Dr MUNI KUMAR DOKKA

Completed Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam in the year 2014. Worked as Research Scientist in DST-PURSE Program, Advanced Analytical Laboratory, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam for one year. Completed Post-Doctoral Studies in the Department of Biochemistry, Andhra University from Dec 2015 to Dec 2020. Broad area of specialization includes Clinical Biochemistry, Plant Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Enzymology, Microbial Biotechnology and Cancer Biology. Qualified in CSIR - UGC NET (JRF) in 2005 and GATE in 2006. Recipient of the UGC- Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) during 2008 - 2013. Published 29 papers in peer reviewed and indexed National and International journals. Presented work at several Indian and International Conferences. Received Young Scientist Award from the Andhra Pradesh Akademi of Sciences for his outstanding research in the field of Life Sciences for the year 2016.

EDUCATION

M.Sc in Biochemistry

Ph.D in Biochemistry

Post Doctoral Scientist in Biochemistry

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Biochemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Cancer Research, Biotechnology

Scopus Publications

In silico prediction of octahydro-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: a comprehensive computational study
Satyavani Meesala, Swathi Nageswara, Rajkiran Kolakota, Muni Kumar Dokka, Mumpi Giri, Priyadarsini Bada, Vidya Sagar Jerra
Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, 2026
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by cognitive decline and memory loss. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)inhibition remains a crucial therapeutic strategy for AD treatment. This study aimed to identify novel octahydro-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as potential AChE inhibitors through comprehensive computational approaches. Methods A library of thirty derivatives was designed and subjected to comprehensive in silico screening. The AChE binding pocket was identified using the CASTp server, followed by high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) in AutoDock. Pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness parameters were predicted using SwissADME, while toxicity profiles were assessed via ProTox. The top-scoring compound (STY9) underwent a 100ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to evaluate binding stability and interaction consistency. Results CASTp analysis revealed a well-defined active site pocket suitable for ligand accommodation. Docking results identified STY9 as the most promising candidate, showing a binding affinity of − 9.17 kcal/mol, superior to the reference inhibitor rivastigmine (− 6.4 kcal/mol). SwissADME predictions indicated favourable absorption and BBB permeability, while ProTox analysis suggested low toxicity potential. MD simulations confirmed stable binding of STY9 with minimal structural fluctuations, supporting a robust enzyme–ligand complex. Conclusion This integrated computational approach highlights STY9 as a potent and pharmacokinetically favourable AChE inhibitor scaffold. The findings provide a favourable indication for future experimental validation and the development of structurally optimised analogues for Alzheimer’s disease therapy.
Novel thrombolytic protease from the rare halophile Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum: bioprocessing and in vitro application
Mandragutti Teja, Tura Safawo Jarso, Dokka Muni Kumar, Sudhakar Godi
BMC Biotechnology, 2025
