Transport Proteins
4 Postdoctoral Fellow Radiology Stanford University Molecular Imaging
5 Research Scientist Radiology Stanford University Molecular Imaging
6 Senior Research Scientist Radiation Oncology University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tx. Antibody Mimetics and Bacteriophage Display

Industry Experience

S.No Designation Company/Corporate Nature of Work
1 Microbiologist Papayin Products India Ltd. Quality Control

Contribution towards Innovation

S.No Name of the Work/Contribution Specialization Remarks

Patent Details

S.No Title Status Patent Number Year of Award Type Commercialized Status

Papers Published in UGC Approved Journals

S.No Title Name of the Authors as per the order in Paper Journal Name Volume, Issue & Page Nos. Year Impact Factor
1 Simultaneous selection of nanobodies for accessible epitopes on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment Thillai V. Sekar, Eslam A. Elghonaimy, Katy L. Swancutt, Sebastian Diegeler, Isaac Gonzalez, Cassandra Hamilton, Peter Q. Leung, Jens Meiler, Cristina E. Martina, Michael Whitney & Todd A. Aguilera Nature Communications 14, Article No. 7473 2023 16.6
2 Ultrasound-guided delivery of thymidine kinase–nitroreductase dual therapeutic genes by PEGylated-PLGA/PEI nanoparticles for enhanced triple negativ Devulapally R, Lee T, Barghavah-Shah A, Sekar TV, Foygel K, Bachawal SV, Willmann JK, Paulmurugan R Nanomedicine 13(9), 1051-1066 2018 4.727
3 Targeted nanoparticle delivery of therapeutic antisense microRNAs presensitizes glioblastoma cells to lower effective doses of temozolomide in vitro a Malhotra M, Sekar TV, Ananta JS, Devulapally R, Afjei R, Babikir HA, Paulmurugan R, Massoud TF Oncotarget 9(30), 21478 2018 3.331
4 A protein folding molecular imaging biosensor monitors the effects of drugs that restore mutant p53 structure and its downstream function in glioblast Paulmurugan R, Afjei R, Sekar TV, Babikir HA, Massoud TF Oncotarget 9(30), 21495 2018 3.331
5 Engineering intracellularly retained Gaussia Luciferase reporters for improved biosensing and molecular imaging applications. Gaur S, Bhargava-Shah A, Hori S, Afjei R, Sekar TV, Gambhir SS, Massoud TF, Paulmurugan R ACS Chemical Biology 12(9), 2345-2353 2017 4.634
6 A transgenic mouse model expressing an ERα folding biosensor reveals the effects of Bisphenol A on estrogen receptor signaling. Sekar TV, Foygel K, Massoud TF, Gambhir, SS, Paulmurugan R Scientific Reports 6, 34788 2016 4.996
7 Gemcitabine and antisense-microRNA co-encapsulated PLGA–PEG polymer nanoparticles for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Devulapally R, Foygel K, Sekar TV, Willmann JK, Paulmurugan R ACS Applied Materials & interfaces 8(49), 33412-33422 2016 9.229
8 A molecular imaging biosensor detects in 
vivo protein folding and misfolding Sheahan AV, Sekar TV, Chen K, Paulmurugan R, Massoud TF Journal of Molecular Medicine 94(7), 799-808 2016 4.599
9 Folate Receptor Targeted Polymeric Micellar Nanocarriers for Delivery of Orlistat as a Repurposed Drug against Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Paulmurugan R, Bhethanabotla R, Mishra K, Devulapally R, Foygel K, Sekar TV, Ananta JS, Massoud TF, Joy A Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 15(2): 221-31 2016 6.009
10 Molecular Imaging Biosensor Monitors p53 Sumoylation in Cells and Living Mice. Sekar TV, Foygel K, Devulapally R, Kumar V, Malhotra S, Massoud TF, Paulmurugan R Analytical Chemistry 88(23), 11420-28 2016 6.986
11 Degron Protease Blockade Sensor to Image Epigenetic Histone Protein Methylation in Cells and Living Animals. Sekar TV, Foygel, K, Devulapally R, Paulmurugan R ACS Chemical Biology 10(1), 165-74 2015 4.634
12 Genetically Encoded Molecular Biosensors to Image Histone Methylation in Living Animals Sekar TV, Foygel, K, Gelovani, JG, Paulmurugan R Analytical Chemistry 87(2), 892-9 2015 6.986
13 Polymer nanoparticles mediated codelivery of antimiR-10b and antimiR-21 for achieving triple negative breast cancer therapy Devulapally R, Sekar NM, Sekar TV, Foygel K, Massoud TF, Willmann JK, Paulmurugan R ACS Nano 9(3), 2290-302 2015 15.881
14 Formulation of anti-miR-21 and 4-hydroxytamoxyfen co-loaded biodegradable polymer nanoparticles and its anti-proliferative effect on breast cancer cel Devulapally R, Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R Molecular Pharmaceutics 12(6), 2080-92 2015 4.939
