Specialization:        Biochemical Adaptation and Metabolic Regulation

Academic/Teaching Experience

36 years of teaching experiences at the P.G. level; 41 years of research experiences in the field of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Fellowships/Awards/Recognitions:

National:

• Fellow of National Academy of Sciences, India (F.N.A.Sc.)
• Fellow of Zoological Society, Kolkata (F.Z.S.)
• Received the ISCA Young Scientists Award by the Indian Science Congress Association in the year 1990.
• Received the Young Scientist Best Speaker Prize and a gold medal from the Ichthyological Society of India for the year 1987.
• Received the National Merit Scholarship from Matriculation up to M.Sc.

International:

• DAAD Fellow (June  1991 to September 1993)
• Senior DAAD Fellow (October  to December, 1997)
• Visiting Scientist (BAT II) on invitation in the laboratory of Professor Dr. D. Häussinger, Germany (May 2001 to April 2002)

Memberships of Academic Societies etc.:

• Life Member of the National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad, India
• Life Member of the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata
• Life Member of the Indian Society of Biological Chemists
• Life Member of the Indian Society of Comparative Animal Physiologists

Major Areas of Research/Research Activities:

• Nitrogen metabolism in air-breathing catfishes with special reference to ornithine-urea cycle (OUC) and amino acid metabolism under environmental stresses.
• Molecular mechanisms of regulation of ureogenesis and amino acid metabolism under environmental constraints in air-breathing catfishes.
• Nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress and protein turnover with relation to cell volume changes in air-breathing catfishes.
• Cell volume changes and early immediate gene expression in the hepatocytes of air-breathing catfishes.
• Differential expression of different adaptive genes under various environmental stresses in air-breathing catfishes.
• Molecular characterization and regulation of expression of different nitric oxide synthase genes and the role of nitric oxide in adaptation to various environmental stresses in air-breathing catfishes.
• Oxidative stress and antioxidant properties of air-breathing catfishes under environmental stresses.
• Influence of nanoparticles on oxidative stress and antioxidant properties in air-breathing catfishes.
• Response to hypoxia stress and the roles of HIF, mTor, and other related genes in adaptation to hypoxia in air-breathing catfishes.

Major Findings in Research:

Prof. Saha has shown for the first time the unique presence of a functional ornithine-urea cycle (OUC) in two freshwater air-breathing catfish that are predominantly available in the Indian subcontinent, such as Heteropneustes fossilis, Clarias batrachus/magur, which otherwise is known to be non-functional or absent in typical freshwater teleosts. This unique finding by Prof. Saha has contradicted the earlier “gene deletion” hypothesis proposed by Brown and Cohen (1960) based on their findings of the non-occurrence of functional OUC in freshwater teleosts, maybe because of deletion of some genes required for OUC during their adaptive evolution in freshwater habitat. In contrast, Prof. Saha and his group showed the existence of a functional OUC in air-breathing catfish, the regulation of which depends on variable environmental constraints that they face regularly in natural habitats. For example, while living inside the mud-peat for months during the drought season under water-restricted conditions, high concentration of ambient ammonia in stagnant water bodies due to evaporative water loss in summer, and in alkaline conditions, which compelled them to switch over from ammoniotelic to ureotelic mode of nitrogen excretion by inducing the OUC enzyme genes. Prof. Saha has recently demonstrated the induction of ureogenesis in magur catfish (C. magur) under ammonia stress, which was reported earlier by his group, takes place via the induction of various OUC genes. However, such unique adaptation was witnessed in amphibians, which was not reported in any teleost species. In addition to this, Prof. Saha revealed the existence of a functional OUC in non-hepatic tissues other than its usual presence in hepatic tissues, such as in the kidney and muscle of these catfish as a special adaptation, which is not found in higher vertebrates. Prof. Saha has also shown that these catfish can accumulate very high concentrations of toxic ammonia while this is not so in mammals, where excess levels of plasma ammonia may lead to coma and death.  Further, these catfish can convert the accumulated ammonia to glutamine and various non-essential amino acids very efficiently, as another unique adaptational strategy existing in these catfish, and suggested that the accumulated ammonia could be incorporated into body proteins. Another recent important contribution made by Prof. Saha and his group is with the occurrence of three glutamine synthetase (GS) genes expressed differentially in different tissues in catfish in contrast mammalian system, where the GS enzyme is encoded by only one gene and all three GS genes get induced differentially in different tissues under ammonia stress in high ambient ammonia.  His group has reported mitochondrial localization of both the isoforms of arginase (ARG 1 and 2), the last enzyme of the OUC, in C. magur liver, thereby suggesting that urea is exclusively synthesized inside the mitochondria of hepatic cells of catfish. This is again a unique observation in contrast to mammals, where urea is synthesized primarily in the cytosol of hepatic cells due to cytosolic localization of ARG, suggesting a regulatory role of mitochondrial urea synthesis in catfish.

