Kushal Raj Roy

Computational Biochemist | Bridging Protein Structure & Multi-Omics | Ribosomal Translocation Mechanisms

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Research Focus

Computational biochemist bridging protein structure and multi-omics. On the protein side, I investigate translational GTPases and ribosomal translocation using structural analysis, protein modeling, and targeted biochemical assays to link conformational dynamics to function. On the omics side, I build interpretable machine learning and deep learning pipelines that integrate mRNA, miRNA (and pathway/proteomic features when available) to model disease progression and uncover regulatory networks. Together, these approaches connect mechanism at the ribosome with systems-level signals, yielding testable hypotheses and clinically relevant biomarkers.

Genoproteomics Initiative

Founder & Principal Investigator

From Genotype to Proteotype

Not stopping at RNA—decoding the complete language between genes and proteins.

20K+
Human Protein Genes
~1M
Protein Variants Per Person
400+
PTM Types Discovered
80%
Disease Variants Unexplained

For decades, we've sequenced genomes and measured transcripts, believing RNA would tell us everything about cellular function. It doesn't. Proteins are the true molecular machines of life—the workhorses that execute virtually every function in every cell. Genoproteomics bridges this gap by systematically mapping how every genetic variant shapes the proteome—structure, modifications, interactions, and dynamics.

Visit Genoproteomics Website →
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Computational Genoproteomics

AI models and pipelines to predict how genetic variants affect protein structure, stability, dynamics, and function.

Deep Learning • pQTL Mapping • Multi-omics

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Structural Genoproteomics

Mapping structural consequences of genetic variation using AlphaFold, MD simulations, and experimental structure determination.

AlphaFold • Cryo-EM • MD Simulations

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Translational Genoproteomics

Applying genoproteomics to precision medicine, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics.

Pharmacogenomics • Biomarkers • Drug Targets

"The genome promised everything. It delivered half. Proteins are the true molecular machines of life. Genoproteomics systematically maps how genetic variants shape the complete proteome—not predictions, but direct, measurable, actionable protein phenotypes for precision medicine and drug discovery."

Experience

Research & Teaching Positions

University of Houston

Graduate Research Assistant (Wang Lab)

Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Houston, TX

Jan 2025 – Dec 2025

Investigating the mechanism of ribosomal translocation using single-molecule FRET to dissect elongation factor function during translation.

Studying translational GTPases (e.g., EF-G) to understand how these factors coordinate movement of tRNA and mRNA on the ribosome.

Building analysis workflows to interpret conformational states and dynamics during translation.

Supporting lab instrumentation, including liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry workflow (Waters UPLC-QDa) for RNA/oligo quality control and method optimization.

University of Houston

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Houston, TX

Aug 2022 – Dec 2024

Instructional TA for Biochemistry I (BCHS 3304); led exam reviews, supported assessment, and covered metabolism, enzymology, protein structure, and kinetics.

Teaching Assistant for Introductory Biology labs (BIOL 1106); guided students in experimental technique, data handling, and safety (mentor: Dr. Ana Medrano).

Supported General / Organic Chemistry (CHEM 1106, 1112) lab sections: wet-lab technique, safety, and analytical reporting.

Savitribai Phule Pune University

Project Intern

Pune, Maharashtra, India

Nov 2019 – Nov 2020

Studied drug candidates that inhibit human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) relevant to Type 2 Diabetes.

Used INS-1E cell culture to analyze signaling proteins (AKT, Bax/Bcl-2) and assess apoptotic vs survival pathways.

Performed western blot analysis and ran molecular dynamics simulations (Modeller, GROMACS, NAMD, VMD).

Savitribai Phule Pune University

Summer Research Intern

Pune, India

Apr 2019 – Aug 2019

Research internship in small-molecule discovery targeting sickle cell disease.

Research Projects

Current & Recent Investigations

Mechanism of Ribosomal Translocation via Single-Molecule FRET

May 2023 – Present

Tools: single-molecule FRET, ribosome translocation assays, elongation factor functional analysis

Using single-molecule FRET to probe how elongation factors (e.g., EF-G) drive ribosomal translocation and maintain translation efficiency and fidelity.

Dissecting conformational changes during tRNA/mRNA movement on the ribosome.

Structural Evolution of Translational GTPases

May 2023 – Present

Tools: Python, R, ProDy, PyMOL, ChimeraX, IQ-TREE2

Built an automated pipeline for large-scale all-vs-all structural alignment of translational GTPase G-domains (EF-G, EF-Tu, EF-2, EF-4, TetM/O).

