Profile
Algal Biotechnologist, Molecular Biologist and Educator
Dr. Mohsin Ahmad Khan completed his BSc (Hons) in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, his MPhil in Biotechnology from NIBGE Faisalabad/Quaid-i-Azam University, and his PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of the Punjab. He has served CEMB since 1996.
His major research focus is developing GMOs using different host organisms: transgenic cotton and tobacco expressing the insecticidal Bt gene, and recombinant bacterial and yeast strains expressing therapeutic proteins such as interferon and growth factors. He introduced expression of foreign genes in algae hosts — the first lab of its kind in Pakistan — successfully developing strains expressing mosquito larvicidal protein, an influenza subunit edible vaccine, therapeutic proteins and food enzymes.
He has filed patents in Pakistan for a mosquito larvicidal algae strain and a yeast (Pichia pastoris) strain expressing non-glycosylated hEGF proteins.
Selected contributions
Science translated into capability
First algae expression lab in Pakistan
Established the first lab in Pakistan expressing foreign genes in algae hosts.
GMO transgenic crops
Developed GMO transgenic cotton and tobacco plants expressing the insecticidal Bt gene.
Recombinant therapeutics
Developed recombinant bacterial and yeast strains expressing interferon, growth factors and other therapeutic proteins.
Patented innovations
Filed patents for a mosquito larvicidal algae strain and a non-glycosylated hEGF-expressing Pichia pastoris strain.