Patuakhali Science and Technology University

Personal Profile

Biography

Dr. Hassan is an expert in plant biotechnology and synthetic biology along with extensive research experience and notable achievements in these areas. He obtained a PhD in plant cell and molecular biology (and genetically modified field crops and pastures) from Melbourne University in Australia. His PhD research focused on development of insect resistant GM crops. During PhD, he designed new Bt genes (Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal toxin protein) requiring minimal licensing cost for humanitarian use. In addition, he designed and tested a novel targeted gene insertion method for plants based on homologous recombination and tested its activity in the model plants Arabidopsis thaliana. During PhD tenure, Dr. Hassan also investigated the ways to improve the efficacy of plant germline transformation method in canola and cabbage. After completing PhD, he joined at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States as postdoctoral research associate in the synthetic biology group where his work focused on plant and microbial synthetic biology. Here, he played a key role in identifying and characterizing plant-derived small-secreted proteins, developing CRISPR-based genome editing tools for bioenergy crops (poplar) and fungi (Laccaria bicolor, Sphaerulina musiva) and improved transformation method for poplar. His postdoctoral work also focused on engineering a synthetic crassulacean acid metabolic (CAM) pathway in plants, a novel CO₂ fixation method in the non-model E. coli bacteria and bioenergy crops poplar and designing artificial leaves. After completing the postdoctoral tenure, Dr. Hassan worked as a research scientist and group lead of molecular biology at a biotech start-up based in Boston that focused on developing cutting-edge peptide-based technologies for managing Citrus greening disease caused by Huanglongbing (HLB) bacteria. Here, he led a team which optimized viability quantitative PCR (vqPCR) method to screen HLB bacteria in Citrus plants. His team has also developed high-throughput DNA extraction and purification and qPCR methods for different applications including screening disease samples, high-throughput cloning. Dr. Hassan’s research on plant genome editing, synthetic biology and genome analysis has generated several novel technologies including biosensors for detecting the activity of different CRISPR/Cas systems in plants, a split base editor for precise plant gene editing, improved transformation and selection method for bioenergy crop poplar, CRISPR/Cas9-RNP-based genome editing tool for non-model fungi Sphaerulina musiva. Dr. Hassan’s research has also been featured in international news media including Global Plant Council,ScienceDaily, Phys.Org.

Research Interest

My interests lie at the intersection of agricultural science and biotechnology, with a primary focus on addressing critical challenges in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. My work centers around the intricate mechanisms of plant biology, employing cutting-edge techniques in biological engineering to develop innovative solutions for global agricultural issues. My current research includes:

1. Rice Domestication for Salt Tolerance:

One of my key research interests revolves around enhancing the salt tolerance of rice, a staple food for a significant portion of the world's population. Through a multidisciplinary approach, I aim to decipher the genetic and physiological basis of salt tolerance in rice varieties. By identifying and manipulating key genes involved in this trait, my research strives to contribute to the development of salt-resistant rice varieties that can thrive in saline soils, thereby bolstering food security in regions affected by salinity.

2. CO2 Fixation Using Biological Engineering:

Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, my research delves into the realm of biological engineering for carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation. With a focus on harnessing the potential of plants and microorganisms, I aim to develop novel strategies for efficient CO2 sequestration. By leveraging the inherent biological processes of photosynthesis and exploring biotechnological interventions, my work aims to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing climate.

3. Fixation of Hybrid Vigor in Plants:

Hybrid vigor, or heterosis, represents a phenomenon where the offspring of genetically diverse parents exhibit superior traits compared to their parents. My research explores the mechanisms underlying hybrid vigor in plants, with a specific emphasis on understanding the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to this phenomenon. By unraveling the complexities of hybrid vigor, I seek to develop strategies for stabilizing and fixing these beneficial traits in plant populations, ultimately enhancing crop yields and agricultural productivity.

Qualifications

PhD, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (2018)
M.Sc, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh (2010)
B.Sc, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patukhali, Bangladesh (2008)

Previous Positions

2022-2023

Research Scientist, Invaio Science Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
2019-2021

Postodoctoral Research Associate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States

Teaching overview

GPB 311Molecular Genetics (Undergraduate Level)
GPB 312Molecular Genetics Lab (Undergraduate Level)
GPB 6201Advanced Cytogenetics (Graduate Level)
GPB 6206Stress Breeding (Graduate Level)
GPB 6207Distant Hybridization and Chromosome Manipulation (Graduate Level)

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goal

Media Coverage

New biosensors shine a light on CRISPR gene editing.

