Vivek Dogra, PhD

Senior scientist & Assistant Professor (AcSIR),

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,
Palampur-176061, HP, India.
Contact number: +91-9816349450
Email: vivekdogra@ihbt.res.in; vivekmolbio@gmail.com
Scopus id: 36952876600; Orcid: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1853-8274
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vivek_Dogra
Google Scholar: http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3Zfem6QAAAJ&hl=en

Professional experience:
Duration Designation Institution
CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,
04/2020 - Present Senior scientist
Palampur-176061, India
Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Chinese
PIFI Postdoctoral
01/2019 - 03/2020 Academy of Sciences (CAS),
Fellow
Shanghai- 201602, China
Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, Chinese
Postdoctoral
11/2014 - 02/2019 Academy of Sciences (CAS),
Fellow
Shanghai- 201602, China
Junior Research CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,
04/2012 - 10/2014
Fellow Palampur-176061, India

Senior Research CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,

10/2007 - 03/2012
Fellow Palampur-176061, India

07/2006 - 10/2007 Research Biologist Panacea Biotech Limited, Mohali -145001, India

Education:
Degree Duration Subject/specialization Institution
CSIR-Institute of Himalayan
PhD 01/2009 - 03/2015 Plant Biotechnology Bioresource Technology,
Palampur-176061, India
Molecular Biology and Guru Nanak Dev University,
MSc 06/2004 - 05/2006
Biochemistry Amritsar, India
Himachal Pradesh University,
BSc 06/2001 - 05/2004 Medical
Shimla, India

Research Interests and contributions

Area of Interest: Plant Molecular Biology, Plant stress signaling (Abiotic and Biotic),
Chloroplast-to-nucleus retrograde signaling, Post-translational modifications
Research Contributions:
My research interest focusses on to deciphering the role of the chloroplast as an
environmental sensor (sensing both abiotic and biotic factors) and in initiating retrograde
signaling cascades activating cognate responses. In particular, I have elucidated the singlet
oxygen (1O2) triggered chloroplast-to-nucleus RS pathways. The chlorophyll in LHC-
Photosystem II (PSII) complex absorbs photo-energy to drive electron transport; however, it
transfers excess energy to O2, generating highly reactive 1O2 as a byproduct. Stress (both
abiotic and biotic)-induced increased levels of 1O2, impose damage to photosynthetic
apparatus by oxidizing proteins, lipids, and carotenoids. We discovered that the oxidation of a
nuclear-encoded and chloroplast localized protein EXECUTER1 at its singlet oxygen sensor
domain is essential for initiating signaling leading to acclimation and programmed cell death
(PNAS 2016; FiPS 2017; Nat. Commun. 2019). We recently revealed that EXECUTER2, a
protein similar to EX1, acts like a paralog that modulates EX1-mediated signaling by
attenuating EX1 oxidation (Mol. Plant 2022). In addition, we discovered a distinct signaling
pathway instigated by the oxidation of prokaryotic fatty acids (C16), generating reactive
electrophile species in the chloroplast, leading to autoimmune mimicking programmed cell
death and growth inhibition (Plant Cell, 2020). Using forward genetics in chloroplast division
mutant crl, we recently unveiled the link between plastid division and plastid protein import
(PNAS, 2022). We also revealed the operation of chloroplast-specific unfolded protein
response triggering increased expression of protein quality control machinery for reinstating
chloroplast homeostasis (JXB 2019). Besides, we, for the first time, identified the specific
amino acid residues undergoing oxidation leading to PSII damage, an inevitable physiological
process known for decades (JXB 2019; Plant Physiology 2019).

