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ANNUAL REPORT

2017-2018

Department of Biotechnology
Ministry of Science & Technology
Government of India
"Attaining new heights in biotechnology research,
shaping biotechnology into a premier precision tool
of the future for creation of wealth and ensuring
social justice-specially for the welfare of the poor"

Composition of the committee for compilation of


Annual Report 2017-18
Shri Sundeep Sarin, Scientist-‘G’ - Chairman
Dr. Nitin K. Jain, Scientist-‘E’ - Member
Dr. D. K. Tiwary, Scientist-‘E’ - Member
Dr. Vaishali Panjabi, Scientist-‘D’ - Member
Dr. Padma Singh, Scientist-‘D’ - Member
Shri J. K. Dora, Under Secretary - Member
Shri Vinay umar, Under Secretary - Member
Shri Mahesh Kumar, AD (OL) - Member
Dr. Amit Parikh, Scientist-‘E’ - Member Secretary
ANNUAL REPORT
2017-18

Department of Biotechnology
Ministry of Science & Technology
Government of India

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 1
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

2 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Contents
1 OVERVIEW 5

2 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 14

3 BIOTECH FACILITIES, TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS & RESEARCH 23


RESOURCES

4 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 31


BASIC RESEARCH IN MODERN BIOLOGY
AGRICULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
BASIC PLANT BIOLOGY, AGRICULTURE AND FRONTIER AREAS
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
SILK BIOTECHNOLOGY
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
AQUACULTURE AND MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE BIOLOGY
HUMAN GENETICS AND GENOME ANALYSIS
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
INFECTIOUS DISEASE BIOLOGY
VACCINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
GLUE GRANT SCHEME
STEM CELL RESEARCH & REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
GENOME ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
BIOENGINEERING
BIODESIGN PROGRAMME
NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 3
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

5 BIOTECHNOLOGY BASED PROGRAMMES FOR SOCIETAL 103


DEVELOPMENT

6 BIOTECH PRODUCT & PROCESS DEVELOPMENT 110

7 BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SYSTEM NETWORK 121

8 BIOTECHNOLOGY PARKS & INCUBATORS 127

9 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 131

10 AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS & BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS 141

11 PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS 169

12 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GENETIC ENGINEERING AND 179


BIOTECHNOLOGY

13 PROMOTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN NORTH EASTERN STATES 182


OF INDIA

14 ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE 188

15 MISSION PROGRAMMES 194

ABBREVIATIONS 200

4 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Contents

01

OVERVIEW

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 5
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the and ensure that research with human stem cells is
Ministry of Science and Technology, set up in 1986, conducted in a responsible and ethically sensitive
has infused fresh momentum to the developments manner in the country.
in modern biology and biotechnology. The
Regulations and guidelines on biosafety of
Department, in the past 30 years, has witnessed
recombinant DNA research & biocontainment,
discerned maturation from a nascent sector to a
2 017
sunrise industry, making outstanding achievements
in the growth and application of biotechnology in the Continuing the reform initiatives for Biosafety
areas of agriculture, healthcare, animal aquatic regulation, the Department has revised the
sciences, and sustainability of bio-resources & Recombinant DNA Safety Guidelines, 1990. The new
environmentand also towards fostering innovations guidelines entitled, “Regulations and guidelines on
and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country. biosafety of recombinant DNA research &
Today, India is among the major biotech destinations biocontainment, 2017” were released on 5th
in the world and ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region. December, 2017 at Geneva, Switzerland.
India has the second-highest number of US Food
Course Curriculum Revision for Post-Graduate
and Drug Administration (USFDA)–approved plants,
teaching Programmes in Biotechnology
after the USA.
Model course curricula are developed by Department
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) Act,
of Biotechnology through a consultative process to
2016
maintain uniformity and to ensure standard of quality
The Parliament passed The Regional Centre for education in area of biotechnology. DBT’s Model
Biotechnology Bill, 2016. The Bill establishes Regional Course Curriculum was released on 11th May 2017
Centre for Biotechnology, an institution of education, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
training and research, under the auspices of United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural H UMAN R ESOURCE D EVELOPMENT
Organization (UNESCO) in the National Capital Region
The Department is implementing an Integrated
and declares it as an institution of national
Human Resource Development Programme in
importance. The Gazette of India notification has
Biotechnology comprising of post graduate teaching
been issued. The Act has come into effect from 1st
programme; short term training courses for
March, 2017. RCB Statutes, Ordinances &
upgradation of skills of mid-career scientists and UG
Regulations were notified in Gazette of India and
& PG faculty engaged in teaching and R&D; industrial
were laid in both the Houses of Parliament during
training of students; fellowship for doctoral and post-
the winter session of 2017.
doctoral research in frontier areas of life sciences
National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, and biotechnology; career advancement and re-
2 017 orientation for women scientists; scholarships,
awards, and also assistance to researchers for
In association with Indian Council of Medical
organizing conference/ seminar/ symposium. Under
Research the department has fomulated The
HRD scheme, Department is generating critical mass
“National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017”
of trained and skilled manpower required for overall
which was released by the Hon’ble Minister for Health
development of Biotechnology in the country. The
& Family Welfare on 11 th October, 2017. The
Department has also developed model course
Guidelines lay down standards for stem cell research

6 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW

curricula through a consultative process for nutrition and ensuring quality; resistance to drought,
postgraduate programme in biotechnology. salinity and high temperature; resistance to pests
Department has also initiated special steps to start and diseases; input use efficiency; climate resilience
skill development programme in partnership with and biosafety. The thrust has also been on
Indian institutions for entry level students and biotechnological interventions in forestry, horticulture
graduate programme in Big Data Research jointly by and plantation crops; germplasm characterization
5 partner Indian institutions with Heidelberg and improvement of crops using molecular biology
University, Germany. tools. The nature and types of programs supported
include product oriented basic research, translational
The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship was
R&D projects, national networks, centers of
conceived with the objective to improve India’s
excellence, international collaboration, public-private
human resource capacity in front line areas of life
partnership etc
sciences and biotechnology research. The aim of the
fellowship is to bring back Indian scientists working The programme on application of biotechnology
in overseas laboratories so that they can pursue towards developing newer and emerging
their research interests in Indian institutes. During technologies in silk and its applications in
the year, 50 scientists working in overseas research biomaterials continued during the year.
institutes across the globe were selected for this
In the area of Animal Biotechnology, studies were
fellowship. So far a total of 396 scientists have been
carried out to develop transgenic animals, molecular
selected in 10 batches.
characterization of indigenous breeds, identification
To popularize biotechnology activities in India, the of urinary proteins biomarkers, various aspects of
Department also provides financial assistance animal nutrition and utilization of animal byproducts.
towards organizing conferences/seminars/
In Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology, the
symposium/workshops/training programmes and
programmes are being implemented for enhancing
travel support to the students and researchers.
aquaculture production, productivity increase and
R ESEARCH & D EVELOPMENT development of useful products & processes from
marine resources. The broad areas emphasized are
Support for Basic research is essential for fostering fish genomics and transcriptomics, fish and shellfish
the expansion of knowledge towards understanding disease, immune-stimulants and antimicrobial
developmental and disease biology, agricultural and peptides. Projects on development of bioactive
farm based productivity, process & product molecules, biomaterials, bio-surfactants, cell lines
development and innovation and allied areas. During and diagnostics were also pursued through adoption
the period thirty new projects were implemented. of molecular tools and techniques.
The Department has also supported centres of
excellence that provide long-term support to Focus area of the National Bio-resource
outstanding scientists with specific goal to enhance Development programme includes inventorization
the innovative ability of the institutions and and characterization on bio-resources, prospecting
investigators in specific areas of biotechnology. of bio-resources for novel genes and genes
products, biomolecules and compounds,
In Agriculture Biotechnology & allied areas, the focus improvement of economically important bio-
is on knowledge generation, technology and product resources, and capacity building. Department took
development for productivity gains; enhanced initiative towards development of network project

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 7
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

on exploration, discovery and utilization of biological anomalies.


resources for sustainable development in North East
Major efforts have also been made to pursue
India. Efforts are also being made to develop
research on non-communicable diseases like chronic
programme on bio-resource documentation and
kidney disorders, diabetes, cancer, neurological and
utilization of Western Himalayan region of India.
metabolic disorders.
The Department is also promoting R&D for biofuel
The overall emphasis of the programs supported
technology development recognizing the need for
under Infectious Disease Biology is to develop
alternate energy for transportation. Many leads have
preventive, therapeutic and diagnostic tools for major
been taken forward for potential translational value
infectious diseases such as Malaria, Tuberculosis,
in the form of Biofuel products or technologies.
HIV, Dengue, Chikungunya, Cholera, Leishmaniasis,
During the year 2017, various novel technologies
Japanese Encephalitis, Filariasis etc.
were identified and supported which are able to
address the current challenges associated with solid The Department has taken major initiatives towards
and liquid waste management. The Department is better management of genetic disorders prevalent
also participating in the Swachh Bharat Mission by in our country in terms of facilitation of diagnosis
supporting research projects on generation of energy and treatment facility. Considering the highest
from waste. prevalence of genetic disorders, many consortia
based R&D projects on Hemophilia, Hearing loss,
The aim of the Environmental Biotechnology
Thalassaemia, Cardiomyopathies, Maturity onset
programme is to support research and development
diabetes of the young (MODY) and many individual
programme in the areas relevant to waste
projects on other monogenic disorders have been
management and environmental improvement.
initiated with the predefined deliverables.
During the period, focus was on development of
microbial technologies for environmental Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has made
improvement, development of treatment process of concerted efforts in strengthening vaccine research
industrial effluent, bioremediation of xenobiotic and development since its inception in 1986-87
compounds. Scanning of the microbial diversity of through various endeavours. Currently major efforts
various environments and deciphering their genetic are being implemented through the Vaccine Grand
information was also carried out with the aim of Challenge Programme (VGCP) and Indo-US Vaccine
isolating microorganisms that could be used in the Action Programme (VAP).VGCP aims to encourage
in bioremediation processes. novel and innovative vaccine related discoveries,
accelerated development of candidate vaccines for
The Maternal and child health programme
which earlier leads are available, research of basic
emphasizes on research activities related to
& applied nature to improvise current understanding
pregnancy complication, factors of adverse
of vaccine science and to strengthen the scientific
pregnancy outcome, antenatal development,
basis for future vaccine design. The VAP is a bilateral
congenital anomalies and problems and diseases of
Indo-US program, which supports a broad spectrum
early childhood. The projects supported so far focus
of activities relating to new and improved vaccines.
on preeclampsia, IUGR, recurrent miscarriages,
The program was designed to encompass laboratory-
effect of maternal nutritional status on pregnancy
based research, evaluation of candidate vaccine
outcome, development of neonatal immune system,
development, testing for clinical development,
neonatal sepsis and aspects of congenital

8 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW

vaccine quality control, delivery of vaccines etc. The biomolecules and materials at nanoscale to address
oversight to the program is provided by the VAP Joint challenges related to health, agriculture, energy and
Working Group (JWG) comprised of eminent environment. The Department has been engaged in
scientists and policymakers from both the countries. promoting interdisciplinary research, fostering
The programme is under implementation since 1987. innovation and promoting translational research in
VAP-supported research projects have directly various cutting edge areas of Nano Biotechnology.
addressed critical health problems relevant to both
The Department emphasizes addressal of
countries.
micronutrient deficiencies, severe acute malnutrition,
Glue Grant scheme was initiated aiming to link Basic, food fortification, probiotics for human health and
Clinical and Public Health Research Departments in well-being, food safety, molecular detection of GM
an inter-institutional linkage(s) leading to long-term traits in foods, development of low cost foods/
partnership programs to bridge the gap between supplements and utilization of agricultural residues
laboratory/field research and its application to clinical for value added products and capacity building in
and policy outcomes with a potential for translational Food Science and Nutrition Biology through a defined
research and technological innovation and capacity Public Health, Food and Nutrition programme.
building efforts.
The Department is supporting projects to promote
Stem cells and regenerative medicine is one of the use of biotechnological processes and tools for the
thrust areas under the medical biotechnology benefit of the society comprising rural population,
programme of the Department. The mandate is to SC/STs and women with an aim to create platform
promote basic, early and late translational research for self-employment generation among the target
and formulation of regulatory framework for stem population by diffusion of proven and field-tested
cell research in India. technologies through demonstration, training and
extension activities. Large number of target
With the aim to develop innovative, indigenous and
population including youth have benefited through
affordable medical technologies & devices and to
the implementation of these projects.
train researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, the
Department has also implemented Bio-design and To ensure safety from the use ofGenetically
Bioengineering programme. Bioengineering is a highly Engineered (GE) Organisms and products thereof in
interdisciplinary area of research involving cross- Healthcare and agriculture sectors,the Department
disciplinary knowledge from engineering and other administers Review Committee on Genetic
quantitative sciences for unravelling the complexities Manipulation (RCGM)as defined under rules, 1989
of biological systems and provide cost-effective of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
solutions for improved quality of life. With a priority
The Department has established Biotechnology
to study emerging diseases, to manipulate/engineer
Patent Facilitating Cell (BPFC) to provide
genomes, develop transgenic systems and develop
administrative and financial support to biologists and
genome-based diagnostics the Department
biotechnologists in filing of national and international
significantly contributes towards Genome Engineering
patent applications. The cell also plays a major role
and Editing technologies.
in creating awareness and understanding related to
Nano biotechnology provides a new frontier for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among students,
scientific and technological advances to exploit scientists and teaching professionals.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 9
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

A UTONOMOUS I NSTITUTIONS base and knowledge-based resources, NIPGR is


poised to contribute towards frontier areas of plant
The Department has established a number of biology and agricultural biotechnology.
autonomous institutions for basic, applied and
translational research in the field of Life Sciences National Brain Research Centre (NBRC),
and Biotechnology. Manesar has been able to combine basic with
translational research to obtain novel insights into
National Institute of Immunology (NII), New the functioning of the brain, as well the application
Delhi is a premier research institute in the area of this knowledge for human welfare. The application
of immunology and modern biology. The programs of discovery research to the clinic and community is
at NII undertake research of high caliber in basic evident from its impact in the areas of management
and applied immunology to devise strategies for of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome/Viral encephalitis
manipulation of the immune system in order to and the screening and the remediation of learning
provide protection as well as intervention against disabilities. In Neuroscience education, the
diseases.The research activities at the Institute are multidisciplinary programme of NBRC continues to
grouped in four broad areas, namely, infection and attract those students from diverse backgrounds
immunity, molecular design, gene regulation and who are keen to gain an in depth understanding of
reproduction and development. the integrated functioning of the brain.
National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable
has been successfully enhancing and improving the Development (IBSD), Imphal has continued its
quality of research and training programs to educate efforts to ensure conservation and sustainable
the younger generation. The institute also offers utilization of bioresources for the socio-economic
services that facilitate cell biology-based research development of the north-eastern region.
across the nation and outreach. The research
focuses on understanding the operation of the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneshwar
cellular molecular machinery and continues to help focuses on research in the area of infectious
gain valuable insights into health and disease. diseases biology, various aspects of gene function
and regulation, and translational research through
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics technology development. The institute continued its
(CDFD), Hyderabad is a model autonomous efforts towards generating quality human resource
institute with service and research components. The through its structured Ph.D. programmes.
primary objective of the institute is to provide
services in the form of specialized diagnostics and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB),
DNA fingerprinting, and to carry out fundamental Thiruvananthapuram has major research
research activities, where both areas complement programs in the areas of Cancer Research,
and enrich each other. Cardiovascular & Diabetes Biology, Regenerative
Biology, Bacterial Viral & Parasite Disease Biology,
National Institute of Plant Genome Research Plant & Environmental Biology, Neurobiology &
(NIPGR), New Delhi has been effective at Reproduction Biology, Microbiome Biology,
generating new knowledge that has potential for Membrane & Cell Physiology and Computational
genetic enhancement of crops for social benefits Biology. In addition the institute has major public
and in providing higher education as service to services arm. The institute also offers training/
academia and society. Through its infrastructural teaching programs in applied biology and

10 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW

biotechnology. National Institute of Biomedical Genomics


(NIBMG), Kalyani has made a global academic
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB),
mark by making significant research findings as
Faridabad has the mandate to provide a platform
evidenced by high-quality publications in the areas
for biotechnology education, training and research
of cancer genomics, genomics of infectious disease
at the interface of multiple disciplines. The vision of
and population genetics. The Institute has also played
the Centre is to produce human resource tailored to
a major role in national genomics capacity building
drive innovation in biotechnology, particularly in areas
by organizing workshops and hands-on training,
of new opportunities and also to fill talent gap in
independently and in collaboration with international
deficient areas. A multidisciplinary PhD programme
institutions such as the European Bioinformatics
has been instituted where 25 students were
Institute and University of Chicago.
admitted in the academic year 2017-18. The RCB
Act 2016 has also empowered the Centre to conduct National Agri-Food Biotechnology Centre
an integrated MSc-PhD degree program in (NABI), Mohali has been engaged in development
Biotechnology, which will commence from the of designer crops with high nutrition, increased shelf
academic session 2018-19. life and processing quality. Nanotechnology based
approaches are also being explored to address the
Translational Health Science and Technology
malnutrition by constituting nano-formulations and
Institute (THSTI), Faridabad has made a global
detecting food borne pathogens. Multiple
academic mark by making significant research
computational tools and programs are being
findings as evidenced by high-quality publications in
developed to assist the researchers in identifying
the areas of cancer genomics, genomics of infectious
new candidate genes and gene functions for
disease and population genetics. The Institute has
particular traits.
also played a major role in national genomics capacity
building by organizing workshops and hands-on National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
training, independently and in collaboration with (NIAB), Hyderabad is harnessing novel and
international institutions such as the European emerging biotechnologies and taking up research in
Bioinformatics Institute, University of Chicago etc. the cutting edge areas for improving animal health
The Institute has also developed a vibrant public and productivity. The Institute has also been engaged
outreach programme, through open houses, public in human resource development across the value
lectures and digital media. chain. Further, the Institute is reaching the local
schools and colleges to connect NIAB scientists with
Institute for Stem Cell Science and
national educational needs of schools and colleges.
Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bangalore
has thrust on interdisciplinary, thematic research with Center of Innovative and Applied
translation emphasis. The institute has also engaged Bioprocessing (CIAB), Mohali is working on
with various international universities/institutes to development of processes and products from
enhance its technical and scientific capabilities. The secondary agriculture produce. Institute is also
institute has established significant partnerships in developing bioprocesses and innovative technologies
the clinical settings, which have led to large centre to meet the translational need of industries. Institute
grants with well-defined mandates in the area of is significantly contributing towards human resource
translational neuroscience as well as in chemical generation by imparting training to students in the
biology. areas of bioprocessing and secondary agriculture.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 11
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

International Centre for Genetic Engineering National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS),
and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP),
continued its efforts encouraging innovative research and Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied
in life sciences for the benefit of developing Biotechnology (IBAB). The clusterhas been engaged
countries. Keeping focus in the three theme areas in establishment of innovative institutional model for
viz., Molecular Medicine, Plant Biology and Integrative cutting-edge scientific research, where existing
Biology, the centre continues to be very active in centres of excellence are used for the development
research and maintains a high annual publication of new centres with challenging new mandates.
output, which covers a wide spectrum of scientific
NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad has been
investigations. The Centre has taken several
established at Faridabad by the Department with
initiatives in promoting emerging and interdisciplinary
an overall objective to promote common
areas, in developing active and close collaboration
infrastructural resources for research, translation,
with research institutions worldwide and in enabling
innovation, validation, entrepreneurship and techno-
enhanced interactions with the industry through
business partnership between institutions within
knowledge sharing, translational research and
cluster and with other stakeholders in the city.
technology transfer.

Biotech Science Clusters: Apart from institutional P R OMO TION OF B IO


OMOTION TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY IN
set up, Biotech Science Clusters are also supported N ORTH E ASTERN R EGION (NER) OF
by the Department for multiscale basic and applied
research in Biological Sciences.
I NDIA
DBT has established a North Eastern Region-
Systems Medicine Cluster (SyMec), Kalyani has six
Biotechnology Programme Management Cell (NER-
participating institutions; National Institute of
BPMC) for conceptualization, implementation and
Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) [Core Institution],
monitoring of biotechnology programmes in NER
Bose Institute (BI), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical
which is helping to evolve and implement various
Biology (IICB), Indian Institute of Science Education
new programmes in the area of biotechnology for
& Research (IISER), Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
the benefit of NER states. So far more than 480
and Tata Medical Centre (TMC) to investigate and
twining projects have been implemented as
understand the dynamic systems of the human body
collaborative projects between North East
as part of an integrated whole, and identify
institutions and the rest of India Institutions.
perturbations that cause disease, in order to
implement Systems Medicine using cancer as an B IOTECH F ACILITIES
exemplar. The efforts will provide improved tools for
prediction, prevention and treatment of diseases The Department has made a considerable progress
using a Systems Biology approach; create a platform in establishing and creating the research related
for multi-disciplinary training to build a cadre of infrastructural facilities in several universities/
scientific, clinical and technical personnel required institutions. The major facilities created are next
to drive and to sustain Systems Medicine. generation DNA sequencing, Proteomics, Platform
for agriculture and veterinary science, Animal
Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster, Bengaluruhas
Resource Facility at NCR Biocluster and facilities for
partnering institutions such as Institute for Stem Cell
educational, teaching and training purpose at various
Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem),
institutions. In addition, extension of the availability

12 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW

of synchrotron beamline facility at Grenoble was innovation, enable commercialization of discovery


carried out for the science community. A national and ensure global competitiveness of Indian
facility for Gene Function in Health and Disease was enterprises. Over 500 start ups,Entrepreneurs and
established and operationalized at Indian Institute biotech industries have been supported so far.
of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune.
The Department of Biotechnology is also having two
The project involves training of personnel in University
PSUs namely Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals
of Alabama, Alabama, USA. Furthermore, the existing
Corporation Limited (BIBCOL) and Indian Vaccines
repositories and depositories have been
Corporation Limited (IVCOL). BIBCOL is a leading
strengthened.
biotechnology company based in Uttar Pradesh India,
I NTERNA TIONAL C OOPERA
NTERNATIONAL TION
OOPERATION currently manufactures and produces a range of
pharmaceutical products such as Oral Polio Vaccines
The Department is successfully running international (OPV Vaccine), zinc tablet & Diarrhealmanagement
collaborative programs with more than 20 countries kit etc.
and international philanthropic organizations in
different areas of biotechnology. Continuing the A DMINIS TRA
DMINISTRA TION
TRATION AND F INANCE
collaboration with Noble Media AB, Sweden the
Administration is responsible for providing a good
Department organized Second Nobel Prize Series,
and ambient working atmosphere for the in-house
India 2018 in partnership with Government of Goa
scientists, officers and staff. Logistic supports were
on February 1-2, 2018 under the theme of
provided for organizing various Task force & Expert
“Education and the value of teachers”. The
Committee meetings. The department housed part
concluding session of the Nobel Prize Series was held
of the Scientific and Administrative activities in Block
on February 5, 2018 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan
3 has now been allotted to the officers & staff for
which was graced by the Hon’ble President of India.
efficient and speedy disposal of the official work.
I NNO
NNOVV ATION AND E NTREPRENEURSHIP The internal infrastructure of the Department has
been renovated and modernized during the current
Department has also been engaged in fostering in year. The Department has gone for e-office premium
innovation and entertpreunrship for overall growth version through NICSI implemented in various
of the sector. Department has set up biotech parks programme division have been given training on effice
and incubators in different states across the country. application through NIC.
The department has promoted new industry
academia interface and stimulating strategic
research and innovation capabilities of the Indian
biotech industry, particularly start-ups and SME’s,
for creation of affordable products addressing the
needs of the largest section of society. As an interface
agency Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance
Council (BIRAC) has been supportinginnovation and
entrepreneurship, promote affordable innovation in
key social sectors, empowerment of start-ups & small
and medium enterprises, contribute through partners
for capability enhancement and diffusion of

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 13
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

02

Human Resource
Development
Programme

14 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The Department is implementing an Integrated expanded in general biotechnology as well as area


Human Resource Development Programme in specific expansion in medical, agricultural, marine,
Biotechnology comprising of post graduate teaching veterinary, industrial biotechnology, computational
programme; short term training courses for biology to cover 65 universities. Grants were provided
upgradation of skills of mid-career scientists and UG for establishment of equipment facilities essentially
& PG faculty engaged in teaching and R&D; industrial required for class room teaching, recurring grants
training of students; fellowship for doctoral and post- for consumables, studentship, books & journals,
doctoral research in frontier areas of life sciences travel, visiting faculty, contingency, thesis grant for
and biotechnology; career advancement and re- in-house dissertation, equipment maintenance etc.
orientation for women scientists; scholarships, In-house dissertation has been made mandatory and
awards, and also assistance to researchers for Department is providing thesis grant of Rs. 50,000/
organizing conference/ seminar/ symposium. Under - per student to ensure intensive practical training.
HRD scheme, Department is generating critical mass A few research articles and reviews in journals of
of trained and skilled manpower required for overall national and international repute and patents have
development of Biotechnology in the country. The come out from dissertation of M.Sc./M.Tech.
Department has also implemented skill development students. To ensure admission of quality students,
programmes like biotech finishing school phase-II selection is made through All India common entrance
jointly with Karnataka state government and India- test conducted by JNU, JEE or JAM joint entrance
bioscience-young investigators and students test conducted by IIT and all India test conducted by
workshops. The Department has also developed other universities. Selected candidates are offered
model course curricula through a consultative studentships. DBT supported teaching programmes
process for postgraduate programme in are periodically reviewed by advisory committees and
biotechnology. Department has also initiated special by DBT-HRD task force. Students of DBT supported
steps to start skill development programme in programmes have consistently performed well at the
partnership with Indian institutions for entry level national level competitive exams for research
students and graduate programme in Big Data fellowships conducted by CSIR, UGC, DBT, DAE and
Research jointly by 5 partner Indian institutions with ICMR.
Heidelberg University, Germany.
Course Curriculum Revision for Post-Graduate
T EACHING P ROGRAMMES teaching Programmes in Biotechnology

P ostgraduat
ostgraduate e TTeaching
eaching Pr ogrammes (M.Sc. /
Programmes Model course curricula are developed by Department
M.T ech. / M.V
M.Tech. .Sc.): The post graduate teaching
M.V.Sc.): of Biotechnology through a consultative process to
programmes were initiated by DBT in 1985-86 in six maintain uniformity and to ensure standard of quality
universities in close collaboration with University education in area of biotechnology. The curriculum
Grants Commission. These programmes were revision exercise is undertaken periodically to
implemented on the basis of core faculty strength, incorporate the latest developments in
expertise, infrastructural facilities, R&D grants biotechnology. During the year, Department
received by proposed university on competitive completed the exercise for framing model course
funding basis, nearby institutions engaged in curriculum for 13 postgraduate degree courses and
biotechnology R&D. Keeping in mind the demand for circulated to all programme coordinators of DBT
trained manpower, these programmes have been supported PG teaching programmes for
implementation and also uploaded on DBT website

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 15
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

for information and adoption by universities running providing access to specialized infrastructure and
biotechnology teaching programmes in the country. consumables. Star college scheme has two
DBT’s Model Course Curriculum was released on 11th components viz. strengthening of support for
May 2017 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. undergraduate education and Star college status.
Criteria for selection as a “Star College” are very
Skill Development Programme in
stringent which is clear from the fact that so far only
Biotechnology: The Department has initiated new
26 colleges have been accorded Star Status out of
skill development programme to provide high quality
103 colleges supported initially, all selected colleges
hands on training in tools and techniques in
are supported under strengthening component for
multidisciplinary areas of biotechnology for entry level
a period of 3 years and are mentored and monitored.
students (10+2 and Graduates in Biotechnology) in
Based on progress evaluation, colleges can be
partnership with State Council of Science &
continued under strengthening component for 2nd
Technology, Universities, R&D laboratories, Colleges.
tenure, accorded star status or discontinued. So far,
Department announced a call for proposal for inviting
518 colleges have applied and 180 colleges have
proposals from institutions and 159 applications
been supported under strengthening component.
were received for support. Proposals have been
The scheme has pan India presence and location of
evaluated as per approved procedure of the
colleges supported under the scheme is shown in
Department.
Map of India (Fig. 1). Star college scheme has limited
Biotechnology Finishing School Programme: presence in M.P, Rajasthan, U.P, Chhattisgarh,
Department of Biotechnology jointly with Department Jharkhand.
of IT, BT and S&T Government of Karnataka is
supporting Biotech finishing school. During the year,
Department has implemented Phase-II of the
programme. Department has provision to provide
fellowship support to 180 candidates per year under
this programme. Students are selected through
online entrance test at national level and personal
interview. Selection process is very stringent and all
selected students are paid fellowship. This
programme has been renamed as Biotechnology Skill
Enhancement Programme (BiSEP) and Karnataka
Government has signed MoU with Life Sciences
Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC), New
Delhi for certification of programme.

