Celebrating a Milestone: Usha Mahwar with Her PhD and Postdoc Mentor, Dr. Binks Wattenberg.
Usha Mahwar, a second-year postdoc researcher in Dr. Wattenberg’s lab, has published a thrilling BioEssay review after years of dedicated research. This is a significant achievement for her as a first-author research publication. The paper is titled “Intricate Regulation of Sphingolipid Biosynthesis: An In-Depth Look Into ORMDL-Mediated Regulation of Serine Palmitoyltransferase.” It explores the complexities of regulating sphingolipid production, which plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular functions.
Usha's journey began during her PhD program in Dr. Wattenberg’s lab, where she studied Sphingolipids. Her research revealed the detailed mechanisms that control the production of these lipids, with a particular focus on the enzyme serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) and its regulatory subunit, the ORMDL proteins. Writing the BioEssay was a detailed process for Usha, as she had to organize a large amount of information. She aimed to craft a clear narrative that highlights the importance of sphingolipids while thoroughly examining how ORMDL proteins regulate SPT.
This publication serves as a valuable resource for both experienced researchers and newcomers to the field. It marks a proud moment in Usha's career, showing her dedication and hard work. The publication adds meaningful insights to the scientific community and paves the way for new research opportunities and collaborations. Usha is excited to keep exploring the world of sphingolipids and is committed to advancing knowledge in this important area of study. She credits her success to the support of her principal investigator, Dr. Brian Wattenberg, who encouraged her to write this BioEssay and believed in her ability to do it.
By Chanelle Kamga and Usha Mahawar
Department of CMGM
kamganguekacb@vcu.edu and ushasaraswat.mahawar@vcuhealth.org
Date: 1 August 2025