The chloroplast also provides the site for the synthesis of several essential metabolites,
phytochemicals, and phytohormones, including salicylic- (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). We
have also revealed a cross-talk between ROS and defense hormones, where SA was found
to act as a genuine retrograde signaling molecule upon impaired chloroplast homeostasis,
dealing with plant immune responses (Plant Physiology, 2019). We recently showed that
many pathogens, including viruses, target chloroplast to inhibit photosynthesis or SA-
mediated defense. We found that the coat (C4) protein of TYLCV normally targets to the
plasma membrane (PM) where it interacts with RNAi transmission machinery inhibiting RNAi
movement. Upon activation of host defense, PM localized C4 protein disintegrates and
translocates into the chloroplast and inhibits SA-mediated defense by interacting with
chloroplast-localized calcium-sensing protein (Cell, 2020). Besides, bacterial effectors were
also found to follow the same translocation mechanisms. This translocation mechanism was
found to mimic host proteins, mainly involved in defense. However, the relevance of the
translocation of those host proteins from PM to chloroplast still remains to be investigated.

Ongoing projects:
We are now delineating other retrograde signaling cascades operating and priming plant
responses in Himalayan plants (Trends in Plant Sci 2023). In addition, we are interested in
identifying and characterizing various phytoelicitors, including reactive electrophile species,
metabolites, and phytohormones released as retrograde signals that prime stress responses
in high-altitude crop and medicinal plants (Physiol Plantarum 2023). Some of the ongoing
projects include:
1. Understanding how chloroplast senses environmental (abiotic and biotic) signals and
triggers retrograde signaling cascades priming plant responses
2. Deciphering the mechanisms and relevance of translocation of pathogen effector and
host proteins to the chloroplast upon elicitation
3. Understanding adaptive mechanisms attributing to stress-resilience in plants, especially
in high-altitude extremophiles
Research Publications:
(Number of Articles: 34; Book chapters: 01, Total impact factor: 322.805; Citations: 829, h-index: 15)
S. Journal IF
Detail of Articles Year
No. /Volume/Page (2021)
Trends in Plant
Ghosh D, Mohapatra S, Dogra V*.
Science
1. Improving photosynthetic efficiency by modulating non- doi.org/10.1016/j.tpl 2022 22.081
photochemical quenching. ants.2022.12.016
Neha, Twinkle, Mohapatra S, Sirhindi G, Dogra V* Physiologia
Seed priming with brassinolides improves growth and Plantarum
2. doi.org/10.1111/ppl. 2022 5.083
reinforces anti-oxidative defenses under normal and
heat stress conditions in seedlings of Brassica juncea 13814
Fang J, Li B, Chek LJ, Dogra V, Luo S, Wang P,
Hwang I, Li H, Kim C. PNAS USA
3. 119 (11) 2022 12.779
TIC236 gain-of-function mutations unveil the link
between plastid division and plastid protein import e2123353119
Kumari A, Dogra V. Joshi R and Kumar S
Frontiers in Plant
Stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements underline
Science
4. podophyllotoxin biosynthesis and better performance of 2022 6.627
Sinopodophyllum hexandrum under water deficit
12:751846
conditions
Dogra V, Singh RM, Li M, Li M, Singh S, and Kim C
Molecular Plant
EXECUTER2 modulates the EXECUTER1
5. 2022 21.949
signalosome through its singlet oxygen-dependent
15(3): 438-453
oxidation
Li M, Lee KP, Liu T, Dogra V, Duan J, Li M, Xing W,
Kim C
Plant Physiology
6. Antagonistic modules regulate photosynthesis- 2021 8.005
188(4): 2308-2324
associated nuclear genes via GOLDEN2-LIKE
transcription factors
Sharma M, Anand P, Padwad YS, Dogra V* and Free Radical
Acharya V* Biology and
7. Medicine 2021 8.101
DNA damage response proteins synergistically affect
the cancer prognosis and resistance
178, 174-188
Medina-Puche L, Kim C, Lozano-Duran R, Dogra V STAR protocols
8. Protocol for evaluating protein relocalization from the 2021 NA
plasma membrane to chloroplasts 2 (4), 100816
Sawrnkar MK, Kumar P, Dogra V, Kumar S. Plant Direct
Prickle morphogenesis in Rose is coupled with
9. 2021 3.369
secondary metabolite accumulation and governed by doi.org/10.1002/pld3
canonical MBW transcriptional complex .325
Environmental
Kumar A, Guleria S, Ghosh D, Dogra V*, Kumar S Experimental
Botany
10. Managing reactive oxygen species-Some learnings 2021 6.028
from high altitude extremophytes
10.1016/j.envexpbot
.2021.104525
Medina-Puche L, Tan H, Dogra V, Wu M, Rosas-Diaz
T, Wang L, Ding X, Zhang D, Fu X, Kim C and Lozano- Cell
11. Duran R. 2020 66.850
182(5):1109-
A Defense Pathway Linking Plasma Membrane and 1124.e25
Chloroplasts and Co-opted by Pathogens.
 Li B, Fang J, Singh RM, Lv S, Zi H, Liu R, Dogra V*
and Kim C.
The Plant Cell
FATTY ACID DESATURASE 5 is Required to Induce
12. 2020 12.085
Autoimmune Response in Gigantic Chloroplast Mutants
32(10): 3240-3255
of Arabidopsis.
[*Co-corresponding author]