Star College Scheme: Star College Scheme has


been initiated by DBT in 2008 to support colleges
and university departments offering undergraduate
education to improve science teaching. The
programme aims to improve the skills of teachers
by organizing faculty training, improved curriculum
Figure 1. State-wise colleges supported under Star College
and emphasis on practical training to students by
Scheme by DBT

16 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Under the scheme, colleges are conducting II: Next 100 students in merit list are selected and
practicals, which could not be conducted earlier due these students are eligible to join any DBT sponsored
to lack of resources. Collaborative teachers training project after following selection process of host
workshops jointly supported by DBT and British institute. They can avail fellowship equivalent to NET/
Council are being organized by IISER, Pune to train GATE qualification from extramural project funds.
teachers in pedagogical tools, who are then expected There is no binding on institutions to select project
to conduct regional workshops for training of personnel from category II. During the year, 10,781
teachers from the region. applications were received. Merit list of 291 students
in category-I and 118 students in Category-II was
Colleges from UP and Bihar have been supported
announced in 2017-18 (Fig.2).
under the scheme for the first time. This year 55
colleges got support from the scheme, which also
led the number of Star Status of colleges to 26 with
the grant amounting to Rs. 10.74 Crore. The
Department is envisaging further upgradation in
financial support structure for colleges, which would
enhance the quality of learning and teaching process
and also stimulate original thinking through ‘hands–
Figure 2. No. of applicants vs. selected under DBT-JRF in last
on’ exposure to experimental work. five years

DBT F ELLOWSHIPS P ROGRAMMES FOR DBT Research Associateship (DBT-RA)


S TUDENTS AND R ESEARCH F ELLOWS Programme: Department of Biotechnology is
providing fellowship for post-doctoral research in
DBT J unior R esearch F ellowship (DBT- JRF) frontier areas of Biotechnology and Life sciences at
Programme: The Department of Biotechnology premier institutions in India. This program is being
initiated DBT-JRF programme in 2004 to provide coordinated by IISc, Bangalore. The fellowship is
opportunities for pursuing doctoral research in initially awarded for a period of two years and support
biotechnology for students coming out of DBT can be extended for 1-2 years based on review of
supported teaching programmes. Subsequently, the progress. The objective of DBT-RA program is to train
program has been expanded to cover all B.Tech, and nurture young scientists and generate critical
M.Sc., M.Tech students in biotech from any mass of trained manpower in modern areas of
recognized University/Institute in the country. The biology and biotechnology and build a robust
program has contributed in building human resource postdoctoral base in country. During the year 2017-
capital and institutional capacity and nurtured 18, in response to two advertisements, 528
excellence in basic and applied research in applications were received and 54 candidates were
biotechnology. Students are selected through online selected for award of fellowship. The stringency in
Biotechnology Eligibility Test (BET) conducted at 44 selection process is very evident from number of
centres in country. Students are selected under two applicants selected in last five years (Fig. 3).
Categories viz., Category I: The programme has
provision to select top 275 JRF’s each year in this
Category. Candidates selected are eligible to avail
fellowship under DBT-JRF at any university/institute
in India once they are registered for PhD and Category

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 17
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

in India through mechanisms that support


exceptional researchers at Indian institutions, and
facilitate the recruitment of highly trained and
qualified scientists from overseas. This is done
through (1) a Fellowship Programme with three types
of fellowships (early, intermediate and senior), (2) a
culture of transparency, international quality and
Figure 3. No. of applicants vs. selected under DBT-RA
programme in last five years timeliness to grants management, and (3) effective
engagement to develop the next generation of
Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship: The research (and policy) leadership.
objective of the scheme is to improve India’s human
resource capacity in front line areas of life sciences During 2017, 45 Fellowships were awarded to
and biotechnology research; both in terms of scientists at 31 different institutions in 15 Indian
development, translation and diffusion by means of cities. India Alliance Fellows also received prestigious
attracting Indian scientists working in overseas national and international awards and recognitions
laboratories. The aim of the fellowship is to bring during 2017, which include SERB Women Excellence
back Indian scientists working in overseas Award; Howard Hughes Medical Institute
laboratories so that they can pursue their research International Research Scholar; EMBO Young
interests in Indian institutes. Fellows can be Investigator and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award.
considered for second term on a fresh appraisal; Fellows published 96 peer-reviewed papers in high-
however, those fellows who are able to seek ranking international journals and made further
permanent faculty positions are not considered for impact through translational and policy-oriented
another term. research.

During the year 50 scientists working in overseas India Alliance organized seven one-and two-day
research institutes across the globe were selected Science Communication workshops that trained
for this fellowship. So far a total of 396 scientists more than 400 PhD students and postdoctoral
have been selected in 10 batches. 275 fellows have researchers. A two-day Visualizing Science workshop
already been relocated to various Indian Institutes introduced 50 scientists and those in allied fields
and several of them (181) have been able to secure with visual tools and methods to effectively convey
permanent faculty positions. Scientists selected have their research. The first Developing Indian Physician
been able to publish their findings in peer reviewed Scientists (DIPS) workshop introduced 37 young
journals. doctors to research methodology and discussed the
relevance of biomedical research and career options.
Publications: Total No. (2017-18): 155 || Impact Through its India EMBO Symposia funding scheme,
factor<5: 125 || Impact factor > 5:30 || Spin off India Alliance (and EMBO) has funded four meetings
Company:2 in India that aim to address discovery and innovation
Wellcome Trust/ DBT India Alliance: The in life sciences through an interdisciplinary approach.
Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance is an equally Various public engagements with science events
funded partnership between The Wellcome Trust (UK) were supported. These include - (1) Actors and
and the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Doctors: Staging Public Health matters that used
Science and Technology, Government of India. It theater to initiate a two-way learning process
aims to improve the biomedical research landscape between social and scientific enquiry and to make

18 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

health research more accessible to the public; (2) translational research in life sciences, agriculture,
Life of Science: chronicling the lives of women biomedical science and related areas of
scientists in India, to highlight the work and biotechnology. The awardees are provided a
challenges faced by women scientists and to fellowship in addition to regular salary and annual
showcase them as role models for young girls; (3) contingency grant. The duration of the fellowship is
Art + Science programme designed to advance initially for three years which can be extended further
projects that explore artistic applications of by two years on a fresh appraisal. A maximum of
emerging thoughts and technologies with the help five fellowships can be provided in a year. Altogether,
of partners from the science academia and 52 scientists have been awarded the fellowship since
industry. its inception.For current year, advertisement has
been published for inviting applications for selection
of Tata Innovation Fellows.

DBT S CHOLARSHIPS AND A WARDS


Biotech Product, Process Development and
Commercialization Award: These Awards are
given in recognition of outstanding contributions of
scientists / innovators / entrepreneurs/ Indian
institutions & companies both in public as well as
private sector for a new process, product
development and commercialization of a technology
or a product in the areas of biotechnology and
biological sciences including agriculture, biomedical
and environmental sciences. Up to five awards are
given every year. Each award carries a cash amount
of Rs. 2.00 lakh along with a citation and trophy. Rs.
5.00 lakh would be given if the product is
commercialized and has much higher impact of
utilization in the country. The awardee should be a
citizen of India or an Indian institution or an Indian
company actively involved in the development of
biotechnology processes, products and
commercialization of technologies or product based
Fig. 4. L-R: (1) Participants with a Mentor at the
on indigenous research. For the year 2017, out of
2-day Science Communication workshop, New Delhi. (2) 14 nominations received, two awardees were
Fellows’ meeting; Hyderabad selected for two awards of Rs. 2.00 lakh each.
Tata Innovation Fellowship:The depar tment National Women Bioscientist Award: The
initiated the scheme in 2006 to reward the scientists/ National Women Bioscientist Awards are given every
researchers engaged in innovation and in the pursuit year under two categories. These are (i) National
of path breaking solutions to major challenges, Women Bioscientist Award (Senior Category) (One)
interdisciplinary work and with an emphasis on –awarded to senior woman biologist for life time

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 19
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

contributions, who has done excellent research work year. The Award also carries a medal and a certificate
in the country and has applied the results for the of merit.
benefit of students and society, and (ii) National
The Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award
Women Bioscientist Awards (Young Category) (Two)
(IYBA): The Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award
– given for outstanding contributions of women
(IYBA), initiated in 2005, is a career-oriented award
scientists below 45 years of age in basic and applied
to identify and nurture outstanding young scientist
research in the areas of biosciences and
with innovative ideas and desire of pursuing research
biotechnology including agricultural, biomedical and
in biotechnology. The prize is for those below 35
environmental sciences with potential for
years of age subject to certain relaxations in cases
application/ product and technology development.
of women, OBC, SC/ST. This also includes scientists
Contribution made during last 5 years, is the main
without regular employment. Since its inception
consideration. The Award for the National Women
more than 120 researchers have been supported
Bioscientist (Senior Category) carries a cash prize of
by this scheme. Post financial (SFC) approval, the
Rs. 5.00 lakh with citation and a gold medal. The
programmes would observe increased grant
Award for National Women Bioscientist (Young
allocation for young scientists. Efforts are being
Category) carries a cash prize of Rs. 1.00 lakh with
made to bring all the IYBA awardees on a platform
citation and a gold medal and Research Grant of Rs.
where regular exchanges of ideas, technology and
5.00 lakh per annum for a period of 5 years.
innovations may be done.
National Bioscience Awards for Career
Development: National Bioscience Awards for T RAINING P ROGRAMMES
Career Development are awarded in recognition of
Shor
Shortt TTerm
erm TTraining
raining Pr ogramme ffor
Programme or Mid-career
outstanding contributions of young scientists below
Scientists and UG & PG TTeacher
eacher s: Department
eachers:
45 years of age in basic and applied research in the
is supporting short term training programmes for
areas of biosciences and biotechnology including
upgrading skills of mid-career scientists from R & D
agricultural, biomedical and environmental sciences
institutions and UG & PG faculty from universities
with potential for application/product and technology
and colleges involved in teaching in multidisciplinary
development. Each Award carries a cash prize of Rs.
areas of biotechnology and life sciences. These
2.00 lakh, a citation and trophy along with project
specialized training courses are organized in colleges,
research grant of Rs. 15.00 lakh @ Rs. 5.00 lakh
universities and premier research institutions for
per year for a period of 03 years. Upto 10 Awards
duration of 2-4 weeks for 20-25 participants. During
are given every year, subject to the availability of
the year, 17 programmes were supported.
suitable candidates.
Biotech Industrial Training Programme:
DBT Biology Scholarship: DBT Biology
Department of Biotechnology is supporting Biotech
Scholarships are awarded to students from the
Industrial Training Programme (BITP) for providing
combined merit list of Biology/Biotechnology at
hands-on training for six months to fresh B.E./
Higher Secondary/Intermediate/10+2 level each
B.Tech./M.Sc./M.Tech. students in biotechnology in
year to encourage students to pursue studies in
biotech industries.The programme is mutually
biological sciences after 10+2 level. The amount of
beneficial for students and companies, as students
one time scholarship is Rs. 20,000/- per student
get first-hand experience of industry environment and
selected for the purpose and a maximum of upto
expectations and industries can select the
100 students are selected for this scholarship each

20 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

prospective candidates for suitable employment. programmes viz., DBT-RA and DBT-BITP.
During the year, total 2167applications were received
DBT-RA for North East: The Programme is being
and 900 candidates were selected for industrial
coordinated by Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
training. Around 125 companies are involved in
During the year, total 64 applications were received
imparting training. Department is providing stipend
and 16 candidates were selected for award of DBT-
of Rs. 10,000 p.m. to all selected candidates and
RA Fellowship.
bench fee of Rs. 50,000 to trainer companies. This
programme is very popular among biotech students DBT-BITP NER: Department is offering industrial
as is evident from number of applications received training to fresh B.Tech/M.Sc./M.Tech students of
in last five years (Fig.5). biotechnology from North Eastern States for a period
of 6 months. The programme is being implemented
through Biotech Consortium India Ltd., New Delhi.
There is a provision for placement of 100 candidates
in industries for training under BITP-NER. During the
year, total 101 applications were received and 69
candidates were selected for training.

Figure 5. Number of applicants and candidates selected for six I NDIA B IOSCIENCE -Y OUNG
months industrial training in last five years.
I NVES TIG
NVESTIG
TIGAATOR MEETINGS AND
R ESEARCH O PPORTUNITIES F OR STUDENTS WORKSHOPS
W OMEN S CIENTISTS Department is supporting meetings and workshops
Biotechnology Career Advancement and Re- for young investigators (Teachers and Scientists),
orientation (BIOCARE) Programme for the Post-Doctoral Fellows and PhD students. The
Women Scientists: The programmewas initiated objective of this programme is to promote and
in the year 2011. Four calls have been announced disseminate information about R&D environment and
so far. 315 women scientists (165 unemployed and opportunities in Biotechnology sector in country. The
150 employed) have been supported so far. Out of programme features included seminars, posters and
165 women scientists who were unemployed at the panel discussions that focus on a wide variety of
time of getting their respective BioCARE projects, topics ranging from choosing the right research
17 have got permanent employment. More than 100 problem, publication, personnel management,
papers have been published. 2 patents have been funding opportunities and mentorship. Senior
filed and 2 are under process for filing. scientists describe their own scientific journey in
meetings and workshops. During the year,
P ROGRAMMES FOR N ORTH E ASTERN Department has supported India Bioscience-Young
S TATES (NER) Investigator meetings and student workshops phase-
II programme at NCBS, Bangalore.
In 2010, Department has made special provision in
the existing HRD scheme for providing the support S MAR
MARTT I NDIA H A CKA THON
CKATHON
to students/candidates with domicile of North-East
Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi
or those who have studied for past 3 years in
initiated Smart India Hackathon 2017, a unique
university/institute in North Eastern states under two

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 21
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

initiative to identify new and disruptive digital showcase the achievements of Indian science and
technology innovations for solving the challenges technology organizations and R&D institutions in the
faced by Government Department/Ministry. The field of biotechnology to the general public, students,
objective of programme is to institutionalize a model researchers, business community, etc.
for harnessing the creativity and technical expertise.
During the year, Department of Biotechnology
identified 17 problems seeking digital solutions and
projected for participation in Smart India Hackathon
2017. The 36 hours non-stop digital competition was
held on 1st and 2nd April 2017 at C.V. Raman college
of Engineering, Bhubaneshwar, which was identified
as the Nodal Centre for Ministry of Science and
Technology. The software prototype created by
student’s teams in Hackathon were evaluated by
judges drawn from the respective ministry, industry
and academic experts and the best solutions were
awarded @ Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 50,000
for the top three teams respectively. Department
has selected two prototypes proven by student
teams in digital competition for further support.

P OPULARIZATION & P R OMO


OPULARIZATION TION
OMOTION OF
B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY

The programme envisages financial assistance


towards organizing conference/ seminar/ symposium
and ‘travel support’ to the researchers for presenting
their papers in the conferences organized outside
the country. It also extends support for organizing
popular lectures, and exhibitions held within the
country as well as outside the country.

In the year 2017-18, 529 proposals (Conferences-


106, Travel-407, Exhibitions-09, Popular lectures-07)
with financial support of almost Rs. 5.0 crore have
been supported by DBT. Guidelines for applying
through this program have also been changed for
better management and smooth functioning of work.
Further, DBT also participated in prestigious national
and international events such as Indian Science
Congress, Bio USA 2017, India International Science
Festival-2017, etc. The prime objective behind
Department’s participation in these events is to

22 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
03

Biotech Facilities,
Technology Platforms &
Research Resources

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 23
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

The programme is to promote, upgrade and establish (total of 21 compounds) against Brugia malayi
new biotech facilities/infrastructure viz. animal microfilariae. Out of the 21 compounds screened,
house; gene banks; repositories for microbes, plants, only four were found to be pharmacologically
model organisms and infectious organisms; towards effective as displayed by their impact on loss of
augmentation of research activities of scientific motility of the parasites in in vitro. The present study
community at Regional, National and International on testing different filarial molecules as vaccine
level. Furthermore, to promote growth of life science candidates using rodent model (mastomys) helped
and biotechnology, and linking research to education in confirming the vaccine potential of BmALT2 (B.
at every opportunity through creation/reengineering/ malayi vespid venom Allergen homolog-like protein)
remodelling/up-gradation of life science and BmP0.
departments in central/state universities.
A Tuberculosis Aerosol Challenge facility has been
B IOTECH F ACILITIES supported for maintenance at International Centre
for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (ICGEB), New
The outcome of the research activities supported Delhi. In addition to the DBT supported FACS sorter,
for strengthening the research infrastructure in ICGEB has also been supported for upgradation of
Universities and Institutions are as follows; an existing high-content screening platform as a
national facility.
A Bemline-14 Program Coordination Unit (DBT-BM14-
PCU) at Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad The Department launched DBT-BUILDER (Boost to
has been supported by the Department for providing University Interdisciplinary Departments of Life
access to Indian Scientific community to synchrotron Sciences for Education and Research) scheme for
X-ray Beam line (BM14) in Grenoble, France. To upgradation/reengineering/remodelling/creation of
provide continuous access to the Indian scientific Life Science departments in central and state
community, a new agreement has been signed universities to boost advanced education and
between European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, promotion of interdisciplinary research and
Grenoble, France and Regional centre for technology development. Till now, 25 universities
Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India. The received support under this programme. The
agreement facilitated the access to six high intensity programme is now merged with Research Resources,
beam lines and SAXS Facility. During the year, 75 Service Facilities and Platform as per the
new proposals have been considered for data recommendations of the Expert Committee
collection. The total number of crystals shipped is constituted for evaluation of schemes/programmes
2782 and the total number of data sets collected of the Department for continuation beyond 12th Plan.
was 786 with deposition of 118 structures in PDB The progress reports of some of the supported
database. A total of 62 peer reviewed publications universities are at Guru Ghasi Das Vishwavidyalaya,
came out of this support. Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, the teaching and research
laboratories have been strengthened;  at Anna
The Department supported renovation and
University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the teaching and
maintenance of National Repository for Filarial
research laboratories have been tremendously
Parasites & Reagents at Mahatma Gandhi Institute
boosted and the major infrastructure has been
of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, MH. A series of
established;  at Patna University, Bihar, Central
synthesized compounds (thiazolidine and thiazine)
Instrumentation facility has been established for
obtained from other collaborators were screened
Department of Biotechnology. In addition, one

24 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOTECH FACILITIES, TECHNOLOGY
PLATFORMS & RESEARCH RESOURCES

research corridor in Dept. of Botany and one state- PG diploma course with focus on technical skill
of-the-art laboratory renovated in Dept. of development in association with biotech industries
Biotechnology;  Support at Jawaharlal Nehru started in August 2017. Two hands-on training
University, New Delhi resulted in the maintenance workshops on qPCR and advanced molecular
of 26 cutting edge equipment of Advanced platforms was conducted. The Facility services have
Instrumentation Research Facility (AIRF), and been offered to institutions - Karolinska Instituet,
classroom training of quality manpower through Sweden; Mahatma Gandhi Medical College,
workshops/seminars and advanced courses. 17 Pondicherry; Sri Ramachandra Medical College,
workshops were conducted for more than 300 Chennai and JSS Hospital, Mysore.
graduate & post graduate students, research
A national facility for Gene Function in Health and
scholars, post-docs and faculties on state-of-art
Disease was established and operationalized at
equipments including Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
with Confocal Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission
(IISER), Pune. The project involves training of
Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and FESEM
personnel in University of Alabama, Alabama, USA.
based e-beam lithography at AIRF;  at Kuvempu
The building has been made operational along with
University, Karnataka, existing plant tissue culture
desired equipments (Figure 1). Import of transgenic
laboratory and mycology laboratories were upgraded
Mice from Jackson Laboratory, USA; University of
with construction of central instrumentation
Heidelberg, Germany and The Scripps Research
laboratory. Survey and documentation of medicinal
Institute, USA has been done and well established
plants was carried out in the forest ranges of Kigga
colonies are being used for experimental purpose.
range, Kargal range and Hosagunda Sacred Grove
Immune- compromised and other oncology models
range, Kemmangundi forest area and Mookambika
have been received and the expansion of these
Wild Life Sanctuary. Herbarium of 500 species was
strains is in process. Multiple Drosophila and zebra
prepared, documented and maintained.
fish strains are also being maintained in the facility.
Micropropagation and mass multiplication of endemic
medicinal plants like Mammea suriga,Bredelia
scandense, Ceaesalpinea bunducella, Celastrus
paniculata, Litsea glutinosa, Buchananea lanzan was
achieved. Toxicity studies of phytocompounds have
also been evaluated for anticancerous property.

A partnership platform for contemporary research,


services and skill development in advanced
lifescience technologies has been established in SRM
University, Tamilnadu. GLP complied facilities have
been established for providing service as well as for Figure 1. National Facility for Laboratory Model Organisms at
IISER, Pune for generation of transgenic knockout animals and
skill development. The platform is being utilized by providing services.
the faculties from SRM and other academic
institutions. Till now whole genome sequencing (4), The Department supported a partnership projectwith
whole exome sequencing (4), whole transcriptome Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore for
sequencing (10), Cytokine analysis (400) and advanced research in Biological Sciences and
Chemokine analysis (200) have been carried out. A Bioengineering. This support has further

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 25
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

supplemented already available resources for a major Platform Technology, Industry-Interaction,


making the IISc research intensive, with added Innovation and Incubator unit.
interdisciplinary nature, and among top institutions
C-CAMP has established high-end technologies via
of the world through extensive National and
research/technology-based collaborations within and
International collaborations.Under the said project
outside the Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLiSC)
number of facilities like Bio-imaging, Surface Plasmon
comprising of NCBS, inStem, C-CAMP; made
Resonance, Gas Chromatograph-Mass spectrometry
available these technologies and expertise to
Facility, Bioplex Facility, X-ray Facility, Computational
researchers in academia and industry, and provided
Cluster Facility, Biosafety (BSL-3) Facility, Live Animal
technology training to generate a pool of technology
Imaging Facility, Central Animal Facility and
experts capable of developing and ameliorating C-
Bioengineering Facility, Bioimaging Facility were
CAMP platform technologies.
established. The facility caters to 14 departments.
The facility organized six teaching and training C-CAMP has created and fostered an entrepreneur-
programmes and resulted in 20 peer reviewed friendly culture in and around Academic/Research
articles from this facility. The facility also provides environment through its involvement in Seed Funding
open access to non-IISc academic and corporate Schemes for Startups, Entrepreneur Mentorship
users. Program and Bio-Incubation facility.
A Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facility consisting of three Technology Platforms & Activities: From inception
labs for in-vitro work and one small infection-cum- till date, C-CAMP has made significant contribution
necropsy room for animal experiments has also been within the larger realm of Life Sciences research in
supported by the Department. Currently, more than India by establishing and managing 10 High-End
40 students from different laboratories of IISc are Technology Platforms, namely:• Imaging and Flow
using this facility. The facility provides services in the Cytometry Facility; • High Throughput Screening and
area of animal experiments, training, health High Content Screening Facility; • Biologics
checkup, teaching and holding open day session at Characterization Facility; • Proteomics Facility; •
IISc to spread awareness about infectious diseases Glycomics and Glycoproteomics Facility; •
among youth from various schools and colleges of Metabolomics Facility; • Drosophila Facility; •
Bangalore. It has resulted in publication of 4 scientific Microfluidics & Microfabrication Facility; • Next
articles in high quality journals. Generation Genomics Facility; • Electron Microscopy
Facility.
C ENTRE FOR C ELLULAR AND
These facilities have been used by more than 200
M OLECULAR P LA TF
LATF ORMS (C-CAMP),
TFORMS
institutions (academia and industry) and have trained
B ANGALORE over 1200 researchers in different technologies.
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) 1800+ Projects on High-End Technologies have been
was instituted in June 2009 with the mandate of taken up at C-CAMP resulting over 75 research
enabling cutting-edge research by making available publications. Further, 27 technologies are available
state-of-the-art technologies and providing training for Licensing through C-CAMP. This year, C-CAMP
on these platforms. C-CAMP facilitates Bioscience organized 9 hands-on training programmes (till March
Research and Entrepreneurship by providing 2017) across different technology platforms.
Research, Development, Training and Services in
Innovation & Entrepreneurship: As a part of the
state-of-the-art Technology Platforms. C-CAMP is now

26 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOTECH FACILITIES, TECHNOLOGY
PLATFORMS & RESEARCH RESOURCES

mandate of promoting innovation and offs


entrepreneurship, following activities have been  Incubated 14 start-ups/spin-offs
undertaken by C-CAMP
 Till date, C-CAMP has supported nearly 90start-
a) Funding & Mentorship: C-CAMP has partnered ups/spin-offs through funding, incubation and
with BIRAC, DBT to help with the Biotechnology mentorship.
Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme that funds start-up
companies and individual scientific entrepreneurs to
establish proof-of-concept, nurture and transform
these innovative ideas into viable competitive
products and enterprises.

