Credit Seminar on Molecular Basis of Down Syndrome in Relation to DYRK1A Gene

Of the innumerable things that can go askew with pregnancy, Down syndrome (DS) is perhaps the best known condition that has posed serious challenge to cellular and molecular research for more than 50 years since the time of its discovery. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder caused by the partial or complete trisomy of chromosome 21, giving rise to a total of 47 chromosomes rather than the normal 46. The presence of an extra chromosome and the genes in a specific region on it, called the ‘Down syndrome critical region’ (DSCR), cause various defective phenotypes including cognitive impairment and neuropathological alterations that are similar to those observed in Alzheimer’s disease. However, the molecular mechanisms of DS developmental abnormalities, mental retardation and early onset of Alzheimer-type pathology have been remaining elusive. Recently many studies have indicated that over expression of a gene located on the DSCR, namely the Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) may play a significant role in developmental brain defects and in early onset neurodegeneration, neuronal loss and Alzheimer-type pathology seen in DS. DYRK1A is the member of an emerging family of evolutionarily conserved dual-specificity kinases that has important roles in multiple biological functions such as cell proliferation, survival, and development. Regulated DYRK1A expression is one of the key components in neuron development, maturation and aging. Studies using transgenic mice have shown that dosage imbalance of DYRK1A challenges the proper development and functioning of neurons and brain cells through various downstream mechanisms. By understanding the functional and physiological roles of DYRK1A, it may be possible to take a first step in understanding an important molecular basis of DS pathology. This may also help to develop of possible therapeutics targeting the inhibition of excessive DYRK1A activity in order to alleviate neuropathological defects in DS patients. 

Name: Amudhavaani M.tech II Year

Reg. No: 1741110032

Guide Name: Dr.M. Parani

Date: 27.09.12

Time: 3.10 PM

Venue: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Role of miRNA in Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small,22nt, non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They play profound and pervasive roles in manipulating gene expression involved in cell development, proliferation and apoptosis in various eukaryotes. Recently the dysregulation of miRNAs has been linked to cancer initiation and progression, indicating that miRNAs can function as tumour suppressor genes or oncogenes, leading to them being designated as oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs). The role of miRNAs in apoptosis is not fully understood, however, evidence is mounting that miRNAs are important in this process. The dysregulation of miRNAs involved in apoptosis may provide a mechanism for cancer development and resistance to cancer therapy. The established miRNA expression signature could be a potent tool to diagnose and treat human cancers in the future. In this report, the biosynthesis of miRNA, the mechanisms of miRNA target regulation and the involvement of miRNAs in the initiation and progression of human cancer has been discussed.

Name: Akansha 

Reg.No: 1741110012

Guide Name: Dr.N.S.Raja

Date: 25.09.12

Time: 2.30 PM

Venue: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Metagenomics of the Soil

The total number of prokaryotic cells on earth has been estimated to be approximately 4–6×1036, with the majority of these being uncharacterized. This diversity represents a vast genetic bounty that may be exploited for the discovery of novel genes, entire metabolic pathways and potentially valuable end-products thereof. Metagenomics constitutes the functional and sequence based analysis of the collective microbial genomes (micro biome) in a particular environment or environmental niche. Phylogenetic surveys of soil ecosystems have shown that the number of prokaryotic species found in a single sample exceeds that of known cultured prokaryotes. Soil metagenomics, which comprises isolation of soil DNA and the production and screening of clone libraries, can provide a cultivation-independent assessment of the largely untapped genetic reservoir of soil microbial communities. This approach has already led to the identification of novel biomolecules. However, owing to the complexity and heterogeneity of the biotic and abiotic components of soil ecosystems, the construction and screening of soil-based libraries is difficult and challenging. This report describes how to construct complex libraries from soil samples, and how to use these libraries to unravel functions of soil microbial communities.

