Murli Manohar

Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University

Research Expertise

Inter-specific interactions
Chemical signaling
Biopesticides
Plant Science
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Genetics
Molecular Biology
Molecular Medicine
Genetics (clinical)
Virology
Microbiology
Immunology
Parasitology
Physiology
Agronomy and Crop Science
Ecology
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Food Science
Polymers and Plastics
Materials Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry

About

Instrumental in leading the development of Ascribe technology from start-up to successful execution. Skilled in identifying and capitalizing on emerging technologies and executing R&D strategic objectives to accelerate the product development process and increase customer centricity across different markets. Excel in overseeing cross-function projects with substantial R&D budgets to transform scientific discoveries into market-ready products. Tech leader and inventor with solid business acumen, holding patents for successful start-up and market-ready products. Expert at developing high-performing teams for commercializing new, differentiated, and disruptive products. Experienced researcher with effective communication and interpersonal skills; known for expanding business by collaborating with industry leaders, academic researchers, and contract research organizations. Passionate about driving innovation and delivering impactful results for business growth and market expansion. As a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Plant Science, I bring a strong background and expertise in agriculture and biopharmaceutical research. But more than that, I am driven by a deep passion for advancing Agtech, Foodtech, and Biotech solutions. My mission is to harness the power of nature to create sustainable and effective products that can enhance plant and human health.

Publications

Conserved nematode signalling molecules elicit plant defenses and pathogen resistance

Nature Communications / Jul 23, 2015

Manosalva, P., Manohar, M., von Reuss, S. H., Chen, S., Koch, A., Kaplan, F., Choe, A., Micikas, R. J., Wang, X., Kogel, K.-H., Sternberg, P. W., Williamson, V. M., Schroeder, F. C., & Klessig, D. F. (2015). Conserved nematode signalling molecules elicit plant defenses and pathogen resistance. Nature Communications, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms8795

Identification of multiple salicylic acid-binding proteins using two high throughput screens

Frontiers in Plant Science / Jan 12, 2015

Manohar, M., Tian, M., Moreau, M., Park, S.-W., Choi, H. W., Fei, Z., Friso, G., Asif, M., Manosalva, P., von Dahl, C. C., Shi, K., Ma, S., Dinesh-Kumar, S. P., O’Doherty, I., Schroeder, F. C., van Wijk, K. J., & Klessig, D. F. (2015). Identification of multiple salicylic acid-binding proteins using two high throughput screens. Frontiers in Plant Science, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2014.00777

Plant cation/H+ exchangers (CAXs): biological functions and genetic manipulations

Plant Biology / May 12, 2011

Manohar, M., Shigaki, T., & Hirschi, K. D. (2011). Plant cation/H+ exchangers (CAXs): biological functions and genetic manipulations. Plant Biology, 13(4), 561–569. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.2011.00466.x

Chickpea breeding and management

Jan 01, 2007

Yadav, S. S., Redden, R. J., Chen, W., & Sharma, B. (Eds.). (2007). Chickpea breeding and management. CABI. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781845932138.000

Lentil

Jan 01, 2007

Yadav, S. S., McNeil, D. L., & Stevenson, P. C. (Eds.). (2007). Lentil: An Ancient Crop for Modern Times. Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6313-8

Aspirin’s Active Metabolite Salicylic Acid Targets High Mobility Group Box 1 to Modulate Inflammatory Responses

Molecular Medicine / Jan 01, 2015

Choi, H. W., Tian, M., Song, F., Venereau, E., Preti, A., Park, S.-W., Hamilton, K., Swapna, G. V. T., Manohar, M., Moreau, M., Agresti, A., Gorzanelli, A., De Marchis, F., Wang, H., Antonyak, M., Micikas, R. J., Gentile, D. R., Cerione, R. A., Schroeder, F. C., … Klessig, D. F. (2015). Aspirin’s Active Metabolite Salicylic Acid Targets High Mobility Group Box 1 to Modulate Inflammatory Responses. Molecular Medicine, 21(1), 526–535. https://doi.org/10.2119/molmed.2015.00148

Activation of Plant Innate Immunity by Extracellular High Mobility Group Box 3 and Its Inhibition by Salicylic Acid

PLOS Pathogens / Mar 23, 2016

Choi, H. W., Manohar, M., Manosalva, P., Tian, M., Moreau, M., & Klessig, D. F. (2016). Activation of Plant Innate Immunity by Extracellular High Mobility Group Box 3 and Its Inhibition by Salicylic Acid. PLOS Pathogens, 12(3), e1005518. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1005518