b) Bio-incubation: C-CAMP also provides some of


these start-ups access to functional laboratory along
with high-end technology platforms, through its bio-
incubator.

c) Discovery to Innovation Accelerator: C-CAMP


builds on its Discovery Innovation Accelerator
program which focuses on making early stage Figure 3. A collage depicting start-ups/spin-offs supported by
discoveries from academic laboratories to make C-CAMP
them “industry ready” and to take them closer to
the market through a possible license or spin-off. A D VANCED T ECHNOL OG
ECHNOLOG
OGYY

Achievements:
P LA TF
LATF ORMS C ENTRE
TFORMS

 Received National Award for Entrepreneurship The Advanced Technology Platforms Centre (ATPC)
2017 (Govt. Category) from Ministry of Skill in the NCR Biotech Science Cluster at Faridabad is
Development and Entrepreneurship managed by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology.
The aim of the ATPC is to provide an access to cutting-
edge technologies to biotech science researchers in
India. The centre will also provide support to start-
up biotech companies that will be part of the planned
Bio-Incubator within the Bio-Cluster. Based on inputs
from a Committee of Experts, the following facilities
are envisioned at the ATPC: (i) Mass Spectrometry
Facility, (ii) Molecular Interactions & Protein
Figure 2. National Award for Entrepreneurship 2017 from
Purification Facility, (iii) FACS facility, (iv) Electron
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Microscopy Facility, (v) Optical Microscopy Facility, (vii)
Genetics & Genomics Facility, (viii) Animal Experiment
 Received Niti Aayog AIM funding for scale-up
Platforms, and (ix) Liquid Nitrogen Dispensing Facility.
incubation programme
The FACS facility, the protein purification facility, and
 Received BREC centre with BIRAC funding the Mass Spectrometry facility are currently
 Funded 20 innovative biotech start-ups/spin- operational and processing samples from different

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 27
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

facilities are in advanced stages of procurement and substrate recognition by different family
will be installed soon at the ATPC. The first round of members.
personnel hiring has occurred and the recruited ATPC
 A focused chemical library comprising ~130K
staff will accelerate the development and execution
elements has been designed, sourced and
of robust workflows for different facilities. The ATPC
organized in an appropriate LIMS system. High-
will be fully functional within a year and greatly
throughput primary screening assays (using
accelerate innovation in the Bio-Cluster and other
fluorescence polarization) with Z scores e”0.6
research institutes in India.
against different domain targets were
C ENTRE F OR C HEMICAL B IOL OG
IOLOG
OGYY AND developed, and over 1 million in vitro screening
reactions have been completed. Over 400
T HERAPEUTICS active compounds that selectively inhibit
The Centre for Chemical Biology and Therapeutics molecular recognition by either the BRCT or SH2
(CCBT) is an integrated multidisciplinary research domains were identified, and taken forward
initiative that aims to pioneer new approaches to into hit validation through orthogonal assay
create small-molecule tools that target novel classes development for different domain targets.
of targets, and use them to conduct hypothesis-driven The overall outcome of these programmes has been
research on experimental systems of biomedical to deliver, in a stepwise fashion, a palette of novel
importance. The CCBTs long-term vision is to foster chemical probes that selectively modulate the
knowledge-driven therapeutic interventions for molecular recognition of pSer, pThr orpTyr-containing
important human diseases through fundamental new substrates in order to systematically explore how this
insights into disease biology. mechanism contributes to intracellular signalling.
The CCBT is funded by the Department as an inter- These programmes also establish a powerful inter-
institutional collaborative centre between inStem and disciplinary capability for chemical biology and
NCBS. The CCBT’s first scientific focus is to explore therapeutics development in the inStem/NCBS
new approaches for the modulation of intracellular campus.
signalling pathways disrupted in disease, by targeting Collaborations:
the molecular recognition of key classes of post-
transcriptional protein modifications.  A new target that inhibits the liver cycle of the
malaria parasite P. vivax – The inter-disciplinary
Salient achievements: capability for chemical biology and therapeutics
 Protein domains recognizing pSer/pThr (tandem development developed in the CCBT has spawned
(t)BRCT domains from BRCA1 or ECT2) or pTyr collaboration with NCBS.
(theSH2 domain from GRB2) have been  Molecular recognition of phosphopeptide
expressed, purified and structurally substrates – The availability of novel, selective
characterized in their apo- or ligand-bound forms inhibitors of phosphopeptide substrate
using computational modeling and X- recognition by the BRCA1 tBRCT offers an
raycrystallography. This work has identified key exciting opportunity to systematically explore the
features underlying molecular recognition by the contribution of this mechanism to DNA
tBRCT domain family, which provides insight into replication and repair. The CCBT is embarking
the discrimination of pServersus pThr, and for collaboration with ETH, Zurich in which
exposes characteristics underlying selective

28 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BIOTECH FACILITIES, TECHNOLOGY
PLATFORMS & RESEARCH RESOURCES

approaches in protein mass spectrometry will highly penetrate single-gene causes of ASD/ID to
be used to provide systems-level understanding better model autistic and cognitive behaviours that
of the function of specific tBRCT ligands during can accurately reflect autistic features in humans.
these biological processes. The focus is on Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) as well as
mutations in key glutamate receptors and their
primary signalling pathways as prototypic causes of
ASDs. A detailed characterisation of post- and pre-
synaptic defects in the amygdala of the rat models
of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) has led to identification
of deficits in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in
the amygdale. Researchers are also exploring the
possibility of rescue of deficits, using oral treatment
with Lovastatin, in the developmental acquisition of
associative memory in the rat model of FXS. The
Figure 4. Structure-guided lead discovery of a
protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitor. The results demonstrated that Lovastatin administration
schematic shows the structure of the tandem (t)BRCT domain restores normal associative memory which is
of BRCA1 (left panel) and an enlargement (right panel) of the maintained 4-months after treatment cessation. This
dimer interface with structural water (red dots). The yellow
wires depict the novel binding pocket that has been explored behavioural rescue is associated with a rescue of
through structure-guided lead discovery to develop Bractoppin, plasticity and protein synthesis deficits, providing
a first drug-like inhibitor of phosphopeptide recognition by
tBRCT domains, with nanomolar potency in vitro, that
proof-of-concept evidence that neurodevelopmental
selectively engages its target to modulate intracellular disorders may be amenable to transient, early
signalling intervention to restore the normal brain
 Reversing inactivation of the FOXO3 tumor developmental trajectory. These results are of
suppressor during carcinogenesis – The CCBT’s therapeutic significance because Lovastatin, which
capabilities for structural biology and chemical reduces the amount of cholesterol made by the liver,
library screening have led to a new collaboration is already approved for use in humans. Further an in
with the MRC Cancer Unit, Cambridge and the vitro system based on human induced pluripotent
Cambridge University spin-out company, stem cell (iPSC) has also been established to study
PhoreMost, to characterize a potential new cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying ASD/
target in this pathway. ID and is also used for potential high throughput
screening of pharmaceutical compounds. Using a
C ENTRE F OR N EUR ODEVEL
EURODEVEL OPMENT
ODEVELOPMENT AL
OPMENTAL combination of whole-cell patch clamp recordings
S YNAPT and microscopy, the scientists at CNS are trying to
OP
YNAPTOP
OPAATHIES (CNS)
understand whether human cortical neurons
The Centre for Neurodevelopmental Synaptopathies recapitulate known physiological and anatomical
(CNS) established at inStem, Bangalore, aims to milestones and, if so, whether these milestones are
understand neurobiology of autism spectrum reached in human iPSC-derived neurons from
disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) including affected individuals.
neurodevelopment, synaptic function and plasticity,
Using the rat models, the Centre demonstrated that
human stem cells and cognition-behaviour.
several key cellular deficits in hippocampus that
The Centre continue to generate new rat models of result from Fmr1 deletion, are conserved between

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 29
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

species that separated in evolution more than 12 environment for dedicated breeding and
million years ago. The study also suggested that the experimental procedures on standard animals while
loss of FMRP selectively affects a subset of maintaining the foundation stocks and certain high-
hippocampus-dependent processes that include end animal procedures in the highest SPF1 standards
memory/binding of complex associations. in a much more restricted and controlled
Behaviourally, Fmr1-KO rats show deficits in environment. One animal room has also been
hippocampal-dependent, but not hippocampal- redesigned to host Animal Biosafety Level-2 work
independent, forms of associative recognition (for dedicated risk-2 pathogenic or chemical work
memory indicating that the loss of FMRP causes on animals). Staff and users are being trained to
defects in episodic-like memory. work in these different SPF level and Biosafety level
environments. There are two microinjection stations
in the facility for performing the transgenic
techniques. The embryo transfer procedures have
been standardized using a series of dissection
stereomicroscopes with a camera and monitor.
These micro-surgery platforms are also being used
when doing demos/trainings/workshops for other
staff members or trainees across the country.

Figure 5. (A) Human iPSC-derived cortical neurons (green,


Map2ab-positive) from a FXS patient co-cultured with rodent
cortical astrocytes (orange, GFAP-positive) for 8 weeks in vitro.
(B) Top: Burst of action potentials fired by control cortical
neurons. Bottom: Burst of action potentials fired by FXS
cortical neurons. (C) Quantification of action potential burst
properties recorded from control and FXS cortical neurons.

N ATIONAL M OUSE R ESEAR CH


ESEARCH
R ESOURCE (N A M O R)
The National Mouse Research Resource (NaMoR)
has been established at NCBS, Bangalore by the
Department as a ‘National Facility’ for providing
cutting edge technology, space and services to
scientists using a range of laboratory animal based
models in biomedical research.

NaMoR has a state-of-the-art facility with two


different levels of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF)
environments in the high barrier animal facility (SPF1-
highest pathogen exclusion level; and SPF2-
intermediate pathogen exclusion level). This allows
the flexibility to have a more accessible SPF2

30 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
04

Research &
Development

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 31
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

B ASIC R ESEARCH IN M ODERN In a study carried out at IIT Bombay, hydrogen


peroxide (H 2O 2) was identified as an important
B IOL OG
IOLOG
OGYY
pneumococcal virulence factor, enabling their
Basic research is essential for fostering the improved survival within the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
expansion of knowledge. The Department through endothelium. Identification of virulence attributes
Basic Research in Modern Biology has been funding crucial for pathogenesis and is expected to help in
basic research in a variety of biological science fields the development of novel treatment strategies to
with a goal of exploiting new knowledge to enhance- combat pneumococcal infections.
and whereever possible, transform-future The tumor suppressor TSC1 is down-regulated in oral
capabilities. During the period, thirty new projects cancer. Therefore, upregulation of TSC1 could be a
were implemented. Further, support to on-going key therapeutic strategy to ablate/reduce oral tumor
projects resulted in publication of several research size. Researcher at IISc Bangalore, using
papers in high impact journals. In addition, the bioinformatics approaches, have identified miR-
division has also supported centres of excellence 130a as a potential post-transcriptional regulator
that provide long-term support to outstanding of TSC1, suggesting that TSC1 could be upregulated
scientists with specific goal to enhance the by a synthetic anti-miR-130a. .
innovative ability of the institutions and investigators
in specific areas of biotechnology. Noteworthy RAF kinases participate in MAPK signaling pathway
achievements of some of the projects are presented aided in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
below: CRAF mutations activate this pathway that leads to
various diseases including Noonan syndrome, cardiac
Study initiated on CS- induced atherosclerosis at the hypertrophy and cancer. Research work being carried
molecular and cellular level at University of Calcutta, out at Bose institute, Kolkata established the role
Kolkata for the first time describes the preventive of Hsp90 and its co-chaperone Cdc37 in maintaining
role of melatonin in combating CS-induced CRAF kinase stability and activity by facilitating Ser-
atherosclerosis in Guinea pigs that were fed with 621 phosphorylation of CRAF. Moreover, it was found
melatonin supplemented diet (Fig.1). The insights that Hsp90 facilitates CRAF activation during growth
gained in this study may help for the better factor mediated stimulation. It was also found that
management of public health. co-chaperone HOP is not required for CRAF stability,
but it is crucial for maintaining CRAF activity
suggesting that HOP could be a potential target
instead of Hsp90 to combat RAF mediated
rasopathy.

Sphingolipids are a class of lipids present in all living


systems. They play several important roles in normal
physiological functions. However, mutations affect
genes involved in the metabolism of sphingolipids
and change in their levels observed during disease
conditions. In ongoing research at RGCB,
Figure 1. Melatonin prevents CS-induced atherosclerosis in Thiruvananthapuram a molecule (FTY720) which
guinea pig. Figure presents H&E stained guinea pig aortal
sections obtained from differentially treated animals.
affects sphingolipid metabolism and inhibits the

32 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

growth of pancreatic cancer in mouse models have Centre for Excellence/ Institutional
been identified. Combining FTY720 along-with Programme Suppot-Basic Research: The salient
currently used chemotherapeutic drugs was found achievements in some of the ongoing programme
to be more effective. support are as follows:

Studies being carried out at IIT, Bombay, Mumbai to Protein Misfolding In Neurodegernative Disease:
understand the effect of p38 signaling Prion diseases, also known as transmissible
pathway on cell cycle regulation have produced spongiform encephalopathies, is a group of fatal
permanently FUCCI transfected (by using Lenti-Viral neurodegenerative disorders linked with the
constructs) cell lines (Hela and MCF-7) to observe misfolding and aggregation of the prion protein (PrP).
cell cycle phase distributions and the overall cell cycle The ongoing research in the area at NCBS, Bangalore
time change in proliferative as well as in a serum has led to the characterization in unprecedented
starved situation continuously for 2-3 days under details of how misfolding and aggregation of the prion
the microscope at the single cell level (Fig.2). protein commences. Results have led to a simple
biophysical explanation for why a specific mutation
in the disordered region of the prion protein is
protective against prion infection. Integrative
Approaches to Understand Structure, Stability and
Function of Bacterial Toxin-Antitoxin Systems: Under
Figure 2. Single cell images under the microscope of
Hela cells((i)-(iii)) and MCF-7 cells (iv) are shown. (i) RFP and
this institutional programme support project being
GFP fluorescence are observed mostly in the nucleus of 2 implemented at IISc, Bangalore, comprehensive fold
individual Hela cells when cells are excited separately to red recognition of toxin-antitoxin (TA) complexes has been
and green laser sources. (iii) 3 individual Hela cells (on top of
the figure) are captured in G1 phase (leftmost, red), S-G2-M used to construct structural models for several TA
phase (rightmost, green) and while transiting from G1 to S complexes and to identify novel TA systems in Mtb
phase (middle one, yellow) having different coloured nucleus. and E. coli,. Novel saturation and saturation
(iv) RFP fluorescence is observed mostly in the nucleus of 3
individual MCF-7 cells when cells are excited with only red laser suppressor mutagenesis methodology has been
source. (All the images are taken at 40X magnification and developed to identify residues present at
each with 15 minutes interval and In all the frames, yellow (for
Hela cells) and orange (for MCF-7 cells) lines are drawn just to
protein:ligand interfaces.
give a rough idea of the cell morphologies)
A GRICUL TURAL B IO
GRICULTURAL TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is one of the major
liver diseases and is a global health concern. One of The mandate of Agriculture Biotechnology program is
the potential targets for HCV inhibitors is the highly knowledge generation, technology and product
conserved 5’-untranslated region (5’-UTR) of the development for productivity gains, enhanced nutrition
viral genome which harbors IRES (internal ribosome and ensuring quality, resistance to drought salinity,
entry site). Researchers working at IICB, Kolkata high temperature, resistance to pests and diseases,
have successfully designed HCV IRES inhibitors input use efficiency, climate resilience and biosafety.
based on quinoxaline molecules which are effective The nature and types of programs include product
in reducing the viral cap independent translation in oriented basic research, translational R&D projects,
low micromolar range. In future these compounds national networks, autonomous institutions, grand
can be used as effective therapeutics and challenge program, centers of excellence, international
diagnostics. collaboration, public-private partnership etc.

Under major initiatives, during the period the

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 33
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

department has supported new projects on The functional impact of the genes showing variety
improving oil quality and productivity in Groundnut, specific drought response in various tissues of rice
genome wide association study in Phaseolus vulgaris varieties viz. Nagina 22 and IR64 was analysed at
– Colletotrichum lindemuthianum pathosystem, UDSC, New Delhi. It was observed that drought
development of genetic stocks for maturity and mediated dynamism in rice variety-specific indicating
growth habit genes in Soyabean. Network programs that rice varieties do maintain a distinct and dynamic
were supported on double haploid platform for epigenetic profile wherein histone modifications play
accelerated maize breeding, hybrid development and an important role. Further analysis and integration
enhanced genetic gains in South Asia, marker- is being done to establish the impact of epigenetic
assisted breeding and mapping of QTLs for drought modifications in regulating variety specific responses.
tolerance in wheat, genomics-assisted introgression
b) Maize: In an attempt to enhance nutritional quality
and field evaluation of rice varieties with genes/QTLs
of maize through molecular breeding, backcross
for yield under drought, flood and salt stress,
populations of HKI193-1 and HKI163 (parental
characterization, race profiling and genetic analysis
inbreds of HQPM-1) targeted for introgression of
of wheat powdery mildew pathogen in India. In order
favorable allele of crtRB1 and lcyE for enrichment
to establish a centre/facility for Molecular
of provitamin-A in QPM background. Progenies with
Characterization and Genomics Services for Marker
>90% recurrent parent genome (RPG) were
Assisted Breeding and Crop Genome
recovered. The mean provitamin-A content in MAS-
Characterization, a group discussion with experts was
derived progenies was 13.34 μg/g and 14.11 μg/g,
also conducted to discuss proposal. Major
compared 2.46 μg/g and 2.06 μg/g in HKI163 and
achievements during the period are as follows:
HKI193-1, respectively.
Cereals:

a) Rice: A herbicide tolerant mutant of Nagina 22,


(named as Robin) identified, mapped and
characterized earlier is being used in marker assisted
backcross breeding program to introgress herbicide
tolerance in 10 varieties of rice viz. PB1121, PB Figure 3. Ear- and grain- characteristics of o2o2/o16o16
1509, Sahabhagidhan, Naveen, Pooja Swarna-Sub1, progenies in comparison to o2o2 parents.
C0 51, Anna, CB 06803 and CB 08702. The rice
c) Wheat: At Directorate of Wheat research, Karnal,
variety PB1121 NILs with stable herbicide tolerance,
a project was initiated for improving biscuit making
98% genome recovery and Basmati cooking quality
quality of wheat in North Western Plains using MAS.
is in BC4F3 generation and its field trials is expected
Prebred PBW373 and UP2425 lines developed by
by June 2018 through AIRCP. Promising mutants
crossing Nap Hal as source of Glu-D1 double null
identified for better phosphorous use under low P
during 1st phase of the project were used for Glu-D1
conditions were characterized with highest grain.
donor as main activity. Micro level tests for gluten
Three promising mutants identified for sheath blight
strength (micro sedimentation test) and grain
tolerance. Whole genome sequence of Nagina 22
hardness were also employed for selecting desirable
has been generated to the tune of 170x depth,
segregants for weak gluten and soft grain
comprising of both long and short reads. A genome
characteristics for advancing into higher generations.
browser to enable both forward genetics and reverse
Advanced materials were also evaluated for baking
genetics is under development.

34 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

tests and desirable lines with high biscuit spread the available sequence information for crop
factor were identified for further testing under improvement. Identification of long non-coding RNAs
station and national trials. has been optimized and 2248 lincRNAs have been
identified during flower development. The
d) Barley: In a study carried out by scientists at
sequencing of transcriptomes of four chickpea
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for
cultivars with contrasting response to Fusarium
characterization and molecular mapping of aphid
infection has identified 303 polymorphic
(Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch.) resistance in barley,
microsatellites, 14,462 SNPs and 1864 insertions/
advanced filial generation of a cross between BK
deletions (InDels). From the dehydration-responsive
9816 (aphid resistant) X PL 426 (aphid susceptible)
secretome, a leaderless Bet v 1-like protein,
has been maintained. The results of studies on
designated CaRRP, was identified and shown to
mechanism of aphid resistance revealed that
participate in multivariate stress responses.
resistant lines markedly altered the behavior,
Moreover, genome-wide identification of members
reproduction and development of aphid and possess
of Transcription Factor gene families including CCCH
both antixenosis and antibiosis type of resistance.
Znf, B3 domain containing, Aux/IAA and ARF genes
Oil Seeds: was carried out for structural, differential expression,
evolutionary and phylogenetic studies.
a) Groundnut: In an effort to biofortify long chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids in peanut by metabolic Commercial Crops:
engineering of fatty acid biosynthetic pathway the
a) Sugarcane: Scientists at Sugarcane Breeding
bi-cistronic construct with two FAD genes under a
Institute, Coimbatore have transformed popular
single oil-body specific gene promoter was prepared
tropical sugarcane variety Co 86032 with abiotic
and used for transformation.
stress related genes viz., EaDREB2, EaHSP70 and
b) Mustard: In an attempt to develop low sinapine PDH45VEGETABLES
mustard (B. juncea) lines through antisense and RNAi
b) Tomato: In order to develop resistance to
technology, scientists at Delhi university have
begomoviruses in tomato, translational fusion
adopted transgenic approach for gene silencing by
constructs containing nuclear localization signal and
targeting two genes involved in the final two steps
the single strand binding protein encoded genes were
of sinapine biosynthetic pathway. These two genes
developed which have shown ability to reduce
were isolated from B. juncea and eight silencing
geminivirus replication. Transgenic nature of the
constructs were developed using three different RNA
plants has been confirmed by PCR using gene specific
silencing approaches. Reduction of seed sinapine
primers. Transgenic tomatoes (T1) are being raised
content in these lines ranged from 15.8% to 67.2.
for challenge inoculation for further analysis.
Two low sinapine transgenic lines (homozygous) DSW
have been established which can be used as c) Chilli: The scientists of JNU have identified role of
product. a chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) responsive nucleotide-
binding site–leucine-rich repeat NBS-LRR in
Pulses:
conferring resistance in chilli. This study has also for
a) Chickpea: The Challenge Programme on Chickpea the first time deciphered the molecular mechanism
Functional Genomics (CPCFG) has been undertaken behind resistance breakdown in chilli.
as a sequel to the completed whole genome
d) Potato: To address the issues of sexual
sequencing of chickpea with the objective of applying

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 35
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

incompatibility of wild species with common potato, Phase-II.


four interspecific somatic hybrids between S.
Apart from the above mentioned, new priority areas
tuberosum dihaploid C-13 and S. cardiophyllum were
identified through discussion meetings included
developed via protoplast fusions. These four hybrids
accelerated domestication of underutilized crops;
were confirmed as true somatic hybrids containing
plant microbe interactions; integrated metabolomics,
both parental genomes based on molecular markers
role of transcription factors in regulatory networks
and phenotypes. Late blight resistance of the hybrids
etc. Major programs were initiated on accelerated
was assessed by challenge inoculation of P. infestans
domestication of underutilized crops and plant
under controlled conditions. The best somatic hybrid
microbe interaction.
line ‘Crd-6’ have been applied for registration with
NBPGR, New Delhi. Priority areas were identified under “Accelerated
domestication of underutilized crops and Plant
Program Support: Under Programme Support for
microbe interactions” and 6 major under-utilized
R&D in agricultural Biotechnology at G.B. Pant
crops, i.e.; Chenopodium, grain amaranth, rice bean,
University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar,
buckwheat, foxtail millet and proso-millet have been
transgenic Brassica juncea overexpressing MAPK3
identified as priority crops under accelerated
gene has been developed and disease scoring has
domestication. The main focus is on genetic
been done of these transgenic plants. 5 SNP
improvement of these crops so that these crops
markers linked to grain yield and its component traits
could be brought into mainstream agriculture.
in finger millet were identified and expression and
transformation gene constructs harboring EcCaM, Basic Research: Another study was supported at
EcCaX1, EcCaX3, EcCBL-4 and EcCBL-10 has been National institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR),
developed and in vitro calcium uptake studies using New Delhi to elucidate the role of glucose and its
mammalian cell culture (caco-2) has been interactions with other hormones during the shade
standardized. avoidance response (SAR) in Arabidopsis and Tomato.
The results obtained indicated that Glucose affects
B ASIC P LANT B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY, shade avoidance response in dose dependent
A GRICUL TURE AND F R ONTIER A REAS
GRICULTURE manner. Cytokinin and ethylene were found to have
a negative effect on shade induced hypocotyl
Basic research has been a major thrust area under elongation. Future studies are going on for
plant biotechnology with special emphasis on identification and characterization of genes playing
understanding biotic and abiotic stress mechanisms, role in shade avoidance response.
elucidating the signal transduction pathways during
plant development, host pathogen interaction etc.
Application of genomic tools also received impetus
with respect to functional genomics for improvement
of crop specific traits. In addition, the thrust has
been on biotechnological interventions in forestry,
horticulture and plantation crops; germplasm
characterization and improvement of crops using
molecular biology tools. Support continued on
various network projects on metabolomics, saffron Figure 4. Overall crystal structure of Arabidopsis Chloroplast
and projects under Solanacea Genome Initiative- Get3 with all the domains.