Prof. Saha made a significant revelation regarding the presence of two types of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS), the CPS I (ammonia- and N-acetyl-L-glutamate-dependent), which is normally present in higher vertebrates such as in mammals and amphibians, in addition to the presence of a typical fish-type CPS III (glutamine- and N-acetyl-L-glutamate dependent) activity in air-breathing catfish. This is again another novel contribution of showing the presence of both the OUC-related CPSes (CPS I and III) in a single vertebrate species, which was not observed together in any other vertebrates. It was suggested that glutamine- and N-acetyl glutamate-dependent CPS III, found in lower vertebrates, is the evolutionary precursor to ammonia- and N-acetyl-L glutamate-dependent CPS I of ureotelic mammalian and amphibian species. Thus, the presence of both types of OUC-related CPS activities in these two catfish probably has evolutionary significance in relation to the evolution of OUC in vertebrates, in addition to their physiological significance of efficient conversion of toxic ammonia to urea via the OUC by involving both the isoforms of CPS under ammonia stress.

Prof. N. Saha and his group have recently demonstrated the induction of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by inducing the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene under ammonia stress during exposure to high ambient ammonia and mud-dwelling in air-breathing catfish (H. fossilis and C. magur). He further demonstrated in the hepatocytes of C. magur that NO plays a very significant role in ameliorating ammonia-induced oxidative stress by inducing various antioxidant genes. This was also found to be true under nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress in the hepatocytes of C. magur. 

Prof. Saha and his group have also worked on the transcriptional analysis of various adaptive genes under ammonia stress and also under various environmental stresses, thus suggesting the presence of unique adaptational strategies these air-breathing catfish possess by fine-tuning of different adaptive genes under environmental stresses. Further, his group worked on various nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress and the corresponding antioxidant strategies that these catfishes possess to survive under oxidative stress.

Administrative responsibilities undertaken:

Number of Ph. D. degree awarded:

1. Ph.D. degree awarded: 22 
2. Ph.D. thesis submitted:        0
3. Working for Ph.D. degree:    3

Research Projects

Total: 12; Completed 11; Ongoing: 1

1. Role of amino acid metabolism in Indian air-breathing teleosts to survive under hyper-ammonia stress. GTZ, Germany (1996-2000).
2. Purification and characterization of carbamyl phosphate synthetase(s), and expression of urea cycle enzymes during early developmental stages in an amphibious potential ureogenic teleost, Clarias batrachus. UGC, New Delhi (2001-2004).
3. Culture of carps and air-breathing fishes in hilly region and   transfer of technology to rural population of Meghalaya. DBT, New Delhi (2002-2005)
4. Physiological significance of occurrence/expression and tissue distribution of nitric oxide synthases, production of nitric oxide under environmental constraints and pathological conditions in the air-breathing catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. DST, New Delhi (2006-2009).
5. Molecular and functional characterization of nitric oxide synthases and production of nitric oxide under environmental constraints and pathological conditions in the air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus. UGC, New Delhi (2007-2010).
6. Influence of hyper-ammonia stress on the expression of multiple glutamine synthetase genes, mRNAs for ornithine urea cycle enzymes and mitogen activated protein kinases in air-breathing catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. DST, New Delhi (2010-2013).
7. Molecular characterization in the expression of mRNAs for ornithine-urea cycle enzymes and enzyme proteins, multiple glutamine synthetase genes and signaling cascades under hyper-ammonia stress in the air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus. DBT Twining, New Delhi (2011-2015).
8. Effects of high environmental ammonia on the expression of multiple glutamine synthetase genes, mitogen-activated protein kinases and Hsp70 in the air-breathing mud eel, Monopterus cuchia. UGC, New Delhi. (2012-2015).
9. Possible upregulation of ornithine-urea cycle genes and involvement of MAPKs to adapt under hyper-ammonia stress in air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus. DST-SERB, New Delhi (2014-2017).
10. Molecular adaptation during exposure to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles with special reference to oxidative stress, nitric oxide production, expression of heat shock proteins in air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus. DST-SERB, New Delhi (2018-2022).
11. To elucidate the unique biochemical adaptational strategies that allow two air-breathing catfishes (Clarias batrachus and Heteropneustes fossilis) to survive in ammonia enriched toxic waste. NASF-ICAR, New Delhi (2018-2022).
12. To elucidate the roles of HIF and mTOR signaling pathways, and the autophagy in adaptation to hypoxia stress in air-breathing stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. DST-SERB, New Delhi (2022-2025).

