Gauri Thapa

About

Research topic: Investigating the genetic predisposition to COVID-19 and its contribution to long-term effects on human health.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s in science (Microbiology), KCMS, Nepal

Master of Science in Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

University Certificate in Academic Practice, Canterbury Christ Church University

AFHEA, Higher Education Academy

Scholarships/Awards:

Tribhuvan University Masters Scholarship

Dr Rekha and Lakshyamaiya Gold Medal, 2016

Medway School of Pharmacy Post Graduate Research Scholarship

Research interests

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), to date (7th November 2022) has affected over 600 million people worldwide and around 22 million in the United Kingdom. The symptoms range from mild or asymptomatic to severe requiring hospitalization and in some cases leading to death.
In addition, some people recover within few weeks while others develop long COVID with symptoms returning (after the infection has gone) and lasting for months. Doctors and scientists are unclear as there is very little knowledge of the risk factors that may influence symptoms onset, severity and recovery. Studies published in the early stages of the pandemic have shown that individuals belonging to the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups were at increased risk of severe infection and death from COVID-19. Besides this, it is not clear why people suffering long COVID develop health complications of which neurological issues - such as memory problems, impaired concentration and sleep problems - are among the most common.
Brain shrinkage and neural inflammation has been observed even after mild and moderate COVID symptoms. Thus, there is a general concern that neurological complications may lead to severe long-term brain problems like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, it is crucial to unravel predisposing genetic factors and mechanisms associated with the neurological complications of long COVID in order to develop biomarkers and preventive treatments able to detect and halt ‘post-infection’ mechanism leading to AD in the long-term.
Overall, our research aims to 1) investigate whether there are genetic links that increase susceptibility, severity of Covid-19 as well as symptoms recovery and long COVID in the BAME groups versus other groups; 2) unravel predisposing genetic factors and pathological mechanisms behind the neurological complications of long COVID and determine how these link to long-term health consequences such as AD; 3) assess whether SARS-CoV-2 is able to enter/alter the brain and trigger AD-like pathological processes.

Supervision

Supervisors: Dr Romina Vuono, Prof Gurprit Lall and Dr Athina Mylona

Research Group: Biological Science

Professional

Specialist areas:

Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Regenerative medicine, Bioprinting, Microbiology

Publications:

The design and validation of a low cost trans perineal (TP) prostate biopsy simulator for training: improving trainees’ confidence and cognitive targeting skills
Kelly Ong1,2 · Philip Bald3 · David Dryhurst2 · Saif Ahmed1 · Gibran Tim Yusuf2 · Rahul Lunawat2 · Seshadri Sriprasad1 · Gauri Thapa1 · Alice Tirnoveanu1 · Richard Webb1 · Eqram Rahman1

Webb WR, Thapa G, Tirnoveanu A, Kallu S, Loo Jin Yi C, Shah N, Macari J, Mitchell S, Fagg GJ, Jeremiah RN, Theminimulle S, Vuono R, Mylona A. Single vs replicate Real-Time PCR SARS-CoV-2 testing: Lessons learned for effective pandemic management. PLoS One. 2022 Jul 14;17(7):e0269883. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269883. PMID: 35834476; PMCID: PMC9282535.

Thapa, G., Tirnoveanu, A., Mylona, A., & Webb, R. (2020, October). Enhanced bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell differentiation when isolated and expanded with human platelet rich plasma and differentiation media is supplemented with vitamin D. In eCM Periodicals & Conferences. ECM Journal. com.