36 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

A study is being supported at Punjab Agricultural Institute (NBRC), Lucknow, the focus has been on
University (PAU), Ludhiana for identification of targeted manipulation of SlERF6 and SlERF8 in
different cyclophilin genes and their role in heat tomato and on understanding their role in fruit
stress tolerance in wheat. The mechanism of ripening and productivity. Transgenic tomato with
regulation of PPIase activity of TaCYPA-1, one of the constitutive expression of SlERF6 expression show
heat regulated cylcophilins has been elucidated. delayed ripening while those with suppression of
Expression analysis of identified cyclophilins is SlERF6 show early ripening. Transformation with fruit
underway currently so that the genes responsible specific constructs is in progress.
for thermo-tolerance in wheat will be identified.
At University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, research is
Host Pathogen Interaction: A study was being undertaken to understand how phototropin
supported at Tamilnadu Agricultural University genes affect tomato fruit quality and shelf life. High
(TNAU), Coimbatore, to understand the Thrips and carotenoid content of Nps1 mutation was
Tospovirus interactions in tomato and watermelon successfully introgressed into Arka Vikas. Silencing
pathosystems. Virus infected host plants (tomato and of phototropin genes has been achieved. It was
watermelon) showed increased total protein, observed that, few lines exhibited good silencing of
carbohydrates and fat content compared to non- phototropin 2 gene and these have been forwarded
infected plants. Further, vector interactions and to T1 generation. In addition, CRISPR constructs of
characterization of virus infected and non-infected phot1 and 2 were transformed into tomato. Crispr
host plants in response to vector interactions are phot1 plants are in greenhouse and crispr phot2
being studied. plants are in rooting medium. Confirmation of gene
editing is in progress.
At Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneshwar,
study is going on to understand the molecular and At Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
functional interactions of TGA and WRKY transcription tomato transformants have been generated with
factors in planta. It has been found that TGA3 and three Rep mutant constructs (D261A, D262A and
WRKY53 co-localize and physically interact in the K272A) of ToLCV. The synthetic Rep and the
nucleus and only N-terminal domain of TGA3 is dominant lethal Rep mutants (D261A, D262A,
sufficient for interaction with WRKY53. Both these K272A) have been cloned into plant transformation
transcription factors act synergistically to regulate vector and transformation of tomato cv. Pusa early
the activity of CmYLCV promoter dwarf has been carried out with Synthetic Rep, Rep-
D261A, Rep-272A, wt Rep. Putative transformants
Solanaceae Genome Initiative (Phase II):
(more than 300) are at present in the shooting
Support continued for various projects under SOL
media. In planta, efficacy of the constructs have
Phase 2 program involving network partners. At
been evaluated. Further, molecular characterization
University of Delhi South Campus, Delhi (UDSC), Delhi
of these plants will be undertaken.
study is being supported on characterization of
ripening-associated ERFs of tomato. The study In the phase-II of TILLING project supported at
focused on transformation of tomato var. Arka Vikas University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad NGS-based
with LeERF9, 11, 72, and 81 for down regulation as strategy was used for high throughput identification
well as over-expression of these LeERF’s. Vectors of mutations. An EMS-mutagenized tomato
for overexpression and silencing of these genes have population of 768 individuals pooled in three-
been constructed. At National Botanical Research dimension was analyzed for mutations in 25 genes

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 37
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

by NGS-based TILLING. A total of 64 mutations were showed that higher b-carotene results from very high
identified in 19 genes out of 25 genes examined. expression of fruit-specific lycopene b-cyclase (CYCB)
From NGS-identified mutant lines, a mutant line in red ripefruit. In addition, a trifoliate (tf) mutant
defective in 9-cis epoxy carotenoid dioxygenase 1 has been obtained that has fourtimes higher folate
(NCED) gene showed deficiency in plant hormone level in tomato fruits than the parent cultivar. The
ABA and is now being characterized further. mutant showed higher expression of genesADCS and
Interestingly NCED mutant lines demonstrated higher GTPCHI which are responsible for the formation of
lycopene levels in fruit but have a very small seed folate biosynthesis precursor PABA and pterin.
size (Figure 5).
Saffron Network Programme: Support continued
for an ongoing network programme on saffron
involving North Eastern Hill University, Shillong;
University of Jammu, Jammu; Kashmir University,
Srinagar; National institute of Plant Genome
Research, New Delhi; and School of Life Sciences,
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi towards
understanding the regulation of synthesis and
accumulation of apocarotenoids. Transcriptome
profiles have been developed for stigmas at three
stages of development for correlating apocarotenoid
biosynthesis with gene expression patterns. A
Figure 5. The tomato NCED mutant was isolated by complete profile of changes in abscisic acid in the
NGS-Based TILLING. A. NCED Mutant shows higher levels corms during dormancy and onset of renewed bud
of lycopene (Gray bars) compared to its wild type Arka Vikas
cultivar (Black bars). B. Seed phenotype of wild-type Arka Vikas.
growth has been developed. A marked decrease in
C. Seed phenotype of NCED mutant. the level of abscisic in the buds was observed during
transition from dormancy to active growth.
Metabolomics: Project was supported at School
Pretreatment of corms with low temperature
of Computational and Integrative Sciences,
treatment had no effect on flower bud development
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and at
Genes upregulated by GA3 treatment included
International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT),
Agamous like MADS box AGL9 homolog, MADS box
Hyderabad for developing a promising database tool
transcription factor 2 like isoform, MYB 306,
for storage, retrieval and analysis of large scale
APETALLA2. Signature metabolites as responses of
metabolomics data. During the current year an
corms to GA3 treatment have also been identified.
enhanced version v4.4 with features such as bulk
raw data upload option, fixing peak alignment has Forestry, Horticulture and Plantation Crops:
been developed and released. Support continued on some important forestation
and plantation crops during this year. In a study
At University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, a project was
supported at Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree
supported on delineating metabolome networks
Breeding (IFGTB); Coimbatore for identification and
during tomato fruit ripening. A high β-carotene line
Tagging of QTLs/Candidate genes for wood property
has been identified from natural accessions of
and adventitious rooting traits in Eucalyptus and also
tomato that has about 40μg β-carotene per gm of
for establishment of phenomics facility for water
tomato fruit tissues. Molecular analysis of this line
stress tolerance studies; A rapid micro protocol was

38 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

optimized for estimation of total lignin from programme during the year are as follows:
Eucalyptus wood samples. The protocol was tested
Characterization, Multiplication and
and validated on 75 wood samples. Genetic linkage
Agrotechnology: Vegetative propagation of
map for two inter-specific crosses of eucalypts was
Symplocos racemosa and seed propagation of
generated with 538 markers (SSRs, ISSRs and
Pterocarpus marsupium and Saraca asoca have
SRAPs) with the map length of 1326.2cM.
been standardized at Sikha-O-Anusandhan (SOA)
A collaborative project including Institute of Forest University, Bhubaneswar. About 2000 saplings of S.
Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, asoca and P. marsupium have been reintroduced
Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Kerala and into their natural habitats. Out of all populations
College of Forestry, University of Agricultural studied so far, Thakurmunda population of S.
Sciences, Dharwad (UAS) has been supported on racemosa, Olaba population of P. marsupium and
conservation of natural teak genetic resources Dhani population of S. asoca have shown highest
(TGRs) population structure. In the states of Tamil genetic diversity.
Nadu and Kerala several remnant natural trees of
Work has been continued to develop microbial
teak were identified. A draft genome assembly was
inoculants for high-value agarwood oil production in
made by whole genome sequencing. De novo contig
Aquilaria tree at Central Institute of Medicinal and
assembly and gene annotation was carried followed
Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow. Twenty two
by the discovery of SSRs. In total 1,82,712
different microbes were isolated from infected wood.
microsatellites were identified for primer designing.
Out of these, four fungi which could produce
This information generated will be utilized for
appreciable rotting in lab experiments were selected
evaluating the genetic diversity existing across
for field studies. Two locations in Hojai, Assam and
populations in Southern India and to estimate the
Agartala, Tripura were selected and 10 trees in each
population demography.
location were inoculated with these fungi. Two fungi
T RANSLA TIONAL R ESEAR
RANSLATIONAL CH ON
ESEARCH F5 and F7 could produce some rotting in agarwood
trees.
M EDICINAL AND A R OMA TIC P LANTS
OMATIC
Work has been recently initiated on chemotyping,
Programme on translational research for developing quality assessment and post-harvest technology
products and processes from medicinal and development in some important medicinal plants
aromatic plants following multi-disciplinary approach (Bacopa monieri, Andrographis paniculata and
continued during the year. Withania somnifera) for elite selection, drug yield
A Brainstorming Session-cum-Stakeholders Meeting optimization and quality retention jointly at SOA
on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Initiative in University, Bhubaneswar and Ramakrishna Mission
Bundelkhand Region was organized on February 17- Vivekananda University, Kolkata.
18, 2017 at Bundelkhand University, Jhansi with an Novel Bioactive Agents and Herbal
aim to develop a network programme on end-to-end Formulation: Out of six medicinal plants evaluated
demonstration of medicinal and aromatic plants for anti-leishmanial activity, three plants (Agave
cultivation in Bundelkhand leading into future start- americana, Piper nigrum and Trachyspermum ammi)
ups in the region. A new programme on have shown significant anti-leishmanial activity jointly
Phytopharmaceuticals Mission for North East Region at Jadavpur University, Kolkata and Balaji Utthan
is being formulated. The salient achievements of the Sansthan, Patna. Among them, T. ammi extract and

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 39
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

isolated compound – thymol have shown maximum Under a Programme Support being implemented
anti-leishmanial activity. jointly by Jaypee University of Information Technology
(JUIT), Solan and Himalayan Forest Research
Efforts have been continued to scientifically validate
Institute (HFRI), Shimla, novel strategy has been
the use of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as
formulated and implemented wherein natural
substitute for rare and rejuvenatic plant drugs, Meda-
chemotypes of Picrorhiza kurrooa were used in
Mahameda – the members of Ashtavarga group of
ascertaining and validating the biosynthetic routes
Ayurvedic drugs at Foundation for Revitalization of
of both the picrosides (Picroside-I and II). Multi-
Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore.
location testing of genetically superior chemotypes
Aqueous extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum and (PKS-1 and PKS-5) of P. kurrooa has been
Albizia lebbeck have shown potential to attenuate undertaken in farmers’ fields in high altitude areas.
the bronchial hyper-responsiveness in OVA-induced About 10,000 plants of selected elite chemotypes
model of airway inflammation at V. P. Chest Institute, have been multiplied for field plantation and
University of Delhi, Delhi. The sub-acute toxicity study demonstration trials.
of standardized extracts of S. xanthocarpum and A.
Herbal Formulations for Veterinary Healthcare:
lebbeck showed no remarkable toxicity sign and
A network project on development of
showed body weight gain as compared to control
phytopharmaceutical product for bovine mastitis has
rats. Standardized extracts of S. xanthocarpum and
been recently initiated jointly at CSIR-Indian Institute
A. lebbeck have anti-inflammatory,
of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, ICAR-Central
immunomodulatory, anti-remodelling, anti-oxidant
Institute for Research on Goat, Mathura and ICAR-
and anti-hyper-responsive activity, in the models of
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. A topical
airway inflammation, remodeling and hyper-
formulation for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
responsiveness.
has been developed using combination of four plant
Based on animal studies, the anti-dermetophytic extracts (Terminalia bellerica, Piper betle, Boswellia
herbal formulation using essential oil of serrata and Bergenia ciliata).
Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) has been further
improved jointly at Dolphin Institute of Biomedical S ILK B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY
and Natural Sciences, Dehradun and Centre for The programme on application of biotechnology
Aromatic Plants (CAP), Dehradun. Significant results towards developing newer and emerging
obtained against Microsporum canis and technologies in silk and its applications in
Trichophyton mentagrophytes suggests its utility in biomaterials continued during the year.
treating animal dermatophytes, common in pets.
Genomics and biosynthetic pathways A “Brainstorming Session on Biotechnological
Applications in Muga and Eri Culture” was jointly
Efforts have been continued to induce santalol organized by DBT and Central Silk Board (CSB) on
biosynthesis in sandalwood cell suspension cultures May 26, 2017 at Central Muga and Eri Research
by simultaneous overexpression of three genes of and Training Institute (CMERTI), Jorhat with a view
the lower mevalonate pathway namely farnesyl to identify the priority areas and develop a network
diphosphate synthase (FDS), santalene synthase programme on biotech applications in muga and eri
(SS) and p450 hydroxylase under control of culture. Significant achievements are summarized
constitutive promoters at Vittal Mallya Scientific below:
Research Foundation, Bangalore.

40 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Development of improved races of silkworm and IIT, Kharagpur. The scaffolds have also supported
for enhanced productivity: Efforts have been healing of corneal defects in the rabbit eye. Work is
continued to introduce sex-limited foundation in progress to develop functionalized silk films for
crosses for cocoon colour as a male component for corneal regeneration. An Indian patent has been
the production of commercial cross breed at filed. An initiative to translate the discovery for
APSSRDI, Hindupur.Under a network project on use veterinary applications is being pursued actively.
and validation of DNA markers in silkworm breeding
Studies on design and development of silk fibroin
programme for NPV resistance along with multi-
coatings for biomedical application have been
location field trials being implemented jointly by
initiated at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.
Seribiotech Research Laboratory (SBRL), Bangalore;
Novel process combining two conventional coating
Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute
techniques (dip and electrospinning) has been
(CSR&TI), Mysore; CSR&TI, Berhampore and CSR&TI,
developed that results in the formation of crack
Pampore, J&K, the continuous maintenance of lines
resistant, stable silk fibroin coating on primarily
generated through marker assisted selection for NPV
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Functional coatings of
resistance (MAS-N) with larger cocoon traits has been
silk fibroin using glycolipid as a bioactive biomolecule
continued. Marker analysis showed presence of the
have been prepared that exhibit crack resistance,
NPV tolerance-associated markers in the evolved
antibiofilm and quorum quenching activity.
lines, whereas expression of genes encoding host-
response proteins showed differential expression in Utilization of By-Products: Silkworm pupae
MAS-N lines from parental races. residue degrading microorganisms (bacteria, fungi,
yeast and actinomycetes) were isolated and tested
Development of Disease and Pests Control
for their ability to produce enzymes such as protease,
Measures: Efforts have been initiated towards
pectinase, cellulase, chitinase and ligninase etc. at
developing a diagnostic kit for early detection of tiger
UAS, Bangalore. A protocol has been standardized
band disease in oak tasar silkworm (Antheraea
for isolation of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from
proylei) jointly at SBRL, Bangalore and Regional Tasar
silkworm pupae residue. Biocontrol and plant growth
Research Station, Imphal, Manipur. The causal agent
promotional attributes of silkworm pupal residue-
has been purified and characterized through partial
biosoft descent has also been studied.
viral genome sequence and its phylogenetical
analysis revealed that the virus belongs to the alpha Efforts have been continued on isolation and
baculovirus and sequences were similar to Antheraea characterization of sericin from tasar silk fibre waste
pernyi nucleopolyhedrovirus. The mode of at CTR&TI, Ranchi. Separation of residual sericin from
transmission was investigated and found the eggs silk fibre waste was confirmed by scanning electron
laid by infected gravid female carrying the viral microscope (SEM). In tasar fiber waste sericin, the
particles. The development of appropriate PCR based amount of serine, aspartic acid and glycine were found
diagnostic technique for early detection of the virus to be 55.99%, 60.49% and 54.34%, respectively in
is in progress. basin, diflossing and reeling wastes.
Improvement of Host Plants: Thin transparent A NIMAL B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY
silk films from Antherea mylitta have been developed
as biocompatible promising scaffold for corneal Animal Production: Animal Production is an
regenerationjointly at West Bengal University of important part of national economy of our country
Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, IICB, Kolkata which effects the economy in the form of

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 41
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

employment; rural development; agricultural neutrophils showed changes in their expression,


production and allied areas. During this period, measured during day 12 to day 20 post
projects on applied areas of animal reproduction and insemination, and play an important role during peri-
related techniques, development of transgenic implantation period of embryo. The up-regulation of
animal, molecular characterization of indigenous interferon stimulated genes like ISG15, OAS1, MX,
breeds, various aspects of animal nutrition and IFI16 in pregnant cows suggest their possible role in
utilization of animal byproducts were actively successful implantation. The preliminary results
pursued. In an attempt to diagnose early indicate that neutrophil activity and mRNA expression
pregnancy in buffalo, the potential pregnancy of genes isolated from neutrophils of cattle can be
associated glycoproteins and novel urinary proteins used as indicators to assess the health/physiological
as possible biomarkers having significance in status of an animal.
pregnancy were identified and possible role of
The role of melatonin as a fertility marker as well
neutrophils in maintenance and diagnosis of early
as in fertility enhancement of Mithun was studied
pregnancy in buffaloes were taken up. During the
at National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani,
period brainstorming meeting on development of
Nagaland. Melatonin implant improves the biometry
bovine sex semen sorting technology and genomic
of scrotum, semen quality parameters, freezability
characterization of indigenous breeds of cattle were
and fertility of semen in different seasons. It also
organized and efforts are on to develop network
protects sperms from the adverse effects of free
project on priority basis.
radicles due to heat stress during summer season
The department continued R&D support both in basic as a potent powerful antioxidant. The study suggests
and applied research of animal production. Some that exogenous melatonin at optimum dose (3mM)
of the major achievements of the projects supported helped in preservation of semen and also
are as follows: enhancement of fertility rate of mithun.

a) Reproduction: Availability of quality semen is a b) Transgenic: A novel non-invasive technique for


major constraint in successful implementation of generation of transgenic rat model was developed
artificial insemination programme in our country. To at National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. The
predict the fertility status of bull, transcriptomic transgenic rat line was developed by integrating
profiling of bull spermatozoa was carried out at transgene into the genome of the spermatogonial
National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology cells by testicular injection of DNA followed by
(NIANP), Bangalore. The transcripts (121 transcripts) electroporation. A transgenic disease model
regulating sperm functional parameters such as displaying alpha thalassemia was successfully
motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial function generated.
were identified. This study will help in developing
At CCMB, Hyderabad, a transgenic mice model
fertility diagnostic and identifying quality of semen
expressing Echidna anti-microbial protein (EchAMP)
of bulls selected for breeding purpose.
gene in its mammary gland was developed. Milk
Analysis of neutrophil dynamics and changes in their samples of transgenic mice confirmed expression
gene expression profiling was carried out to identify of EchAMP protein. The whey protein of milk was
possible markers specifically for early pregnancy isolated and confirmed for its anti-microbial activity.
detection or specific diseases in cattle at National Exposure of mammary glands of EchAMP and wild
Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal. The type mice to LPS revealed a significantly lower

42 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

inflammatory response. The expression of TRL4 Izatnagar to confirm their effect on health and
gene, the receptor for LPS was also low in EchAMP productivity. It was noted that the supplementation
transgenic mice indicating that EchAMP modulates of Se nanoparticles in guinea pigs and male Wistar
the response of the animal LPS-induces rats feed at the level of 150 ppb improved their
inflammation. Immuno blot analysis revealed that growth performance, digestibility humoral immune
the NF-kB signaling pathway was not activated in response etc. Supplementation of 20 ppm Zn
EchAMP transgenic mice. The biophysical studies nanoparticles had beneficial effects on growth
of recombinant protein (from E.coli) confirmed its performance, SOD activity, serum, liver and testes.
folded nature and presence of an alpha helical Further, studies on supplementation of nano
structure, a characteristic feature of antimicrobial formulations in the feed of ruminants are underway.
protein.
Various plant secondary metabolites viz. condensed
c) Genomics: Genetic diversity study of selected tannin (CT), hydrolysable tannin (HT), saponins,
cattle breeds viz. Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Gir and Vechur combination of CT & HT, tannin (CT+HT) and saponin,
was carried out at National Bureau of Animal Genetic essential oils were prepared and their effect to
Resources, Karnal. A total 72 DNA samples (18 ameliorate methane emission was studied in
random samples/breed) were genotyped using 777K livestock at NIANP, Bangalore. In vitro results
SNP chip and analyzed. A total 1000 specific markers indicated approximately 27% reduction in methane
were identified having potential to differentiate these production with a combo preparation of CT & HT (1:1)
cattle populations. These 1000 markers account for of secondary metabolites supplemented at 30 mg/
39% of the genetic variation between the breeds. g level in basal diet. Saponin supplementation alone
These breeds were classified into small and large at minimum level (5 mg/g) also decreased (p<0.05)
sized breeds indicating shared ancestry of large sized methane production as compared to control one.
milch breeds (Gir, Tharparkar and Sahiwal). The
e) Animal Product: Animal cartilage of goat origin
genomic regions containing highly differentiated SNPs
was successfully utilized as surgical implantation in
with F ST (e” 0.25) were considered as selective
Microtia and Rhinoplasty of human patient at
sweeps. The selective sweep regions were
S.G.Kar Medical College, Kolkata and West Bengal
annotated for the presence of genes and a total of
University of Animal and Fisheries Sceince, Kolkata.
48, 30 and 60 genes were found under selective
The acellular goat choncal cartilage was developed
sweeps for Sahiwal-Tharparkar, Sahiwal-Gir and
and tested for its in vitro immune-compatibility and
Tharparkar-Gir breed pairs, respectively.
cytotoxicity assay, qualitative and quantitative
d) Nutrition: The effect of dietary supplementation biocompatibility testing including studies on pro-
of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in goats inflammatory cytokines.
was studied at IVRI, Izatnagar. The findings confirmed
f) Poultry: Thermotolerance gene expression profile
role of omega 3 fatty acid in corpus luteum
of Salmonella typhimurium and their thermal death
development, follicular growth, ovulation, higher
time models applicable to poultry processing industry
plasma progesterone level on day 11 and 14 of the
was studied at Central Avian Research Institute,
estrous cycle.
Izatnagar. Growth profiling pattern of S. typhimurium
Various types of nano-formulations were developed was observed to be arrested at 50°C only. Gene
and utilized as functional feed supplements on model expression analysis of heat stress related genes in
animals (guinea pigs and wister rats) at IVRI, Salmonella typhimurium isolate revealed induction

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 43
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

of htrA, rpoE, rpoS, uspA and uspB genes with heat commercialized, 1 patent was granted, 6 patents
stress at 42°C temperature as compared to control were applied and a total of 43 research papers have
(30°C). Exposure of lethal heat stress at 50°C been published with and average IF of 1.5 in the
induced htrA and rpoE genes while expression of area of Animal Health research. Also about 75
rpoS gene was lowered as compared to control manpower were trained in R&D projects of Animal
(30°C) and uspA and uspB genes showed lowered Health programme during 2017-18
expression relative to rpoD gene (reference gene).
During the year, several new projects on
Pre-dipping of skin or carcass in acidified sodium
development of vaccines for Leptospira interrogans,
chlorite (ASC) or carvacrol before thermal treatment
development and evaluation of a genetically
resulted in the rapid decontamination of skin or
engineered vaccine against Newcastle disease and
carcass surface. The results obtained were used for
chicken infectious anaemia infection of chickens,
the thermal death time modeling of hardy S.
validation of molecular diagnostics and vaccine for
typhimurium on skin and dressed carcass treated
Classical Swine Fever, development and evaluation
with ASC or carvacrol and thermal treatment. The
of humanized rabies monoclonal antibody in
treatments found suitable were applied in actual
transgenic chicken bioreactors for post-exposure
processing conditions for ensuring microbial safety
prophylaxis and studying the mechanism of host
of carcasses without any effect on sensory attributes
adaptation by Campylobacter jejuni to control enteric
and organoleptic quality of meat.
commensalism in chicken have been supported.
Animal Vaccine and Diagnostics: The mandate
The Department has organized a Brain Storming
of ‘Animal Health Division’ which is also called as
meeting on “Bovine Tuberculosis and
Animal Vaccines and Diagnostics division is to
Paratuberculosis” to identify priority areas for
establish collaborative research for development of
initiating a network programme inviting several Indian
new generation vaccines and diagnostics along with
and foreign experts.
translation of existing candidate vaccines and
diagnostics for field use around major animal Under Animal biotechnology Career Enhancement
diseases of national importance to make product Program (ABCEP) 30 students were trained in various
affordable to small and marginal farmers. The areas of animal biotechnology. Five technologies were
emphasis of the Animal Health program is on the developed; LEPTOLAT for the detection of
collaborative translational research, consolidation of leptospirosis, LFA kit for the detection of CPV
existing projects with potential leads and generation maternal antibody level in pups, Egg yolk semen
of network programmes around major animal extender for the cryopreservation of bull semen,
diseases. The division supports and implements KETOCHECK for the detection of Ketosis (Fig. 6),
research projects in form of networks as well as and conductivity meter for the detection of
individual investigator driven projects. The division Subclinical mastitis. Apart from these two
has supported 5 new and 24 ongoing projects during technologies, the devices Photolyser, and Portable
2017-18. incubator and LAMP device were commercialized to
M/s. Endhiran Innovations LLP, Chennai
During the period 10 products were generated, 5
technologies were developed,2 technologies were

44 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

tuberculosis complex with a specificity and sensitivity


of >95% has been developed by scientist from JNU,
New Delhi which is ready for 3rd party validation. This
test costs approx. Rs. 206/sample, which is 12.5
times lesser than conventionally available test by
GeneXpert system.