15 Monitoring the Antioxidant Mediated Chemosensitization and ARE-Signaling in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy. Foygel K, Sekar TV, Palamurugan R PLoS one 10(11), e0141913 2015 3.24
16 Nrf2 activity as a potential biomarker for the pan-epigenetic anticancer agent, RRx-001 Ning S, Sekar TV, Scicinski J, Oronsky B, Peehl DM, Knox SJ, Paulmurugan R Oncotarget 6(25), 21547-56 2015 3.331
17 Therapeutic potential of pterostilbene against pancreatic β-cell apoptosis through Nrf2 mechanism B Elango, S Devibalan, Thillai V Sekar, R Palanisamy, P Ramasamy, RK Mohanram British Journal of Pharmacology 171(7), 1747-1757 2014 8.739
18 Proteomic Identification of Pterostilbene-Mediated Anticancer Activities in HepG2 Cells Suganya N, E Bhakkiyalakshmi, TS Subin, K Krishnamurthi, S S Devi, K Lau, Thillai V Sekar, R Paulmurugan, KM Ramkumar Chemical Research in Toxicology 27(7), 1243-1252 2014 3.739
19 Noninvasive Theranostic Imaging of HSV1-sr39TK-NTR/GCV-CB1954 Dual-Prodrug Therapy in Metastatic Lung Lesions of MDA-MB-231 Triple Negative Breast Can Sekar TV, Foygel, K, Ilovich O, Paulmurugan R Theranostics 4(5), 460 2014 11.556
20 Biotin uptake by mouse and human pancreatic beta cells/islets: A regulated, lipopolysaccharides-sensitive carrier-mediated process Ghosal A, Thillai V Sekar, Hamid M Said American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 307(3), G365-73 2014 4.871
21 The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Islet Transplantation and Monitoring the Graft Survival by Non-Invasive Imaging Ramkumar KM, Thillai V Sekar, E Bhakkiyalakshmi, Kira Foygel, P Rajaguru, F Berger, R Paulmurugan Current Medicinal Chemistry 20(9), 1127-46 2013 4.53
22 Reporter protein complementation imaging assay to screen and study Nrf2 activators in cells and living animals Ramkumar KM, Thillai V Sekar, Kira Foygel, Elango B, Paulmurugan R Analytical Chemistry 85(15), 7542-7549 2013 6.986
23 Therapeutic Evaluation of microRNAs by Molecular Imaging Thillai V Sekar, Ramkumar KM, Kira Foygel, Ramasamy Paulmurugan Theranostics 3(12), 964-85 2012 11.556
24 Dual-therapeutic reporter genes fusion for enhanced cancer gene therapy and imaging Thillai V Sekar, K Foygel, JK Willmann, R Paulmurugan Gene Therapy 20(5), 529-37 2012 5.25
25 Oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction by TiO 2 nanofibers in HeLa cells Ramkumar KM, Manjula C, GnanaKumar G, Kanjwal MA, Thillai V Sekar, Paulmurugan R, Rajaguru P European Journal Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics 81(2), 324-333 2012 5.571
26 Thiamin uptake by pancreatic acinar cells: Effect of chronic alcohol feeding/exposure Subramanya SB, Veedamali S Subramanian, V Thillai Sekar, Hamid M Said American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 301(5), G896-G904 2011 4.871
27 Noninvasive optical imaging of nitroreductase gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy system in living animals S Bhaumik, Thillai V Sekar, J Depuy, J Klimash, R Paulmurugan Gene Therapy 19(3), 295-302 2011 5.25
28 Imaging cellular receptors in breast cancers: An overview Thillai V. Sekar, Aradhana Dhanabalan, Ramasamy Paulmurugan Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 12(4), 508-527 2011 2.837
29 Mechanism and regulation of folate uptake by pancreatic acinar cells: effect of chronic alcohol consumption Said HM, Lisa Mee, V Thillai Sekar, Ashokkumar B, Pandol SJ American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 298(6), G985-93 2010 4.871
30 Pancreatic beta cells and islets take up thiamin by a regulated carrier-mediated process: studies using mice and human pancreatic preparations Lisa Mee, Svetlana M Nabokina, V Thillai Sekar, Veedamali S Subramanian, Kathrin Maedler, Hamid M Said American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 297(1), G197-206 2009 4.871
31 Involvement of Enterobacter cloacae in the mortality of the fish, Mugil cephalus V Thillai Sekar, TC Santiago, KK Vijayan, SV Alavandi, V Stalin Raj, JJS Rajan, M Sanjuktha, N Kalaimani Letters in Applied Microbiology 46(6), 667-672 2008 2.858
32 Polychaete worms--a vector for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) KK Vijayan, V Stalin Raj, CP Balasubramanian, SV Alavandi, V Thillai Sekar, TC Santiago Diseases of Aquatic organisms 63, 107-111 2005 1.769
33 Incidence of white muscle disease, a viral like disease associated with mortalities in hatchery-reared postlarvae of the giant freshwater prawn Macrob KK Vijayan, V Stalin Raj, SV Alavandi, V Thillai Sekar, TC Santiago Aquaculture Research 36(3), 311-316 2005 2.082