Plant metabolism of nematode pheromones mediates plant-nematode interactions

Nature Communications / Jan 10, 2020

Manohar, M., Tenjo-Castano, F., Chen, S., Zhang, Y. K., Kumari, A., Williamson, V. M., Wang, X., Klessig, D. F., & Schroeder, F. C. (2020). Plant metabolism of nematode pheromones mediates plant-nematode interactions. Nature Communications, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-14104-2

Human GAPDH Is a Target of Aspirin’s Primary Metabolite Salicylic Acid and Its Derivatives

PLOS ONE / Nov 25, 2015

Choi, H. W., Tian, M., Manohar, M., Harraz, M. M., Park, S.-W., Schroeder, F. C., Snyder, S. H., & Klessig, D. F. (2015). Human GAPDH Is a Target of Aspirin’s Primary Metabolite Salicylic Acid and Its Derivatives. PLOS ONE, 10(11), e0143447. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0143447

Calcium transport from source to sink: understanding the mechanism(s) of acquisition, translocation, and accumulation for crop biofortification

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum / Dec 07, 2014

Kumar, A., Singh, U. M., Manohar, M., & Gaur, V. S. (2014). Calcium transport from source to sink: understanding the mechanism(s) of acquisition, translocation, and accumulation for crop biofortification. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-014-1722-6

Uses, consumption and utilization.

Chickpea breeding and management / Jan 01, 2007

Yadav, S. S., Longnecker, N., Dusunceli, F., Bejiga, G., Yadav, M., Rizvi, A. H., Manohar, M., Reddy, A. A., Xaxiao, Z., & Chen, W. (2007). Uses, consumption and utilization. In Chickpea breeding and management (pp. 72–100). CABI. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781845932138.004

Members of the abscisic acid co‐receptor PP2C protein family mediate salicylic acid–abscisic acid crosstalk

Plant Direct / Nov 01, 2017

Manohar, M., Wang, D., Manosalva, P. M., Choi, H. W., Kombrink, E., & Klessig, D. F. (2017). Members of the abscisic acid co‐receptor <scp>PP</scp>2C protein family mediate salicylic acid–abscisic acid crosstalk. Plant Direct, 1(5). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/pld3.20

Uses and Consumption

Lentil / Jan 01, 2007

Yadav, S. S., Stevenson, P. C., Rizvi, A. H., Manohar, M., Gailing, S., & Mateljan, G. (2007). Uses and Consumption. In Lentil (pp. 33–46). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6313-8_4

Plant and Human MORC Proteins Have DNA-Modifying Activities Similar to Type II Topoisomerases, but Require One or More Additional Factors for Full Activity

Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® / Feb 01, 2017

Manohar, M., Choi, H. W., Manosalva, P., Austin, C. A., Peters, J. E., & Klessig, D. F. (2017). Plant and Human MORC Proteins Have DNA-Modifying Activities Similar to Type II Topoisomerases, but Require One or More Additional Factors for Full Activity. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions®, 30(2), 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1094/mpmi-10-16-0208-r

Lentil Growers and Production Systems around the World

Lentil / Jan 01, 2007

Yadav, S. S., Rizvi, A. H., Manohar, M., Verma, A. K., Shrestha, R., Chen, Chengci., Bejiga, G., Chen, W., Yadav, M., & Bahl, P. N. (2007). Lentil Growers and Production Systems around the World. In Lentil (pp. 415–442). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6313-8_23

Chickpea Biofortification for Cytokinin Dehydrogenase via Genome Editing to Enhance Abiotic-Biotic Stress Tolerance and Food Security

Frontiers in Genetics / May 20, 2022

Mahto, R. K., Ambika, Singh, C., Chandana, B. S., Singh, R. K., Verma, S., Gahlaut, V., Manohar, M., Yadav, N., & Kumar, R. (2022). Chickpea Biofortification for Cytokinin Dehydrogenase via Genome Editing to Enhance Abiotic-Biotic Stress Tolerance and Food Security. Frontiers in Genetics, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.900324

The GHKL ATPase MORC1 Modulates Species-Specific Plant Immunity in Solanaceae

Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® / Aug 01, 2015

Manosalva, P., Manohar, M., Kogel, K.-H., Kang, H.-G., & Klessig, D. F. (2015). The GHKL ATPase MORC1 Modulates Species-Specific Plant Immunity in Solanaceae. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions®, 28(8), 927–942. https://doi.org/10.1094/mpmi-12-14-0401-r

Nematode Signaling Molecules Are Extensively Metabolized by Animals, Plants, and Microorganisms

