Shubham Misra, PhD, BTech

Dr. Misra has over 9 years of research experience in clinical biomarker research, proteomics and statistical data analyses, and evidence synthesis using systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Over the years, his research has pinpointed key biomarkers associated with stroke diagnosis and prognosis and has provided quality evidence in the field of neurological disorders.

Biomarker Discovery and Outcome Prediction in Post-Stroke Epilepsy: His research identified TRMP6, ALDH2, and CD40 gene polymorphisms linked to post-stroke epilepsy risk. In a retrospective study, he contributed to developing a polygenic risk score, indicating elevated predisposition increases the post-stroke epilepsy risk. In an additional study, he identified biofluid biomarkers such as IL-6 and IL1β associated with increased post-stroke epilepsy risk. In a large meta-analysis comprising over 1 million patients, his research demonstrated that post-stroke epilepsy is a critical public health concern, and patients with this condition have a greater risk of mortality, poor functional outcomes, disability, and dementia.

Proteomics-based biomarker discovery: Dr. Misra employed meta-analysis, high-throughput proteomics, and machine learning algorithms to identify blood-based protein biomarkers distinguishing ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke in acute settings. His research highlighted 15 distinct protein biomarkers; among them, the addition of GFAP, MMP-9, and APO-C1 to prediction models containing clinical variables independently increased the discrimination ability. His research extended to exploring these biomarkers' role in predicting short-term outcomes and mortality after both types of strokes, revealing enhanced predictive ability.

Additionally, he used label-free proteomics and bioinformatic tools to identify 37 differentially expressed cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Neurologic manifestations in COVID-19: In collaboration with the Global Forum at the Brain Health Unit of the World Health Organization, Dr. Misra contributed to formulating two living guidance documents and a scientific brief focusing on the clinical management of COVID-19. As part of this global forum, Dr. Misra led a large collaborative effort comprising colleagues from seven distinct countries and provided high-quality evidence on the neurologic manifestations of COVID-19. His research, which drew from a substantial cohort of 145,721 COVID-19 patients for the first time, highlighted a 2% prevalence of stroke in patients with COVID-19.

Genetic markers of stroke risk: Dr. Misra identified genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms linked to ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk in the north Indian population. Through case-control studies and systematic reviews, his research pinpointed candidate genetic markers like MMP-9, ACE, TGF beta-1, and lymphotoxin alpha associated with stroke risk.