Papers Published in Non UGC Approved Peer Reviewed Journals

S.No Title Name of the Authors as per the order in Paper Journal Name Volume, Issue & Page Nos. Year Impact Factor

Papers Published in Conference Proceedings

S.No Title Name of the Authors as per the order in Paper Details of Conference Publication Page Nos. Year
1 TARGETED NANOPARTICLE DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC ANTIMIR-21 AND ANTIMIR-10B PRESENSITIZES GLIOBLASTOMA TO LOWER EFFECTIVE DOSES OF TEMOZOLOMIDE IN CELLS Malhotra M, Sekar TV, Devulapally R, Afjei R, Paulmurugan R and Massoud T Society of Neuro-Oncology Nov; 19(Suppl 6 2017
2 DDIS-16. A MOLECULAR IMAGING BIOSENSOR MONITORS THE EFFECTS OF ANTI-MISFOLDING DRUGS THAT RESTORE MUTANT p53 FUNCTION AND ENHANCE COMBINATION CHEMOTHE Paulmurugan R, Afjei R, Babikir H, Sekar TV and Massoud T Society of Neuro-Oncology Nov; 19(Suppl 6 2017
3 A molecular imaging biosensor for detection of protein folding and misfolding in cells and living subjects Sheahan A V, Sekar TV, Kai C, Paulmurugan R, Massoud TF World Molecular Imaging Conference CONTROL ID: 249 2016
4 Nanoparticle facilitated dual therapeutic gene delivery in living animals for enhanced cancer gene therapy and imaging Rammohan D, Sekar TV, and Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Control ID: 254 2016
5 Bioprinted Microfluidic 3-D Cancer Microenvironments for Detection of Histone Modification and Cell Migration Calamak S, Demirtas TT, Guven S, Ozen MO, Inci F, Sekar TV, Mallick P, Paulmurugan R, Demirci U Liebert Tissue engineering Part A Vol. 21 2015
6 Bioluminescent Sensor to Image Drug Modulated Protein Sumoylation in Living Animals Sekar TV, Foygel K, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Control ID: 223 2015
7 Transgenic mice model expressing ERα-intramolecular folding reporter sensor for ER-ligand characterization–A special focus on environmental estroge Sekar TV, Foygel K, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Control ID: 223 2015
8 Synthesis of gemcitabine and anti-miR-21 coloaded polymer nanoparticles and its cytotoxicity evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells Devulapally R, Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Control ID: 223 2015
9 Molecular imaging of polymer nanoparticles facilitated multi-microRNA therapy for triple negative breast cancer in small animal model Devulapally R, Sekar TV, Foygel K, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Control ID: 221 2015
10 Antiproliferative effect of microRNA and 4-hydroxytamoxifen coloaded urokinase plasminogen activator receptor Devulapally R, Foygel K, Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Control ID: 221 2015
11 Imaging Ligand Induced Estrogen Receptor (ER)/Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) Interaction in Environmental Estrogen Induced Carcino Paulmurugan R, Ramkumar KM, Foygel K, Sekar TV, Devulapally R Mol Imaging Biol (2015) 17 (Suppl 1) Final ID: LBAP 2015
12 Monitoring the Antioxidant Mediated Chemosensitization in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Nrf2-Luciferase Fusion Protein 7. Foygel K, Sekar TV, and Paulmurugan R AACR Conference, San Diego, CA Vol. 74, Issue 2014
