Vaibhav Tiwary
PhD Researcher | Aging Biology & Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance
Exploring the intricate links between mitochondrial signaling, optogenetics, and epigenetic memory to understand and promote healthy aging.
About Me
A passionate scientist dedicated to unraveling the molecular mysteries of aging.
Research Philosophy
My work is driven by the belief that understanding the fundamental mechanisms of aging can lead to interventions that extend healthspan. I study the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, metabolism, and environmental factors, with a focus on Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance (TEI) — how an organism's experiences shape the traits of its descendants.
At FBN Dummerstorf in Shahaf Peleg’s lab and as a PhD Student at University of Rostock, I use Drosophila melanogaster to combine optogenetics with metabolic and mitochondrial assays, exploring how light-controlled mitochondrial modulation and aging-related drugs influence lifespan and behavior.
Professional Experience
A timeline of my research positions and roles.
Sept 2021 – Present
PhD Researcher
Leibniz Institute FBN / University of Rostock
December 2019 – March 2021
Project Trainee
CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)
May 2019 – June 2019
Intern
ICMR-National Institute for Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR)
Research Projects
A summary of my key research projects throughout my academic career.
PhD Research: Optogenetics in Aging
Characterizing light-activated proton pumps to modulate mitochondrial function and lifespan in Drosophila.
PhD Research: Pharmacology of Aging
Investigating the effects of the neuromodulator reserpine on longevity and its trade-offs with stress resilience.
Master's Thesis: Epigenetic Inheritance
Investigated PcG/TrxG proteins in transgenerational inheritance of heat-stress induced epigenetic memory.
Cancer & Phytochemicals
Studied the cytotoxic effect of medicinal plant fractions against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Longevity & Gene Expression
Analyzed gene expression in lifespan extension of Drosophila treated with ellagic acid.
Developmental Toxicology
Examined the effect of Cobalt Chloride on the development of Zebrafish embryos.
Genetic Polymorphism in CKD
Analyzed the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism in Chronic Kidney Disease patients.
Selected Publications
My contributions to the scientific literature.
Human Longevity: Bringing Radical Disruptive Ideas into Light
Tiwary, V., et al. | Book Chapter, Springer (2025)
Read Chapter →Reserpine prolongs lifespan but compromises heat-stress resilience in Drosophila melanogaster
Tiwary, V., et al. | bioRxiv (2025)
Read Paper →Using light to drive energy transduction in metazoan aging
Tiwary, V., et al. | Trends in Biochemical Sciences (2023)
Read Paper →Prognostic Utility of Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio...in Head and Neck Cancers
Kumarasamy, C., Tiwary, V., et al. | Cancers (2021)
Read Paper →Ellagic acid prolongs the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster
Kharat, P., ... Tiwary, V., et al. | GeroScience (2020)
Read Paper →Naringenin and ellagic acid reduce tetrazolium salt in the absence of cells
Tiwary, V., et al. | The Natural Products Journal (2020)
Read Paper →Technical Skills
A toolbox of techniques for modern biological research.
Molecular Biology
PCR, qPCR, Western Blot, DNA/RNA Extraction
Cell Biology
Cell Culture, Viability Assays, Fluorescence Microscopy
Model Systems
Drosophila, Zebrafish Embryos, Mammalian Cell Lines
Bioinformatics
RNA-seq Analysis, GO/KEGG, R, GraphPad Prism
Education & Development
My academic foundation and engagement with the scientific community.
Academic Journey
PhD in Metabolism and Aging
University of Rostock / Leibniz Institute FBN (2021 - 2025)
M.Sc. Biotechnology
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) (2018 - 2020)
B.Sc. Biotechnology (Hons.)
St. Xavier's College, Ranchi (2015 - 2018)
Professional Development
Conferences & Presentations
- Gordon Research Conference (GRC), Barcelona (2024)
- Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), Barcelona (2024)
- Poster: 43rd Annual EMSI Conference, VIT Vellore (2019)
Training & Workshops
- Training: Basic Molecular Biology, ICMR-NICPR (2019)
- Training: Natural Resins and Gums, ICAR-IINRG (2016)
- Organizer/Coordinator for multiple intl. conferences at VIT (2018-2019)
Achievements
- 3rd Place, Biomimicry Make-a-thon, BID-FEST (2019)
Let's Connect
I am actively seeking Postdoctoral opportunities and am always open to discussing new ideas, research collaborations, or anything in between.