Name: Thushara vijayakumar M.Tech II Year

Reg.No: 1741110011 

Guide Name: Dr. N.S.Raja

Date: 25.09.12

Time: 2.30 PM

Venue: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Identification of Inhibitory Agents in Microorganisms against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a pathogenic bacterial species that causes the infectious disease tuberculosis. Isoniazid and rifampicin are two major anti-tuberculosis drugs to which the organism has gained resistance and cause MDR-TB. This has raised the need for development of new metabolites or inhibitors that target the growth of MTB, which has an unusual waxy coating of primarily mycolic acid on the cell surface that contributes to the host-pathogen interaction and pathogenicity. The antagonist effect of the inhibitory agents produced by microorganismsEscherichia coli, Actinomycetes were studied. These test microorganisms were found to produce colicin, pyocyanin and thiolactomycinmetabolites respectively which were known to inhibit the growth of MTB. The normal growth characteristics of MTB and other three test organisms were read at 640nm using spectrophotometer. The inhibitory action of isolated metabolites against MTB was observed using spectrophotometer. Confirmation of the antimicrobial activity of the metabolites against MTBwas carried outby disc diffusion method on Middle brook 7H10 agar medium. Then the effect of these inhibitors against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was compared among which Colicin from E. coli and Thiolactomycin from Actinomycetes were found to be more effective. 

Name:  V.K.Prasanna M.Tech II Year

Reg .No: 1741110009

Guide Name: Mr.N.Manojkumar  

Date: 24.09.12

Time: 9.15 AM

Venue: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Role Of LDL Receptor Mutations in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by raised serum LDL cholesterol levels, which result in excess deposition of cholesterol in tissues, leading to accelerated atherosclerosis and increased risk of premature coronary heart disease. FH is among the most commonly occurring congenital metabolic disorders with the frequency of 0.2% worldwide. FH results from defects in the hepatic uptake and degradation of LDL via the LDL-receptor pathway, commonly caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the LDL-receptor gene (LDLR). FH is primarily an autosomal dominant disorder with a gene–dosage effect. Homozygotes, who have two doses of the mutant gene, exhibit higher LDL levels and a more severe clinical syndrome than heterozygotes, who have one dose of the mutant gene. 

At present, more than 1000 mutations in this gene are known to underlie FH. However, the array of mutations varies considerably in different populations. Many studies have shown different LDLR gene polymorphisms in different ethnic groups. In India still the exact estimate of the FH is unknown. The available techniques for identifying the number of properly working LDLR molecules are difficult and expensive too. If, FH is diagnosed in early onset of its occurrence, it can be controlled by appropriate diet and drug treatment and thus would prevent development of coronary heart disease in future. Molecular profiling and mutation analysis of the LDLR gene would be an effective tool in diagnosis of FH. Early identification of individuals carrying the defective gene could be useful in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

Name: Anindita Mandal

Reg.No: 1741110014

Guide Name: Dr. Devi A

Date:21.09.12

Time: 2.30 PM

Venue: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Serum Proteomics and its Applications

Serum proteomics has become a keystone of multiple disciplines, including clinical chemistry, disease diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Serum of the blood anchors thousands of distinct proteins, which originate from cells and tissues through either secretion or outflow from blood cells or tissues. Since proteins are responsible for all biological process in an individual or organisms, changes in the concentration or to their structure are likely to reflect the effects of a disease, thereby making proteins attractive candidates in research. Proteomics typically gives a better understanding of an organism than genomics. Serum proteomics have integrated with other disciplines like molecular biology, system biology, genetics and bioinformatics for precise output. This review examines the potential of serum proteomics and its application mainly in clinical field. For example proteomic analysis of human serum from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy have identified 12 serum proteins that are potentially useful biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of temporal lobe epilepsy. Considering the efficiency of serum proteomics it holds a promise to fast track the discovery of novel protein biomarkers for disease diagnosis and treatment. 