Wang F, Fang J, Guan K, Luo, S, Dogra V, Li B, Ma D,

Zhao X, Lee KP, Sun P, Xin J, Liu T, Xing W and Kim
C. Plant Journal
13. The Arabidopsis CRUMPLED LEAF protein, a homolog 2020 7.091
of the cyanobacterial billin lyase, retains the 104: 964-978
phycocyanobilin binding pocket for a yet unknown
function.
Lee KP, Liu K, Kim EY, Medina-Puche L, Dong H, Duan
J, Li M, Dogra V, Li Y, Lv R, Li Z, Lozano-Duran R and
Kim C. The Plant Cell
14. Intercellular signaling mediated by PNP-A and its 2020 12.085
cognate receptor protein PNP-R2 counteracts SA- 32 (7) 2237-2250
mediated signaling and the SA-primed cell death
pathway.

Li Z#, Dogra V#, Lee KP, Li R, Li M, Li M and Kim C. Plant Physiology

15 N-terminal acetylation stabilizes SIB1 involved in 2020 8.005
salicylic acid-primed cell death. 183(1):358-370
Frontiers in Plant
Dogra V and Kim, C. Science
16 2020 6.627
Singlet Oxygen Metabolism: from Genesis to Signaling.
10:1640
Dogra V and Kim, C. Plant Signaling &
Behavior
17. Chloroplast protein homeostasis is coupled with 2019 2.734
retrograde signaling.
14:11
#
Dogra V , Li M#,
Singh S#, Li M and Kim C. Nature
Oxidative post-translational modification of Communications
18. 2019 17.694
EXECUTER1 is required for singlet oxygen sensing in
plastids. 10:2834
#
Duan J#,Lee KP#,
Dogra V , Zhang S, Liu K, Caceres-
Moreno C, Lv S, Xing W, Kato Y, Sakamoto W, Liu R,
Plant Physiology
Macho AP and Kim C.
19. 2019 8.005
180(4):2182-2197.
Impaired PSII proteostasis promotes retrograde
signaling via salicylic acid.
Journal of
Dogra V#, Duan J#, Lee KP, and Kim C. Experimental
20 Impaired PSII proteostasis triggers an UPR-like Botany 2019 7.298
response in the var2 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana.
70(12):3075-3088
Lv R, Li Z, Li M, Dogra V, Lv S, Liu R, Lee KP* and Kim
C The Plant Cell
21. Uncoupled expression of photosynthesis-associated 2019 12.085
genes contributes to cell death in lesion-mimicking 31 (1): 210-230
mutant.
Dogra V, Rochaix, J-D, and Kim C. Plant Cell and
Singlet oxygen-triggered chloroplast-to-nucleus Environment
22. 2018 7.947
retrograde signaling pathways: an emerging
perspective. 41(8):1727-1738
 Dogra V, Duan J, Lee KP, Lv S, Liu R and Kim C. Frontiers in Plant
Proteolysis of EXECUTER1 is essential in mediating Science
23. 2017 6.627
singlet oxygen-triggered retrograde signaling in
Arabidopsis thaliana. 8:1145
Wang L, Kim C, Xu X, Piskurewicz U, Dogra V, Singh S,
Mahler H and Apel K. PNAS USA
24. Singlet oxygen- and EXECUTER1-mediated signaling is 2016 12.779
initiated in grana margins and depends on the protease 113(26): E3792-800
FtsH2.
Dogra V, Sharma R and Sreenivasulu Y.
Xyloglucan endo-transglycosylases/hydrolase (XET/H) Planta
25. gene is expressed during the seed germination in 2016 5.393
Podophyllum hexandrum: a high altitude Himalayan 244:505-515
plant.
Kaushal R, Sharma N and Dogra V.
Molecular characterization of Glycosyl hydrolases of Biomass and
Trichoderma harzianum WF5 - a potential strain isolated Bioenergy
26. 2016 5.774
from decaying wood and their application in
bioconversion of poplar wood to ethanol under separate 85: 243-251
hydrolysis and fermentation.
Dogra V, Bagler G and Sreenivasulu Y.
Re-analysis of protein data reveals the germination Frontiers in Plant
pathway and up accumulation mechanism of cell wall Science
27. 2015 6.627
hydrolases during the radical protrusion step of seed
germination in Podophyllum hexandrum - a high altitude 6:874
plant.
Kaushal R, Sharma N and Dogra V. Applied
Optimization of the production and molecular Biochemistry and
28. characterization of cellulase-free xylanase from an Microbiology 2015 1.065
alkalophillic Bacillus subtilis SD8 isolated from paper mill
effluent. 51(5): 551-559
Kaur D#,Dogra V# ,
Thapa P, Sood A, Bhattacharya A
and Sreenivasulu Y. Proteomics
29. 2015 3.913
In vitro flowering associated protein changes in
15:1291-1306
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii.
Dogra V and Sreenivasulu Y.
Gene
Cloning and functional characterization of β-1, 3-
30. 2015 3.855
glucanase gene from Podophyllum hexandrum - A high
554(1):25-31
altitude Himalayan plant.
Shafi A, Dogra V, Gill T, Ahuja PS and Sreenivasulu Y.
PLOS One
Simultaneous Over-Expression of PaSOD and RaAPX
31. 2014 3.752
in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana Confers Cold Stress
9(10): e110302
Tolerance through Increase in Vascular Lignifications

