Prakash Shrestha | University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences

Prakash Shrestha

Assistant Professor

Contact Information

prakash_shrestha@uky.edu

327 Chemistry-Physics Building

Phone: 859-257-4338

Education

Ph.D.(2018), Kent State University
M.Sc.(2010), Tribhuvan University
B.Sc.(2006), Tribhuvan University

Research Interests

Single Molecule Techniques
Bioanalytical Chemistry
DNA nanotechnology
Neuroscience
Viral Infections and Immune Response
Nucleic Acids/Protein interactions

Affiliations

Analytical
Biological
Chemistry

Website

Shrestha Lab of single-molecule bioanalysis

Research

Our research focuses on studying the stability and dynamics of biomolecular folding and interactions to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying biological and pathological processes. We develop and apply cutting-edge single-molecule manipulation and detection techniques to achieve these goals. Additionally, we aim to create single-molecule diagnostics for high-throughput, multiplexed biomarker detection. Our highly interdisciplinary research integrates expertise in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, DNA nanotechnology, biomolecular engineering, and molecular biology.

Positions

Prof. Shrestha is actively looking for motivated graduate students (from the class of Fall 2024) to work on bioanalytical/biochemical research using modern single-molecule techniques. Shrestha Lab particularly values your passion and curiosity!

For prospective graduate students, you can apply through the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry chem/graduate-program/admission. To discuss joining our team, send email at prakash_shrestha@uky.edu
For prospective undergraduate students, you can apply through the undergraduate research program in the Department of Chemistry chem/undergraduate-program. To discuss joining our team, send email at prakash_shrestha@uky.edu
For postdoctoral position, please send an email including a cover letter and your CV to prakash_shrestha@uky.edu

Trainings

Instructor/Scientist: 2022-2024, Harvard Medical School, Wyss Institute, and Boston Children’s Hospital

Postdoctoral fellow: 2018-2022, Harvard Medical School, Wyss Institute, and Boston Children’s Hospital

Honors & Awards

NIH K25 Award (2024)
Travel Award, Biophysical Society Annual Meeting (2020)
Graduate Students Senate Domestic Travel Award, Kent State University (2017)
Taylor Graduate Research Award, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University (2017)
Best Poster Award, Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University (2016)
University Fellowship, Kent State University (2015/2016)
Merit Scholarship, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University (2012)
Nepal Vidhya Bhushan Medal B, Ministry of Education, Government of Nepal (2011)
Gold Medal, Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal (2010)

Selected Publications

Selected Publications:

Shrestha P, Yang D, Ward A, Shih WM, and Wong WP. “Mapping Single-Molecule Protein Complexes in 3D with DNA Nanoswitch Calipers.” J. Am. Chem. Soc., December 14, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c10262. PMID: 37502860; PMCID: PMC10369884.
Shrestha P, Yang D, Tomov TE, MacDonald JI, Ward A, Bergal HT, Krieg E, Cabi S, Luo Y, Nathwani B, Johnson-Buck A, Shih WM, Wong WP. Single-molecule mechanical fingerprinting with DNA nanoswitch calipers. Nat Nanotechnol. 2021 Dec;16(12):1362-1370. doi: 10.1038/s41565-021-00979-0. Epub 2021 Oct 21. PMID: 34675411; PMCID:PMC8678201.
Shrestha P, Jonchhe S, Emura T, Hidaka K, Endo M, Sugiyama H, Mao H. Confined space facilitates G-quadruplex formation. Nat Nanotechnol. 2017 Jul;12(6):582-588. doi:10.1038/nnano.2017.29. Epub 2017 Mar 27. PMID: 28346457.
Koirala D, Shrestha P, Emura T, Hidaka K, Mandal S, Endo M, Sugiyama H, Mao H. Single-molecule mechanochemical sensing using DNA origami nanostructures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2014 Jul 28;53(31):8137-41. doi: 10.1002/anie.201404043. Epub 2014 Jun 16. PMID: 24931175.
Shrestha P, Cui Y, Wei J, Jonchhe S, Mao H. Single-Molecule mechanochemical pH sensing revealing the proximity effect of hydroniums generated by an alkaline phosphatase. Anal Chem. 2018 Feb 6;90(3):1718-1724. doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.7b03478. Epub 2018 Jan 16. PMID: 29285923.
Shrestha P, Xiao S, Dhakal S, Tan Z, Mao H. Nascent RNA transcripts facilitate the formation of G- quadruplexes. Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jun;42(11):7236-46. doi: 10.1093/nar/gku416. Epub 2014 May 14. PMID: 24829453; PMCID: PMC4066803.