Detecting the activity of CRISPR gene editing tools in organisms with the naked eye and an ultraviolet flashlight is now possible using technology developed at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Scientists demonstrated these real-time detection tools in plants and anticipate their use in animals, bacteria and fungi with diverse applications for biotechnology, biosecurity, bioenergy and agriculture. The team described the successful development of the UV system in Horticulture Research and their proof-of-principle demonstration in ACS Synthetic Biology.

CRISPR technologies have quickly become the primary tools of bioengineering, and new versions are continually in development. Identifying whether an organism has been modified by CRISPR technology was previously a complex and time-consuming process. Before this, the only way to tell if genome engineering occurred was to do a forensic analysis," said Paul Abraham, a bioanalytical chemist and head of ORNL's Secure Ecosystem Engineering and Design Science Focus Area. "To be successful, you would need to know what the genome looked like before it was rewritten. We wanted to design a platform where we could proactively observe CRISPR activity."

The research team developed an efficient self-detect solution that takes advantage of the way CRISPR works to trigger the technology to reveal itself. Under normal conditions, CRISPR works by connecting with a short RNA sequence, known as the guide RNA, as it leads CRISPR to a matching DNA sequence. When the target DNA is found, CRISPR modifies the DNA by acting like tiny molecular scissors to cut through one or both strands of DNA, depending on the type of CRISPR technology in use. Abraham likens their method to an alarm system with two components: a biosensor guide RNA that redirects CRISPR activity and a reporter protein that flags the activity. Researchers encode the two components into an organism's DNA to enable the monitoring system. With the self-detect system in place, the biosensor guide RNA intercepts CRISPR, preventing CRISPR from connecting with its original gene target and redirecting CRISPR to a specific DNA sequence that encodes for a nonfunctioning green fluorescent protein, or GFP. When CRISPR edits the sequence, it flips a switch that produces functioning GFP, which creates a green glow signaling CRISPR's presence.

Source: New biosensors shine a light on CRISPR gene editing

Publications

Journal (27) Book/Book Chapters (2) Conference Paper (9) Patent (2)