Deswal R, Gupta R, Dogra V, Singh R, et al. Physiology and

Molecular Biology
32. Plant Proteomics in India and Nepal: Current Status and 2014 3.023
of the Plants
Challenges Ahead.
19(4): 461-477
Dogra V, Ahuja PS and Sreenivasulu Y. Journal of
Proteomics
33. Change in protein content during seed germination of a 2013 4.540
high altitude plant Podophyllum hexandrum Royle.
78: 26-38
 Gill T, Dogra V, Sreenivasulu Y, Kumar S and Ahuja PS. Journal of Plant
Protein dynamics in Arabidopsis seeds over-expressing Research
34. Potentilla superoxide dismutase during germination 2012 3.000
under copper stress. 125(1):165-172

Research Grants/Fundings:
S. Project Budget Sponsoring PI/Co-
Title of the project
No Type/Category sanctioned agency PI
Deciphering Chloroplast Oxi- Research grant
42.5 Lakhs for
Proteome for Engineering for
1. 5 years DBT PI
Oxidative Stress Resilient Ramalingaswami
(2020-2025)
Chloroplasts in Plants Fellowship
Deciphering the mechanism of 27 Lakhs for 2
epidermal cell differentiation National project years PI
2. DST
leading to prickle formation in Rosa (GAP0289) (2022-2024)
hybrida
Revealing the Chloroplast Oxi-
95 Lakhs for 2
proteome and Engineering ROS- National project PI
3. years CSIR
insensitive Photosynthetic (MLP0179)
(2022-2024)
Apparatus
Captive cultivation, development of
118 Lakhs for
location-specific-agrotechnology,
National project 3 years
downstream processing and value-
(DBT Himalayan (84 lakhs for
4. addition of Mentha piperita: A DBT Co-PI
Mission) CSIR-IHBT)
sustainable option for livelihood
(GAP0295) (2022-2025)
improvement and security in the
western Himalayan Region
175 lakhs for 3
Role of viral and host factors in
Indo-French years
circulative transmission of tomato IFCPRA
5. International (83 lakhs for Co-PI
begomoviruses by the whitefly /DST
Project CSIR-IHBT)
Bemisia tabaci
(2022-2025)
Linking the chloroplast-triggered International National
programmed cell death with the (Regional) 400,000 RMB Natural
6. coordination between chloroplast Cooperation and for 2 years Science PI
division and cell cycle in Exchange Project (2019 - 2020) Foundation
Arabidopsis thaliana category of China

