Area of Research

Research activities:

The School of Biological Sciences has the finest infrastructure facilities in Asia for research in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering and this is currently being used by a number of Research Scholars.

Development of recombinant Lactobacillus for therapeutic application:

The medical management of calcium oxalate recurrent stone patient is a difficult problem. Using genetically manipulated oxalate degrading bacterial species for medical diagnosis and treatment will be highly valuable in patient management. Our objective is focused on cloning and expression of oxalate degrading gene from Mesorhizobium sp. mku–E2 in Lactobacillus plantarum [a probiotic organism] for the therapeutic applications.

Development of cardiovascular marker:

Identification of cardiovascular diseases using cardiac marker will help in better therapy and clinical management. Myocardial structure and signal transduction are now merging in to a common field of research that will lead to more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie heart disease. Our specific objective is to study the relative participation of Notch signaling pathway in the development and progression of heart disease and signaling pathways that may mediate reprogramming of gene expression in animal model system.

Identification of novel biomarker for oral cancer using saliva:

Proteomic technologies are applied to identify proteins in human whole saliva to develop saliva protein as biomarkers for human oral and systemic diseases. Currently, my lab is focused on development of oral cancer biomarker.

Effect of dietary bioflavanoids modulating eNOS through Nrf2-ARE mediated gene expression:

Nrf2, a central transcription factor involved in regulating the expression of antioxidant and phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes important in the protection of cells against oxidative damage caused by electrophiles and reactive oxidants. The ability of dietary polyphenols to generate nitric oxide in endothelial cells and activate ARE mediated gene expression underlies their cardioprotective properties. The aim of present work is to investigate the potential of bioflavanoids and its role to protect cardiomyoblasts from induced oxidative stress. Further to assess the cellular association and its involvement in the modulation of Nrf2/ARE dependent pathway. The results of the investigation are hoped to dissect out potent flavanoids that exert protective effects against chemical induced cardiotoxicity and the mechanism of its action involves in the modulation of Nrf2/ ARE dependent signaling pathway.

Understanding the pathogenesis of NIDDM:

In this research work the role of NF-kB in the activation of Alpha2-HS is investigated. In presence of different stress conditions in NF-kB silenced HepG2 cell line the expression analysis is carried out with qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Further, to know the activation of Alpha2-HS promoter, dual-luciferase assay is carried out. The expected outcome of this work would be of knowing the pathogenesis and understanding of insulin resistance.

Ongoing research projects in department:

1) Center for Advanced Studies in Functional Genomics
2) Center for Excellence in Genomics Sciences
3) University with Potential for Excellence - Nano Technology
4) UGC Major research Project – “Molecular cloning and expression of oxalate     decarboxylase in Lactic acid bacteria”.