 Translational Research Platform for


Figure 6. A) Lepto LAT for diagnosis of Leptospirosis, B) Rapid Veterinary Biologicals: The platform has obtained
Parvo detect kit, C) Egg yolk semen extender for the NABL accreditation (IS/ ISO 17025:2005) for
cryopreservation, D) Classic shampoo for dogs, E) Keto check
for diagnosis of Ketosis, F) Scrub kit for surgical wounds and diagnosis of Bovine Trichomonosis & Brucellosis &
G) Nano spot on, Nano IVMEC shampoo Initiation of cGMP licensing. Among various services,
the platform is also offering OIE approved diagnostic
Scientists from IVRI, Izatnagar successfully
services of Breeding Bulls for Brucellosis,
demonstrated the induction of high levels of antiporin
Trichomonosis and IBR in lieu with regulatory needs.
antibodies and enhanced cell mediated immunity by
Five research papers have been published during
developing a cocktail vaccine for poultry
the year in international journals. Other major
salmonellosis. The vaccine could afford satisfactory
research accomplishments are Development of
protective response and organ clearance against
Baculo virus expression system to generate VLPs as
virulent Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella
a production platform for veterinary vaccine and
enteritidis challenge in poultry birds.
diagnostics, development of PPRV vaccine in BHKcz
Another group of scientists from IVRI, Bareilly have cells (suspension) as an alternate, nanotechnology
developed sub viral particle (SVPs) based infectious based therapeutics for veterinary clinical applications
bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccine for immunization and efficacy studies of Canine ParvoVirus-virus like
in chickens. It induces protective immunity in specific particles in Beagle dogs.
pathogen free chicks against very virulent IBDV
TRPVB also produced new innovative products like
challenge. SVPs completely protect the broiler birds
Lepto LAT for diagnosis of Leptospirosis, Rapid Parvo
in presence of maternally derived antibodies at day
detect kit for Canine Parvo Virus, Conductivity meter
old vaccination. The vaccine does not cause
for Mastitis detection, TANUVAS Scrub kit for surgical
immunosuppression as characterized by an intact
wounds, Ketocheck for diagnosis of Ketosis, Nano
histological architecture of the bursa of Fabricius.
spot on, Nano IVMEC shampoo and TRPVB Classic
The vaccine has also been validated in a poultry
shampoo for dogs.
vaccine company M/S Globion Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
Network program on Brucellosis: During the period,
For developing recombinant antigen based diagnostics
the six centres involved in epidemiological studies
and chimeric plant virus-like particle based vaccine
continued the surveillance program and isolated
for infectious bursal disease virus, the scientists from
more than 248 Brucella isolates. The recombinant
Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupati have optimized
antigen based ELISA kit developed by centre involved
Indirect ELISA and LFA tests using chimeric VLP-based
in development of diagnostics for diagnosis of bovine
antigens for the detection of IBDV.
brucellosis was sent to TRPVB, TANUVAS, Chennai
A real time PCR based assay for detection of for external validation. Another centre prepared sLPS
Mycobacterium species including Mycobacterium based ELISA and LFA kits and sent to TRPVB,

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 45
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

TANUVAS, Chennai for validation. The prepared rapid gonadal unigenes have been identified which
and ELISA kits were used to screen Gosalas and contains 39,147 candidate coding regions within
field samples. transcripts, and of which 35,777 have been
annotated against the fish proteins in UniProt. Among
A QU
QUAA CUL TURE AND M ARINE
CULTURE the annotated unigenes, 27,130 and 12,661 were
B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY assigned to gene ontology categories and clusters
of orthologous groups. Additionally, 14,972 unigenes
Aquaculture plays a very important role in Indian were mapped to 374 pathways in KEGG Pathway
agricultural economy. The programme is being database. Differential gene expression analysis of
implemented for enhancing aquaculture production male testis verses female ovary resulted in 6,034
and productivity increase and development of useful upregulated and 5,314 down-regulated genes with
product and processes from marine resources. the presence of 18,166 male and 2,015 female
Under this programme several projects are being specific genes. Mining of the gonadal miRNAs
supported to benefit the aquatic and marine sectors resulted in 166 and 224 conserved miRNAs, along
by addressing broad areas on fish genomics and with 4 and 20 novel miRNAs in ovary and testis,
transcriptomics, fish and shellfish disease, respectively. The interaction between miRNAs and
immunostimulants and antimicrobial peptides. genes that regulate immunity performed using
Projects on development of bioactive molecules miRanda target prediction tool revealed miR-462,
biomaterials, bio-surfactants, marine actinobacteria, miR-731, miR-146, miR-181 and miR-223,
DNA barcoding and molecular taxonomy, cell lines associated with the immune response.
and diagnostics were also pursued through adoption
of molecular tools and techniques. Some of the Transcriptome profiling of immune responsive genes
major achievements of these projects are as follows: in golden mahseer (Tor putitora) was pursued at ICAR-
DCFR, Bhimtal. Six tissue specific transcriptomes
Fish Genomics and Transcriptomics: A network were initially sequenced and assembled into a
programme on whole genome sequencing and reference transcriptome followed by identification
development of allied genomic resources in two of various tissue specific genes. About 24 putative
commercially important fish rohu (Labeo rohita) and solute carrier (SLC) genes falling in 15 solute carrier
catfish (Clarias batrachus) is being continued at families were characterized from kidney
NBFGR Lucknow, CIFA Bhubaneswar, IASRI New transcriptome. Transcriptome of T. putitora
Delhi and AAU Gujarat. In rohu genome assembly challenged with A. hydrophila revealed 61,042
and scaffolding using MaSuRCA and SSPACE has unigenes which after Gene ontology annotations
been done using 13477 scaffolds with maximum resulted in allocation of 46.16% in biological process;
scaffold size of 15.2 Mb covering about 95% of the 16.39% in molecular function and 37.46% in cellular
genome with predicted 40,099 genes which were components. Differential gene expression analysis
annotated with Blast2Go resulting in 24,525 genes. revealed 1,104 upregulated and 1,304 down-
Similarly, catfish genome using 35,313 scaffolds with regulated unigenes known to be mainly involved in
maximum scaffold size of 5.2 Mb covering about 94% cell surface receptor signalling. Twelve unigenes were
of the genome resulted in 81,000 genes. Whole found to be differentially expressed in accordance
gonadal transcriptome and small RNA dynamics of with in silico expression analysis. From the RNA-Seq
male and female gonads of catfish resulted 54,061 and qRT-PCR analysis, it was observed that the
and 1,09,204 transcripts in ovary and testis, immune responsive acute phase proteins and other
respectively. A total of 1,07,495 non-redundant

46 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

stress-related proteins trigger the adaptation WSSV outbreak as an opportunistic etiological agent
mechanism to face the initial bacterial infection in in Indian shrimp farms.
golden mahseer as well as complement system of
fish also plays an integral role during the
pathogenesis.

Fish and Shellfish Disease: A study on virulence


factors identification in fish disease Epizootic
Figure 8. A. Shrimp infected with Aliivibrio fischeri showed
Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) causing fungus black spots on the exoskeleton region and dark
Aphanomyces invadans by transcriptome approach hepatopancreas. B. i. Empty midgut observed in A. fischeri
was carried out at SRM University, Chennai & CSIR- infected shrimp; ii. Uninfected shrimp - Full midgut observed in
uninfected shrimp (shrimp without infection)
CDRI, Lucknow. Infected Channa striatus with severe
ulcers (Fig. 7) collected from different natural aquatic Fish Nutrition: A project on development of
environment lead to isolation of five morphologically pelleted Diet for Labeo rohita and Clarias batrachus
different fungal pathogens with two of them being using achyranthes aspera and evaluation of its
prevalent in most of the ulcers. Sequencing of 18S immunostimulatory properties in pond culture system
ITS region confirmed one of the isolate as A. was continued at University of Delhi, Delhi
invadans which was further subjected to RNA Technological University, Delhi and Central Institute
sequencing for identification of virulence factors. of Fisheries Education Centre, Rohtak. The
immunostimulatory and disease resistance
properties of seeds of Achyranthes aspera was
evaluated in both laboratory and field conditions.
Challenged study with pathogen Aeromonas
hydrophila showed that the weight gain of rohu was
influenced by the supplementation of plant
ingredients and enhanced growth rate helps the fish
Figure 7. Channa striatus with severe ulcers
to overcome the adverse environmental conditions
A study on development of quorum sensing inhibitors for productivity increase in the culture system due
and antiinfectives from marine microorganisms for to altered expression pattern of various immune-
the control/prevention of pathogenic vibrios in related genes viz. pro-inflammatory genes encoding
shrimp aquaculture was implemented at Pondicherry IL-1β and anti-inflamatory IL-10, antimicrobial gene
University. A new secondary etiological agent Aliivibrio encoding lysozyme C and lysozyme G in
fischeri associated with white spot syndrome virus hepatopancreas and kidney.
(WSSV) outbreaks during 2015 in shrimp farms Immunostimulant and Antimicrobial peptides:
located in southeast coast of India was identified A study on herbal immunostimulant formulated feed
(Fig. 8a & b). The bacterial isolates from the to protect shrimp (Penaeus monodon and P.
hepatopancreas of diseased samples screened for vannamei) from WSSV infection is being continued
extracellular virulence identified isolate SK11 as at C. Abdul Hakeem College, Melvisharam. Aqueous
highly virulent and pathogenic with LD50 of 103 CFU/ extract prepared from a plant material showed anti-
ml. The mortality rate and pathogenicity index was WSSV activity at laboratory as well as in shrimp farm.
reported very high in challenged shrimp. This is the Similarly ethyl acetate extract also showed a strong
first report on the emergence of Aliivibrio fischeri in anti-WSSV activity and therefore subjected to

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 47
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

chromatography resulting in detection of strong anti- six crab species were collected and investigated by
WSSV activity in two fractions. The shrimp were fed disc diffusion method. The results clearly
with plant extract formulated feed continuously with demonstrated that the hemolymph of
a gap of seven days till completion of the culture Dromiadehaani exhibited broad spectrum activity
and sampling was done regularly. After using the plant against microbial fungal. The antimicrobial peptide
extract, the production was about 18 tonnes in first has been characterized is being further studied.
crop and 21 tonnes in second crop with survival rate
Bio-prospecting: A project for molecular
of 80 to 90% without WSSV infection even though
characterization of bio-film produced by coral
nearby untreated ponds were affected by WSSV.
associated bacteria isolated from Andaman Sea was
Field trial and study on identification of bioactive
carried out at Institute of Life Sciences,
compound is being pursued.
Bhubaneswar. A halostable, solvent tolerant novel
Studies on purification, characterization, functional â-endoglucanase has been identified from a marine
analysis and structural elucidation of pattern bacterium Photobacterium panuliri LBS5T (DSM
recognition molecule β-1,3-glucan binding protein 27646T) in addition to two novel SXT/R391
and antimicrobial peptides from crustaceans was integrating conjugative elements ICEMfuInd1a and
continued at Alagappa University, Tamilnadu. Pattern ICEMfuInd1b, in the genomes of Marinomonas
recognition molecule β-GBP was isolated and purified fungiae JCM 18476T. The existence of such ICEs in
from the haemolymph of rice field crab Paratelphusa marine bacteria reveals the dissemination of
hydrodromus and Indian white shrimp multidrug resistance genes and their impact in
Fenneropenaeus indicus. Purified β-GBP was natural populations.
confirmed to be an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Study on construction of polyketide synthase, non-
agent. It was thermostable even at 1000C as well
ribosomal synthetase gene library and natural
as involved in the activation of proPO at pH 7-8 in
product library from cultivable and uncultivable
the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+. β-GBP protein based
marine actinomycetes was carried out at VIT
zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles were synthesized
University, vellore. The isolation of extremophilic
and the antibacterial activity of were determined by
actinobacterial was carried out by mimicking its
live/dead Baclight assay. The antibiofilm potential
natural growth environment along with inducing
of β-GBP based nanoparticles observed under
certain extreme growth conditions. Diversity studies
confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that it
for the cultivable marine actinomycetes were
effectively inhibits the biofilm architecture of both
performed using polyphasic taxonomy approach
Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
combining phenotypic and genotypic studies. Six
Isolation of antimicrobial peptides from brachyuran unique actinomycetes strains isolated from
crabs and its perspective antigen based molecular Marakkanam, Muthupet, and Tuticorin subjected to
docking studies was pursued at Annamalai 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis were identified
University, Tamilnadu and National Institute of as Jishengell aendophytica, Verrucosispora
Oceanography, Goa. Brachyuran crabs were collected andamanensis, Streptomyces rubidus, Streptomyces
from the selected stations along the east and west variabilis, Actinopolyspora alba, and
coast of India and healthy male and female crabs at Saccharopolyspora salina. These strains are rare
different stages of development were used for study. Actinobacteria sp. reported for the first time from
To identify potential brachyuran crab showing Indian coast.
antimicrobial activity, hemolymph extracts of ninety

48 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Comprehensive analysis on cyanobacterial cytokines IL6 and TNF-a in OVX mice. On stimulation
Glutathione S-Transferases: new insights and with PHA, PMA/IO and ConA, a significant decrease
perspectives were carried out at Bharathidasan in proliferative response in the splenocytes of OVX
University, Tamilnadu. A pesticide tolerating and mice was observed. Similarly, Raman spectroscopy
degrading marine cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. and MicroCT analysis revealed that bone architecture
BDU41811 identified from the repository of National was preserved in treated OVX mice. GCMS analysis
Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria (NRMC) was tested showed the presence omega fatty acids, mono-
on commonly used pesticide acephate, carbendazim unsaturated fatty acids as well as terpeniods which
and glyphosate at optimum concentrations. Pesticide were supposed to be involved in bone metabolism.
exposed Anabaena sp. BDU41811 exhibited Therefore, Hexane fraction of Turbo brunneus extract
enhanced level of Glutathione, Glutathione-S may play an important role in reversal of bone loss
Transferase (GST) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) in OVX mice and may be pursued as a potential
in the organism. In silico studies of the second line candidate for an anti-osteoporotic drug.
of defense (degrading) enzymes revealed 12 types
A project on improving therapeutic efficacy of
of new GST isoforms and based on the activating
antifungal drugs using marine microbial chitinase was
residues in the N-terminal end, cyanobacterial GSTs
implemented at Manipal University, Manipal.
were categorised into three types namely; S/C-, S/
Seventeen marine and terrestrial soil and water
Y- and Y-types. Through experimentation based on
samples of fungi and 129 microorganisms were
the interaction with pesticides, expression of S/Y-
isolated and screened for chitinase productivity. Out
and Y-type GSTs was found only in higher order
of 129 microorganisms screened for chitinolytic
Nostocales and also proved to be the most active
bacteria 14 bacterial, 3 actinomycetes and 4 fungal
form of GSTs compared to lower and middle order
species which produced extracellular chitinase and
cyanobacteria as supported by RT PCR studies. S/Y-
inhibit pathogenic fungi were identified. Three
and Y type could be a highly evolved GST isoforms
actinomycete isolates showed better chitinolytic
among cyanobacteria with a potential of its use in
activity than Streptomyces griseus (MTCC4734) and
bioremediation.
Streptomyces violaceusniger (MTCC 3959). Four
A collaborative project on investigation of chemical bacterial isolates (PB1, PM1, FM0 and FM3) and four
nature of bioactive compounds from Turbo brunneus fungal isolates (PF3, MB1, MB2 and MB3) showed
extract and its mode of action in regulation of antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. PB1 also
osteoclastogenesis was carried out at ACTREC, Navi showed a good inhibition of Candida albicans by
Mumbai and D. G. Ruparel College (DGRC), Mumbai. modified cross streak assay. A simple, improvised
The anti-osteoporotic effect of marine mollusc Turbo method was formulated for isolation of chitinolytic
brunneus extract (TME) and its fractions were actinomycetes.
evaluated for its chemical nature and mechanism
A project on Purification and Chemical
of action in regulation of osteoclastogenesis. In vitro
Characterization of Bioactive compounds from a
osteoclastogenesis by resorption pit assay, TRAP and
Marine Bacterium was continued at Vikrama
F-Actin staining showed significantly inhibited RANKL
Simhapuri University, Andhra Pradesh. An
induced osteoclastogenesis. Oral administration of
antioxidative extra cellular polysaccharide (ECP) with
hexane fraction of Turbo brunneus (HxTME) resulted
emulsifying activity was isolated, purified and
in increased percentages of Treg and CD8+ IFN-γ
analyzed from a marine bacterium (Acenetobacter
cells with a marked decrease in pro-osteoclastic
sp). The polymer produced has shown significant

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 49
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

emulsification and surfactant activities comparable molecular analysis was performed. The partial gene
to some of the commercial emulsifiers. The isolated sequence of Ulua mentalis, Pinjalo pinjalo and
Acenetobacter sp was proved to be producing a Tylosurus crocodiles were generated and analyzed
novel alkaline laccase amenable to various industrial through construction of phylogenetic relationships.
applications. A patent related to the novel alkaline
Study on molecular and pattern identification of
laccase discovery was filed (Patent Application
Indian mariculture fauna using DNA barcoding and
number: 01741012684).
soft computing techniques was carried out at Sri
A project on mining the genome and metagenome Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam, Tirupati. The
of marine microbiome for pks-nrps biosynthetic gene project was undertaken to develop Biometric analysis
clusters and bioactive small molecules was and construction of unique DNA Barcode profiles for
implemented at Pondicherry University, Puducherry mariculture fauna by using image processing & soft
to investigate microbial communities associated with computing techniques and DNA Barcoding.
apparently healthy coral Favites abdita and actively Mariculture specimen tissues and capturing images
progressing Terpioshoshinota over corals in a coral were collected from various Aquaculture Centers in
reef ecosystem using genomics. It was evident from Vizag, Kakinada, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gudur, Ongole,
16s RNA analysis that due to altered microbiome, Chennai and thinning process such as image resizing,
coral lost its core symbionts, while sponge gains noise removal and edge detection techniques and
microbial associates and niche from coral tissue extracted features like mantle length, mantle width,
during invasion (Fig 9.). head length, head width and fin width by using image
processing techniques was performed. Artificial
Neural Network (ANN) and Fuzzy Inference System
have been used to classify the species based on
extracted morphometric features. MATLAB software
was used to implement the procedures and new
algorithms for Species Recognition are being
developed.

Development of Cell Lines: A project on derivation


and characterization of embryonic stem cell lines from
the marine ornamental maroon clownfish Premnas
biaculeatus and induced pluripotent stem cell lines
from the humpback grouper Cromileptes altevelis
Figure 9. Invasive growth and progression of marine sponge was carried out at Central Marine Fisheries Research
Terpios over coral colonies. a. Close up view of the sponge Institute, Kochi. Embryonic stem (ES) cell cultures
invasion over coral. b. Microscopic view of spicules in the
sponge tissue sample. C1. Progression of Terpios over marked derived from midblastula stage embryos of P.
portion. C2 and C3 Progression after 2 months and one year biaculeatus were cultured, passaged and
respectively.
characterized for presence of pluripotency genes as
Molecular Taxonomy and DNA Barcoding: well as for stem cell specific markers. Strong signals
Studies were carried out to develop database using of GFP expression by fluorescence microscopy as
barcoding technique at Berhampur University, well as formation of putative iPS colonies by phase
Odisha. To identify fish species of Odisha coast, Bay contrast microscopy were recorded. The effect of
of Bengal, India morpho-taxonomy followed by various pathway inhibitors and supplements are

50 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

being evaluated for improving reprogramming soft tissue, eye stalk, and pleopod) of infection. In a
efficiency. validation, performed using 75 field samples, the
LFIA results compared with the conventional one-
A project on development of shrimp cell lines was
step PCR was found to be highly sensitive (100%)
implemented at Cochin University of Science &
and specific (96.77%) for detection of WSSV.
Technology. Studies on immortalization of lymphoid
Development of similar assays for detection of MrNV
cell culture from Penaeus monodon by transduction
(Macrobrachium rosenbergii Noda Virus), causing
with oncogenes, ectopic expression of telomerase
white tail disease and IMNV (Infectious Myonecrosis
reverse transcriptase using shrimp specific expression
Virus) is being carried out. The assay can be used by
vectors and hybridization aspects were carried out.
fish farmers and hatchery operators to screen
Two shrimp specific vectors were constructed
brooders and seed; monitoring of stock on farm site
respectively, Bac Ie1-GFP and Bac P2- GFP.
and for disease surveillance.
Transcriptional activities of these vectors were
confirmed in the primary lymphoid cell culture. Using A project on development of novel methods for the
these expression vectors an oncogene H-Ras sensitive detection and enumeration of Vibrio
successfully expressed in primary lymphoid cell culture parahaemolyticus was implemented at Nitte
indicated enhanced multiplication of cells compared University Centre for Science Education & Research
to normal cells. Shrimp lymphoid cells were fused with (NUCSER), Nitte University, Deralakatte, Mangalore.
Sf9 insect cell line and a hybrid cell line was developed Development of loop-mediated isothermal
and presence of both (shrimp and Sf9) genome in amplification (LAMP) assay was performed for
confirmed using various studies. The hybrid cells detection of total V. parahaemolyticus targeting tlh
exposed to shrimp virus WSSV showed nucleus gene. Standardization of assay was carried out using
enlargement and granular formation after 72 hours. both simple heat block and real-time turbidimeter.
RNA isolated from the floating cells and VP28, DNA LAMP assay standardized for tlh gene were 100 %
polymerase, WSSV Ie1, WSSV protein kinase-1 and sensitive and specific as well as 1000-fold more
WSSV endonuclease were amplified which indicated sensitive compared to conventional PCR and showed
that Hybrid cell line supported the growth of shrimp amplification of tlh gene even at 10 fg concentration.
virus WSSV. The validation of the new hybrid shrimp The positive amplifications of LAMP were also
cell lines is in progress with its safe maintenance at visualized by naked eyes as well as under ultraviolet
NBFGR, Lucknow. The technology of hybrid cell line light after the addition of fluorescent dye into the
production is being patented. reaction mixture. Further, LAMP primers were
designed for the detection of pathogenic strain of V.
Development of Diagnostics: A project on
parahaemolyticus (targeting tdh and trh)
development of field level nano-particles based
andstandardization of these pathogenic genes and
immunodiagnostics for viral pathogens of shrimp
preparation of enzyme labeled probes for
and prawn is being continued at C. Abdul Hakeem
enumeration of V. Parahaemolyticus using colony
College, Melvisharam in collaboration with Agharkar
hybridization is in progress.
Research Institute, Pune. Lateral flow immunoassay
(LFIA) which employs polyclonal anti-WSSV serum N ATIONAL B IORESOUR CE
IORESOURCE
conjugated with gold nanoparticles that aid the visual
detection of WSSV was developed. The LFIA could
D EVELOPMENT P ROGAMME
rapidly (~20 min) detect the virus in different tissues Bioresource Development & Utilization: Focus
after 3 h (hemolymph), 6 h (gill tissue) and 12 h (head areas of this programme includes inventorization and

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 51
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

characterization on bioresources, prospecting of biochemical characterization of various lipases from


bioresources for novel genes and genes products, Yarrowia lipolytica. Maximum expression of YLIP9 was
biomolecules and compounds, improvement of obtained by fusing the protein with SUMO tag using
economically important bioresources, and capacity pETSUMO vector. Targeted lid and binding pocket
building public outreach on bioresources mutations were performed in YLIP9 resulting in a
development & utilization. Department took initiative double mutant, YLIP9L1Bp3. This double mutant
towards development of network project on showed significant shift in substrate specificity
exploration, discovery, and utilization of biological towards long-chain pNPesters. Its application as a
resources for sustainable development in North East biodiesel enzyme was also validated by
India. Efforts are also being made to develop transesterification of palm oil in presence of
programme on bioresource documentation and methanol where it showed ~70% conversion of oil
utilization of Western Himalayan region of India. to methyl esters.

During the period, research projects on bio- Studies on chemical profiling of turmeric from
prospecting of anti-microbial peptides from different agro-climatic regions and optimization of
Hymenopteran (Ants, Bees and Wasps) insects, environmental parameters for high curcumin yield
development of herbal formulations from have been carried out at SOAU, Bhubneshwar. Total
Seabuckthorn, Phase II of microbial culture collection 453 turmeric germplasm accessions covering 10
centre in North East region of India, mapping and agro climatic regions of Odisha have been collected
quantitative assessment of plant resources and its The curcumin content varied from 0.5% to 9.2%.
distribution in Madhya Pradesh, Central India, and Highest curcumin content (9.2%) was observed in
validation and optimization of artificial infection accession Su 3 of Sundergarh. A total of 19 elite
method for agarwood production and its use in genotypes with high curcumin content (e”7%) were
economic development of local tribes of North selected for further work. Artificial Neural Network
Eastern India etc. have been initiated. Some of the (ANN) models, were developed for prediction and
salient achievements of the ongoing projects are optimization of yield of curcumin and MLFN-8 was
summarised below: selected as the best model. The result of the present
work of ANN modelling has shown that curcumin
In a network project on lichens for bioprospecting
content of turmeric can be improved by changing
its secondary compounds and establishing cultures
the input parameters.
collections implemented at MSSRF, Chennai; Cancer
Institute, Chennai; TRI, Chennai; CSIR-NBRI, Molecular analysis of fruit development and ripening
Lucknow; and ARI, Pune, investigators successfully of Hippophae salicifolia of Sikkim Himalayas using
bring 31 species to culture. Investigators using a high throughput sequencing-based gene profiling has
variety of separation techniques could isolate 25 been carried out at TERI-NE, Guwahati. In-silico
different compounds, some of which displayed anti- mining of microsatellites for unigenes from all the
cancer, antimicrobial, anti-mycobacterial and hepoto- five libraries resulted in identification of SSRs.
protetive activities. One potential compound showed Investigators have also identified H. salicifolia genes
promising activity against MDR TB strains. involved in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid
biosynthesis, phytosterol biosynthesis, carotenoid
Under a project at Delhi University, Delhi,
biosynthesis, ascorbic acid biosynthesis,
investigators have cloned, expressed and carried out
phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.

52 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Efforts have been continued towards in-vitro of prebiotic bifidogenic molecules from antarctic
production of doubled haploids in tea at IIT, Guwahati. fungus for nutraceutical industries at IIT, Kharagpur.
Haploid embryos and nodal segments from haploid The scale up study in airlift bioreactor has shown
shoots, developed from anther cultures of Camellia that EPS concentration is significant to explore
assamica sp assamica and Camellia assamica sp industrial application of the molecules.
lasiocalyx, were treated with anti-mitotic agent at
Efforts continued on development of sustainable
various concentrations and at different time
production technology for Camptothecin (CPT) from
duration. So far about 700 doubled haploid embryos
newly identified plant and fungal sources jointly at
have been generated, which are germinating into
UAS, Bangalore; IISc., Bangalore and UAS, Dharwad.
clusters of shoots. Once sufficiently elongated, the
Biomass of Pyrenacantha volubilis could be
shoots will be multiplied using nodal segments to
significantly increased by growing them under partial
achieve targeted 1000 doubled-haploid plantlets.
shade and bio-fertilizer which lead to increase in
In Phase II of network project on morphometry and production of CPT. Mass propagation methods have
phylogeography of Indian Honey bees and Stingless been developed for Pyrenacantha volubilis and
Bees, diversity of honey bees (Apis dorsata, A. florea, Miquelia dentate . It has also been concluded that
A. cerana) and stingless bees from different agro- CPT production in endophytic fungi is under epigenetic
climatic zones of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, control. Two epigenetic regulators, doxycycline and
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Uttar isotretinoin, were found to elicit CPT and other
Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, metabolites.
Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andaman, Nicobar and
Under a network project on characterization and
Lakshadweep islands through morphometric and
consolidation of Hippophae genetic resources and
reproductive tools are being documented. Studies
propagation of elite genotypes for varietal evaluation,
are also undertaken to determine genetic diversity
a total of 805 accessions of sea buckthorn have
and phylogenetic relationships among populations
been maintained at the IHBT High Altitude Centre at
of honeybees occurring in these states using
Lahoul, H.P., comprising 95 accessions from Ladakh
microsatellite markers and mitochondrial genes.
region, 102 accessions from Sikkim, 110
Under the network project on enrichment and update accessions from Uttarakhand, 81 accessions from
of plant chromosome database for Spermatophytes Himachal Pradesh, 200 accessions from Arunachal
and Archegoniate, checklists for Bryophytes, Pradesh. This Germplasm Resource Centre also
Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms have housed over 200 accessions procured from China
been prepared by consulting relevant literature on and Russia. Research work related to development
the groups. Data sheets on species and genus, of descriptor records for fruit character, revival of
containing 29 and 22 parameters also include all Hippophae accessions from Uttarakhand,
aspects of ‘Genome(s)’ including information w.r.t. standardization of raising soft wood cuttings in
taxonomic nomenclature and taxonomic nursery, chemical characterization of Hippophae
classification. Data sheets of ~4000 species / from different regions and genetic diversity analysis
subspecies / varieties and 781 genera belonging to of Hippophae are underway.
Spermatophyta and Archegoniatae covering 119
Under Programme Support on Biotechnology
families have been prepared.
approach for conservation and sustainable utilization
Attempts have been continued towards production of plant wealth of Western Ghats being implemented

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 53
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

by JNTBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram in collaboration collections after USA and Japan.


with six institutes, thirty new swamps were located
NCMR provides a variety of culture deposition
in Northern Kerala from completely isolated regions
(including deposits under Budapest Treaty), supply
(the sacred groves) in a fully fragmented condition.
and identification services. In addition, the scientists
The detailed ecological and vegetation studies were
are also actively involved in the research in the area
conducted in 70 swamps and completed the
of microbial ecology and taxonomy. In its attempts
mapping of 60 swamps using Q-GIS and ARC-GIS.
to characterize nation’s microbial diversity MCC
Twenty three plants were collected from Western
scientists described thirteen novel taxa from diverse
Ghats, extracted and screened for their antiviral
ecological habitats which are depicted as below:
activity. Out of these, extracts from six plants showed
promising antiviral activity. These active extracts were Table: New taxa described by NCMR scientists
further subjected to activity-guided fractionation
S r. Taxa Scientist Ye a r
which led to isolation of a potent molecule A1B1
No
from JNTBGVR14, which consistently showed very
significant activity against Chikungunya virus. 1 Reclassification of Dhiraj Dhotre 2017
Phycicola gilvus and
Bioresource: Conservation and Digitized
Leifsonia pindariensis
inventorization:
2 Mangrovibacter Neetha Joseph 2017
a) Centre of Excellence for National Centre for
phragmitis
Microbial Resource (NCMR): Department has
established a Country’s largest Microbial Culture 3 Candidatus Amit Yadav 2017
Collection Centre (MCC) at National Centre for Cell Phytoplasma asteris
Sciences, Pune in 2008 and since then it is
4 New subgroup Amit Yadav 2017
preserving nations precious microbial resources. The
16SrXI-F phytoplasma
main aim of MCC is to establish world class
infrastructure with the aim to preserve India’s rich 5 Lysinibacillus Praveen Rahi 2017
microbial resource to provide authenticated microbial telephonicus
cultures for research and education and high quality 6 Aliinostoc Prashant Singh 2017
services for microbial preservation, characterization morphoplasticum
and authentication to industry and academic
institution. 7 Westiellopsis ramosa Prashant Singh 2017

It has acquired the status of ‘International 8 Auricoccus indicus Om Prakash 2017


Depositary Authority (IDA)’ under the Budapest Treaty
This Centre has already begun to provide services
and is also designated as ‘National Repository’ under
to academic and industrial establishments for
the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. It has recently
microbial identification. Currently, it offers 16S rRNA
been renamed as the “National Centre for Microbial
based identification, FAME and MALDI profiling.
Resource (NCMR)”. With more than 180,000
microorganisms (archaea, bacteria, fungi including b) Indian Bioresource Information Network:
yeasts) in its collection at present, the centre is the Department has been promoting the development
single largest culture collection in the world, and has of a National level database on biological resources,
put India in the top three countries with the largest vegetation cover and biological diversity of the

54 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

country through support to several such activities. coordinates such that the central data unit
DBT along with Department of Space has been automatically compiles and updates the distribution
supporting database development on spatial and maps with the images.
non-spatial characterization of bioresources and
Efforts are underway towards expansion of IBIN
vegetation of the country. It also led to development
through connecting new Bioresource Information
of a web enabled portal system, “Indian Bioresource
Centres and integration of IBIN services to Bhuvan
Information Network (IBIN)” consisting of spatial and
Geoportal.
species data. It is a de-centralized bio-resource
database based on distributed architecture. All the
distributed data providers are now retrievable
through a single window (www.ibin.gov.in).