Publications

Total Publications: 90; Total Citations: 2790; 
Total IF:  261.00; h index: 31; i10 index: 71

1. Chutia P., Das M., Goswami N., Choudhury M., Saha N. and Sarma K. (2023). Deciphering the role of aquaporin 1 in the adaptation of the stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis to environmental hypertonicity by molecular dynamics simulation studies. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 41(6):2075-2089.  https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2022.2027272. Taylor & Francis Publication
2. Koner D., Nag N., Kalita P., Padhi A.K., Tripathi T. and Saha N. (2023). Functional expression, localization, and biochemical characterization of thioredoxin glutathione reductase from air-breathing magur catfish, Clarias magur. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 230: 123126. DOI: https:doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022. 123126. Elsevier Publication.
3. Chutia P., Das M. and Saha N. (2023). Transcriptome analysis of gills reveals novel insights into the molecular response of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) to environmental hypertonicity. Gene, 851: 147044. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2022.147044. Elsevier Publication.
4. Kumari A., Koner D., Lanong A.S., Khongmawloh E., Snaitang R. and Saha N. (2023). Changes in the expression of certain osmosensitive channel and transporter genes in primary hepatocytes of air-breathing catfish, Clarias magur: A strategy to adapt under osmotic stress. Aquaculture, 562: 738756. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture. 2022.738756. Elsevier Publication.
5. Chutia P. Saha N. Das M. and Goswami L.M. (2022). Differential expression of aquaporin genes and the influence of environmental hypertonicity on their expression in juveniles of air-breathing stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A, 274: 111314. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.cbpa.2022.111314. Elsevier Publication.
6. Saha N., Koner D. and Sharma R. (2022). Environmental hypoxia: A threat to the gonadal development and reproduction in bony fishes. Aquaculture and Fisheries, 7: 572-582. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aaf.2022.02.002. Elsevier Publication.
7. Patra K., Rajaswini R., Murmu B., Rasal K. D., Sahoo L., Saha A., Saha N., Koner D., and Barman, H.K. (2022). Identifying miRNAs in the modulation of gene regulation associated with ammonia toxicity in catfish, Clarias magur (Linnaeus, 1758). Molecular Biology Reports, 49: 6249-6259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-07424-y. Springer Publication.
8. Koner D., Banerjee B., Kumari A., Lanong A.S., Snaitang R. and Saha N. (2021). Molecular characterization of superoxide dismutase and catalase genes, and the induction of antioxidant genes under the zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress in air-breathing magur catfish (Clarias magur). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 47: 1909-1932, DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10695-021-01019-31-24. Springer Nature Publication.
9. Banerjee B., Koner D., Karasik D. and Saha N. (2021). Genome-wide identification of novel long non-coding RNAs and their possible roles in hypoxic zebrafish brain. Genomics, 113: 29-43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.11.023. Elsevier Publication.
10. Das S., Chattopadhyay D., Chatterjee S.K., Mondal S.A., Majumdar S.S., Mukhopadhyay S., Saha N., Velayutham, R., Bhattacharya S. and Mukherjee S. (2021). Increase in PPARγ inhibitory phosphorylation by Fetuin-A through the activation of Ras-MEK-ERK pathway causes insulin resistance. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Diseases, 1867(4):166050, DOI: org/10.1016/j.bbadis. 2020.166050. Elsevier Publication
11. Sen B., Rabha M., Sheet S.K., Kone D., Saha N. and Khatua S. (2021). Bis-heteroleptic Ru(II) polypyridine complex-Based luminescent probes for nerve agent simulant and organophosphate pesticide. Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers, 8: 669-683.
    DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/D0QI00997K. Royal Society of Chemistry Publication, UK.
12. Hasan R., Koner D., Khongmawloh E. and Saha N. (2020). Induction of nitric oxide synthesis: A strategy to defend against the high environmental ammonia-induced oxidative stress in primary hepatocytes of air-breathing catfish, Clarias magur. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223(9): jeb219626., DOI: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.219626. Company of Biologists, UK
13. Banerjee B., Koner D., Hasan R. and Saha N. (2020). Molecular characterization and ornithine-urea cycle genes expression in air-breathing magur catfish (Clarias magur) during exposure to high external ammonia. Genomics, 112: 2247-2260. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.12.021. Elsevier Publication.
14. Koner D., Banerjee B., Hasan R. and Saha N. (2019). Antioxidant activity of endogenously produced nitric oxide against the zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress in primary hepatocytes of air-breathing catfish, Clarias magur. Nitric Oxide, 84: 7-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.niox.2018.12.010.  Elsevier Publication.