Name: Anupa Varughese 

Reg No:1741110004 

Guide Name: Dr. Srividhya R

Date: 20-09-2012 

Time: 11:30 AM 

Venue: 701(B) (sixth floor)

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Credit Seminar on Targeting Au-Nanoparticles To Cancer Celllines

Various molecular based targeting cancer therapies are drugs or other substances that block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumour growth and progression. Nanotechnology is the creation of useful materials, devices, and systems through the manipulation of matter on this miniscule scale. Many nanoparticles targeted therapies like nanopores, Au-nanoshells, quantum dots, cantilevers, dendrimers, Ag-nanoparitcles are used in cancer treatments. Here functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with both a targeting peptide (an analogue of the peptide Bombesin) and a drug peptide ligand (an analogue of the RAF peptide) with the aim of improving selectivity in the delivery of the conjugates as well as the antitumor activity is described. Studies on the internalization mechanism of peptide-AuNP conjugates and viability of cells were carried out through Confocal laser scanning microscopy, MTT assay. An enhancement of the activity and selectivity of the peptide multifunctionalized conjugates was observed. 

Name: Sai Lakshmi H  M.Tech II Year

Reg.No: 1741110020

Guide Name: Mrs.Rekha

Date: 25.09.12

Time: 2.20

Venue: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell – A Potential Therapeutic Source For Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the commonest neurological cause of disability in young adults, affecting over 1.3 million people worldwide. It is a chronic multifocal and multiphasic immune mediated disorder characterized pathologically by inflammatory demyelination, axonal injury and partial remyelination. No treatments are currently available that slow, stop, or reverse disease progression in established multiple sclerosis. Stem cells have enormous potential as therapeutic tools in the treatment of neurological diseases. The multipotentiality of adult stem cells has generated much interest in their use as autologous treatments for neurological disease, since it provides a way to circumvent many of the difficulties arising from the use of embryonic stem cells. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs can be extracted relatively simply from the marrow of adult patients and maintained and expanded in culture. MSCs therefore provide an attractive and practical source of stem cells for reparative therapy in patients, and this report describes the methods for reproducible culture and neural differentiation of human MSCs generated from patient marrow.

Key words: Multiple sclerosis, Human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells, Culture, Neural differentiation, Axonal injury, demyelination.

Name: Shalini RK M.Tech II Year

Reg.No: 1741110015 

Guide Name: Mrs. Rekha 

Date: 25.09.12

Time: 2.20 PM

Venue: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Nuclear Matrix Protein: is a Possible Breast Cancer Biomarker?

By 2012 it is estimated that 226,870 women will be diagnosed and 39,570 women will die of breast cancer (National Cancer Institute). Though breast cancer is curable at early stages, many women die of breast cancer. This may be due to the lack of precise molecular techniques for early detection and highly reliable biomarkers. The major challenge in using biomarkers is its sensitivity and specificity. This can be overcome by using Nuclear Matrix Protein (NMP) as biomarkers, which constitute only 1% of the cellular proteins and is also specific for each tissue type. In this review report, the high resolution techniques used to detect the breast cancer specific NMP has been discussed. High resolution 2D gel electrophoresis is done and checked with mass spectrometry, which is cross checked by 1D immunoblotting. Three NMPs were identified and reported.

Name: Janani Priya M.Tech II Year
Reg.No: 1741110022
Guide Name: Mrs. Rekha
Date: 25.09.12
Time: 2.20 PM
Venue: 701 (B)

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Credit Seminar on Acne Vulgaris- A Threat to the Society

Acne vulgaris is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by comedones, inflammatory lesions and scars on the face and trunk. It presents a significant financial burden to the community and its psychosocial impact can be severe, life-altering and even life-threatening. Effective reatment can reduce the burden of disease but poorly considered therapy can be ineffective, costly and may also worsen non-compliance. In the management of acne, it is important to identify triggers, such as drugs, endocrinopathies and topical agents. Comedonal acne can respond well to topical retinoids. Mild to moderately inflammatory acne is usually initially treated with combination topical therapy, sometimes adding an oral antibiotic. Anti-androgen therapy can be helpful in females with seborrhoea and premenstrual flaring of acne. Isotretinoin remains a very effective treatment for potentially scarring and refractory acne, but new possible adverse effects have been recently described. Treatment regimens should accommodate individual patient considerations, duly noting limitations and potential adverse effects of all therapeutic options.