The IBIN mobile app is designed and developed


based on crowdsourcing approach. The Apps can be
used by the field workers for identifying the
Endangered plants of Western Ghats, Butterflies and
also for developing database on the Distribution of
plants and animals.
Figure 10. A) Android app for ‘Rare Endangered and
During this year, following three Android Apps have Threatened Plants of Western Ghats’; B) Android app for
Butterfly Identification- “Pathanga Suchya”- Version 2; C)
been developed. Android app- ‘Plant Place Picture’

Android app for ‘Rare Endangered and Threatened c) National Certification System for Tissue Culture
Plants of Western Ghats’: This app enables the user Raised Plants (NCS-TCP): The Department has been
to identify Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) implementing the “National Certification System for
plants of Western Ghats based on simple image Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS TCP)” and notified
based keys observed in the field. The application as the Certification Agency under the Section 8 of
can be used by scholars, ecologists working on the Seeds Act, 1966. It is a dynamic and
conservation of RET plants of Western Ghats. comprehensive system intended for facilitating
production of quality tissue culture plants and
Android app for Butterfly Identification- “Pathanga
providing mechanisms for certification of quality
Suchya”- Version 2:This is an image based butterfly
tissue culture plants. The overall impact of this
identification app for android smart phones and has
unique quality management system, first of its kind
grabbed the attention of many butterfly enthusiasts
in the world, is the mentorship and guidance to tissue
especially amateurs and children by enabling them
culture companies with the aim to improve India’s
to identify the butterflies in the field.
agricultural production to ensure food security in the
Android app- ‘Plant Place Picture’: This app has been country. Since implementation of the system in the
developed to promote the participation of common year 2006, NCS-TCP has played a significant role
man in generating data for the IBIN on the for facilitating production of quality planting material
distribution, images and any useful data on plants and certification of end products. For implementing
and animals in the field through crowd sourcing. It the NCS-TCP in the country, DBT has established a
provides a platform to snap and upload the images well-defined operational structure. A high level Apex
of species along with an instantaneous info on its Committee and Project Monitoring & Evaluation

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 55
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Committee (PMEC) have been constituted for review 2017 various novel technologies identified and
of the activities related to NCS-TCP. DBT also supported which are able to address the current
constituted a technical working group for developing challenges associated with solid and liquid waste
Standard/Guidelines for Accreditation/ Recognition management.
and developing Standard/Guidelines for production
Energy Bioscience Division has been promoting
and certification of Tissue culture plants. At present,
cutting edge research in Biofuel areas through
this certification system has standards for production
Centre of Excellence, extramural projects and
of eight economically important crops namely potato,
fellowship schemes. DBT is also participating in the
apple, banana, sugarcane, black pepper, bamboo,
Swachh Bharat Mission through supporting research
citrus and vanilla. A comprehensive NCS-TCP
projects on generation of energy from waste.
guidelines and SOPs covering all the aspects of
commercial tissue culture plant production have R&D projects supported in the area of Virtual Enzyme
been developed for ensuring Quality Management Center, National Repository for Microalgae and
System. A website (http://www.dbtncstcp.nic.in) has Cyanobacteria, Feedstock Development for various
been developed. The logo of NCS-TCP has been Biofuels, Photobioreactors and Algal Mass
designed and registered under the Trade Mark Act, Cultivation, 2G Enthanol – Pretreatment and Enzyme
1999 of the Government of India. Development - Biodiversity
Currently around 80 companies are recognized with One of the major achievements of Department in
gross installed production capacity of about 340 this area is Transfer of Cellulosic Ethanol Technology
million plantlets per annum and 5 Test Laboratories developed by DBT-ICT Center for Energy Biosciences,
are accredited under this system. A number of State Mumbai to Oil Marketing Companies (HPCL and BPCL).
Agriculture Departments have made certification of Also enzyme needed for 2G Ethanol is being
Quality Planting Material mandatory for their developed at DBT-IOC and DBT-ICGEB Centres. While
plantation programme. progress is being made for commercialization of 2G
ethanol technology, the efforts are continued
This year 109.67 million tissue culture plants have
towards development of next generation biofuels
been certified by ATLs and 98,620 labels were
like algal oil, bio butanol and bio hydrogen.
issued. So far more than 250 million plants have
been certified under NCS-TCP and 229017 Capacity building in Bioenergy strengthened by
certification labels have been issued. launching Bioenergy Awards in Cutting Edge
Research (B-ACER) and continued support to Energy
Department has organized a Stakeholder Meet on
Bioscience Overseas Fellows. Also, Indian Biological
“National Certification System for Tissue Culture
Engineering Competition (iBEC) call was announced
Raised Plants (NCS-TCP)” on November 14, 2017 at
to support students teams to participate in an
New Delhi to create awareness among all the
International contest iGEM 2017.
stakeholders.
Under Partnership for Advance Clean Energy
Energy Bioscience Programme: Department of
Research (PACE-R) between India and US DBT and
Biotechnology has been promoting R&D for biofuel
DST have jointly supported Joint Clean Energy
technology development recognizing the need for
Research and Development Center (JCERDC)
alternate energy for transportation. Many leads have
program for last 5 years in three mutually agreed
been taken forward for potential translational value
priority areas; Solar Energy, Energy Efficiency of
in the form Biofuel products or technologies. During

56 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Buildings and Second Generation Biofuels. Three Research, Faridabad:DBT-IOC (the first
projects supported in consortium mode to IICT, partnership Bioenergy Centre) Centre has
Hyderabad and University of Florida has successfully completed five years and the major thrust of
completed. the centre has been to develop viable 2 nd
Generation Biofuel technologies in new areas
a) Bioenergy Centers: The Department has been
of second and third generation biofuels, such
supporting four DBT-Bioenergy Centers with specific
as ligno-cellulosic ethanol and algal fuels. The
goals and targets and Centre wise major
Centre got equipped with state of art facilities
achievements are mentioned below
in Enzymes scaleup & Fermentation such as
a.1) DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, for SSF Bioreactor from Infors (first in India),
Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai: DBT- Industrial scale filter press, Membrane filtration
ICT 2G Ethanol Technology a highly competitive system etc. Major achievements of this Centre
technology for lignocellulosic ethanol production in last year are as below
has been scaled up to demonstration plant at
The centre team has developed tailored enzyme
India Glycols Ltd., Kashipur, Uttrakhand, India.
cocktail for each biomass feedstock and has
The Centre has signed MOUs with Bharat
done its scale up to 150 litres. This enzyme is
Peroleum Corporation Ltd. and Hindustan
benchmarked against world’s best enzyme &
Petroleum Corporation Ltd. to scale up this
its successive trails shall lead to large scale
technology to produce 100KL 2G ethanol/day
enzyme production at toll manufacturer site and
at Bina, MP and Bhatinda, Punjab respectively.
supply to 2nd Generation Lignocellulosic ethanol
The Centre Team has developed Municipal Solid plants for testing. This is first such attempt in
Wastes to Bio-Oil Technology, a composite country. 10 TPD demo plant on cellulosic ethanol
technology that is capable of handling the to be commissioned soon shall have integrated
unsegregated MSW. The available carbon in enzyme production.
the waste is to CTL-Oil- converted to Biogas and
The centre team has carried out Life Cycle
the demonstration of the technology using
Analysis (LCA) studies for 2G ethanol process
1tonMSW/day is underway in collaboration with
to ensure that the developed technology meets
BPCL.
GHG reduction criteria. LCA vetting capability
An innovative DBT-ICT ZeroD Technology has has been recognized as best available in
been developed for distillery spent wash country.
processing to generate energy and fuel product
The centre has developed high performance
while also producing clean water. The centre
phototrophic mutant algae strains producing
has successfully designed scalable algal
high lipid content and have high temperature
photobioreactors whrein CAPEx and OPEx have
tolerance. Scale up of these mutant strains
been substantially reduced to improve
done in 20 L & 200 L to produce algae biomass
commercial viability of algal based technologies.
for lipid production in sea water and recycled
a.2) DBT-IOC, Centre for Advanced Bioenergy media.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 57
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

contributions to polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in


cyanobacterium. Software developed to
conduct stationary 13C-MFA using freely
available tools, thus circumventing the need for
MATLAB, a proprietary platform. Cellulase
enzyme composition, named DICzyme-1,
developed for effective biomass hydrolysis. Pilot
scale technology developed to jet oil from
modified algae and remediation of urban
wastewater.

a.4) DBT-Pan IIT Center for Bioenergy: This is


the largest virtual Bioenergy Center established
Figure 11. Parallel Bioreactor at DBT-IOC Centre by DBT in 2015 comprising 22 sub projects and
32 project investigators under 5 Thematic
a.3) DBT-ICGEB Centre for Advanced Bioenergy
areas and 7 Research groups. Laboratories at
Research, ICGEB: DBT-ICGEB is the third
IIT Mumbai facilitated with central equipment
Bioenergy Center of DBT set up at International
facility for molecular biology, fermentors and
Centre for Genetic Engineering and
LCMS etc. for analysis purpose.
Biotechnology, New Delhi. The research focus
of this Center is on use of molecular tools to b) The thematic group wise achievements:
engineer microbes, Cellulytic enzymes, algae for
b.1) Theme I: Cyanobacterial Biofuels- A
enhanced biofuel production. The major
recombinant strain of cyanobacteria producing
achievements in this year are as below.
high titers of alkane has been constructed while
Enzyme Development-The efficiency of cellulase some robust cyanobacterial strains have also
enzymes, named DICzyme-1 developed using been isolated and are being characterized
engineered fungal strain also validated from genetically, proteomically and metabolically.
third party. Industrial collaboration initiated for
b.2) Theme II: Algal biofuels - Engineering of
scaling up the enzyme production.
Chlorella vulgaris cells to produce either bio-
Yeast Engineering-Genetically engineered yeast ethanol or lipids are being attempted
strains developed for direct fatty acid ethyl successfully through genetic engineering
ester (FAEE) production and identified high TAG attempts for generation of sustainable sources
accumulating yeast and fungal isolates. Algal of bio-fuel.
metabolic engineering & Omics. Developed
b.3) Theme III: Algal Bioenergy- process
genetic engineered of marine alga strain for
engineering - The use of algal biomass for
higher biomass and lipid for biofuel applications,
hydrogen production is currently underway with
remediation of urban wastewater and algae
great success. In order to optimize the
growth.
production of high density algal cultures for
Systems Biology-Reconstructed the largest maximal biomass production several
genome scale model till date for an alga. Utilized parameters such as growth at different CO2
metabolic labeling to quantify precursor regimes were successfully undertaken and

58 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

conditions optimised from lab scale reactors,


which when scaled up in the pilot plant with
improved biomass yieldwhich exceeded the set
target. Dual (Air-lift and Bubble-Column) 25L
Photobioreactor, with a working volume of 20L
was installed. Algal yield increases linearly with
reactor volume and external surface area.
Electro-harvesting of microalgae using stainless
steel as an electrode improved the biomass
recovery to 98%.

b.4) Theme IV: Biochemical, Thermochemical


and electrochemical conversion - New cost-
effective and green Ni/Co-intercalated natural
clay catalysts have been developed for
converting algae oil to diesel grade
hydrocarbons in the presence/absence of a
solvent. New SiO 2-Al 2O3 based solid support Figure 12. A. Microalgae production by flat panel rocking
materials have been prepared using a modified bioreactor; B. Hydrogen production using microalgae as a
substrate in double jacketed reactor under Pan IIT
procedure. Also a low cost membrane from Bioenergy Centre
coconut shell was developed for microbial
carbon capture cells (MCCs) for continuous c) Significant achievement of extramural Projects
algae cultivation and power generation. supported to various institutes:

b.5) Theme V: Biomass to biofuels - Acidogenic c.1) Virtual Enzyme Center: This is a network
mixed consortia (dominated by Clostridium sp.) project involving 6 partner institutes with
has been developed for hydrogen production complementary expertise of microbe
by dark fermentation using algal biomass engineering to product commercialization. The
successfully. Structural model of a â-glucosidase 6 work packages are divided among JNU, Delhi
(UnBGl1) from soil metagenome also University South Campus, DBT-IOC Centre
successfully cloned and the crystal structure Faridabad, IIT Madras, Anna University, IIT
determined. Bombay. The purpose of establishing this
network is to develop robust and cost effective
b.6) Theme VI: Bioreactor design - A black-box indigenous enzyme for cellulosic ethanol
system of control (toolbox) for fermentors has production.
been developed that are being validated with
other processes and systems There are total 6 work packages
complementary to each other. So far fungal
b.7) Theme VII: Techno-economic and life cycle strains isolated showing enhanced cellulase
analysis of biomass-derived biofuels - Techno- activity in SSF. Improved saccharification
economic analysis and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) efficiency obtained in packed bed reactors in
of biochemical refinery being studied to address comparison to slurry reactors. Improved host
optimal refinery locations. platform designed for recombinant protein

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 59
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

production while Transformation protocol for P. utilizing bmr 6 and 12 genes. Indian Institute
citrinum and isolation of cellulase genes. of Millets Research (IIMR, formerly DSR) and
ICRISAT at Hyderabad have developed 28 high
PEG-mediated protoplast method was
biomass varieties of sorghum (without affecting
established for the transformation of P. citrinum
grain production) and 20 brown midrib
Endoglucanase and β-glucosidase genes from derivatives.
Thermoas cusaurantiacus have been cloned
For the first time Network Team has successfully
Developed an expression system for the P. demonstrated that sweet sorghum can be
citrinum and the IOCL strain grown in sugar mill areas and can be crushed
in the sugar mills without changing the mill set
c.2) National Repository for Microalgae and
up. A Pilot scale study is being conducted at
Cyanobacteria (NRMC) at Bhartidasan
Core green sugars and fuels private Ltd,
University: A National Repository for Microalgae
Karnataka using RVICSH28 to generate more
and Cyanobacteria (NRMC) has been
information on juice quality.
established at Bhartidasan University,
Trichirapalli. The aim of this proposal is to
establish a functional repository for freshwater
and microalgae and cynobacteria so as to
provide these cultures to the researchers in
university or institutions and to serve as a part
of national network for phycologists. NRMC
houses 1034 psychro- (150), meso- (814),
thermo- philic (20) and hypersaline (50)
microalgae in its germplasm and upgraded
continuous survey and isolation.

A total of 21581 cultures (18822 Bacteria, 710


probable Actinomycetes, 1861 filamentous
fungi and 188 yeast) had been accessioned,
preserved and maintained in the repository. A
total of 15000 cultures have been characterized
by MALDI-TOF analysis. Many cultures have
been supplied to various institutes and
industries for research purpose.

c.3) Feedstock Development for various


Biofuels: Commercialization of sweet sorghum Figure 13. A) Sweet sorghum stalks ready to be crushed in the
as a complimentary feedstock for ethanol sugar mill; B) Sweet sorghum juice gushing out of the crusher
in sugar mill industry without changing the nut and bolt of the
production in the sugar mills of Maharashtra, machinery.
Tamil Nadu and Gujarat: Scientists at IMMR and
ICRISAT Hyderabad are working on  Development of low-lignin high-biomass
development of low lignin high biomass energy sorghums suitable for biofuel production was
sorghums through introgression breeding studied at IIMR Hyderbad: RSSV 138-1, SSV

60 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

20, IS 11861, [(N 592 x SPV 2071)-4]-1, [BN solvents, development of microwave systems
111 x (SPV 462 x IS 21891)]-6-1-1 and SSV for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for
84 x IS 21890 were promising for biomass cellulolytic enzymes and ethanol production and
yields under the multilocation trials. The consolidated bio-processing of lignocellulosic
identified region specific high biomass low lignin biomass by thermo tolerant yeast have been
lines from the project will be grown on supported. Scientists at SPRERI have prepared
commercial scale to realize the targets of 23 different natural deep eutectic solvents
national bio fuel policy (20% blending ethanol (NADES) for lignocellulosic biomass
by 2017). pretreatment. An integrated indigenous pilot-
scale reactor successfully designed and
 Feedstock for biodiesel: The Research &
developed at SPRERI for biomass pretreatment
Development projects on improvement in Seed
at elevated temperatures and pressures and
Yield of Jatropha curcas through Breeding and
subsequent solid-liquid separation process.
Silvicultural Practices, Phenotypic screening of
Cloning, expression and analysis of the CBH1
oleaginous microalgae, Molecular studies of
and BGL1 genes under constitutive promoters
potential biodiesel producing strains of
with and without yeast mating factor α (89aa)
microalgae, Developing low water demanding
secretary signal sequences has been done by
cultivation system of algae for Rajasthan, On-
Scientist at ICGEB, New Delhi.
site High Density Microalgae Cultivation,
Photobioreactor Design and Harvest Technology d) Biorefinery: Research & Development projects
for Algae Production have been supported. In have been supported on development of cost
the project on Computational Fluid Dynamic effective bioethanol production process from
(CFD) Modeling of Algal Photobioreactors for biodegradable municipal solid waste, Integrated
C02 sequestration and Conversion to Value biorefinery model-Process development for the
Added Products, a CFD model for 1000L pilot concomitant production of Bioemulsifier, Lipid,
scale open raceway pond was successfully Biodiesel, Glycerol and biomass as animal/fish feed
developed which predicts the hydrodynamics using industrial waste in a renewable yeast
and aims at elimination of static zones in feedstock, bioprospecting for novel lignocellulolytic
microalgal culure. CFD model for bench-top glycosyl hydrolases and auxiliary enzymes from diverse
indigenously designed closed air-lift photo- thermophilic fungal strains using proteome based
bioreactor was developed which predicts water approaches and a project on pilot scale
velocity, gas velocity, gas hold-up, mass transfer demonstration of Production of biofuel by
coefficent and light transfer for microalgal carbondioxide concentrating bacterium. The work by
cultures. A semi-engineered 1000L open Scientists at IIT Kharagpur on oleaginous yeast has
raceway pond with automation system for CO2 progressed to the extent of lipid production and
sequestration and production of value added extraction using various low cost substrates.
products was developed for Spirulina as model Consistently, the team is now able to produce about
microalgae 35-40% lipid of the dry cell weight of the oleaginous
yeast strain.
 2G Ethanol from Industry waste: Research
projects on development of a cost-effective Development of an improved/intensified in-situ
green technology for lignocellulosic biomass transesterification process also accomplished for
pretreatment using natural deep eutectic oleaginous yeast biomass based biodiesel production

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 61
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

in terms of energy, time and low capital cost. The the senior scientists who are desirous of
biodiesel product conformed to the ASTM D6751 pursuing, complementing and enhancing quality
and EN14214 standards and bioemulsifier after of R&D in energy related biosciences in Indian
characterized found to be a glycolipopeptide complex institutions. Currently seven overseas fellows
with 56.8% carbohydrate, 12% protein and 2% lipid and two chairs have been working at various
host institutions. Several processes in different
e) Initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission:
areas of biofuels, enzymes, bioenergy at various
e.1) Demonstration of Bio-toilets in Schools of Indian institutions are being developed by
North East India: This programme is prepared fellows enriching the R&D in the bioenergy field.
based on integration of proven technologies and Cumulatively around 20 papers have been
known knowledge customized in easily published in international peer reviewed
takeaway module for school children of North journals and two patents have been filed in the
East region. So far 50 Units have been installed current year. This DBT scheme is managed by
and operationalized (Assam- 35, Tripura-15, DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Bioscience, Mumbai.
Mizoram=10, Manipur-10). TERI membrane
f.2) Bioenergy-Awards for Cutting Edge
reactor has been installed at DPS, Guwahati.
Research (B- ACER): The Department of
All units are under evaluation for usage and data
Biotechnology, Govt. of India and the Indo-US
collection.
Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) have
e.2) Waste to Energy: Through competitive partnered for a dynamic visitation program
process Waste to Energy proposals have been called The Bioenergy-Awards for Cutting Edge
identified for demonstration of innovative and Research (B- ACER) focusing on the capacity
viable processes over traditional methods like building in the frontier area of Biofuel and
land filling and saving the environment from Bioenergy. The B-ACER Program has successfully
adverse effects of global warming by minimizing completed one year and currently the second
the emissions of methane from landfill sites. batch of 2017 B-ACER Awarded Interns and
One demonstration project and 5 R&D projects Fellows have commenced their Internships/
have been sanctioned during this year. Two Fellowships at respective U.S. Universities. So
demonstration projects are under far 11 Interns and 9 Fellows have been
consideration. It is expected that the successful benefited from this Program including training
technologies can then be transferred to for 6 Internships and 2 Fellowships during 2017.
Municipal Corporations for implementation to
g) International Collaboration in Clean Energy:
disposal of MSW more scientifically and
environment friendly manner. g.1) Indo-US Joint clean Energy: The project
addresses the second generation biofuel R&D
f) Capacity building in Bioenergy:
priority area of the US – India Joint Clean Energy
f.1) Energy Biosciences Overseas Fellowship: Center emphasizing sustainable feedstock
DBT “Energy Biosciences Overseas Fellowships” cultivation and supply, biochemical conversion
is a flagship scheme of DBT for bringing back technologies for production of second
the scientists of Indian origin who are working generation biofuels with minimal environmental
outside the country in the field of Energy impact, and analysis of overall sustainability and
Biosciences. Energy Biosciences Chairs are for supply chain of feed stocks as well as biofuel.