15. Banerjee B., Koner D., Hasan R., Bhattacharya S. and Saha N. (2019). Transcriptome analysis reveals novel insights in air-breathing magur catfish (Clarias magur) in response to high environmental ammonia. Gene, 703: 35-49. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2019.04.009. Elsevier Publication.
16. Kumari, S., Choudhury, M.G. and Saha, N. (2019). Hyper-ammonia stress causes induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene and more production of nitric oxide in air-breathing magur catfish, Clarias magur (Hamilton). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 45 (3), 907-920. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-018-0593-y.  Springer Publication.
17. Sen B., Sheet S.K., Patra S.K., Koner D., Saha N. and Khatua S. (2019). Highly Selective Detection of Hypochlorous Acid by a Bis-heteroleptic Ru(II) Complex of Pyridyl-1,2,3-triazole Ligand via C(sp2)-H Hydroxylatio. Inorganic Chemistry, 58: 9982-9991. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01125. American Chemical Society Publication.
18. Patra S.K., Sen B., Sheet S.K., Banerjee B., Saha N. and Khatua S. (2019). Single molecular dual analyte thio-urea based probes for colorimetric Hg²⁺ and fluorometric AcO−detection and its’ application in bioimaging. Inorganica Chimica Acta, 492: 119-130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01125. Elsevier Publication.
19. Banerjee B., Koner D., Lal, P. Kumari S., Hasan R. and Saha N. (2019). Role of taurine in cellular volume regulation in erythrocytes of air-breathing catfish (Clarias magur) under osmotic stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 89: 1389-1397. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-018-01067-5. Springer Publication.
20. Banerjee B., Koner D., Bhuyan G. and Saha N. (2018). Differential expression of multiple glutamine synthetase genes in air-breathing magur catfish, Clarias magur and their induction under hyper-ammonia stress. Gene, 671: 85-95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2018.05.111. Elsevier Publication.
21. Choudhury M.G., Kumari S., Das K.B. and Saha N. (2018). Lipopolysaccharide causes NFĸB-mediated induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene and more production of nitric oxide in air-breathing catfish, Clarias magur (Hamilton). Gene, 658: 18-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.018. Elsevier Publication.
22. Banerjee B., Koner D., Lal P. and Saha N. (2017). Unique mitochondrial localization of arginase 1 and 2 in hepatocytes of air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus and their differential expression patterns under hyper-ammonia stress. Gene, 622: 13-22. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2017.04.025. Elsevier Publication.
23. Bhuyan G. and Saha N. (2018). Role of amino acids in renal tissue of air-breathing catfish Heteropneustes fossilis under desiccation stress (mud dwelling). Science and Technology Journal, 6: 68-74.
24. Hangzo H., Banerjee B., Saha S, and Saha N. (2017). Ammonia stress under high environmental ammonia induces Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the mud eel, Monopterus cuchia. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 43: 77-88. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-016-0269-4. Springer Publication.
25. Saha N. and Banerjee B. (2017). Dogmas and controversies in handling of nitrogenous wastes: Unique biochemical adaptational strategies evolved in Indian air-breathing catfishes to survive in extreme environment. The NEHU Journal, 15: 41-63. NEHU Publication.
26. Choudhury M.G. and Saha N. (2016). Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase by lipopolysaccharide and the influences of cell volume changes, stress hormones and oxidative stress on nitric oxide efflux from the perfused liver of air-breathing catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. PLoS ONE 11(3): e0150469. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150469. Plos Publication.
27. Choudhury M.G. and Saha N. (2015). Nitric oxide synthetic machineries and possible roles of nitric oxide in various physiological functions in fish. In: Advances in Fish Research, Vol. VI. Edited by U.C. Goswami, Narendra Publishing House, Delhi, pp. 29-67.
28. Banerjee B., Bhuyan G. and Saha N. (2014) Influence of hypertonicity on the induction of ureogenesis and amino acid metabolism in air-breathing walking catfish (Clarias batrachus, Bloch). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 52(07): 728-738. DOI: http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/29046.  NISCAIR Publication.
29. Das M., Banerjee B., Choudhury M.G. and Saha N. (2013) Environmental hypertonicity causes induction of gluconeogenesis in the air-breathing singhi catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. PLoS ONE, 8(12): e85535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0085535.   Plos Publication.
30. Choudhury M.G. and Saha N. (2012). Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production in the mud-dwelled air-breathing singhi catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis under condition of water shortage. Nitric Oxide, 27:219-227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.niox.2012.07.006. Elsevier Publication.
