Dr. Jayalakshmi Mariakuttikan , Associate Professor , Madurai Kamaraj University , India.
Dr. M. Jayalakshmi, Ph.D., is a distinguished Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Immunology at the School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu. Since 2005, she has dedicated her research to immunogenetics, focusing on disease susceptibility in South Indian populations. With postdoctoral training from UCSF, USA, and a prolific academic journey, she has mentored numerous scholars and spearheaded advanced research projects. She has delivered over 110 invited talks, published 40+ international papers, and contributed to impactful policy research. Her commitment to immunology and education underscores her stature as a respected academician and researcher in biomedical science.
Publication Profile
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🎓 Education Background
Dr. Jayalakshmi earned her Ph.D. in Immunogenetics from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, conducting her doctoral research at Holy Cross College, Nagercoil. She ranked first in her B.Sc. and M.Sc. (Zoology) programs from the same university, showcasing academic excellence early on. Her M.Phil. at St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, also saw her secure the top rank. She further enhanced her expertise through a prestigious Raman Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), focusing on transplantation immunogenetics. Her strong academic foundation and exposure to global research platforms empower her ongoing scientific contributions in immunogenetics and molecular diagnostics.
🧪 Professional Experience
Dr. M. Jayalakshmi began her career as an Assistant Professor in 2005 at Madurai Kamaraj University and has served as Associate Professor and Head since 2017. Her academic leadership includes coordinating molecular diagnostic training, spearheading RUSA-funded research facilities, and serving as a syndicate member at MKU. She has also mentored numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. With experience spanning teaching, research, and administration, she has organized skill development programs benefiting over 1,100 students. Additionally, she plays key roles in academic boards, ethics committees, and national curriculum development, consistently contributing to life science education and translational biomedical research.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Jayalakshmi’s academic brilliance has earned her multiple prestigious awards. She was a gold medalist and university topper in both B.Sc. and M.Sc. Zoology programs. She received the National Merit Scholarship and CSIR Fellowships during her Ph.D. journey. Her innovative teaching earned her the Gold Medal from Madurai Kamaraj University. She was awarded the UGC-Raman Postdoctoral Fellowship for her research at UCSF, USA, and has served as a DST-INSPIRE Mentor since 2008. Her scholarly contributions include 16 best paper awards at international conferences, reflecting her impactful presence in global immunogenetics research and scientific communication.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Jayalakshmi’s research centers on the immunogenetics of breast cancer, autoimmune disorders (Type 1 Diabetes, RHD), infectious diseases (HIV, HBV), and chronic kidney disease. Since 2005, she has analyzed the South Indian population’s genetic profiles using advanced tools like PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing. Her studies aim to identify genetic susceptibility markers and early diagnostic tools, contributing significantly to personalized medicine. Her lab has also explored microbiomes and HLA allele associations through funded research projects. With over 120 gene sequences and 14 whole-genome submissions to NCBI, her team’s research outcomes have international implications in immunogenomics and translational diagnostics.
🧭 Conclusion
Dr. M. Jayalakshmi exemplifies excellence in education, research, and scientific leadership in immunogenetics. Her pioneering work across cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders in South India has advanced diagnostic research and molecular epidemiology. With a global research footprint, numerous scholarly contributions, and unwavering dedication to mentorship and innovation, she continues to inspire students and scientists alike. Through her active role in academic councils and ethical boards, she advocates for responsible science and societal health impact. Her career is a testament to the transformative power of science driven by curiosity, precision, and community engagement.
📚 Top Publication Notes
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Impact of unique host genetic variants in the HIV life cycle
Human Gene (2025) — Differentiates HIV progression among South Indian females.
Cited by: 5 articles
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Genomic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Acinetobacter sp.
Indian Journal of Microbiology (2024) — Explores pan-genome and resistance markers.
Cited by: 2 articles
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Association of Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with Type 1 diabetes
Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology (2024) — Highlights VDR polymorphism link to T1D.
Cited by: 3 articles
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The microbiome and rheumatic heart disease
Acta Cardiologica (2023) — Discusses microbial links to RHD pathogenesis.
Cited by: 1 article
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KIR-HLA ligand association with Type 1 Diabetes
Immunological Investigations (2023) — Investigates KIR gene role in autoimmune risk.
Cited by: 4 articles
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HLA-DRB1 Alleles with Rheumatic Heart Disease
Immunological Investigations (2022) — Meta-analysis connecting HLA variants and RHD.
Cited by: 6 articles
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HLA-G 3’UTR polymorphism and breast cancer
Journal of Clinical Pathology (2020) — Links HLA-G variant with breast cancer susceptibility.
Cited by: 12 articles