BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB)

Research Summary

Explored the role of microRNAs in pathological phenomena including neurodegeneration and AIDS progression
Carried out clinical studies to explore the utility of miRNAs as biomarkers for disease progression.
Demonstrated the involvement of several epigenetic factors including lncRNAs, miRNAs, and histone variants in gene expression and neural development.
Completed genome sequencing, transcriptomics and metagenomics of earthworm E. fetida as part of an ongoing attempt to identify nerve regeneration factors.
Developed methods for miRNA detection, target identification, meta-analysis and in vivo delivery.
Collaborated with several groups to provide expertise in gene expression profiling.

Previous/ Completed Research Grants

1. In vivo RNAi mediated intervention in the neuroinflammation pathway for development of therapeutic strategy.
  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2020-2023
2. Study of the potential role of parentally inherited non-coding RNA as cell division counters during early embryonic development in zebrafish.
  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2021-2023
3. Population based-research studies to understand disease dynamics towards effective management of prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, including co-morbidities and co-infections.
  Department of Biotechnology [DBT] 2018-2023
4. Role of interferon mediated microRNA regulation in neurodegenerative diseases.
  Department of Science & Technology [DST] 2017-2020
5. Study of the molecular basis of the choice between miRNA mediated translational suppression and RNA instability in neural cell types.
  Department of Science & Technology [DST] 2014-2016
6. RNA-RNA interaction map of zebrafish oocytes.
  Department of Science & Technology [DST] 2013-2016
7. RNA based modules and parts for synthetic biology: Development of inter-operable parts for synthetic biology using artificial regulatory small RNAs.
  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2012-2017
8. The search for nerve regeneration factor in Earthworms.
  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2012-2016
9. Characterization of brain specific nucleosome positioning.
  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2011-2013
10. Comparative Genomics of ncRNA.
  Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2007-2012