31. Goswami U.C., Rahman S. and Saha N. (2012). Functional ureogenesis and adaptation to nitrogen metabolism in amphihaline shad hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha, Hamilton-Buchanan) while inhabiting in estuary and freshwater habitats. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 50(9): 652-659. DOI: http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/14600. NISCAIR Publication.
32. Choudhury M.G. and Saha N. (2012). Influence of environmental ammonia on the production of nitric oxide and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the freshwater air-breathing. Aquatic Toxicology, 116-117:43-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.03.006. Elsevier Publication.
33. Saha N. (2012). Biochemical adaptation to nitrogen metabolism in Indian air-breathing catfish under environmental constraints. In: Silver Jubilee Compendium on Coldwater Fish. Edited by D. Sarma, A. Pande, S. Chandra and S.K. Gupta, ICAR Publication, pp. 109-122.
34. Saha N., Jyrwa L.M., Das M. and Biswas K. (2011). Influence of increased environmental water salinity on gluconeogenesis in the air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 37: 681-692. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-011-9468-1. Springer Publication.
35. Biswas K., Jyrwa L.M., Häussinger D. and Saha N. (2010). Influence of cell volume changes on protein synthesis in isolated hepatocytes of air-breathing walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 36:17-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-008-9275-5. Springer Publication.
36. Biswas K., Khongsngi J.L., Häussinger D. and Saha N. (2009). Influence of cell volume changes on autophagic proteolysis in the perfused liver of air-breathing walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). Journal of Experimental Zoology, 311A:115-124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.508. Wiley Publication.
37. Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (2007). Functional ureogenesis to ammonia metabolism in Indian freshwater air-breathing catfishes. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 33: 283-295. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-007-9172-3.  Springer Publication.
38. Kharbuli Z.Y., Biswas K. and Saha N. (2007). Mitochondrial citrulline synthesis in the liver of ureogenic air-breathing catfish (Clarias batrachus). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 45(12): 1073-1079. DOI: http://nopr.niscpr.res. in/handle/123456789/5361. NISCAIR Publication.
39. Das B., Tandon V. and Saha N. (2007). Genistein from Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae) enhances NO and its mediator (cGMP) production in a cestode parasite, Raillietina echinobothrida. Parasitology, 134 (10): 1457-463. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ S003118200700282X. Cambridge Publication.
40. Saha N., Datta S., Kharbuli Z.Y., Biswas K. and Bhattacharjee A. (2007). Air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus upregulates the glutamine synthetase and carbamyl phosphate synthetase III to avoid ammonia toxicity during exposure to high external ammonia. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 147B: 520-530. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2007.03.007.  Elsevier Publication.
41. Saha N. and Datta S. (2007). Possible biochemical strategies to ameliorate the ammonia toxicity by Indian air-breathing catfishes under environmental constraints. In: Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards on Fish and Fisheries. Edited by U.C. Goswami, Narendra Publishing House, New Delhi, pp. 373-388.
42. Goswami C. and Saha N. (2006). Cell volume regulation in the perfused liver of a freshwater air-breathing catfish Clarias batrachus under aniso-osmotic conditions: Roles of inorganic ions and taurine. Journal of Biosciences, 31: 589-598. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02708411. Springer Publication.
43. Das B., Tandon V. and Saha N. (2006). Effect of isoflavone from Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae) on the Ca²⁺ homeostasis in Raillietina echinobothrida, the cestode of domestic fowl. Parasitology International, 55: 17-21. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2005.08.002. Elsevier Publication.
44. Kharbuli Z. Y., Datta S., Biswas K., Sarma D. and Saha N. (2006). Expression of ornithine-urea cycle enzymes in early life stages of the air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus and induction of ureogenesis under hyper-ammonia stress. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 143B: 44-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.cbpb.2005.09.014.  Elsevier Publication.
45. Goswami C., Datta S., Biswas K. and Saha N. (2004). Cell volume changes effect gluconeogenesis in the perfused liver of catfish, Clarias batrachus. Journal of Biosciences, 29: 337-347. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02702616. Springer Publication.