Mentorship/Supervision
 Currently guiding 4 PhD students
 Mentored 1 Post-doc, 4 PhD and 2 Master students at Shanghai Center for Plant Stress
Biology, Shanghai, PR China (during 2014-2020)
 Supervised several undergraduate research trainees at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan
Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India (during 2007-2014)

Memberships of Professional Societies:

1. Member of International Plant Proteomics Organization (INPPO) www.inppo.com
2. Member of Asia-Pacific Chemical, Biological& Environmental Engineering Society
(APCBEES) (member no 200340) www.cbees.org
3. Nominated member of the German Society of Proteome Research (DGPF) (2013-14).
4. Member of Indian Society of Plant Physiology (ISPP).
Reviewing/editorial responsibilities:
Editorial: Frontiers in Plant Science (Review Editor- Plant Abiotic Stress section), Frontiers in
Genetics (Review Editor- Genomics), PlosOne (Academic editor)

Reviewing: Nature Plants, Nature Communications, The Plant Cell, Molecular Plant, Plant Physiology,
Physiologia Plantarum, Food Chemistry, Protoplasma, Plant Signaling and Behavior, Gene, PLoS ONE,
Molecular Biology Reports, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Industrial crops and Products, Scientific
Reports Plant Gene

Honors and accomplishments

1. Selected as a Member of the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS), INSA, in
2023.
2. ISPP-ASPB Young Scientist Award of Indian Society of Plant Physiology at the 5th
International Plant Physiology Congress (iFANS-2023).
3. Ramalingaswami Re-entry fellowship 2019-20 by the Department of Biotechnology, GOI, in
March 2020.
4. President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) Postdoctoral fellowship by the Chinese
Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Dec 2018 for two years; 2019-2020).
5. Received a research grant as an International Young Scientist from the National Natural
Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in August 2018 for two years; 2019-2020.
6. Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship by University Grants Commission (UGC), GOI in June
2015.
7. Received International Travel Grant from SERB, DST, under the Young Scientist category to
attend the international conference Proteomic Forum 2013 in Germany in March 2013.
8. Senior Research Fellowship by CSIR, GOI, in Jan 2012.
9. Qualified CSIR/UGC NET LS in Life sciences twice in June 2006 and Dec 2008.
10. Qualified Radiological Safety Officer (level 1) exam at AERB, BARC, INDIA in April 2007.
11. University Gold Medalist in Post-graduation (in 2006).

Professional Referees
1. Dr. Sanjay Kumar, PhD (FNAAS, FNASI)
Director, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,
Palampur 176061, INDIA, Phone:(91) 1894-230433, Email: director@ihbt.res.in

2. Prof. Chanhong Kim, PhD (Postdoctoral Supervisor)

Professor, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences (CEMPS),
Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology (PSC), Shanghai, PR China, Phone:(86) 21- 57078272
Email: chanhongkim@sibs.ac.cn

3. Prof. Y Sreenivasulu, PhD (PhD Supervisor)

Professor, Hyderabad Central University,
Hyderabad 500007, AP, INDIA, Phone: +91 9418037339, Email: sree_yelam@yahoo.com

4. Prof. Sudhir Kumar Sopory, PhD (FNAAS, FNASI, FINSA, FIAS, FTWAS)
Emeritus Senior Scientist
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, 110067 New Delhi, India, E-mail: sopory@icgeb.res.in

5. Prof. Kailash C. Bansal, PhD (FNAAS, FNASI)

Secretary, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India
Senior Advisor, Alliance Bioversity International CIAT (CGIAR), Asia-India
New Delhi, Delhi, India, Email: kcbansal27@gmail.com