Name: Grace Jennifer Philip  M.Tech II year

Reg .No: 1741110021

Guide Name: Mr.S.Iyappan

Date: 10.09.12

Time: 2.00 PM

Venue : 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Role Of Pcsk9 and Arh Genes in Familial Hyper cholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a metabolic inherited autosomal dominant disorder that causes severe elevation in the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Because FH is associated with a high risk for premature coronary heart disease (CHD), early detection and aggressive management is required to lower the LDL-C level to prevent or slows the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The major players in FH are LDL receptor (LDLR) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) genes, mutations in these genes are responsible for around 97% of FH cases. There are other genes also which are involved like PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9) and LDLRAP1 (LDLR adaptor protein 1). PCSK9 protein plays a major regulatory role in cholesterol homeostasis by binding to LDLR and inducing LDLR degradation. Reduced LDLR levels result in decreased metabolism of LDL, which could lead to hypercholesterolemia. LDLRAP1 protein interacts with LDLR through PTB domain and helps in the endocytosis of LDLR. Mutations in this gene lead to LDL receptor malfunction and cause the disorder autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia. Although mutations in both PCSK9 and LDLRAP1 genes are rare, these genes are involved in cholesterol homeostasis and can be used as a drug targets for lowering plasma cholesterol level. For this potential use of PCSK9 and LDLRAP1, the structure and functional mechanism of them need to be studied in detail. In this report, the structural and functional aspects of PCSK9 and LDLRAP1; and their possible uses in therapeutics have been discussed.

 Name: Vidhi Makani

 Reg.No: 1741110033

 Guide Name: Mr.N.Arul Jothi

 Date: 6.09.12

 Time: 3.20 PM

 Venue: Room No: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Tpmt Gene Polymorphism- on The Door Step of Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine is the use of information from a patient's genotype to initiate a preventative measure against the development of a disease or condition and to select the most appropriate therapy for a disease or condition that is particularly suited to that patient. More than 99 per cent of the DNA sequence is identical among individuals. The remaining DNA is responsible for genetic diversity. Polymorphisms are common genetic variations in the human genome. TPMT gene polymorphisms are pharmacogenetic markers which enable the individualization of thiopurine drug therapy. Thiopurine drugs are widely used in the treatment of many diseases, such as acute leukaemia, different types of inflamatory , autoimmune diseases and in transplantation. Genetic polymorphisms that affect TPMT enzymatic activity are correlated with variations in sensitivity and toxicity to such drugs within individuals and lead to side effects such as myelosuppression, leukopenia. Identification of the TPMT mutant alleles will allow physicians to design the dosage of the thiopurine drugs to the genotype of the patient or to use alternatives, improving therapeutic outcome and thus will prevent the individuals with TPMT deficiency from various lethal therapeutic side effects.

 Name: Sonam Chopra

 Reg.No: 174111028

 Guide: Mr.N.Manojkumar

 Date: 6.09.12

 Time: 10.30 AM

 Venue: Room No: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Pharmaco Genomics in Cardiovascular Disorders: Steps in Approaching Personalized Medicine in Cardiovascular Medicine

Some of the most commonly prescribed medications are those for cardiovascular maladies. The beneficial effects of these medications have been well documented. However, there can be substantial variation in response to these medications among patients, which may be due to genetic variation. For this reason pharmacogenomic studies are emerging across all aspects of cardiovascular medicine. The goal of pharmacogenomics is to tailor treatment to an individual’s genetic makeup in order to improve the benefit-to-risk ratio. This review examines the potential pharmacogenomic parameters which may lead to a future of personalized medicine. For example, it has been found that patients with CYP2C9 and VKORC1 gene variations have a different response to warfarin. Other studies looking at β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics and statins have shown some results linking genetic variations to pharmacologic response. However these studies have not impacted clinical use yet, unlike warfarin findings, as the small retrospective studies need to be followed up by larger prospective studies for definitive results.