Calculated RMSD / TM-score matrices and mapped conserved "core" vs variable regions to infer evolutionary divergence.

Integrated structural clustering with phylogeny to propose how the ancestral G-domain diversified into modern translation factors.

hIAPP Inhibition and Type 2 Diabetes Model System

Nov 2019 – Nov 2020

Tools: INS-1E cell culture, AKT/Bax-Bcl-2 signaling, western blotting, Modeller, GROMACS, NAMD, VMD

Screened small molecules targeting human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) aggregation relevant to Type 2 Diabetes.

Ran molecular dynamics simulations and analyzed signaling responses (AKT, Bax/Bcl-2) to evaluate therapeutic potential.

Publications & Preprints

Research Outputs

Roy, K.R.

View-Specific Preprocessing for Multi-Modal Integration Improves Breast Cancer Progression Prediction: A Machine Learning Analysis of TCGA-BRCA.

Preprint (SSRN), 2025.

DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5876162

Moon, U.D., Roy, K.R.

Multi-Omic Integration and Machine Learning Reveal Regulatory Networks Driving Breast Cancer Progression.

Preprint (Preprints.org), 2025.

DOI: 10.20944/preprints202512.0929.v1

Roy, K.R.

Machine Learning-Guided Catalyst Selection Reveals Nickel's Advantages Over Palladium in Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling.

Preprint (ChemRxiv), 2025.

URL: ChemRxiv Preprint

Roy, K.R.

Nickel Outperforms Palladium in Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling: A Machine Learning Analysis of Five Metal Catalysts

Preprint (ChemRxiv), 2025.

URL: ChemRxiv Preprint

Roy, K.R.

Provider Logo Beyond Tool Access: A Systematic Review of Human–GenAI Interaction Patterns, Trade-offs, and Design Principles in Higher Education

Preprint (EdArXiv), 2025.

URL: EdArXiv Preprint

Software & Tools

Open-Source Contributions

Roy, K.R.

rnaview - Python Package for RNA Structure Visualization and Analysis

Python Package Index (PyPI), 2025.

Package: pypi.org/project/rnaview/1.0.1

Skills

Technical Expertise

Computational / Programming

Python (NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn), Bash; Git/GitHub; Linux/SLURM for HPC workflows; large-scale data handling.

Machine Learning & Deep Learning

Model training and analysis using PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Keras; classical ML with scikit-learn; dimensionality reduction (t-SNE, PCA); clustering and classification of structural/biophysical datasets.

Structural & Biophysical Analysis

Single-molecule FRET; structural visualization and analysis in PyMOL and UCSF ChimeraX.

Analytical Instrumentation

UPLC–MS / LC–MS (Waters UPLC-QDa); method development and optimization; targeted SIR channel setup; RNA / oligonucleotide QC; troubleshooting peak quality and carryover.

Analytical Software

MassLynx, TargetLynx, OpenLynx, Skyline (basic).

Molecular & Cellular

Mammalian cell culture (INS-1E); pathway interrogation of AKT and Bax/Bcl-2; apoptosis/survival assays; western blotting and densitometric interpretation.

Genomics & Bioinformatics

Basic NGS analysis workflows; RNA handling; docking and molecular dynamics simulations (Modeller, GROMACS, NAMD, VMD).

Teaching & Mentoring

Led Biochemistry I recitation sessions; supported Intro Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry teaching labs; mentored summer interns (Welch Foundation).

Education

Academic Background

M.Sc. in Biochemistry (Graduate Researcher)

University of Houston

Houston, TX, USA | Aug 2022 – 2025

GPA: 3.7 / 4.0

Research area: structural biochemistry of translation, ribosome translocation, and translational GTPases.

M.Sc. in Biochemistry

Fergusson College (Autonomous)

Pune, India | 2018 – 2020

GPA: 8.34 / 10.0

Focus: molecular biology, protein biochemistry, signaling, and disease pathways.

B.Sc. in Microbiology (General)

Savitribai Phule Pune University

Pune, India | 2014 – 2018

GPA: 7.5 / 10.0

Awards & Scholarships

Recognition & Funding

Graduate Tuition Fellowship – University of Houston 2022 – 2025
Bangladesh–Sweden Trust Fund Travel Award – International research travel support 2023
Tuition Fellowship (M.Sc. Biochemistry) – Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune 2018 – 2020
ICCR Scholarship – Full funding for B.Sc. in Microbiology 2015 – 2018