Biosketch
Dr Ankita Dhenge is a dynamic and results-driven Senior Scientist with extensive experience in stem cell biology, cellular and molecular biology, and translational research. She has led multidisciplinary research projects spanning hematopoiesis, megakaryocyte biology, platelet biogenesis, cell line development and Yeast Antibody discovery projects.
She completed her PhD in Biotechnology from the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, where her work focused on the role of Valproic Acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids in megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet biogenesis. She further expanded her expertise during her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, investigating Rap1 GTPase signalling and integrin signalling mechanisms in megakaryocytes.
Dr Dhenge has substantial industry experience from Syngene International (Syngene Amgen Research Centre), where she established stable cell line development workflows, performed cell line characterisation and banking, and led bioassay troubleshooting initiatives. Currently, she is contributing to stem cell research initiatives focused on aging-related and neurological disorders in the Indian population.
She combines strong scientific rigour with project management expertise (Executive Program in Project Management – IIM Lucknow) and wants to actively collaborate with clinicians, data scientists, and multidisciplinary teams to drive impactful research outcomes.
Research Focus
- Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis
- Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Biogenesis
- Ageing-related Disorders and Neurological Ailments
- Cell Signaling Pathways (Rap1 GTPase, Integrin Signaling)
- Stable Cell Line Development (Knockout & Overexpression Models)
- Flow Cytometry and Confocal Microscopy-based Functional Assays
- Transfection, Transduction, and Lentiviral Systems
- Cell-based Bioassays and Molecular Characterisation
Publications
- Dhenge AC, Kale VP, Limaye LS. Enhancement of hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis by pharmacological compounds valproic acid and all-trans retinoic acid. J Pharm Sci Tech Mgmt. 2015.
- Dhenge AC, Limbkar K, Melinkeri S, Kale VP, Limaye L. Arachidonic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid enhance platelet formation from human apheresis-derived CD34(+) cells. Cell Cycle. 2017;16(10):979-990.
- Limbkar K, Dhenge AC, Jadhav DD, Thulasiram HV, Kale V, Limaye L. Oral feeding with polyunsaturated fatty acids fosters hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in healthy and bone marrow-transplanted mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2017;47:94-105.
- Dhenge A, Kuhikar R, Kale V, Limaye L. Regulation of differentiation of MEG01 to megakaryocytes and platelet-like particles by Valproic acid through Notch3-mediated actin polymerization. Platelets. 2019;30(6):780-795.
- Ghalloussi D, Dhenge A, Bergmeier W. New insights into cytoskeletal remodeling during platelet production. J Thromb Haemost. 2019.
- Lee RH, Piatt R, Dhenge A, et al. Impaired hemostatic activity of healthy transfused platelets in inherited and acquired platelet disorders: mechanisms and implications. Science Translational Medicine. 2019.