 Name: Anu Nandakumar  M.Tech II Year

 Reg. No:1741110006

 Guide: Mr. N. Manoj Kumar

 Date: 6.09.12

 Time: 10.30 AM

 Venue: Room No: 701(B)

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Credit Seminar on Plant- Derived Sucrose is a Key Element in the Symbiotic Association Between Trichoderma virens and Maize Plants

Fungal species belonging to the genus Trichoderma colonize the rhizosphere of many plants, resulting in beneficial effects such as an increased resistance to pathogens and greater yield and productivity. Trichoderma virens secretes the highly effective hydrophobin like elicitor Sm1 that induces systemic disease resistance. Plant-derived sucrose is an important resource provided to Trichoderma cells and is also associated with the control of root colonization. The identification and characterization of an intracellular invertase from Trichoderma virens (TvInv) is important for the mechanisms that control the symbiotic association and fungal growth in the presence of Sucrose. Gene expression studies revealed that the hydrolysis of plant-derived sucrose in T. virens is necessary for the upregulation of Sm1, that systemically activates the defense mechanisms in leaves. It has been determined that as a result of colonization of maize (Zea mays) roots by T.virens, photosynthetic rate increases in leaves and the functional expression of tvinv is crucial for such effect. In agreement, the steady-state levels of mRNA for Rubisco small subunit and the oxygen-evolving enhancer 3-1 has been shown to be increased in leaves of plants colonized by wild-type T. virens. It has been concluded that during the symbiosis, the sucrolytic activity in the fungal cells affects the sink activity of roots, directing carbon partitioning toward roots and increasing the rate of photosynthesis in leaves. A discussion of the role of Sucrose in controlling the fungal proliferation on roots and its pivotal role in the coordination of plant-microbe associations is provided.

Name: Kolli Vidyalatha, M.Tech II Year

Reg.No:1741110025

Guide Name: Dr.Usha
Venue: Room No.701B

Time: 3.00pm

Date: 4.09.12

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Credit Seminar on Heavy Metal Bioremediation

Industrial activities release a wide range of toxic heavy metals in the biosphere, wild type micro-organisms has an ability to bind heavy metals. A number of new recombinant DNA techniques have been developed for genetically engineered microorganisms for biodegradation, biofixation, bioacumulation of heavy metals. These techniques include new expression vectors to carry the genes into the host organism, new mechanisms to control gene expression, containment mechanisms to control persistence of genetically-engineered microorganisms, application of site-directed and random mutagenesis to increase the substrate range or activity of biodegradative enzymes, and methods to track genetically-engineered microorganisms. 

Name: Danish Diwan

M.Tech II Year, Department Genetic Engineering

Reg.No:1741110031

Venue:Room No.701A (6th Floor)

Date:22.08.2012

Time:2.00 PM

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AN INVITED LECTURE ON NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING AND MICROARRAY

Dr. Gopalakrishna Ramaswamy, Ph.D
Deputy General Manager

Genotypic Technology Pvt ltd

Bangalore 

Date: 23.08.2012 

Time: 10.30 am to 12.00 pm.

