Mrs. Himani Rani | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award
CSIR-IGIB, India
Author Profile
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Himani Rani’s journey in the realm of life sciences began with a deep-seated passion for understanding the biological intricacies that govern living organisms. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the prestigious Gargi College, Delhi University in 2015, laying a strong foundation in the biological sciences. With an eagerness to explore the field further, she pursued her Master’s in Zoology from M.D.U University, Rohtak, graduating in 2017 with distinction and securing 3rd University Rank, a testament to her academic dedication and discipline 📚.
Her curiosity and academic rigor led her to a research-intensive path, culminating in her admission to the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi, where she embarked on her Ph.D. in Life Sciences (Molecular Biology). Her thesis, submitted in January 2025, reflects years of focused scientific inquiry and deep intellectual commitment to translational research in human disease biology .
💼 Professional Endeavors
Himani’s professional journey is deeply rooted in scientific research, education, and knowledge dissemination. She began her teaching career as a Zoology Lecturer at Saraswati Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Haryana, where she shared her academic insights and inspired students from February to August 2018 👩🏫. This teaching stint was followed by her full immersion in research when she joined CSIR as a Junior Research Fellow (2019-2021) and later as a Senior Research Fellow (2021-2024) under the mentorship of Dr. Neeru Saini.
Her active participation in workshops and training programs, such as the Biologics & Biosimilars Workshop, Data Analysis with Python for Biologists, and Hands-on Training in Molecular Biotechnology, further enhanced her technical prowess and analytical acumen. She also received training in biosafety and biosecurity through the ASM Virtual Workshop (2013), reflecting her commitment to ethical and safe scientific practice 🧪.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Himani Rani’s core research delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disorder. Her Ph.D. project titled “Functional Characterization of miR-718 in Psoriasis” explores how miR-718, a microRNA, influences mitochondrial dynamics, keratinocyte proliferation, and inflammatory pathways, particularly the JAK/STAT signaling cascade.
Her study highlights miR-718’s role in regulating prohibitin 1 (PHB1) and STAT1, critical genes involved in mitochondrial health and immune response. Notably, she demonstrated miR-718’s therapeutic potential in vivo using the Imiquimod-induced murine model of psoriasis, showing decreased dermal thickness, immune infiltration, and angiogenesis after its administration. Her findings underscore the translational potential of targeting miR-718 for innovative psoriasis treatment 🧫.
In addition to her doctoral work, her M.Sc. project on Cardiac Troponin-I detection via immuno-chromatography introduced her to clinical diagnostics and set the stage for her understanding of biomarker-based disease monitoring ❤️🩹.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Himani’s academic and research excellence has earned her several prestigious awards and fellowships:
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🥇 Best Oral Poster Award at the GLOBAL IMMUNOLOGY SUMMIT 2024, hosted by THSTI, Faridabad.
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🥉 Certificate of Appreciation for securing 3rd University Rank in M.Sc. Zoology (2017).
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🧠 CSIR-NET-JRF Awardee (Dec 2017) with an All India Rank of 55, marking her as one of the top young researchers in life sciences in India.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Through her publications and active research engagement, Himani Rani has made a significant impact in the field of molecular dermatology. Her research on miR-718 and its regulatory roles in inflammation and mitochondrial function presents promising avenues for developing targeted therapies in autoimmune disorders 🔬.
She has authored and co-authored high-impact publications, including:
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“MiR-718-mediated inhibition of prohibitin 1 influences mitochondrial dynamics, proliferation, and migration of keratinocytes” in Mitochondrion.
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“Overexpression of miR-718 in keratinocytes affects psoriatic inflammation via targeting STAT1”, currently under revision in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Himani Rani stands at the cusp of a promising scientific career. With a unique blend of academic brilliance, research innovation, and teaching experience, she is poised to contribute significantly to the domains of molecular therapeutics, autoimmune disease research, and translational biology 🔍.
Her future goals include:
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Establishing her own research lab focused on non-coding RNAs and skin biology.
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Collaborating internationally to translate her findings into clinical applications.
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Mentoring young scientists and fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and integrity 🔗.
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Title: MiR-718-mediated inhibition of prohibitin 1 influences mitochondrial dynamics, proliferation, and migration of keratinocytes
Authors: Himani Rani; Neeru Saini
Journal/Conference: Mitochondrion