62 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Five year project successfully completed under Engineered Machine) competition which is held every
bilateral program between DBT and Department year in Boston, USA.
of Energy US. High biomass sorghum varieties
iBEC the Pre-iGEM competition encourages UG and
successfully tested under this project are being
PG students researchers to work in teams and solve
taken forward separately for Multi location trial
real-world challenges by building genetically
and large scale implementation. Through this
engineered biological systems. Each team manages
program both countries could connect relevant
their own projects, advocates for their research, and
teams of scientists and engineers from both
secures funding with a mentor. Teams are also
countries to promote clean energy.
challenged to actively consider and address the
g.2) The Indian Consortium for Advanced Biojet safety, security and environmental implication of their
Fuel Technologies (Ic-ABFT): The Consortium has work. So far, Department has supported 7 students
IIP Dehradun as lead institute and 4 partner team from various institute like IITs, IISER, IISc., and
institutes. Consortium has developed Public/Private Colleges/Universities.
mechanical hydrothermal deconstruction to
This year Pre-iGEM (iBEC) competition was
recover hemicellulosic sugars with 92%
announced by Department of Biotechnology in
hydrolysis which gave 87% saccharification with
February 2017. In response, a total of 12 proposals
commercial enzyme. Team has developed a
were received and evaluated by an Expert Committee
proof of concept for hydro-processing of yeast
set up by Department. After a competitive application
SCO into renewable jet fuel.
procedure, support provided to five best selected
g.3) US-India Advanced Bioenergy Consortium: teams for consumable, registration and travel of INR
Second Generation Biofuels: [Lead Institute - 10 lakhs/ team to travel to Boston, USA to
JNU] Partner Institutes- JNU, IISC-Bangalore, participate in iGEM 2017 held during November 9-
UDSC, ICGEB, IIT-Bombay, Bioseed Research 13, 2017. 5 teams from various institutes were given
India, NCBS, Bhartidasan University support from DBT for research work and travel to
US for iGEM 2017 contest. These teams presented
Consortium is working together on two different
interesting research projects and performed
tasks to obtain improved feedstocks i) mutant/
extremely well and 4 teams secured Gold and Bronze
engineered germplasm of rice and sugarcane
medals
with enhanced biomass and ii) engineered
cyanobacterial strains with enhanced E NVIR ONMENT
NVIRONMENT AL B IO
ONMENTAL TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY
productivity for advanced biofuel generation.
The aim of the Environmental Biotechnology
g.4) DBT is also Coordinating Mission Innovation programme of the DBT is to support research and
in Clean Energy and Biofuture Platform as a development programme in the areas relevant to
nodal agency to coordinate efforts for India waste management and environmental
h) Indian Biological Engineering Competition (iBEC) improvement. During the period, focus was on
PRE- iGEM Competition: National Competition Indian development of microbial technologies for
Biological Engineering Competition (iBEC) was environmental improvement, development of
launched in 2016 by Department in order select and treatment process of industrial effluent,
support best Indian student teams to participate in Bioremediation of xenobiotic compounds. Scanning
this international contest iGEM (International Genetic of the microbial diversity of various environments

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 63
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

and deciphering their genetic information was also process development for tannery wastewater
carried out with the aim of isolating microorganisms treatment involving membrane bioreactor (MBR)
that could be used in the in bioremediation processes. process integrated with microalgal bioremediation
With the objective to provide various possible etc. Some of the salient achievements of the
wastewater clean-up options, Department has also programme are highlighted as follows:
identified priority research areas like in- situ detection,
A project on biodegradation of chlorinated organics
mapping and quantification of pollutants with
by extremophiles: Developing biocatalyst for effective
innovative approaches, development &
remediation jointly carried out at IITD, New Delhi and
demonstration of wastewater specific effective
Delhi University, Delhi. The investigators have
bioremediation options like natural attenuation to
optimized biodegradation of DDT using Serratia
bio-stimulation, bio-augmentation or a combination
marcescens and the metabolites/ intermediates
of filtration, phyto-remediation and microbial
were characterized and possible pathway was
degradation etc.
deduced. It showed up to 60% of degradation under
Department took initiative on development of optimized conditions. In case of 4-CB, Enterobacter
programme on remediation and reclamation of sp. and Burkholderia xenovarous showed about 84%
agricultural soils at Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and 75% degradation after 5th day, and complete
dumpsite. A brainstorming session has been degradation was observed after 15 days.
organized in November 9-10, 2017 to identify priority
Under a pilot study for the bioconversion of
areas for remediation to polycyclic aromatic
hazardous DEHP plasticizer in plastics carried out at
hydrocarbons (PAH) in PAH polluted environment. A
University of Calicut, a soil isolate Achromobacter
study has been undertaken on mapping of research
denitrificans SP1 was studied in detail for the
outcome and development of compendium in the
degradation of DEHP plasticizer using in situ
area of remediation of dye, dye intermediates and
remediation. Also strain was further studied for the
textile industrial waste. Site visits have been
production and chemical characterization of alkaloid
organized to understand issues relevant to textile
molecule 25-C Prodigison. The isolated alkaloid was
industry wastewater management and explore the
further characterized by molecular modelling and
possibilities for development of industry-academia
docking studies so as to understand the interaction
collaborative R&D projects to address challenges in
between the alkaloid and target receptors such as
textile industry wastewater management.
prostaglandin synthase-2, lcx2 and Jak3 kinase. This
Department has initiated R&D projects on various has helped to elucidate the metabolic steps involved
aspects of wastewater treatment processes such in the degradation of DEHP.
as integrated eco-electrogenic system for efficient
In the project on bioremediation of polycyclic
and sustainable treatment of textile wastewater,
aromatic hydrocarbon contaminated soil using plant-
monitoring and assessment of emerging pollutants
microbe interaction in rhizosphere at Assam
and phycoremediation, bioaugmentation of activated
University, Silchar, five bacterium have been isolated
sludge for enhanced biodegradation of paper mill
from contaminated industrial sites. The bacterial
wastewater, field scale evaluation of bioreactor
consortium of five potential isolates was established
developed with indigenous microbial inocula for
as a result of positive interaction among them. The
treatment of textile industrial effluents, assessment
application of bacterial consortium increased the rate
of the potential of Natural Gangetic Biofilters for
of degradation of Pyrene (60-80%). Microbial
wastewater treatment in constructed wetland,

64 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

community approach reveals that the proteobacteria, anaerobically digested sago effluent can be further
actinobacteria and firmicutes were highly abundance purified by Spirulina cultivation under HRAP system
in presence of Pyrene treated soils, which have to achieve the twin objectives of improved
shown potential in degradation of Pyrene and also bioremediation efficiency of sago effluent and
reduced the stress in the host plant. Spirulina biomass production.

Biosurfactant enhanced bioremediation of PAHs Project on design upgradation of vertical sub-surface


contaminated soil of oil field situated at upper Assam constructed wetland unit for treatment of dairy
has been attempted at IASST, Guwahati. Investigators wastewater carried out at GEU, Dehradun. Different
have isolated biosurfactant producing bacterial designs of Vertical flow Sub-surface Constructed
strains from crude oil leakage sites. Among 25 soil Wetland (CW) units were operated to assess the
isolates, P. aeruginosa SR17 was found to produce most appropriate design which can provide the
high yield of biosurfactant (4.8 gm / litre), which was maximum removal of pollutants such as BOD, TSS,
purified and further characterized for its chemical Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous, ammoniacal
composition, CMC and surface tension properties. Nitrogen, Total dissolved solids(TDS) from dairy
Further, this rhamnolipid biosurfactant was applied wastewater. All the CW units showed good removal
to the soil in order to study its effect on the removal efficiency of pollutants from dairy wastewater. There
of crude oil contamination. The results showed was remarkable reduction in the average
increased removal of PAHs. concentrations of all the pollutants (BOD, TN, NH4-
N, TP and TSS) in all the CW units. The present
Under a project on utilization of cassava bagasse
research findings may help in reducing the size of
(CB) as a substrate for the production of microbial
CW units yet providing higher removal of water
exopolysaccharides: Xanthan and Curdlan at SASTRA
pollutants from dairy wastewater coming out from
University, Tanjavur, investigators have accomplished
dairy premises.
acid/alkali/enzymatic pre-treatments of CB to
produce reducing sugars in the hydrolysate, isolation A phytoremediation treatment process for the
and taxonomic characterization of exopolysaccharide degradation of dyes from textile industrial effluent
producing strains of Xanthomonas, Agrobacterium has been developed at Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
and Alkaligenes. They have obtained xanthan (best The developed lagoon could remove the dye and
yields 0.32g/gCB), curdlan (0.003g/gCB and pullulan maintained the parameters like COD, BOD, TSS, TDS,
(0.02g/gCB ds) using the aforesaid isolates along pH and metals of real industry textile effluent to their
with Paenibacillus and a fungus-like bacterium acceptable value. After treatment of dye Rubine GFL,
Aeurobascidium pullulans. dye mixture and textile effluent showed nontoxic
effects on agricultural seed of Triticum aestivum and
Under a project on improving biomethanation and
Phaseolus mungo. Further research work of treating
bioremediation efficiency of cassava sago effluent
the textile effluent on actual dye disposal site is in
by nitrogen amendments under HRAP system for safe
progress. Further, on field application of macrophyte
recycling of cassava sago efflument, investigators
Ipomea aquatica in wastewater lagoon of capacity
have demonstrated that biomethanation efficiency
60,000 L successfully carried out. Trials for onsite
of cassava sago effluent could be enhanced by
treatments are underway for finding the technological
addition of urea at C: N (40:1) ratio with cow dung
options from tertiary treatment of textile industry
and poultry droppings as inoculum source, and
wastewater.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 65
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

as to maintain connectivity within them so as to carry


out effective conservation efforts in the limited
available protected area.

In the Pan India network project on preventing


extinction and improving conservation status of
threatened plants using biotechnological tool, field
surveys during the last four years resulted in discovery
Figure 14.
of 906 new populations of 94 species. Ecological
In the project on biorestoration of degraded Niche Modelling for all the species was improved
mangrove forest along the embankment of the river during the period and as on date the predictive
Ramganga being carried out at WBSU, Kolkata, modelling and field validation for 82 species have
investigators have made substantial progress not been completed. The models for 18 species, which
only in understanding the community composition have very few individuals/ populations are being
of mangroves in degraded and non-degraded improved. The molecular profiling of 17 species viz.,
habitats but also identified the stress factor Aconitum spp., Amentotaxus assamicus, Crepidium
impacting the mangrove in degraded sites in terms acuminatum, Cycas beddomei, Dipcadi concanense,
of osmolytes. Stress in degraded site is expressed Dipcadi goaense, Embelia floribunda, Embelia ribes,
in higher Na+/K+ ratio and higher level. Considerable Embelia subcoriacea, Ilex embeloides, Ilex excelsa,
area in the site has been restored. On-site nursery Ilex khasiana, Ilex venulosa, Impatiens talbotii,
is being regularly maintained following protocol Justicia beddomei, Madhuca insignis, and
standardized in the project. Rhododendron wattii has been undertaken during
the last one year. Standardization of macro-
propagation methods was completed for 11 species.
Micro-propagation protocols were developed for five
species during the year. Out of 94 species studied in
the project, 50 species were reported to have
medicinal value. Further studies are in underway.

H UMAN D EVELOPMENT AND D ISEASE


B IOL OG
IOLOG
OGYY

Maternal and Child Health Programme:


Maternal and child health programme emphasizes
Figure 15.
on research activities related to pregnancy
complication, factors of adverse pregnancy outcome,
Under a joint project between NCBS and CWS, antenatal development, congenital anomalies and
Bangalore, genome-wide data has been used to problems and diseases of early childhood. The
prioritize the country’s tiger conservation efforts in projects supported so far focus on preeclampsia,
the Malenad-Mysore landscape of Karnataka. In a IUGR, recurrent miscarriages, effect of maternal
paper published in Nature Scientific Reports, nutritional status on pregnancy outcome,
investigators have chalked out ways to identify and development of neonatal immune system, neonatal
conserve genetically connected populations, as well sepsis and aspects of congenital anomalies. The

66 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

overall goal is to support both basic research and regulatory preferences have also been supported.
application centric discovery under the competitive
The Centre of Excellence grant supported under this
grant support system.
area investigates if intervention with vitamin B12,
Major New Initiatives Taken and progress in ongoing multi micronutrients and protein in adolescent girls
programmes are; before conception and through pregnancy will
favorably influence ‘fetal programming’ of diabetes
a) Healthy Life Trajectory Initiative: DBT has
and obesity in the offspring. The trial is set in the
partnered with Canadian Institute of Health Research
preconceptional birth cohort ‘Pune Maternal Nutrition
(CIHR), Canada for a Healthy Life Trajectories
Study’ which has followed up parents (F0) and
initiative (HeLTi) which is a multi-country effort where
children (F1) over 20 years with over 90% follow up
interventional cohorts will be established in India,
rate. The intervention is in the F1 generation. High
China & South Africa. The initiative is taking forward
quality biospecimens have been collected during
the knowledge that programming for many chronic
screening, after starting intervention, during
diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease
pregnancy, at delivery and upto 2 years after birth in
and metabolic syndrome occur early in life, starting
the mothers (F1) and the babies (F2) for
from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy, infancy and
measurements of metabolic, nutritional, and
childhood periods and that the effects can be inter-
endocrine phenotypes, as well as for DNA
generational in nature. It is further recognized that
methylation, transcriptome, metabolome, and
early intervention through nutrition and life style
microbiome.
changes may prevent these chronic diseases later
in life. The study is a community-based, cluster In the study blinded comparison showed that F1
randomized intervention with three arms (pre- generation daughters are taller, heavier and have
conception, pregnancy and control), set in rural higher circulating glucose and lipid levels during
Mysore. pregnancy compared to their mothers (F0).
Moreover, the F2 generation daughters are heavier,
b) Human Placental Research: Placenta endures the
longer and have lower fat measurements at birth
beginning of a new life in pregnancy as the sole organ
compared to their mothers (F1). The success of the
performing functions of multiple organ systems. This
intervention in achieving the goals and the effect on
has excited scientists around the world to understand
molecular signatures will be known only after
the detailed biology and pathophysiology of this organ.
completion of the trial (Fig 16).
This year several programmes have been supported
chiefly promoting research on placental structure
and function across pregnancy. The major area of
support include isolating placenta derived
nanovesicles and study various omics with a goal to
develop biomarkers for placenta health and function
across pregnancy giving important insights into future
complications and outcome of a pregnancy. Effect
of maternal fuel and nutrient supply on fetal growth
and its impact on further development is another
major area of support. Research on metabolic
pathways for placental development and placental Figure 16. A participant family in the Pune Maternal Nutrition

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 67
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Study (PMNS) and the Pune Rural Intervention in Young platform in place the plan is to expand the area of
Adolescents study (PRIYA). The PMNS started in 1993 in
married, non-pregnant women (F0 generation) who gave birth research for further innovative applications in PTB
to F1 children who participated in the PRIYA trial of and other related adverse birth outcomes. The
micronutrient supplementation and gave birth to F2 children.
biorepository will be expanded to become a national
The picture shows F0 parents and F1 and F2 daughters in the
front row and the great grandmother in the background on resource for translational studies in maternal and
whom we have historical information. child health. Governing processes will be put in place
c) Grand Challenge Research Programme on Preterm such that the clinical and epidemiological data, omics
Birth: A large network programmme was initiated in bank and the ultrasound images in the repository
2013 to advance a comprehensive and cohesive will be made available to stakeholders.
research solution pathway to address multiple d) Fetal and Neonatal Health Research: An important
strategic priorities in preterm birth discovery and effort is being made to generate high-quality,
development, needed in our country and other low- methodologically robust reference fetal growth charts
middle income countries. A multi-disciplinary for the Indian fetuses. Under this project, so far a
approach comprising methodologies of clinical, total of about 140 women across different stages
epidemiological, statistical, genetic, proteomic and of pregnancy have been randomly assigned and
imaging sciences is being used. The women are examined to document the measurements of the
enrolled early in their pregnancy and are serially fetal size parameters.
followed through their pregnancy till childbirth and 6
months post-partum. The cohort was initiated in Sepsis remains one of the major killers of neonates
August 2015. Till date, 3576 women have been across the world. One of the main reasons for this is
enrolled and 2103 women have a documented end inadequate means to diagnose sepsis early and
point of their pregnancy. The disturbingly high rates accurately at the bedside. A study at AIIMS aims to
of PTB (15%), low birth weight (> 20%) and small for address this issue by examining the role of
gestational age (13%) justifies the need for initiating procalcitonin- an upcoming promising biomarker in
this research program and for continuing to follow adults. In addition, a list of novel markers recently
the large cohort to achieve the initial objectives. published as promising in developing countries is also
Preliminary data has shown some interesting clinical being tested as proof-of-concept.
and biological risk factors that could aid in risk The clinical part of study was envisaged to complete
stratification. enrolment by two years and thereafter complete the
A large bi-bank of longitudinally collected varied bio analysis in the next few months. An interim analysis
specimens with well characterized information on shows that, the incidence of culture-positive sepsis
environmental, clinical, social, epidemiological was 14.9% (230/1546) and the pathogen profile
determinants at different time points in pregnancy shows Staphylococcus aureus (38.2%) as the most
has been established at THSTI. The repository has common isolate followed by Acinetobacter baumannii
an imaging bank that has currently over 1.3 lakhs (31.7%). Further, very high rates of carbapenem
ultrasound serial images on fetal morphology and resistance were detected in A. baumannii (90.5%)
biometry, blood flow of uterus, fetus, & placenta, and Klebsiella sp. (60.0%). Over two-thirds of S.
>400,000 bio samples comprising of maternal aureus and CoNS were methicillin resistant;
plasma, sera, saliva, feces, high vaginal swabs, urine, vancomycin resistance was rare.
cord blood, placenta, and there is development A programme support has been given to understand
towards establishing an omics bank. With this the immunological differences (Immunophenotyping

68 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

and function of monocytes, T cells and B cells) mutations by exome sequencing. Exome data of 44
between small for gestational age (SGA) and cases is yet to be analyzed / reanalyzed and
appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants and compared with the data of the parents and search
following up these infants for 6 weeks to determine for novel genes is underway (Fig 17).
reported neonatal infection-related morbidities. The
aim is to identify immune differences, which can
explain increased morbidity seen in SGA infants at
the same time comparisons will also be made with
adults. Adult and AGA monocyte subsets are
compared and it was observed that overall the cord
blood monocytes are not stimulated efficiently,
especially the patrolling monocytes. The functional T
cell assays on the CD4+ and naïve T cell subsets
between the cord and adult blood populations reveal
a two-fold difference in the activation status of the
two groups upon stimulation. The study of functional Figure 17. A child with distal arthrogryposis with a
characteristics of B cells derived from cord blood mutation in LGI4 gene.
and adult blood display higher numbers of naïve B
cells and immature B cell respectively and lower There is no data from India, on the prevalence of X-
numbers of plasmablasts in neonates as compared linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) and other
to adults as expected. Functional assays for B cells peroxisomal disorders, mainly because of
have also been standardized. inadequate availability of diagnostic facilities.
Elevated blood C26:0-lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)
Another important study aimed at identifying is considered to be a sensitive biomarker for X-ALD.
phenotypes of birth defects with limb malformations A tandem mass spectrometry-based method is
and to identify genetic etiologies for them has standardized for estimation of a panel of
evaluated 100 patients with malformations of limbs lysophosphatidylcholines (C26:0, C24:0, C22:0 and
and samples of the probands and family members C20:0 LPCs) in 3.1 mm dried blood spots collected
are stored for DNA analysis. Detailed pedigrees and on filter paper, by heel or finger-prick. The results
photographic documentation (with consent) have for proficiency testing were 100% satisfactory and
been collected. Sanger sequencing of candidate the measurement of LPCs was found to be accurate
genes for cases with monogenic phenotypes and precise. Further studies are being conducted to
identified pathogenic mutations in 11 of the 25 validate the test in a cohort of symptomatic children
cases. Chromosomal microarray identified copy with clinical features of leukodystrophy.
number variations in two cases out of 10 cases.
Exome sequencing identified causative variants in e) DBT-ICMR Joint Working Group: The Joint working
22 cases. In a case with distal arthrogryposis a Group with ICMR endeavors to identify invention and
mutation was identified in LGI4 gene which has been early-stage development of new medical
identified as a cause of arthrogryposis in 2017; technologies, early translation, development of
indicating a type of distal arthrogryposis is allelic to innovative tools & technologies in the identified
arthrogryposis multiplex congenital for which further areas. A call for proposal under Maternal & Child
functional studies are planned. Consanguinity is health programme was made and now proposals on
common in India and is of great help in identifying

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 69
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

pathophysiology of sepsis and also on rapid detection enrolled. Almost half of the subjects are
kits for sepsis are being processed for funding reported to have occupational exposure to
support. sand, dust, chemicals, animals etc. An equal
proportion 52% subjects use drinking water
f) Major Programmes on Kidney Diseases:
from natural resource (well/hand pump/bore
f.1) Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome: Idiopathic well/river). Large proportions (25%) of patients
nephrotic syndrome, the most common chronic have used alternative drugs or medicines either
kidney disease of childhood, is associated with before the onset of renal disease or for its
significant morbidity related to disease relapses treatment. It is significant as use of such drugs
and immunosuppressive therapies. This has been linked to various forms of AKI and
nationwide multicenter collaboration proposes CKD. Despite a diagnosis of CKD, the rates of
to help understand aspects of disease recommended vaccination are poor. Whereas
pathogenesis, disease course and impact of vaccination against HBV was completed in 29%
therapies. The project has enabled setting up of participants, only 1.6% participants had
of a disease registry for longitudinal cohorts of received vaccination against pneumococcus.
nephrotic syndrome, responsive and refractory About 16% of the participants have various
to therapy with corticosteroids. The basis of forms of manifest cardiovascular disease at
steroid resistance is being examined through enrolment. It has been found that in contrast
advanced sequencing techniques to develop to African American population,
algorithms for genetic testing in Indian patients. polymporphisms in APOL1 gene are not found
Studies examining additional aspects of the in Indian subjects with CKD. In an important
illness include: (i) disease pathogenesis, finding from the GFR sub-study, it was
including studies on immune cells and discovered that the existing formulae used to
microRNA & polymorphisms in genes involved calculate kidney function (glomerular filtration
in metabolism of immunosuppressive drugs; (ii) rate) using serum creatinine are inaccurate in
efficacy of therapy for the initial episode of Indian subjects which is likely related to poor
nephrotic syndrome; (iii) long-term muscle mass and vegetarian diet. Formulae
cardiovascular outcomes. The programme has based on cystatin C are more accurate. This
been initiated at multiple centers. has important bearing on how kidney function
is measured in Indians.
f.2) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Another
large observational cohort is being established f.3) International Network of Chronic Kidney
for the Indian population with CKD at 8 centers Disease cohort studies (iNet-CKD): An
nationwide in order to assess risk factors for important milestone for ICKD study is now
the progression of CKD, assess gender related inclusion in the iNet-CKD, a global consortium
differences in the risk for CKD and of CKD Cohort studies. The purpose of iNET-
cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. CKD understands CKD progression and its
Identification of yet unknown risk factors and consequences around the world which can be
biomarkers related to the progression of CKD enhanced through collaboration among study
will help identify new and improved strategies investigators implementing observational
for diagnosis, therapies and preventions. research studies in CKD. The PI is an elected a
Approximately 2500 patients have been member of core group of iNET-CKD.

70 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

population-based Bio-banking facility has been taken


during this period. With the aim to produce skilled
clinicians and the establishment of diagnostic labs
in the area of genetic disorders for adequate and
effective genetic testing and counseling services in
our country, a pertinent step has also been taken
during this period.

India consists of ethnically, geographically and


genetically diverse populations with several thousand
endogamous groups. The load of genetic disorders
is relatively high due to high birth rate and
consanguineous marriage practiced in many
communities.

By echoing lessons from a bench-to-community


through translational genomics research, there is a
need to foster the successful linking of large-scale
genomics research projects with health care
programs in our country. Considering these facts, as
per the priority defined under UMMID (Unique
Figure 18. UN; Unknown, DN; Diabetic nephropathy, CIN;
Methods and Management of Inherited Disorders)
Chronic interstitial nephritis, GN; Glomerulonephritis, HTN;
Hypertensive nephrosclerosis, PKD; Polycystic kidney disease initiative of this Human Genetics and Genome
Analysis program, the following steps during this
H UMAN G ENETICS AND G ENOME period have been taken by the Department to
A NAL
NALYY SIS redefine the Human Genetics research in our country
to harness the maximum benefit of this discipline in
Under the initiative UMMID (Unique Methods and the line of developed countries:
Management of Inherited Disorders) of Human
Genetics and Genome Analysis program, during this In the beginning of the year, a Brainstorming meeting
year, some major steps have been taken by the on Hemophilia was conducted with all pertinent
Department towards better management of genetic stakeholders in this area viz: scientists, clinicians,
disorders prevalent in our country in terms of industry people, representative of patient
facilitation of diagnosis and treatment facility. organization and Govt. Officials from ICMR, DHR and
Considering the highest prevalence of genetic DBT considering the fact that India reports the
disorders, many consortia based R&D projects on second highest number of patients with Hemophilia
Hemophilia, Hearing loss, Thalassaemia, A in the world. Subsequently, a call for proposal on
Cardiomyopathies, Maturity onset diabetes of the Hemophilia was issued to invite proposals to find
young (MODY) and many individual projects on other ways for implementation of viable, practical and
monogenic disorders have been initiated with the sustainable hemophilia care strategies in our country.
predefined deliverables. In order to support future In this line, a second call was issued on Monogenic
research on inherited disorders, a major initiative in Disorders under the priority ‘Genomics to Health’.
terms of establishment of disorder-based or Many consortia-based proposals were designed and

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 71
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

formulated out of the concept notes received by the these reasons, these techniques are being
Department, in order to bring scientists working in extensively used in the process of donor selection
the same area across the country together to for bone marrow and renal transplantation, disease
address major problems on specific Monogenic association studies as well as for teaching and
Disorders. training programs. Beside these, many short term
training (1-15 days) and long term training (between
To share limited resources and achieve optimal
15 days to 2years) are also being offered to several
outcomes with the aim to assure common practices
students, doctors and scientists.
and quality standards and facilitate access to
inherited disorder biomaterials for the scientific The study of scientists from SGPGI, Lucknow suggest
community, next Call was given to support the that an element of genetic risk exists determining
establishment of Bio-banking facility as a National the pathogenesis of end stage renal disease (ESRD)
Facility under the priority ‘Genomics to Biology’ of involves deregulation of NK cells, their activity being
this program. inclined towards more activating state. This is the
first report showing the association of the KIR cluster
Considering the lack of sufficient trained manpower
with ESRD. In an ancillary work they have also studied
and diagnostic labs in the area of Human Genetics,
the genetic association of the KIR gene cluster among
later on another Call was issued to support training
ESRD associated basic diseases like chronic
of clinicians cum creation of diagnostic labs across
glomerulo nephritis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension,
the country under the priority ‘Genomics to Society’
chronic interstitial nephritis, polycystic kidney disease
of this program.
and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
The projects under the above Calls will be ready for As per the study, differential behavior of KIR
funding in the next financial year. repertoire among these diseases may reflect the
different immune mechanisms involved which may
Some of the significant achievements made during
finally result into ESRD.
this period through the ongoing projects are given
below: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD) Genetics Consortium in North Indian
Bio-registry [Asian Indian Donor Marrow
Population: Scientists from Public Health
Registry (AIDMR)]: Scientists from AIIMS, New
Foundation of India (PHFI), Gurgaon are aiming to
Delhi are aiming to develop the state-of-art molecular
create a bio-bank of COPD cases for future genetic
immunology technologies for HLA typing for selection
studies. They have generated genotyping data by
of histo-compatible donors for hematopoietic stem
using the facilities available at Madras Diabetes
cell transplantation and for post-transplant
Research Foundation, Chennai. They have used
monitoring. Significant efforts were made towards
Sequenom Mass Array Technology for genotyping the
setting up and improving the requisite techniques
genetic variants (GWAS hits) related to COPD and
like PCR-SSP (Sequence specific priming), SSOP
lung function. Finally, they developed bio-bank of
(Sequence specific oligoprobing), Reverse SSO and
serum, plasma and DNA samples related to COPD
sequencing based typing. The higher level of
stored in required temperature in laboratory of PHFI,
resolution obtained through these techniques are
Gurgaon.
useful particularly in the unrelated hematopoietic
stem cell transplantation and will be the basis of Gene Expression Profile of Human
unrelated donor search through registry. Due to Retinoblastoma: To identify the differentially