Venue: Biotech Auditorium

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Credit Seminar on Elucidation of the role of rice sucrose transporter gene family in root exudation

Root exudates are the chemicals secreted into the soil by roots which regulate the soil microbial community in their immediate vicinity. Root exudates give resistance to pathogen, combat pathogenic micro-organism, and encourage beneficial symbioses by attracting beneficial micro-organism. The SUT genes if highly expressed may affect the sucrose exudation level in the roots. Comparison of the differences between the sucrose exudation profile of the wild type tobacco plant and that of overexpressed transgenic tobacco plants can be done to check this hypothesis. Investigation of the sucrose exudation profile in relation to SUT genes of rice can be done by overexpressing these genes in the tobacco plants. Further investigations can be done by gene knockout of tobacco plants’ SUT genes highly homologous to rice sucrose transporter genes and then extrapolated to rice sucrose transporter genes to elucidate the key functions of rice SUT genes. And finally the reverse transcription of all of the rice sucrose transporter genes and then check the sucrose exudation level via roots with the help of HPLC method. The use of fertilizers has resulted in loss of plants’ ability to acquire nutrients. SUT genes analyses/overexpression can help increase plant performance, resistance and nutrient activity. This can further help in elucidation of increased plant performance, altering role of root exudates, by using gene responsible for particular exudates in economically important crops.

Name:Mr. Sarbesh D. Dangol

M.Tech II Year Department of Genetic Engineering
Venue: Room number 701
Time:3:10 PM 
Date:14.08.12

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Credit Seminar on TRANSIENT EXPRESSION IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

Transient gene expression is a fast, flexible and reproducible approach to high-level expression of useful proteins. Transient gene expression represents an appealing and complementary alternative to the development of stable cell lines for the expression of bioengineered proteins. Classic transient expression protocols involve short-term production of proteins over a span of days to a couple of weeks. There are a wide variety of viral and non viral vector systems through which transient gene transfer can be done. Major vehicles for expression of these transient proteins are plant, insect and mammalian cells. This technology of transiently expressing a gene coding for a pharmaceutically important protein will highly increase the availability of biotherapeutics for personalized medicine, vaccines for possible pandemics, orphan drugs, and a range of recombinant viruses for gene therapy. In this report a summary of all the available techniques for transient gene expression is given along with the types of vectors and host cells used giving high emphasis on mammalian expression systems.

Name: Shruthi Rao

Reg. No: 174111005

Venue: Room No.701[6th floor]

Date: 31.07.12

Time: 2.30pm

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Credit Seminar on ANTI ADDICTION VACCINES

Substance abuse is a major worldwide epidemic, addiction to both legal and illicit drugs continues to be a major worldwide medical and social problem. Drug addiction is defined as a disease state in which the body relies on a substance for normal functioning and develops physical dependence leading to compulsive and repetitive use despite negative consequences to the user’s health, mental state or social life. Psychoactive substances such as cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, amphetamines and opiates are able to cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested and temporarily alter the chemical balance of the brain leading to positive reinforcing effects associated with them. Current medications used for the treatment of substance dependence are typically agonists or antagonists of the drugs of abuse. The complex interrelations of the neuronal circuits have made it difficult to accurately predict the actions of potential agonist/antagonist drugs and have led to undesirable side effects within the central nervous system. Nearly four decades ago, a handful of groups began to explore the possibility of utilizing an individual’s own immune machinery to counteract the effects of drug exposure in an approach later termed as Immunopharmacotherapy, which aims to use highly specific antibodies to sequester the drug of interest while the latter is still in the bloodstream .Anti-addiction antibodies have the potential to save lives and reduce the crippling effects of drug abuse. While they are not expected to be the magic bullet to immediately cure addiction, immunotherapy could provide a breakthrough medication to continuously block or attenuate drug effects during a comprehensive addiction recovery plan. To meet this challenge, a new generation of passive monoclonal antibodies and active immunization therapies are at an advanced stage of preclinical development. In the present review a focused summary, of the current state of cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine and opiate vaccines is presented as these programs have been the most successful to date.

Name: Bincy Babu M.Tech II Year
Venue: Room No.701(A)[Sixth Floor]
Time:12.15pm
Date: 25.07.12

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