BACKGROUND: Alkaline proteases are hydrolytic enzymes that play a crucial role in various biological processes. Proteases produced by halophiles showed exceptional efficiency in breaking down the complex structures ranging from pigments to extracellular proteins, tissue proteins to tumors, and thrombin clots. There is a huge global demand for naturally occurring thrombolytic proteases to treat intravascular thrombosis, as they are cost-effective and have minimal detrimental effects, making them widely used in the biomedical applications. RESULTS: The production of thrombolytic protease from the rare halophile Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum strain M4 and its in-vitro thrombolytic activity is investigated for the first time. On skim milk agar, a distinct zone of casein hydrolysis was observed, in submerged fermentation a substantial protease production was noted. The enzyme was purified through a four-step purification process following an initial precipitation with 60% ammonium sulfate, subsequent ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-cellulose, and final gel-filtration chromatography utilizing Sephadex G-100. As a result, a protein with a specific activity of 300 ± 32 U/mg was obtained with a purification fold of 19 and a recovery percentage of 38.2%. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was 14.4 kDa via SDS-PAGE while MALDI/MS analysis further revealed a 131 amino acid sequence with an isoelectric point of 8.55 and on comparison, the strain M4 alkaline protease aligns with the proteasome subunit alpha. The protease is classified as a serine protease based on the inhibition by PMSF and its activity profile. The in-vitro thrombolytic assay revealed that the purified enzyme achieved a clot lysis rate of 65 ± 3%, performing effectively in comparison to the standard. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that strain M4 is an efficient producer of thrombolytic protease and the purified form effectively dissolves thrombin clots. Currently, the studies are underway to explore its potential for biomedical applications and industrial-scale production.
Screening and optimization of candidate alkaline protease for dehairing potential from marine Bacillus paramycoides M2
Teja Mandragutti, Muni Kumar Dokka, Pavani Sanapala, Chandana Vineela Karrotu, Sudhakar Godi
Research Journal of Biotechnology, 2022
Alkaline proteases are active from neutral to alkaline pH range and have extensive applications in detergent and leather industries. In the present research, bacteria isolated from marine water samples were screened for proteolytic activity. Among the isolates, M2 showed maximum proteolysis with a clear zone when cultured on skim milk agar plates at 37°C for 24 h. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that M2 has sequence identity (99.93%) to Bacillus paramycoides. SEM analysis was carried for determining the morphology of M2 and also for enzyme treated skin. FAME analysis using GCMS was performed for the determination of fatty acids in the strain. The selected isolate was inoculated into protease production medium under submerged fermentation conditions at 37ºC for 48 h with a constant agitation of 120 rpm. Protease activity was determined under varying conditions of pH, incubation temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, metal ions and NaCl (1- 5%) using casein as substrate. The isolate M2 utilized molasses and peptone as carbon and nitrogen sources for better alkaline protease production at 40°C and pH 10 under optimal conditions. The dehairing experiments with M2 alkaline protease revealed dehairing efficacy of protease over chemical treatment. Hence, extracellular alkaline protease from M2 isolate could find potential application in leather processing industries and can be exploited commercially.
Molecular characterization of marine bacterial isolates of Visakhapatnam coast—efficacy in dye decolorization and bioremediation of cadmium
Teja Mandragutti, Muni Kumar Dokka, Bindiya Panchagnula, Sudhakar Godi
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 2021