13 Mechanism and regulation of biotin uptake by mouse and human pancreatic beta cells/islets: physiological and molecular aspects Ghosal A, Sekar TV, and Said HM FASEB Abstract No. 90 2014
14 MolecularimagingofRRx-001-inducedoxidativestressinNrf2-luciferaseexpressingSCCVIItumorsinmice Ning S, Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R, Scicinski J, Oronsky B, Peehl D, Knox SJ AACR Conference, San Diego, CA Vol. 74, Issue 2014
15 Degron Based Protease Blockade Sensor to Image Histone Methylation Sekar TV, Foygel K, Paulmurugan, R World Molecular Imaging Conference Abstract SS135 2013
16 Anti-Proliferative Effect of 4-Hydroxytamoxifen Loaded PLGA-b-PEG Nanoparticles in Human Breast Cancer Cell lines Expressing Different Levels of Her2 Devulapally R, Sekar TV, Foygel K, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Abstract P 476 2013
17 Nrf2-Luciferase Fusion Protein to Image ARE signaling in Cancer Therapy and Drug Resistance 10. Foygel K, Sekar TV, and Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Abstract P 402 2013
18 TK-NTR Therapeutic Reporter Gene Fusion for Imaging GCV/CB1954 Dual- Prodrug Therapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sekar TV, Foygel K, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference Abstract P 581 2013
19 Reporter Protein Complementation System Identifies Pterostilbene as Nrf2 Activator and Protects Pancreatic β-Cells Against Apoptosis Paulmurugan R, Ramkumar KM, Sekar TV, Foygel K, Elango B ADA 73rd Sci. Session Abstract 200-LB 2013
20 Imaging Histone Methylations by Optical Reporter Protein Complementation System Sekar TV,Mohanram RK, Paulmurugan, R World Molecular Imaging Conference SS 57 2012
21 In vitro and In vivo delivery of AntagomiRs by Biodegradable Polymer Nano-carrier to Inhibit Tumor Metastasis and Invasion 13. Sekar NM, Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R World Molecular Imaging Conference P 330 2011
22 Imaging Nitroreductase (nfnB) Reporter Gene Expression in Living Animals Sekar TV, Bhaumik S, Depuy J, Klimash J, and Paulmurugan R Molecular Therapy Vol. 19 Suppl. 2011
23 Dual-Therapeutic Reporter Genes Fusion for Enhanced Cancer Gene Therapy and Imaging Paulmurugan R, Sekar TV and Bhaumik S Molecular Therapy Vol. 19 Suppl. 2011
24 Histone methylation in Living Animals Sekar TV, Paulmurugan, R World Molecular Imaging Conference 0382A 2010

Books

S.No Title of the Book Name of the Authors as per the order in Book Publisher Year ISBN No.

Chapters in Books

S.No Title of the Chapters Name of the Authors Title of the Book Publisher Year ISBN No.
1 Theranostic Imaging of Cancer gene Therapy Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R Methods in Molecular Biology Springer 2016 978-1-4939-3811-7
2 Imaging Histone Methylations in Living Animals Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R Bioluminescence Springer 2016 978-1-4939-3811-7
3 Bioluminescence Imaging of cancer therapy Sekar TV, Paulmurugan R Cancer Theranostics Academic Press, Elsevier Inc. 2013 978-0-12-407722-5

Edited Books

S.No Title of the Book Name of the Authors as per the order in Book Publisher Year ISBN No.

