Molecular Biology RMRIMS, Patna

Research in Molecular Biology Division addresses biological questions in three broad areas of Omics (genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics), Cell biology and Biochemistry to understand the disease biology of Leishmania donovani. The main focus of this department is to understand the mechanism of pathogenesis and parasite survival under various hostile host conditions. Scientists of this division are researching drug resistance mechanism, innate and cell mediated immunity, disease mechanism of Post Kal-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis. The long term goal of this department is to develop new biomarkers and discover new drug targets against leishmaniasis.

1. Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter; 2. Confocal Microscope; 3. FPLC; 4. DNA Microarray System; 5. Elispot Analyzer; 6. Real Time PCR; 7. Gradient Thermal cycler; 8. Fluorescence Microscope; 9. Inverted Microscope; 10. Spectrofluorimeter; 11. Nanodrop; 12. ELISA Reader; 13. Ultracentrifuge; 14. CO2 Incubator; 15. Electroporator; 16. 2-D Gel Electrophoresis System; 17. Gel Documentation System; 18. Lyophiliser; 19. DNA Sequencer; 20. Tissue Culture Facility; 21. Spectrophotometer

• Development of Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tool for Visceral Leishmaniasis.
• Identification of Role of TLR Mediated Signaling Pathway in Visceral Leishmaniasis.
• Identification of Role of TGF-β in Regulation of Lymphocyte Apoptosis in Leishmania donovani infection.
• Construction of Shotgun Genomic DNA Library of L. donovani for transcriptomic analysis.
• Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Amastigotes form compared to Promastigote form of L. donovani.
• Identification of Proteome Changes associated with L. donovani adaptation to oxidative and nitrosative Stress.
• Explored the mechanism of Amphotericin-B Resistance of L. donovani and identified Differentially Expressed Genes Associated with it.

• Development of a DNA Vaccine for Visceral Leishmaniasis. (Completed)
• A single-blinded, phase 2 study to evaluate a point-of-need system for rapid detection of leishmaniasis. (Completed)
• Studies on Secretary Mevalonate Kinase of Leishmania donovani: role in host invasion.
• To explore the host genetic factors influencing the visceral leishmaniasis relapse in India.
• To identify PKDL specific biomarker and disease mechanism.

Email: abhik.sen@icmr.gov.in; Ph.: +91-612-2635456; Fax: +91-612-2634379