46. Saha N. and Goswami C. (2004). Effects of anisotonicity on pentose-phosphate pathway, oxidized glutathione release and t-butylhydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in the perfused liver of air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus. Journal of Biosciences, 29: 179-187. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02703416. Springer Publication.
47. Donner M. G., Warskulat U., Saha N. and Häussinger D. (2004). Enhanced expression of basolateral multidrug resistance protein isoforms Mrp3 and Mrp5 in rat liver by LPS. Biological Chemistry, 385: 331-339. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/BC.2004.029.  De Gruyter Publication.
48. Kubitz R., Saha N., Kühlkamp T., Dutta S., vom Dahl S., Wettstein M. and Häussinger D. (2004). Ca²⁺-dependent protein kinase C-isoforms mediate cholestasis in rat liver. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 279: 10323-10330. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M306242200. American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Publication
49. Das B., Tandon V. and Saha N. (2004). Effects of phytochemicals of Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae) on glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase and gluconeogenic enzymes in a cestode (Raillietina echinobothrida). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 139C: 141-146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2004.10.004. Elsevier Publication.
50. Das B., Tandon V. and Saha N. (2004). Anthelmintic efficacy of Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae): alteration in the activities of some enzymes of glycolysis in the cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida. Parasitology Research, 93: 253-261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-004-1122-8. Springer Publication.
51. Das B., Tandon V. and Saha N. (2004). Anthelmintic efficacy of Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae): alternations in glucose metabolism of the cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida. Parasitology International, 53: 345-350. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2004.06.002.  Elsevier Publication.
52. Kar P.K., Tandon V. and Saha N. (2004). Anthelmintic efficacy of genistein, the active principle of Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae): alterations in the free amino acid pool and ammonia levels in the fluke, Fasciolopsis buski. Parasitology International, 53: 287-291. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2004.04.001. Elsevier Publication.
53. Saha N., Datta S., Biswas K. and Kharbuli Z.Y. (2003). Role of ureogenesis in tackling problems of ammonia toxicity during exposure to higher ambient ammonia in the air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus. Journal of Biosciences, 28: 733-742. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02708434.  Springer Publication.
54. Tandon V., Das B. and Saha N. (2003). Anthelmintic efficacy of Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae): Effect of genistein on glycogen metabolism in the cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida. Parasitology International, 52: 179-183. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.1016/S1383-5769(03)00006-0. Elsevier Publication.
55. Häussinger D., Görg B., Bode J.G., Saha N., Wettstein M., Reiner R., Warskulat U., vom Dahl S. and Schliess F. (2003). Novel aspects of nitrogen metabolism in liver disease. In: Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism in Liver Failure. Edited by E. A. Jones, A. J. Meijer, R. A. F. Chamulan, Springer-Verlag, The Netherland, pp. 3-8.
56. Häussinger D., Graf D., Reinehr R., Kutz A.K., Saha N., Wettstein M., Schliess F., vom Dahl, S. and Kubitz R. (2003). Short term regulation of bile acid secretion. In: Bile Acids: From Genomics to Disease and Therapy. Edited by G. Paumgartner. Springer-Verlag, Germany, pp. 133-138.
57. Saha N., Dutta S. and Bhattacharjee A. (2002). Role of amino acid metabolism in an air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus in response to exposure to a high concentration of exogenous ammonia. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 133B: 235-250. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1096-4959(02)00145-8. Elsevier Publication.
58. Kar P.K., Tandon V. and Saha N. (2002). Anthelmintic efficacy of Flemingia vestita (Fabaceae): genistein induced effect on the activity of nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide in the trematode parasite, Fasciolopsis buski. Parasitology International, 51: 249-257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1383-5769(02)00032-6.  Elsevier Publication.
59. Saha N., Kharbuli Z.Y., Bhattacharjee A., Goswami C. and Häussinger D. (2002). Effect of alkalinity (pH 10) on ureogenesis in an air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 132A: 353-364. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1095-6433(02)00044-2. Elsevier Publication.
60. Varman A.R., Mayer-Rochow V. B., Deb M. K., Dey S., Kharbuli B., Saha N. and Sentimenla (2001). Role of haem pigments in the physiology of colour vision of the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio. Tropical Zoology, 2&3: 97-101.
61. Tandon V., Kar P.K. and Saha N. (2001). NO nerves in trematodes, too! NADPH-diaphorase activity in adult Fasciolopsis buski. Parasitology International, 50: 157-163. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1383-5769(01)00074-5.  Elsevier Publication.