Ongoing Projects

S.No Title of the Project Sponsored By Period Sanctioned Amount(Rs. Lakh) Year

Ongoing Consultancy Works

S.No Title of the Consultancy Work Sponsored By Period Sanctioned Amount(Rs. Lakh) Year

Completed Projects

S.No Title of the Project Sponsored By Period Sanctioned Amount(Rs. Lakh) Year

Completed Consultancy Works

S.No Title of the Consultancy Work Sponsored By Period Sanctioned Amount(Rs. Lakh) Year

Career Guidance Offered to students

S.No Name of the Scheme No. of Students Competitive Examinations/ Career Counseling No. of Students Passed No. of Students Placed

List of capability enhancement such as Soft skill development, Remedial coaching, Language lab,
Bridge courses, Yoga, Meditation, Personal Counselling and Mentoring etc.,

S.No Name of the Programme/Scheme Date of Implementation No. of Students Enrolled Agencies Involved

Research Guidance - PG

S.No Year Degree No. of Students Awarded Department/Centre

Research Guidance - Ph.D

S.No Student Name Registration Date Registration No. Thesis Title Thesis Submitted Status Thesis Submitted Date Vivavoce Completed Status Date Awarded

Research Guidance - Post Doctoral

S.No Scholar Name Designation Funding Agency Fellowship Title Year of Joining Year of Completion

Financial assistance availed to attend conferences / workshops and to pay membership fee
of professional bodies during the year

S.No Conference/ workshop attended for which financial support provided Professional body for which membership fee is provided Amount of Support Place From Date To Date Year

E-Lecture Details

S.No E-Lecture Title Development of e-content/e-learning/delivering Member of Editorial Bodies Reviewer/Referee of
Content/Module Title Institution/Platform Year Weblink

Details of Online Education Conducted

S.No Nature of Online Course No. of Sessions Target Group Date

Invited Talks in Conference/Seminar/Workshop/Training Programme

S.No Title of the Paper Conferences/Seminar/Workshop/Training Programme Organized by Whether International / National / State / Regional / College or University Level From To Year
1 Bacteriophage Display – A High-throughput Biotechnique For Screening Therapeutic Biologics Seminar SACWC, Cumbum, TamilNadu Faculty Development Program 01.05.2021 01.05.2021 2021
2 Bacteriophage display for next generation drug development Workshop Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore International 20.05.2020 20.05.2020 2020

Conferences/Seminars Organized

S.No Title of the Programme Sponsors Venue & Duration Whether International / National / State / Regional / College or University Level From To Year

Workshop Organized

S.No Title of the Programme Sponsors Venue & Duration Whether International / National / State / Regional / College or University Level From To Year

Administrative Responsibilities in the Government and Quasi Government Agencies

S.No Name of the Position Agency/Organisation Duration Nature of Duties

Affiliation in Academic Bodies/Societies

S.No Name of the Body/Society Nature of Affiliation Year
1 American Society for Microbiology Member 2022

Participation & Extension Activities (Academic/Administraion)

S.No Name of the Position (Head, Dean, Co-ordinator, Director, etc.,) Duration Nature of Dutites

Participation & Extension Activities (Co-Curricular)

S.No Name of the Position (NSS, NCC, Warden etc.,) Duration Nature of Dutites

Collaboration with Institution/Industry

S.No Collaborator Name Designation Institution/Industry Type Nature of Collaboration Period of Collaboration Visits to Collaborating
Institution / Industry		 Details of Collaborative Research/Teaching
From Date To Date From Date To Date

Faculty Development Programme Attended (Orientation, Refresher, other Short Term Course during the year)

S.No Title of the FDP Organiser Venue Duration From Date To Date Year

Details of Executive Development Prog/Management Development Prog. conducted

S.No Name of the Programme No. of Participants Venue Duration From Date To Date Year Revenue Generated

Participation in IMPESS, IMPRINT, SPARC, STARS, LEAP Programme etc and DSF Funding Programme

S.No IMPRESS/IMPRINT/SPARC/STARS/LEAP/Others Place From Date To Date Year

Enrolment under ARPIT Programme

S.No Name of the Programme Period of the Programme
From Date To Date