Background Microbial community is one of the diversified communities of the marine environment. Studies have shown that microorganisms isolated from the marine environment are metabolically active and have adapted to life in the ocean. The marine microorganisms use various survival strategies to combat heavy metal stress and decolorization of various textile dyes, thus playing an important role in the bioremediation of cadmium and degradation of textile dyes. The present study deals with the isolation and 16S rRNA molecular characterization of M3 and M8 bacterial strains isolated from marine water samples collected from Visakhapatnam harbor. M3 and M8 isolates were also checked for their efficacy in the removal of cadmium and decolorization of various textile dyes from the environment. Results The water sample was subjected to tube dilution method to isolate bacterial strains, and ten different isolates were screened. The biochemical tests were performed for the isolates to prove their validity and 16S rRNA molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for species identification. Out of interest, two bacterial strains, namely, M3 and M8 were subjected to 16S rRNA molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis and were identified as Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas resinovorans. The two bacterial strains showed promising dye degradation property when checked with nine different textile dyes of wavelength ranging from 400 to 600 nm and removal of cadmium from the growth medium. Conclusion The present study demonstrates the isolates M3 and M8 to be potential strains having dye decolorization and bioremediation of cadmium applications.
Characterization of monoheaded trypsin inhibitors from the seeds of abelmoschus moschatus l.
Muni Kumar Dokka, Hemalatha K. P. J, Siva Prasad Davuluri
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 2018
Objective: The objective of the present study was to characterize the monoheaded trypsin inhibitors, Abelmoschus moschatus trypsin inhibitor-I (AMTI-I) and AMTI-II from the seeds of A. moschatus with respect to their specificity, mode of action, and active site residues.Methods: Standard methods were followed in determining inhibitory activities of monoheaded inhibitors. IC50 values and inhibitory constants (Ki) of AMTI-I and AMTI-II were determined. Studies on complex formation and chemical modification of inhibitors were performed.Results: AMTI-I and AMTI-II were found to be serpins, strongly active against trypsin, moderately active against porcine elastase, Staphylococcus aureus protease, and Aspergillus oryzae protease. AMTI-I and AMTI-II have shown non-competitive type of inhibition toward bovine trypsin with Ki values of inhibitors for trypsin found to be 0.25±0.02 nM and 0.22±0.06 nM, respectively. Complex studies revealed the formation of stable 1:1 complex of trypsin with both AMTI-I and AMTI-II. Chemical modification of the functional groups of the inhibitors by selective reagents indicated that arginine residues are essential for their trypsin inhibitory activities.Conclusion: Investigations on the specificity of protease inhibitors are important for understanding their physiological role, control mechanisms involved in the regulation of proteolysis in biological systems and mode of action.
Purification and characterization of alkaline protease with novel properties from Bacillus cereus strain S8
B.K.M Lakshmi, D. Muni Kumar, K.P.J Hemalatha
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 2018
metal ions. The purified protein was further characterized by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization/Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI/MS) analysis which reveals that total number of amino acids is 208 with isoelectric point 9.52.
Isolation and Purification of Trypsin Inhibitors from the Seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus L.
Muni Kumar Dokka, Lavanya Seva, Siva Prasad Davuluri
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2015

