ABOUT US

The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, where aging is a major risk factor, is alarmingly increasing with the advent of increase in life expectancy in India and elsewhere in the world creating a huge socio-economic burden. However, there is still a huge gap in understanding the genesis and progression of these diseases.

 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing dementia in aging adults. It is manifested due to loss of neurons in selective areas of the brain that are responsible for memory, learning and social behavior. Senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal loss are the main pathological hallmarks of the disease.

 

The past few decades have witnessed a continuous and comprehensive research effort focusing on unravelling the cause of AD with the ultimate motive of developing safe and effective pharmacological targets and treatments. Despite the extensive research in this arena, specific treatment is limited or only provides symptomatic relief.

 

In our lab we acknowledge the fact that a single cure for AD is unlikely to be found since AD is a multi-factorial disease. Keeping this in mind, we have approached the disease from all possible aspects. We aim to undertake vigorous research in this area with our state-of-art behavioral study facilities, alongside novel primary culture techniques and unique assay systems. Our lab broadly focuses on:

 

·         Identification and characterization of death-associated molecules and the mechanisms involved in culminating neuronal cell death

·         Role of astrocyte and microglia in regulating neuronal health and functions in AD models

·         Detection of novel biochemical pathways responsible for early disease signatures

·         Identification and validation of alternative medicine as well as novel polyherbal formulations in treatment of AD.

 

We are the first group to show that the FoxO transcription factors mediate neuron death via pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and Puma. Moreover, our research brings to light a molecule termed tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRB3) which, via Akt and FoxO designs neuronal death paradigm by apoptosis and autophagy in AD.

 

Our group has successfully identified novel molecules such as Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 secreted from astrocytes in brain that plays a significant role in neuroprotection at the pre-clinical level and projects as a potential candidate in cytokine-based therapy in AD.

 

We have also successfully collaborated with Parker Robinson Pvt. Ltd. and validated their polyherbal formulation ‘Medha Plus’ in ameliorating cognitive behaviors in AD models.