ACS Chemical Biology / May 21, 2021

Yu, Y., Zhang, Y. K., Manohar, M., Artyukhin, A. B., Kumari, A., Tenjo-Castano, F. J., Nguyen, H., Routray, P., Choe, A., Klessig, D. F., & Schroeder, F. C. (2021). Nematode Signaling Molecules Are Extensively Metabolized by Animals, Plants, and Microorganisms. ACS Chemical Biology, 16(6), 1050–1058. https://doi.org/10.1021/acschembio.1c00217

Epigenomics as Potential Tools for Enhancing Magnitude of Breeding Approaches for Developing Climate Resilient Chickpea

Frontiers in Genetics / Jul 22, 2022

Chandana, B. S., Mahto, R. K., Singh, R. K., Ford, R., Vaghefi, N., Gupta, S. K., Yadav, H. K., Manohar, M., & Kumar, R. (2022). Epigenomics as Potential Tools for Enhancing Magnitude of Breeding Approaches for Developing Climate Resilient Chickpea. Frontiers in Genetics, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.900253

Expression of mouse small interfering RNAs in lettuce using artificial microRNA technology

BioTechniques / Apr 01, 2020

Kakeshpour, T., Tamang, T. M., Park, W. D., Manohar, M., Yang, J., Hirschi, K. D., & Park, S. (2020). Expression of mouse small interfering RNAs in lettuce using artificial microRNA technology. BioTechniques, 68(4), 214–218. https://doi.org/10.2144/btn-2019-0139

Efficacy of Ascaroside #18 Treatments in Control of Salmonella enterica on Alfalfa and Fenugreek Seeds and Sprouts

Journal of Food Protection / Mar 01, 2023

Hu, X., Lee, S., Manohar, M., & Chen, J. (2023). Efficacy of Ascaroside #18 Treatments in Control of Salmonella enterica on Alfalfa and Fenugreek Seeds and Sprouts. Journal of Food Protection, 86(3), 100064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100064

Synthesis and characterization of microporous polymer microspheres with strong cation-exchange character

Reactive and Functional Polymers / Dec 01, 2012

Cormack, P. A. G., Davies, A., & Fontanals, N. (2012). Synthesis and characterization of microporous polymer microspheres with strong cation-exchange character. Reactive and Functional Polymers, 72(12), 939–946. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2012.08.003

The fate of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli on alfalfa and fenugreek seeds and sprouts as affected by ascaroside #18 treatments

Food Bioscience / Apr 01, 2024

Hu, X., Lee, S., Manohar, M., & Chen, J. (2024). The fate of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli on alfalfa and fenugreek seeds and sprouts as affected by ascaroside #18 treatments. Food Bioscience, 58, 103633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2024.103633

Cover Image

Journal of Phytopathology / Apr 16, 2019

Klessig, D. F., Manohar, M., Baby, S., Koch, A., Danquah, W. B., Luna, E., Park, H., Kolkman, J. M., Turgeon, B. G., Nelson, R., Leach, J. E., Williamson, V. M., Kogel, K., Kachroo, A., & Schroeder, F. C. (2019). Cover Image. Journal of Phytopathology, 167(5). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.12811

Nematode ascaroside enhances resistance in a broad spectrum of plant–pathogen systems

Journal of Phytopathology / Mar 18, 2019

Klessig, D. F., Manohar, M., Baby, S., Koch, A., Danquah, W. B., Luna, E., Park, H., Kolkman, J. M., Turgeon, B. G., Nelson, R., Leach, J. E., Williamson, V. M., Kogel, K., Kachroo, A., & Schroeder, F. C. (2019). Nematode ascaroside enhances resistance in a broad spectrum of plant–pathogen systems. Journal of Phytopathology, 167(5), 265–272. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.12795

Heterodimerization of Arabidopsis calcium/proton exchangers contributes to regulation of guard cell dynamics and plant defense responses

Journal of Experimental Botany / Jun 22, 2017

Hocking, B., Conn, S. J., Manohar, M., Xu, B., Athman, A., Stancombe, M. A., Webb, A. R., Hirschi, K. D., & Gilliham, M. (2017). Heterodimerization of Arabidopsis calcium/proton exchangers contributes to regulation of guard cell dynamics and plant defense responses. Journal of Experimental Botany, 68(15), 4171–4183. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erx209

The Compromised Recognition of Turnip Crinkle Virus1 Subfamily of Microrchidia ATPases Regulates Disease Resistance in Barley to Biotrophic and Necrotrophic Pathogens

Plant Physiology / Jan 03, 2014

Langen, G., von Einem, S., Koch, A., Imani, J., Pai, S. B., Manohar, M., Ehlers, K., Choi, H. W., Claar, M., Schmidt, R., Mang, H.-G., Bordiya, Y., Kang, H.-G., Klessig, D. F., & Kogel, K.-H. (2014). The Compromised Recognition of Turnip Crinkle Virus1 Subfamily of Microrchidia ATPases Regulates Disease Resistance in Barley to Biotrophic and Necrotrophic Pathogens. Plant Physiology, 164(2), 866–878. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.113.227488