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

In silico prediction of octahydro-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: a comprehensive computational study
S Meesala, S Nageswara, R Kolakota, MK Dokka, M Giri, P Bada, ...
Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics 27 (1), 37 , 2026
2026
Novel thrombolytic protease from the rare halophile Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum : bioprocessing and in vitro application
M Teja, TS Jarso, DM Kumar, S Godi
BMC biotechnology 25 (1), 85 , 2025
2025
ACADEMIC STRESS AND ITS MULTIDIMENSIONAL IMPACT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE HEALTHCARE STUDENTS: A STATISTICAL AND CLUSTER-BASED APPROACH
S Mohammed, S Velpula, M Indracanti, MK Dokka
Studies in Science of Science| ISSN: 1003-2053 43 (7), 28-37 , 2025
2025
EPIDEMIC MODELING OF STUDENT LEARNING BEHAVIOR: A NOVEL PERSPECTIVE
R KISHORE, D KUMAR
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MATHEMATICS 13 (03) , 2025
2025
Therapeutic potential of probiotic Lactobacillus strains: antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against Multidrug-Resistant pathogens
P Bada, B Bharathi, N Thanagala, M Indracanti, MK Dokka
Int J Environ Sci 11 (9s), 908-916 , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
Evaluation of antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory activities of Cassia siamea Lam. and Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anders
HKPJ Padmaja Musunuri, Muni Kumar Dokka
African Journal of Biomedical Research 27 (4s), 1702 , 2024
2024
Molecular Characterization and Optimization of S-10 Isolate (Bacillus tequilensis-12730) for the Production of Biosurfactant
DHKPJ Dr. Chandana Vineela K, Dr. Muni Kumar D, Dr. Usha B, Dr. Priyadarsini B
African Journal of Biomedical Research 27 (1), 407-421 , 2024
2024
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A POTENT TRYPSIN INHIBITOR (CGTI) FROM CLEOME GYNANDRA L. SEEDS
SPD Lavanya Seva, Muni Kumar Dokka*, Triveni Gudla, Meera Indracanti
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE 6 (13), 5726-5744 , 2024
2024
Drug Discovery and Homology Modeling Study of AKR4C14, an Aldo-Keto Reductase from Thai Jasmine Rice
MKD Shephali Sachan, Uma Kumari, Naveen Kumar
African Journal of Biological Sciences 6 (14), 8971-8984 , 2024
2024
Phytochemical Screening and Study of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal activities for the ethanolic leaf extract of Tinospora Cordifolia
DMK Manuri Brahmayya, V. Sai Ram, T. Shyamala, G. Triveni
African Journal of Biological Sciences 6 (13), 2694-2707 , 2024
2024
Proteomics Analysis of MSH2 Protein and Molecular Docking Approach for Colorectal Cancer Targeted therapy.
NK Motukuri, A Chaganti, MK Dokka, T Gudla, T Bandike
Frontiers in Health Informatics 13 (3) , 2024
2024
Assessment of factors associated with pre-and post-educational intervention on cervical cancer awareness among women students of UOG, Northwest Ethiopia
M Indracanti, PC Akkiraju, MK Dokka, N Berhane, T Minyamer
2024
A STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION ON BIODIVERSITY AMONG THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF ALLIED HEALTHCARE SCIENCES, MRU, HYDERABAD
M Indracanti, MK Dokka, PC Akkiraju, T Bandike, P Bada, PK Essgir
Chelonian Research Foundation 18 (2), 1255-1265 , 2023
2023
Assessment of Environmental Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Students at Malla Reddy University: A Study on Environmental Ethics.
PB Meera Indracanti, Muni Kumar D, Pavan C. Akkiraju, Hari Priya S
Journal of Advanced Zoology 44 (S-3), 1707-1714 , 2023
2023
Industrial Applications of Alkaline Protease with Novel Properties from Bacillus cereus Strain S8
HKPJ Lakshmi B.K.M, Muni Kumar D, Muthyam Sowjanya, Ch. Venkatrayulu
Journal of Advanced Zoology 44 ((S-3)), 1314-1322 , 2023
2023
Characterization Of Alkaline Protease From Bacillus Cereus Strain S8 By In silico Approach.
CVHHPJ Lakshmi B.K.M, Muthyam Sowjanya, Muni kumar D
Chelonian Conservation And Biology 18 (2), 669-688 , 2023
2023
Metabolic Effects of Antioxidants in Cancer Prevention
KNP Shalini J. Chahande, Vamseedhar Annam, Muni Kumar Dokka, Muskan Bedi
NeuroQuantology 20 (11), 9660-9671 , 2023
2023
Plant Protease Inhibitors from Abelmoschus moschatus L. Seeds: Characterization, Inhibitory and Kinetic Studies
MK Dokka, U Bolleddu, P Bada, KPJ Hemalatha, SP Davuluri
Challenges and Advances in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 8, 133-151 , 2022
2022
Evaluation of In vitro anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Abelmoschus moschatus seed extracts
DMK Dokka
Bulletin of Environment Pharmacology and Life Sciences 11 (2), 01-09 , 2022
2022
Citations: 2
Microbial Profiling, Bioremediation of Cadmium and Dye Decolourization Competence of Marine Bacterial Isolates
BPSG Teja Mandragutti, Muni Kumar Dokka
New Innovations in Chemistry and Biochemistry Chapter 11 7, 119-136 , 2022
2022
Citations: 5

