Jitendra Sharma
About Jitendra Sharma
Jitendra Sharma is a neuroscientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where he has worked since 2021. He specializes in identifying biomarkers for gene and pharmacological treatments and leads research on genetic mutations related to autism.
Work at Broad Institute
Jitendra Sharma has been working at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard since 2021. He holds the position of Neuroscientist and Group Leader at the Stanley Center, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this role, he leads multiple teams of scientists focused on researching genetic mutations that affect brain circuit connectivity and behavior, particularly in relation to autism. His work involves developing methods to identify behavioral and physiological biomarkers for testing new gene and pharmacological treatments.
Education and Expertise
Jitendra Sharma completed his doctoral studies in New Delhi, where he developed innovative medical devices, including sensors for brain pressure assessment and an artificial arm prosthesis. He later moved to MIT as an NIH Fogarty Fellow, where he contributed to research on circuit formation and plasticity in the brain during his postdoctoral training. His expertise encompasses neuroscience, genetic research, and the development of medical technologies.
Background
Before joining the Broad Institute, Jitendra Sharma oversaw the development of a linear accelerator for cancer radiotherapy while working with the Department of Electronics, Government of India. He also launched a nationwide program aimed at developing technologies for mass healthcare in India. His diverse background combines experience in both research and practical applications of technology in healthcare.
Research Contributions
Jitendra Sharma has made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly in understanding the impact of genetic mutations on brain function. He demonstrated how a single gene mutation affects synapse formation and its subsequent effects on social behavior, cognition, and sleep quality. His research has been published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Science, and Neuron, highlighting the importance of his work in advancing the understanding of neurological conditions.