62. Saha N., Das L., Dutta S. and Goswami U.C.  (2001). Role of ureogenesis in the mud dwelled Singhi catfish Heteropneustes fossilis: under condition of water shortage. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 128A: 137-146. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1095-6433(00)00282-8.  Elsevier Publication.
63. Saha N. and Dkhar J. (2000). Annual variation of ureogenesis in a freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch).  Tropical Zoology, 2&3: 87-95.
64. Dombrowski F., Kubitz R., Wettstein M., Saha N. and Häussinger D. (2000). Electron microscopic demonstration of multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) retrieval from the canalicular membrane in response to hyperosmolarity and lipopolysaccharide.  Biochemical Journal, 348:183-188. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1042/bj3480183.  Portland Press Publication.
65. Saha N., Dutta S. and Häussinger D. (2000). Changes in free amino acid synthesis in the perfused liver of an air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus infused with ammonium chloride: A strategy to adapt under hyper ammonia stress. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 286: 13-23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-010X(20000101)286:1<13::AID-JEZ2>3.0.CO;2-X. Wiley Publication.
66. Saha N. and Das L. (1999). Stimulation of ureogenesis in perfused liver of an Indian air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus, infused with different concentrations of ammonium chloride.  Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 21: 303-311. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007856432423. Springer Publication.
67. Saha N., Das L. and Dutta S. (1999). Types of carbamyl phosphate synthetases and subcellular localization of urea cycle and related enzymes in air-breathing walking catfish, Clarias batrachus. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 283: 121-130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-010X(19990201)283:2<121::AID-JEZ2>3.0.CO;2-5. Wiley Publication.
68. Häussinger D., Kubitz R., Schlies F., Wettstein M., Warskulat U., Kurz A.-K, Saha N. and vom Dahl S. (1999). Regulation of canalicular conjugate export pump by osmolarity, endotoxin and glucocorticoids in rat liver. In: Bile Acids and Cholestasis. Edited by G. Paumgartner, A. Stiehl, W. Gerok and D. Keppler. Kluwer Academic Publisher, The Netherlands, pp. 137-141.
69. Saha N. and Ratha B.K.  (1998). Ureogenesis in Indian air-breathing teleosts: Adaptation to environmental constraints. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 120A: 195-208. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1095-6433(98)00026-9. Elsevier Publication.
70. Saha N., Tandon V. and Pal P. (1998). Anthelmintic efficacy of Flemingia vestita (leguminoceae): genistein-induced alterations in the free amino acid pool of the cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida. Parasitology International., 47; Supplement 1. DOI: 10.1016/S1383-5769(98)80671-5. Elsevier Publication.
71. Tandon V., Paul P. and Saha N. (1998). Anthelmintic efficacy of Flemingia vestita (Leguminoceae): Genistein-induced alterations in the free amino acid pool of the cestode, Raillietina echinobothrida. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 22:110-115. Springer Publication.
72. Goswami C. and Saha N. (1998). Glucose, pyruvate and lactate efflux by the perfused liver of an air-breathing teleost, Clarias batrachus during aniso-osmotic exposure. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 119A: 999-1007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1095-6433(98)00017-8. Elsevier Publication.
73. Saha N., Dkhar J., Anderson P.M. and Ratha B.K (1997). Carbamyl phosphate synthetases in an air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 116B: 57-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-0491(96)00193-9. Elsevier Publication.
74. Ratha B.K., Saha N., Rana R.K. and Choudhury B. (1995). Evolutionary significance of metabolic detoxification of ammonia to urea in an ammoniotelic freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis during temporary water deprivation. Evolucio̍n BioloË?gica, 8 & 9: 107-117. World Cat Publication.
75. Saha N., Dkhar J. and Ratha B.K. (1995). Induction of ureogenesis in perfused liver of a freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis, infused with different concentrations of ammonium chloride. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 112B: 733-741. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(95)00115-8.  Elsevier Publication.
76. Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1994). Induction of ornithine-urea cycle in a freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis, exposed to high concentrations of ammonium chloride. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 108B: 315-325. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(94)90083-3. Elsevier Publication.
77. Saha N., Schrieber R., vom Dahl S., Lang F., Gerok W. and Häussinger D. (1993). Endogenous hydroperoxide formation, cell volume and cellular K⁺ balance in perfused rat liver. Biochemical Journal, 296: 701-707. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1042/bj2960701. Portland Press Publication.
