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Research Area

Biomarker Discovery Program

Biomarker Discovery program utilizes patient oriented genetic, statistical modeling and risk factor association approaches. The aim of conducting genetic screening of various neurological disorders is to understand the disease process by investigating the role of environment and genes in determining the disease susceptibility in patients. We are also initiating whole genome studies for various diseases with the goal of strengthening the molecular diagnostic component of our research program so that the new biomarkers can be discovered for evaluating disease burden. We usually base our analysis on body fluids such as blood, lymphocytes and CSF of patients, neurological controls and healthy volunteers and carry out extensive statistical analysis for purposes of clinical correlation and risk factor analysis. All investigations are cleared from Institute Ethical Committee. In future, we plan to sample Brain autopsies and establish Brain Bank apart from undertaking neuropsychological analysis. Most of these investigations are conducted in collaboration with clinical faculty.

Animal Model Development Program

Mouse models are important pre clinical testing tools for validating novel therapies and provide unique insights into pathogenesis of several diseases. During the last six years, we have developed the laser injury mouse model,NMDA induced Glaucoma model, Middle cerebral artery occlusion model and the Morris Water Maze Mouse model for testing novel molecules, extracts and biotherapeutics using invitro, invivo and pharmacological tools. Another major goal of the lab is to understand the triggers that stem cells exploit in rescuing the function in these models thereby providing new targets for drug discovery.

Manipulation of Neural and Retinal Stem Cells

We have established the primary human fetal cilliary epithelium cell cultures and formed neurospheres from these cells. The aim is to expolit their stem cell potential by elucidating the molecular pathway these cells follow in their differentiation into retinal neurons. Along with these cells, we have established primary mouse hippocampal cells for eventual transplantation into various mouse models already developed in our lab. In future, we would be exploiting these cell culture facilities and primary extracts for providing neurotoxicity testing services. We also plan to develop the electrophysiological facilities in order to understand the functional revival in our transplantation studies.