Journal Article
1	<p>Tannous J., Sawyer C., <strong>Hassan M.M.,</strong> Labbé J.L., Eckert C. (2023) Prospects of CRISPR-Cas9 RNP-Mediated Genome Editing of the Non-Model Plant Pathogen <i>Sphaerulina musiva</i>. <i>Frontiers in Genome Editing. </i>5: 1110279.</p> View Link
2	<p>Yuan G., Lu H., De K., <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hassan M.M.</span>, Muchero W., Tuskan G.A., Yang X (2023). Split selectable marker systems utilizing inteins facilitate gene stacking in plants. Nature Communication Biology 6, 567.</p> View Link
3	<p>Khalil M.I., <strong>Hassan M.M., </strong>Samanta S.C., Chowdhury A.K., Hassan M.Z., Ahmed N.U., Somaddar U., Ghosal S., Robin A.H.K., Nath U.K., Mostafa M.G., Burritt D.J., Van C.V., Gupta A., Tran P.L-S, Saha G. (2023). Unraveling the genetic enigma of rice submergence tolerance: Shedding ligh</p> View Link
4	<p>Kuntal De, Pal D., Shanks C., Yates T., Feng K, Jawdy S.,<strong> Hassan M.M.</strong>, Prabhakar P., Yang JY., Chapla D., Moremen K., Urbanowicz B and Muchero W. (2023). The Plasminogen-Apple-Nematode (PAN) domain suppresses JA/ET defense pathways in plants.. bioRxiV.</p> View Link
5	<p><strong>Hassan M.M</strong>., Martin S., Kai F., Yuan G., Matin M.Z., Muchero W., Griffths N., Weston D. and Yang X. (2023). Genome-wide identification and functional prediction of silicon (Si) transporters in poplar. 17: 285–302.</p> View Link
6	<p>Liu Y., Yuan G.,<strong> Hassan M.M</strong>., Abraham P.E., Mitchell J.M., Jacobson D., Tuskan G.A., Khakhar A., Medford J., Zhao C., Liu C-J., Eckert C.A., Doktycz M.J., Tschaplinski T.J. and Yang X. (2022). Biological and molecular components for genetically engineering biosensors in plants. B</p> View Link
7	<p>Yuan G. Martin S., Hassan M.M., Tuskan G.A. and Yang X. (2022). PARA: A new platform for the rapid assembly of gRNA arrays for multiplexed CRISPR technologies. Cells, 11(16), 2467.</p> View Link
8	<p>Yuan G., Lu H., De K., Hassan M.M., Liu Y., Muchero W., Li Y., Abraham P.E., Tuskan G.A. and Yang X. (2022). An Intein-Mediated Split–nCas9 System for Base Editing in Plants. ACS Synthetic. Biology. 11, 7, 2513–2517.</p> View Link
9	<p>Hassan M.M. Yuan G., Liu Y., Alam M.M., Eckert C.A., Tuskan G.A., Golz J.F. and Yang X. (2022). Precise genome editing in plants using gene targeting and prime editing: existing and emerging strategies. Biotechnology Journal. 17(10):e2100673.</p> View Link
10	<p>Khalil MI, Hossain MR, Chowdhury AK, Hassan M.M.* (2022). Characterization of Bangladeshi Aus rice landraces under drought stress. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics. 54(1): 113-126.</p> View Link
11	<p>Yang X., Liu D., Lu H., Weston D.J., Chen J-G., Muchero W., Martin S., Liu Y., Hassan M.M., Yuan G., Kalluri U.C., Tschaplinski T.J., Mitchell J. C., Wullschleger, Tuskan G.A. (2021). Biological parts for plant biodesign to enhance land-based carbon dioxide reduction. BioDesign Research, vol. 2021, 9798714.</p> View Link
12	<p>Yuan G., Hassan M.M., Yao T., Lu, H., Vergara M. M., Labbe J. L., Muchero W., Chen J-G., Tuskan G.A., Abraham P.E., and Yang X (2021). Plant-based biosensors for detecting CRISPR-based genome engineering and transcriptional regulation tools. ACS Synthetic Biology. 10 (12): 3600–3603.</p> View Link
13	<p>Yuan G., Lu H., Tang D., Hassan M.M., Li Y., Chen J.G., Tuskan G.A. and Yang X. (2021). Expanding the application of a UV-visible reporter for transient expression and stable transformation in plants. Horticulture Research 8, 234.</p> View Link
14	<p>HU XL., Lu H., Hassan M.M., Zhang J., Yuan G., Abraham P.E., Shrestha H.K., Solis M.I.V., Chen J.G., Tschaplinski T.J., Docktycz M.J., Tuskan G.A., Chen Z.M. and Yang X (2021). Advances and perspectives in discovery and functional analysis of small secreted proteins in plants. Horticulture Research 8, 130.</p> View Link
15	<p>Hassan M.M., Zhang Y., Yuan G., Kuntal De, Muchero W., Chen J.G., Tuskan G.A., Qi Y. and Yang X. (2021). Construct design for CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing in plants. Trends in Plant Science. 26, 11, P1133-1152.</p> View Link
16	<p>Yang X., Medford J.I., Markel K., Shih P., De Paoli H.C., Trinh C.T., McCormick A.J., Ployet R., Hussey S.G., Myburg A.A., Jensen P.E., <strong>Hassan M.M</strong>., Zhang J., Muchero M., Kalluri U.C., Yin H., Zhuo R., Abraham P., Chen J-G., Weston D., Yang Y., Liu D., Li Y., Labbe J., Yang B., L</p> View Link
17	<p>Yuan G, Hassan M.M., Liu D., Cushman J.C., Lu H., Chen J-G., Tschaplinski T.J., Tuskan G.A., and Yang X. (2020) Biosystem design to accelerate C3 to CAM evolution. BioDesign Research, Vol 2020, 9350905.</p> View Link
18	<p>Hassan M.M., Yuan G., Chen J-G., Tuskan G.A., and Yang X. (2020) Prime editing technology and its prospect for future applications in plant biology research. BioDesign Research, Vol 2020: 9350905.</p> View Link
19	<p>Haque E., Taniguchi H, Hassan M.M., Bhowmik P., Karim M.R., Smiech M., Zhao K., Rahman M., and Islam T. (2018) Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Technology for the Improvement of Crops Cultivated in Tropical Climates: Recent Progress, Prospects, and Challenges. Frontiers in Plant Science. 9:617.</p> View Link
20	<p>Hassan M.N., Haque M.S, Hassan M.M., and Haque M.S. (2014) . An efficient protocol for somatic embryogenesis of garlic (Allium sativum L.) using root tip as explant. Journal of Bangladesh Agricultural University. 12 (1): 1-6. Link</p> View Link
21	<p>Hassan M.M., Shamsuddin A.K.M., Islam M.M., Khatun K. and Halder J. (2012) Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of some Bangladeshi rice landraces and HYV. Journal of Scientific Research. 4 (3): 757-767. Link</p> View Link
22	<p>Emon R.M., Gustafson J.P., Nguyen H., Musket T., Jahiruddin M., Islam M.A., Haque M.S., Islam M.M., Begum S.N., and Hassan M.M. (2010) Molecular marker-based characterization and genetic diversity of wheat genotypes in relation to born use efficiency. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. 70 (4): 339-348.</p> View Link
23	<p>Jewel A.A., Alam A.K.M.M., Latif M.A., Chowdhury A.K., and Hassan M.M. (2011). Multivariate analysis in lentil (Lens culinaris). Bangladesh Journal Plant Breeding and Genetics. 23 (1): 09- 12.</p> View Link
24	<p><strong>Hassan, M.,</strong> Tenazas, F., Williams, A., Chiu, J., Robin, C., Russell, D.A. and Golz, J.F. (2024)<strong> </strong>Minimizing IP issues associated with gene constructs encoding the Bt toxin - a case study. <i>BMC Biotechnology, </i><strong>24</strong>, 37 (2024)</p> View Link
25	<p>Islam M.T., Liu Y., <strong>Hassan M.M.,</strong> Abraham P.E., Jacobson D., Tsai C.J., Buell C.R., Tuskan G.A. Yang X (2024) Advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in plant systems and synthetic biology. BioDesign Research. 29:6:0029. doi: 10.34133/bdr.0029. eCollection 2024.</p> View Link
26	<p>Liu Y., Zhang F., Devireddy A.R., Ployet R.A., Rush T., Lu H., <strong>Hassan M.M.,</strong> et al (2024) A small secreted protein serves as a plant-derived effector mediating symbiosis between <i>Populus</i> and <i>Laccaria bicolor. Horticulture Research</i>, uhae232. </p> View Link
27	<p>Kuntal De, Pal D., Shanks C., Yates T., Feng K, Jawdy S., <strong>Hassan M.M.,</strong> et al (2024) The Plasminogen-Apple-Nematode (PAN) domain modulates plant defense through proteolysis and ubiquitination (Submitted). </p> View Link