Characterization of Arabidopsis Ca2+/H+ Exchanger CAX3

Biochemistry / Jun 22, 2011

Manohar, M., Shigaki, T., Mei, H., Park, S., Marshall, J., Aguilar, J., & Hirschi, K. D. (2011). Characterization of Arabidopsis Ca2+/H+ Exchanger CAX3. Biochemistry, 50(28), 6189–6195. https://doi.org/10.1021/bi2003839

The expression of the open reading frame of Arabidopsis CAX1, but not its cDNA, confers metal tolerance in yeast

Plant Biology / Aug 26, 2010

Shigaki, T., Mei, H., Marshall, J., Li, X., Manohar, M., & Hirschi, K. D. (2010). The expression of the open reading frame of Arabidopsis CAX1, but not its cDNA, confers metal tolerance in yeast: Full-length Arabidopsis CAX1 activity in yeast. Plant Biology, 12(6), 935–939. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00368.x

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Endomembrane Antiporter Similar to a Yeast Cation/H+ Transporter Is Required for Neural Crest Development

Biochemistry / Jul 14, 2010

Manohar, M., Mei, H., Franklin, A. J., Sweet, E. M., Shigaki, T., Riley, B. B., MacDiarmid, C. W., & Hirschi, K. (2010). Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Endomembrane Antiporter Similar to a Yeast Cation/H+ Transporter Is Required for Neural Crest Development. Biochemistry, 49(31), 6557–6566. https://doi.org/10.1021/bi100362k

Education

Texas A&M University

Biochemistry, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology / May, 2012

College Station, Texas, United States of America

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

M.S, Biotechnology / May, 2005

Roorkee

B.S, Agriculture / May, 2003

Allahabad

Experience

Ascribe Bioscience Inc.

CTO / February, 2019Present

Execute the company's technological roadmap in alignment with business goals and vision. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and enhance crop protection products. Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify new technological advancements and product differentiation opportunities. ● Built strong partnerships with Ag-tech firms, investors, academic scholars, and growers. ● Controlled research and development budget of more than $10M to drive innovation into tangible outcomes. ● Developed independent research laboratory and managed R&D, multi-national field tests, and commercialization plans. ● Conducted market research to enhance product offerings and align with customer requirements.

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research

Senior Scientist / September, 2012November, 2020

Supported multidisciplinary teams in assessing complex data sets, identifying patterns, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Led design and execution of experiments, ensuring adherence to scientific protocols and research methodologies. Facilitated collaborative research projects and leveraged resources for mutual benefit. ● Recognized as the inventor of several technologies, delivering a foundation for establishing Ascribe Bioscience. ● Uncovered unique processes of plant and animal responses to external stresses. ● Earned promotion to Senior Scientist in 2017 based on excellent performance. ● Expert in the fields of Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Crop Protection, and Gene Editing. ● Authored revolutionary research publications in Agriculture, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Natural Chemistry.

Baylor College of Medicine

Graduate Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Associate / May, 2008September, 2012

The objective was to study and optimize CAX-mediated biofortification and phytoremediation in plants. My research investigated the physiological functions, structure-function relationship, and inter- and intra-molecular interactions of calcium transporters cation/proton exchangers known as CAX in plants. My research used Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) as the model system to study CAX transporters and established membrane fractionation and enrichment techniques to evaluate the real-time movement of metals between membranes. Moreover, I also characterized new calcium transporters from both plants and animals. Other experience: Hands-on experience in executing potency assays (binding assays, In vitro, In vivo). Hands-on experience in RNAi technology (Designing, cloning, and heterologous expression of siRNA in plants targeting animal mRNA).

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health

Visiting Research Student / September, 2010September, 2012

My work objective was to express and purify CAX (Calcium transporter) proteins through heterologous expression and determine their three-dimensional structure using X-ray crystallography. The work involved cloning 15+ CAX proteins from different plant species in E. coli and yeast expression vectors. It also included optimizing and expressing protein production, screening and solubilizing proteins using detergents, and purifying functional proteins through affinity chromatography. The metal transport activity of purified proteins was evaluated by reconstituting the proteins in proteoliposomes, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and in inverted vesicles prepared from protein-expressing E. coli cells. The purified protein underwent crystallization screening to assess the effectiveness of methods, reagents, and other variables in producing high-quality crystals of CAX proteins for 3D structure analysis.

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