78. Häussinger D., Saha N., Hallbrucker C., Lang F. and Gerok W. (1993). Involvement of microtubules in the swelling-induced stimulation of transcellular taurocholate transport in perfused rat liver.  Biochemical Journal, 291:355-360. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1042/bj2910355.  Portland Press Publication.
79. Häussinger D., Hallbrucker C., Saha N., Lang F. and Gerok W. (1992). Cell volume and bile acid excretion.  Biochemical Journal, 288: 681-689. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1042/bj2880681. Portland Press Publication.
80. Saha N., Stoll B., Lang F. and Häussinger D. (1992). Effect of anisotonic cell-volume modulation on glutathione-S-conjugate release, t-butyl-hydroperoxide metabolism 51.and the pentose phosphate shunt in perfused rat liver.  European Journal of Biochemistry, 209: 437-444. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1432-1033.1992.tb17307.x. FEBS Press Publication.
81. Hallbrucker C., Saha N., Lang F., Gerok W. and Häussinger D. (1992). Alterations of cell volume: A major determinant of bile acid excretion. Journal of Hepatology, 16: 16 Suppl. 1, S7. DOI: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-8278(05)81294-2. Elsevier Publication.
82. Dkhar J., Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1991). Ureogenesis in a freshwater air-breathing teleost: An unusual sub-cellular distribution of ornithine-urea cycle enzymes in the freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis. Biochemistry International, 25: 1061-1069. Academic Press Publication.
83. Das J.R., Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1991). Tissue distribution and   sub-cellular localization of glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme in a freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 19: 207-212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(91)90004-J. Elsevier Publication.
84. Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1991). Regulation of ureogenesis during hyper-ammonia stress in freshwater air-breathing teleosts. Journal of Scientific Research, 41A: 219-229. BHU Publication.
85. Saha N. and Ratha B. K. (1990). Alterations in excretion pattern of ammonia and urea in a freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) during hyper-ammonia stress. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 28: 579-599. NISCAIR Publication.
86. Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1989). Comparative study of ureogenesis in freshwater air-breathing teleosts. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 252: 1-8. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.1402520102. Wiley Publication.
87. Chakravorty J., Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1989). A unique pattern of tissue distribution and sub-cellular localization of glutamine synthetase in a freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Biochemistry International, 19: 519-527. Academic Press Publication.
88. Saha N., Chakravorty J. and Ratha B.K. (1988). Diurnal variation in renal and extra-renal excretion of ammonia-N and urea-N in a freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Proceedings Indian Academy of Sciences (Animal Sci.), 97: 529-537. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03179554.  Springer Publication.
89. Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1987). Active ureogenesis in a freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 241: 137-141. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.1402410117. Wiley Publication.
90. Saha N. and Ratha B.K. (1986). Effect of ammonia stress on ureogenesis in a freshwater air-breathing teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis. Contemporary Themes in Biochemistry, 6: 342-343, Oxford Publication.

Papers presented in Conferences/Seminars:   Total 160

Collaboration/Consultancy :           

1. NCCS, Pune
2. NBFGR-ICAR, Lucknow
3. CIFA-ICAR, Bhubaneswar
4. Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan

Any Other

Awards/Distinctions Received by Research Students:

Dr. Shritapa Datta:

• Young Scientist Award by the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata (2004)
• Swarna Jayanti Puroskar by the National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad (2007)

Dr. Kuheli Biswas:

• Young Scientist Award by the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata (2007)

Dr. Mahua G. Choudhury:

• President Dr. Shanakar Dayal Sharma Gold medal by the NEHU (2005)
• Young Scientist Award by the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata (2010)
• Swarna Jayanti Puroskar by the National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad (2012)
• Dr. (Mrs.) Gouri Ganguly Memorial Award by the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata (2014)

Dr. Bodhisattwa Banerjee:

• Young Scientist Award by the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata (2015).
• NPDF by the SERB-DST for two years (2017-2018).
• Post-doctoral Fellowship to Israel for two years (2019-2020).
• Post-doctoral Fellowship to USA for five years (2021-2026).