Award Type	Title	Year	Country	Description
Scholarship	Faculty of Science Abroad Traveling Scholarship	2015	Australia
Award	Best Publication Award	2022	Bangladesh	Awarded for contributing the highest number of publications in 2022
Travel Grant	Botany Foundation Scholarship	2015	Australia	Awarded to attend 5th plant genome and gene editing congress in the Netherlands
Travel Grant	Botany Foundation Scholarship	2015	Australia	Awarded to attend 5th plant genome and gene editing congress in the Netherlands
Scholarship	Genetics Research Award	2013	Australia	Awarded to the one students among the first year PhD students based on their performance in the first year
Scholarship (Stipend)	Melbourne International Research Scholarship	2013	Australia	Awarded for studying PhD research at the University of Melbourne
Tuition Fee Scholarship	Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarship	2013	Australia	Awarded to cover the PhD tuition fees
Award	Chancellor's Gold Medal	2011	Bangladesh	Awarded for securing the highest grade in my cohort of 120 students
Thesis Grant	National Science, Information and Communication Technology (NSICT) Fellowship	2009	Bangladesh	Awarded to conduct research work for my PhD thesis
Scholarship	UGC Merit Scholarship	2008	Bangladesh	Awarded for securing the highest CGPA at Undergraduate level
Travel Grant	Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Travel Grants	2016	United States	Awarded to attend conference

SL	Code	Title	File Uploaded Date
1	GPB 311	Molecular Genetics (Undergraduate Level)	2024-01-06
2	GPB 312	Molecular Genetics Lab (Undergraduate Level)	2024-01-06
3	GPB 6201	Advanced Cytogenetics (Graduate Level)	2024-01-06
4	GPB 6206	Stress Breeding (Graduate Level)	2024-01-06
5	GPB 6207	Distant Hybridization and Chromosome Manipulation (Graduate Level)	2024-01-06

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Profile of Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan

Assistant Professor

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding

Faculty of Agriculture

Office Address

Personal Profile

Biography

Research Interest

Qualifications

Previous Positions

Teaching overview

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goal

Media Coverage

Publications

Journal (27)

Grants

Supervision

Current Supervision

Identifying And Profiling Apomictic Genes In Bangladeshi Rice Landraces

Screening for high phosphorous use efficient rice

Completed Supervision

Development of Transgene-free Genome Editing Technologies for the Improvement of Dicot Crops

Fingerprint/Research Expertise Keywords

Molecular Biology

Genome Editing

Award

2022

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2022

Prize: Award

2016

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2016

Prize: Travel Grant

2015

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2015

Prize: Scholarship

2015

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2015

Prize: Travel Grant

2015

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2015

Prize: Travel Grant

2013

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2013

Prize: Scholarship

2013

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2013

Prize: Scholarship (Stipend)

2013

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2013

Prize: Tuition Fee Scholarship

2011

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2011

Prize: Award

2009

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2009

Prize: Thesis Grant

2008

Dr. Md. Mahmudul Hassan (Recipient), 2008

Prize: Scholarship