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Purification and characterization of alkaline protease with novel properties from Bacillus cereus strain S8.
DMKKPJH B.K.M. Lakshmi
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology 16 (2), 295-304 , 2018
2018
Citations: 108
Antimicrobial activity of a trypsin inhibitor from the seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus L
MK Dokka, SP Davuluri
Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci 3 (5), 184-199 , 2014
2014
Citations: 34
Molecular characterization of marine bacterial isolates of Visakhapatnam coast—efficacy in dye decolorization and bioremediation of cadmium
BPSG Teja Mandragutti, Muni Kumar Dokka
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology 19 (87), 1-11 , 2021
2021
Citations: 25
BIOLOGICAL SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COPPER OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING ANTIGONON LEPTOPUS LEAF EXTRACT AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
MMRKPJH M.Sravanthi, D. Muni Kumar, B. Usha, M.Ravichandra
Int. J. Adv. Res. 4 (8), 589-602 , 2016
2016
Citations: 22
Partial characterization of α-amylase from germinating little millets (Panicum sumatrense)
B Usha, G Krishna Veni, D Muni Kumar, KPJ Hemalatha
Journal of Phytology 3 (1) , 2011
2011
Citations: 22
Clinical evaluation of oxidative stress in women with breast cancer
GK Veni, DB Rao, DM Kumar, B Usha, VM Krishna, TR Rao
Recent Research in Science and Technology 3 (1) , 2010
2010
Citations: 16
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles using Wrightia tinctoria Leaf Extract and their Antibacterial Studies
GVKPJH M. Sravanthi, D. Muni Kumar, M.Ravichandra
Int.J.Curr.Res.Aca.Rev 4 (8), 30-44 , 2016
2016
Citations: 15
Isolation and Purification of Trypsin Inhibitors from the Seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus L.
MK Dokka, L Seva, SP Davuluri
Applied biochemistry and biotechnology 175 (8), 3750-3762 , 2015
2015
Citations: 13
Microbial Profiling, Bioremediation of Cadmium and Dye Decolourization Competence of Marine Bacterial Isolates
BPSG Teja Mandragutti, Muni Kumar Dokka
New Innovations in Chemistry and Biochemistry Chapter 11 7, 119-136 , 2022
2022
Citations: 5
Hemagglutinating activity of trypsin inhibitors from the seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus l
MK Dokka, G Konala, SP Davuluri
Int J Adv Res 2, 892-903 , 2014
2014
Citations: 5
Therapeutic potential of probiotic Lactobacillus strains: antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against Multidrug-Resistant pathogens
P Bada, B Bharathi, N Thanagala, M Indracanti, MK Dokka
Int J Environ Sci 11 (9s), 908-916 , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
In vitro antimicrobial properties and phytochemical screening of crude extracts of Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn Leaf.
MKDKPJH Sravanthi M, Padmaja M
International Journal of Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 5 … , 2017
2017
Citations: 3
Antifungal activity of trypsin inhibitors from the seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus
MK Dokka, L Seva, SP Davuluri
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 6 (9), 3920 , 2015
2015
Citations: 3
Evaluation of In vitro anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Abelmoschus moschatus seed extracts
DMK Dokka
Bulletin of Environment Pharmacology and Life Sciences 11 (2), 01-09 , 2022
2022
Citations: 2
Purification of acid phosphatase from Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes
AMP Jaladi, MK Dokka, D Shiva Prasad
International Journal of Advanced Research 3 (1), 10-20 , 2015
2015
Citations: 2
Characterization of trypsin inhibitor from the seeds of Achyranthes aspera
K Geetha, MD Kumar, SD Prasad
Int J Adv Res Tech 2 (8), 223-234 , 2013
2013
Citations: 2
Effect of different growing seasons of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on life cycle duration and development of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica
D Kumar, A Kumar, KK Verma
International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 9, 2290-2296 , 2020
2020
Citations: 1
Characterization of Monoheaded Trypsin Inhibitors from the seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus L
KPJHDSP D. Muni Kumar
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 11 (12), 459-465 , 2018
2018
Citations: 1
Insecticidal potential of Abelmoschus moschatus Trypsin Inhibitor (AMTI-II) against mid gut protease of Helicoverpa armigera
KPJHDSP D. Muni Kumar
International Journal of Agricultural Science and Research 7 (4), 289-308 , 2017
2017
Citations: 1
In silico prediction of octahydro-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: a comprehensive computational study
S Meesala, S Nageswara, R Kolakota, MK Dokka, M Giri, P Bada, ...
Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics 27 (1), 37 , 2026
2026