72 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

expressed genes involved in the tumorigenesis and with larger samples are required to confirm these
tumor progression in human retinoblastoma, a finding.
comparison of gene expression profiles of human
Molecular diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal
retinoblastoma tissues and normal retinal tissues
Hyperplasia (CAH): Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
from cadaver eyes was carried out by scientists of
(CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to
AIIMS, New Delhi. Their gene expression data provide
deficiency of one of the enzymes involved in steroid
interesting insights into several genes and pathways
biosynthesis. 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) enzyme is the
that are dysregulated in retinoblastoma. Functional
most common among them that typically reduces
analysis of these genes leads to a better
cortisol and aldosterone secretion while
understanding of the development and/or
simultaneously increasing androgen production.
progression of tumor. These genes belong to diverse
Irrespective of the genetic and gonadal status,
cellular classes with functions in apoptosis,
androgen exposure in early fetal life leads to
phosphorylation, cell cycle, DNA damage,
virilization of the external genitalia to varying degrees.
transcription, oncogenesis, and tumor suppression.
Affected children present with genital ambiguity with
Their study has also shown for the first time that
or without salt wasting crises depending on the
some of the key members of the MAPK/ERK
severity of enzymatic defect.
pathway, Fas/Fas ligand pathway etc. are aberrantly
expressed in retinoblastoma and can be used as The genetic diagnosis of patients with CAH is
therapeutic targets complicated and very cumbersome. However, it is a
useful adjunct to hormonal measurements in the
Genetic mutations related to Maturity Onset
genetic counselling of parents upon the birth of a
Diabetes of Young (MODY): Pregnant women with
CAH child and of adolescents during the transition
diabetes may have underlying beta cell dysfunction
to adult care.
due to mutations/rare variants in genes associated
with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY). AIIMS is one of the largest CAH cohorts in India
MODY gene screening would reveal those women consisting of 140 patients with various cultural,
genetically predisposed and previously unrecognized socio-economic backgrounds. Scientists of AIIMS
with a monogenic form of diabetes for further clinical have done gynecological evaluation in 32 patients
management, family screening and genetic as these patients desired to get married. Genetic
counselling In this study, undertaken at CMC, Vellore counseling was given to the family members about
utilizing the Next generation sequencing (NGS) based the probability of risk transmission to the offspring.
protocol, fifty subjects were screened for variants in Many families have been restored from divorces, as
a panel of thirteen MODY genes. Of these subjects their genetic diagnosis confirmed and convinced that
18% (9/50) were positive for definite or likely both the life partners were equally at risk. Prenatal
pathogenic or uncertain MODY variants. The majority diagnosis (PND) was carried out in few couples who
of these variants were identified and four with GDM. had a CAH child /had a history of previous CAH child’s
The identified variants included one patient with death and in fetuses.
HNF1ASer3Cys, two PDX1 Glu224Lys, His94Gln, two
Pharmacogenomics of Atorvastatin among
NEUROD1 Glu59Gln, Phe318Ser, one INS Gly44Arg,
Dyslipidemic Tamilian Population:
one GCK, one ABCC8 Arg620Cys and one BLK
Hyperlipidemia is a major cause of atherosclerosis
Val418Met variants. In addition, three of the seven
and atherosclerosis-induced conditions, such as
offspring screened were positive for the identified
coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic
variant. Further NGS based comprehensive studies

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 73
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular Exogenous hCG enhanced the viability of human
disease. Atorvastatin treatment among dyslipidemic colorectal and lung cancer cells and promoted the
Tamilian patients was associated with significant growth of syngeneic tumors in mice by inducing the
reduction in TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C levels. synthesis of VEGF, IL-8, matrix metalloprotease
Scientists from JIPMER, Pondicherry reported that (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and increased invasiveness in
the studied genetic polymorphisms were significantly an MMP-dependent manner. In addition, hCG
different for most parts from African Americans and consequently caused the TLR-2-mediated generation
Caucasians and also some genetic polymorphisms of the inflammatory, tumor-associated cytokines
differed from that of North Indian population as well TNF-α and IL-6 from peripheral blood adherent cells.
as between dyslipidemic patients and healthy While anti-hCG antibodies restricted the growth of
controls. The study confirmed the unique genetic implanted tumor cells in nude mice, immunization of
architecture of Tamilian population. immune competent mice with a βhCG-TT conjugate
supplemented with Mycobacterium indicuspranii
N ON -C OMMUNICABLE D ISEASES provided synergistic survival benefit in animals
implanted with syngeneic, hCG responsive tumor
Cancer Biology: The mandate of the programme
cells. These studies elucidate the pathways by which
is new approaches for effective primary & secondary
hCG can promote tumorigenesis, providing further
prevention; identify high-risk population based on
rationale for anti-hCG vaccination in the treatment
exposure/genetic profile, biomarkers & non-invasive
of gonadotropin-sensitive tumors.
diagnostics suitable for field/homes, cancer
vaccines; MAbs, small molecule inhibitors, targeted In an attempt to study of the significance of DNA
therapies, affordable & quality assured diagnostics; replication licensing proteins as markers of lung
biosimilars. DBT is currently supporting 113 pilot cancer and its precursors, the investigators have
projects for young investigators. developed an innovative technique for sputum
laboratory processing and documented the
a) Major Initiatives: The Centre of Excellence was
advantage of this technique over the conventional
implemented to Rajiv Gandhi Centre for
method. The malignant cells and metaplastic cells in
Biotechnology, Thiruvanthapuram and Regional
sputum samples were characterized with DNA
Cancer Centre, Thiruvanthapuram. The aim is to
replication licensing proteins. The significance of
establish a program involving fundamental
these proteins as early detection markers of lung
researchers, clinicians, pathologists, bio-statisticians
cancer is being evaluated.
and computational biologists to understand the
genomic landscape, pathogenesis, aggressiveness, Studies were supported to investigate Role of tumor
metastasis of triple negative breast cancer and to derived glycosphingolipids in carcinogenesis. The
develop innovative options for better diagnostics with results revealed a novel and critical role of the tumor
prognostic value. The comprehensive understanding derived glycolipid, GM2 in mediating metastasis and
of genetics pattern of cancers will help us in tumor progression. The role of ganglioside GM2 in
identifying newer markers for cancer diagnostics, mediating AIG, anoikis resistance and metastasis
therapeutics, and help in designing of combination was confirmed using targeted genome editing tools.
therapies.
Studies have been carried to explore the Myeloma
b) Salient Achievement: Studies were carried to Genome with reference to microRNA modulated gene
examine Immune responses to an onco-fetal expression. Microarray based comparative genomic
antigen, hCG: A potential anti-cancer immunotherapy.

74 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

hybridization analysis of treatment naive de novo concomitant down-regulation of PTB2. Taken


Multiple myeloma (MM) patients categorized 44% together, these results suggested that changes in
cases into hyperdiploid and 56% cases into non the miR223/PTBP2 pathway may contribute to the
hyperdiploid subgroup. A comparison of miRNA abnormal splicing of several genes and shed light on
expression profile of MM cases with healthy control the potential role played by miRNAs/RBPs in a subset
samples suggested a differential expression profile of CML.
of 98 miRNAs. The comparison of miRNA profile of
Studies were supported to examine Plakophilin3
hyperdiploid vs non-hyperdiploid myeloma cases
(PKP3) role in tumor progression and metastasis in
suggested 67 miRNAs to be differentially expressed.
colon cancer. Preliminary results have indicated that
An integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA
PKP3 loss leads to an increase in resistance to drugs
expression has revealed 241 differentially regulated
used to treat colon cancer such as 5-fluorouracil in
genes as targets of differentially expressed miRNAs
vitro and in vivo. The resistance is dependent upon
in MM as compared to controls. The correlation of
LCN2 expression and therefore identifies it as a
miRNA and mRNA expression in hyperdiploid vs non-
possible target for therapeutic intervention.
hyperdiploid MM suggested 25 differentially regulated
genes as potential targets of differentially expressed Studies have been undertaken for development of
miRNAs and are under further investigations. genomics guided novel diagnostic and targeted
therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer. A sub-
Studies were undertaken for characterization of
classification scheme has been developed for 8
novel regulators of cell survival signaling in cancer
major sub-classes and upto 12 minor sub-classes
cells. A siRNA-mediated knock down of HPIP, an
of gastric tumors. The data have been verified in
estrogen receptor interacting protein reported to act
multiple available mRNA expression profiles of gastric
as an upstream regulator of PI3K/AKT/mTOR
tumors, comprising a total of 611 gastric tumor
signaling in cancer was shown to suppress Akt and
samples and is being evaluated for 60 gastric tumor
MAPK activity and tumor growth. HPIP gene was
samples. A genomics approach of “mRNA expression
upregulated under hypoxic as well as glucose limiting
profile - to - gastric cancer sub-type identification”
metabolic stress suggesting HPIP as a stress
has been evolved and Biomarkers at the level of
response gene in cancer cells. In addition, several
mRNA expression to define these subtypes have
missense mutations are identified in HPIP gene in
been identified. In addition, gene expression markers
human cancers. The functional significance of these
would also be investigated to understand their
mutations in relation to HPIP’s oncogenic function is
diagnostic potential at protein level and pathway
being investigated.
focused drug screening system to identify suitable
In a study to explore Global profiling and significance targeted drugs for the identified sub-classes of gastric
of alternative splicing events regulated by tumorsis is under progress.
polypyrimidine tract binding protein 2 (PTBP2) in the
Studies were supported to examine the functional
advanced stages of chronic myeloid leukemia, it was
role of MAGEA3-cancer-testis antigen in pancreatic
observed that expression of PTB2 positively
cancer.Preliminary investigation has provided
correlated with the progression of the disease and
evidences that demonstrate the role of MAGEA3 in
also increased with the increase in blast count.
the survival of pancreatic cancer cells under growth
Imatinib treatment up-regulated miR223 in cultured
factor deprived condition. Ongoing and future studies
bone marrow mononuclear cells isolated from CML
will help in understanding the exact molecular
patients and in 32Dcl3-BCR-ABL cells with a

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 75
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

mechanism behind this pro-survival advantage expression was also identified. In addition, non-
conferred by MAGEA3 to cancer cells. canonical role of TERT in metabolic reprogramming
and DNA damage responses in GBM has been
established. Further, it was observed that Warburg
effect characterized by enhanced glycolysis and
suppressed oxidative phosphorylation is associated
with drug resistance in cancer cells.
Figure 19. Western blot showing the expression of MAGEA3- Studies for assessment of the role of pterostilbene
HA protein in response to doxycycline in the generated stable
cell lines.
and its derivatives for prevention of bone loss in
breast cancer induced bone metastasis revealed
In a study to identify and develop diagnostic, that pterostilbene-isothiocyanate has better anti-
prognostic and minimal residual disease estimation breast cancer activity than pterostilbene. Its effect
markers for multiple myeloma (MM), a total of 298 was checked on osteoclastogenic cell line RAW 264.7
new cases, 66 cases of progressive disease, 34 by adding RANKL, a chemical that induces
relapse cases and 36 patients of Monoclonal osteoclastogenesis, it has been observed that the
Gammopathy of undertermined significance (MGUS) conjugate is also more efficient in preventing
have been recruited. All the MM cases showed large osteoclastogenesis as compared to only
genomic heterogeneity with 47% cases being pterostilbene. Further studies are on-going to validate
hyperdiploid with multiple trisomies of odd numbered these preliminary observations and understanding
chromosomes and 53% cases non-hyperdiploid. The the mechanism of action of this pterostilbene
most commonly observed genomic anomalies as conjugates in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and
detected by array CGH included monosomies 13, thereby augmenting osteoblastogenesis.
14, X and segmental aberrations. The
immunophenotypic characterization of 130 new Studies were performed on exosome mediated
cases suggested that CD19, CD56 along with regulation of angiogenesis in glioblastoma. In vitro
cytoplasmic ê and cytoplasmic ë as most useful characterization of recurrent glioblastoma stem cell
gating markers in delineating normal and malignant line referred to as NSG70 derived from the surgical
plasma cells. In addition, the frequency of MGUS tumor specimen of the patient with recurrent
patients (1.45%) in study is slightly lower in glioblastoma was performed. A large number of
comparison to other Asian countries. The prevalence novel long noncoding RNAs and proteins from
of MGUS was 2.5-fold higher in males than in exosomes were found and the investigators are
females and with 60% cases having age more than validating these novel RNAs and proteins regarding
60 years. their role in relation to radio-resistance in glioma.

In a study to investigate Inflammation regulated Studies were carried to investigate differential


metabolic reprogramming and its implications in expression pattern of autophagy and apoptosis
tumor progression, a histone deacetylase SIRT6 was related genes responsible for the deregulation of
observed to reconfigure HK2 promoter chromatin Imatinib induced cell death of chronic myeloid
structure to favour a regulatory state conducive to leukemia (CML) cell lines and subsequent
diminished transcription. The role of protein arginine development of Imatinib resistant cell line. The results
methyltransferase 1 in modulating chromatin demonstrated that imatinib resistant CML cells
landscape crucial for facilitating HLAB gene elevate expression of an array of autophagy related

76 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

genes, which could be used as a prognostic profiler reduced organ damage and increased survival of
of CML development. The results were established mice.
in K562 and experiments are ongoing in another CML
line (KU812) along with patient’s samples in order
to validate the data.

Studies carried at Center of Excellence on Evaluation


of Biology and Mechanisms of Resistance in
Leukemia demonstrated for the first time a novel
mechanism of resistance to arsenic trioxide in acute
promyelocytic leukemia as well as a strategy to
Figure 20. Proposed model for the role of Nos2
overcome it. Drug resistance AML was found to be during sepsis-induced inflammatory responses.The
modulated by inhibition of NF E2 related factor 2 induction of sepsis in C57BL/6 mice increases Nos2-derived
NO, and other infection-induced factors which together result
(Nrf2), a master regulator of antioxidant response, in a heightened inflammatory response and recruitment of
suggesting the possibility of using Nrf2 inhibitors in neutrophils to the site of infection, i.e. the peritoneal cavity.
combination with chemotherapeutic agents to
In a study to explore the etiology Biliary atresia (BA),
modulate drug resistance in AML.
a proteomic profiling was done on blood and tissue
Metabolic Disorders & Autoimmune and other samples in children with BA. Two-dimension gel
Non-communicable Diseases: The mandate of electrophoresis showed 10 different significantly
the program is to develop & support competitive expressed proteins which were found to play role in
R&D programmes and generate new programmes lipid metabolism, inflammation, immune response,
on detailed biology in identified non-infectious and wound healing suggesting important role of
disease conditions, genetic/epigenetic mechanisms, immune inflammation in disease progression. The
development of affordable and non-invasive identified protein may be further evaluated as an
diagnostics / imaging for early diagnosis and optimal early biomarker for the disease.
management, Point-of-care interventions and
In a study aimed to investigate the factors involved
development of personalized medicine approach etc.
in gastrointestinal motility in Type 2 Diabetic patients,
Salient achievements: Several new projects related it was observed that small intestinal bacterial
to cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis and diabetes have overgrowth (SIBO) was more in type 2 diabetic
been supported. Some of the significant findings are patients as compared to controls and orocecal transit
as below: time (OCTT) delayed in patients. Lipid per-oxidation
was increased along with catalase and superoxide
Nitric oxide (NO), being highly reactive in nature has
dismutase (SOD) whereas reduced glutathione (GSH)
pleotropic functions ranging from intracellular
was decreased. Furthermore, levels of substance-P
signaling to anti-microbial effects and immuno-
were lower and serotonin higher in patients as
modulatory functions. In a study to investigate the
compared to controls. In case of angiotensin
role of Nos2-derived NO in a mouse model of
converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism, DD genotype
Salmonella typhimurium infection induced sepsis, it
was more pronounced in Type 2 diabetes patients
was observed that Nos2 is crucial for induction of
and on correlation with gut motility, DD genotype
pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines,
individuals showed delayed OCTT. In case of SERT
neutrophil recruitment at the site of infection,
polymorphism, SS was pronounced in type 2 diabetes
increased resistance to the spread of infection,

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 77
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

patients and on correlation with gut motility, SS


genotype subjects had fast OCTT.

Impact of vitamin D supplementation on vascular


function and oxidative stress in patients with chronic
kidney disease was verified in a study. It was found
that cholecalciferol supplementation improves
cardiovascular disease risk factor profile through
positive impact on vascular function in subjects with
early chronic kidney disease, and is effective in
correcting the secondary hyperparathyroidism and Figure 21. Induction of protein synthesis in PE treated
cardiomyocytes grown on keratin, evaluated by puromycin
bone health. This finding provides strong evidence incorporation assay
for a new therapeutic modality for improving outcome
in this common condition. In a study to investigate role of thrombin in vascular
anomalies, it was observed that thrombin induces
Hemolysis-associated anemia is characteristic of endothelial inflammation by upregulating the
diseases such as atherosclerosis, lupus, malaria, and expression of Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) protein. It was
leishmaniasis. Studies were conducted to shown that endogenous Ang-2 can modulate inter-
investigate immunological consequences of free cellular junctions, barrier property and inflammation
hemoglobin (Hb), particularly in the context of pre- of the endothelium. Elucidating the mechanisms of
existing systemic autoimmune disease. Autoimmune how thrombin increases the expression of Ang-2 will
anti-Hb antibody responses were detected in the help to identify novel drug targets for management
sera of lupus patients. Lupus-prone mice exhibited of coagulative vascular diseases.
heightened plasma Hb levels, and Hb triggered
preferential release of lupus-associated cytokines Studies have been initiated to develop an assay for
from splenocytes derived from lupus-prone mice. recognizing and analyzing epitope specific CD8+ T
Lupus-prone mice expressed increased titers of anti- cells in the peripheral circulation of subjects with
Hb anti-bodies in serum and in kidney eluates. The different types of autoimmune diabetes. The
results showed that Hb demonstrates both developed assay can further be used for monitoring
antigenicity and immunogenicity and triggers specific disease progression and treatment/transplant
immuno-pathological effects only in mice prone to approaches and screening immunodominant
systemic autoimmunity. epitopes for vaccination/immunotherapeutic
approaches.
Studies have been supported for culturing of primary
cardiomyocytes as a tool in gaining insights into the In the present study to investigate the relation of
physiology and pathology surrounding cardiac Nox4, Insulin Receptor (IR) and PTP1B, it was found
complications. Culture of murine cardiomyocytes that Nox4 co-localized with both IR and PTP1B. FRET
was successfully standardized using keratin as a signal between Nox4 and PTP1B following insulin
substrate which is easily available and cost effective. stimulation, suggest a dynamic regulation of the
Using a battery of assays, the ability of these interaction between these proteins. The results
cardiomyocytes growth on keratin was demonstrated provide further evidence that an interaction between
to respond to hypertrophic stimulus, thus validating Nox4 and PTP1B may be an important component
the usefulness of this in vitro model to study of the link between the Nox4 ROS generating
hypertrophy.

78 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

apparatus and the regulation of cellular PTP1B 2011 and 1200 MEGs performed on patients from
catalytic activity and enhancement of insulin action. not only across the country but also from abroad.
This COE has resulted in 56 publications in reputed
In a study carried out to investigate immune cells
journals. The Department has implemented 7
migration across the BBB, it was shown that IFN-³
proposals in the area of Hypoxic ischemic brain injury
but no other cytokines perturbed the localization of
(HIBI). National Initiative Phase II on Glial Cell
tight-junction and cell adhesion molecules on
Research was initiated to portray Disorders of
endothelial cells. This study suggests that a strategy
Nutrition, Infections, Life style and degenerative
that controls the transendothelial migration of
disorders and CNS development, regeneration and
immune cells across the BBB will help in controlling
reprogramming. 31 concept notes were received as
the neuroinflammation and autoimmunity.
an outcome of Brain Storming session on Glial cell
Studies undertaken to identify novel microRNA research, out of which, 21 have been shortlisted for
candidates regulating osteoblast functions led to the Inviting full proposals.
identification of miRNAs which negatively regulate
Salient achievements: The Department has been
osteoblast functions. These microRNAs were found
able to generate a considerable pool of
to be down regulated in bones isolated from
neuroscientist by the tireless efforts since 2010;
medicarpin treated BALB/c mice which has an
when a specific call for proposals was first advertised.
osteoprotective effect. Thus, all these microRNAs
Out of 208 projects implemented since 2010
may be potential therapeutic strategy for bone loss
covering – degenerative disorders, drug
conditions.
development, neuro inflammatory disease, neuro-
Neuro Disease Biology: The Department has infections, epilepsy, stroke etc, besides the multi-
constituted a new Task force on Neuroscience with centric Glial project. Currently there are 50 projects
a mandate to have projects having disease centered in various stages of implementation and around 150
approach. have been successfully completed. Some of the
significant findings are as below;
Dementia is a devastating memory impairment
condition. Considering that it is a chronic disabling An on-going study at NBRC, Manesar has shown that
condition that consumes resources at economic, specific brain neuro chemicals alteration monitoring
social and psychological levels, longitudinal follow- and quantization before the onset of
up studies are vital for studying the impact of neurodegenerative disorders is an important area
dementia at the level of family, community and the of research. It was demonstrated that brain
Nation, a comprehensive study was approved and antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), is depleted
implemented, which will provide reliable data significantly and clinically correlated with the clinical
regarding incidence, prevalence, biomarkers and risk status (mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or
and protective factors. The study will be multi-centric Alzheimer’s disease (AD)) of the patients. A
involving researchers and clinicians across the comprehensive methodology was developed to bind
country. Long-term population-based and hospital- together MRI derived information (brain volume etc.),
based cohorts of dementia patients will be set-up, neuropsychological outcome and MRS derived
and followed up. The Department has approved COE various neuro chemicals. The developed
Epilepsy Phase II after successful completion of methodology has been submitted for National and
Phase I. Over 500 cases have been treated since International patent.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 79
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

A translational stroke research facility (first of its kind a dengue vaccine candidate which is devoid of any
in the country) has been established at AIIMS, New viral interference, is non replicating, efficacious and
Delhi where translational human studies are being safe to use. The present work has substantiated
carried out in the field of discovery of novel genetics the ability of developing ‘Four-in-one” Envelope-
and protein biomarkers for stroke diagnosis and modified Tetravalent Dengue Virus-like Particles (E
prognosis. An online platform for data capture and VLPs) as a potential Dengue vaccine candidate. The
data analysis for multi-centric projects has been vaccine candidate is being evaluated for pre-clinical
established. This collaboration enabled formation studies which upon successful completion will be
of multidisciplinary team of researchers from further preceded to clinical trials.
neurology, neuroimaging, neurobiochemistry,
Another study entitled ‘characterization of role of
neurogenetics, biostatistics, epidemiology and others
dengue virus and viral non-structural protein ns1 in
to utilize a wide range of technologies in stroke
affecting barrier and haemostatic function of
research.
vascular endothelial cells in vitro towards defining
In another study at NIMHANS, the findings has pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhage fever has
enabled in advance understanding of neuroimmuno- resulted in two translatable components, a capillary
pathological abnormalities in Schizophrenia. In motor biomarkers for dengue disease severity and
addition, state-of-the-art flow cytometry facility was a NS1 as novel therapeutic target.
established to train manpower in this cutting edge
A study on ‘Serum Proteome and Cytokine Profiling
research technique.
of Dengue Fever Patients to Decipher Disease
I NFECTIOUS D ISEASE B IOL OG
IOLOG
OGYY Pathogenesis and Identification of Early Diagnostic
and Prognostic Markers’ has revealed a few potential
Infectious Diseases (ID) such as Malaria, biomarkers like angiotensinogen, antithrombin-III
Tuberculosis, HIV, Dengue, Chikungunya, Cholera, among others which could be predictive markers for
Leishmaniasis, Japanese Encephalitis, Filariasis etc. monitoring disease progression.
has caused serious epidemics in recent years and
has started contributing to substantial disease An investigation entitled ‘Microbiome of Human Lung
burden. In order to address various issues and in COPD Patients Attending Vallabhai Patel Chest
related concerns, DBT through Task Forces and Institute’ has helped to identify different bacterial
Expert Groups is focusing in the area of infectious phyla in COPD positive patients with 16s RNA gene
diseases specifically relevant to the country caused sequencing employing illumine next generation
by various pathogenic agents like bacteria, viruses, technology. The study deciphered microbial markers
parasites and fungi. associated with COPD cases, which could be used
to develop non-invasive diagnostic method for COPD.
Salient achievements: The overall emphasis of
the programs supported is to develop preventive, Efforts to understand the roles of critical protein
therapeutic and diagnostic tools for major infectious translation machinery proteins in parasitic diseases
diseases. Some of the significant findings have been like malaria have led towards structure-function
given below; studies that can probe these motors as new drug
targets. The 3 D structures of pyrophosphatases,
A study on ‘Development of Envelope based N-terminal GST-like domain and C-terminal EMAP II
Tetravalent “All-in-one” Vaccine has led to the like tRNA binding of multi-synthetase complex (MSC)
development of strategy that can be utilized to devise component protein p43 have been determined.

80 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Structure based targeting of orthologous pathogen meningitis on the basis of molecular techniques and
proteins has been proposed and has been validated novel inflammatory biomarkers.
through cell and enzyme assays. Co-crystal structure
RNA sequence analysis of HEV replicon transfected
determination of parasitic prolyl-tRNA synthetases
Huh 7 cells on Ion Proton Next Generation Sequencer
with quinazolinone based inhibitors and lysyl-tRNA
at 24 h and 72 h time points post transfection to
synthetase with cladosporin derivates have been
identify the temporal pattern of differentially
achieved.
expressed non coding and protein coding RNA pairs
A comprehensive study on ‘Molecular that play significant role in HEV life cycle was
characterization of resistance mechanisms and performed. In the sequencing data coordinated
epidemiological typing of clinical isolates of expression of a few long non coding RNA-mRNA and
carbapenem resistant Acienobacter baumannii miRNA-mRNA pairs were observed that may play a
(CRAB) in Septicemia and Meningitis patients’ significant role in HEV pathogenesis and life cycle.
provided the mechanism of the existing carbapenem The screening of miRNA/long non coding RNA as
resistance determinants. The blaOXA-23 and blaNDM-1-23 potential prognostic/diagnostic biomarker for
are the major carbapenem resistance mechanisms Hepatitis E is being evaluated.
observed among CRAB isolates. These isolates are
a) HIV Vaccine Translational Research Laboratory:
representative of global diversity of the clinically
The THSTI-IAVI HIV Vaccine Program is a unique public-
important CRAB, maximum of the isolates are linked
private collaborative initiative that was set up to
to the international linked clones. Whole genome
establish and build scientific capacity in India by
sequencing of this collection of CRAB isolates will
engaging scientists with distinct disciplines towards
give major insights into the genetic diversity,
complementing the global R&D efforts for discovery
resistome, mobile genetic elements and virulence
of AIDS vaccine, that would significantly bring down
determinates of CRAB in India.
the disease incidence and burden in affected regions
DBT has sanctioned ‘setting up the National Bio-bank including India.
Facility for clinical and basic research in HCV at ILBS’.
Rapid screening, identification, design and early
This tissue bank facility envisages collection of high
development of HIV-1 envelope protein (Env)
quality patient samples that will help in the biomarker
antigens based on circulating strains of HIV-1 in India
discovery and validation as well as clinical trials and
that potentially would act as an immunogen towards
epidemiological study. In addition, the facility will serve
eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies following
as a service provider for bio-samples, education,
immunization. A screening, identification, isolation
training and capacity building, counselling and
and characterization of broadly neutralizing
consultancy.
antibodies (bnAbs) from donors of Indian origin.
A study was supported on ‘Diagnosis of neonatal
HVTR laboratory focuses on developing
bacterial Meningitis by 16 sRNA gene-based universal
Envimmunogens based on the virus strains
primer, PCR and procalcitonin assay for CSF’. The
circulating in India. By screening a number of HIV-1
evaluation of three new methods for diagnosing
primary Envs originated from Indian patients, HVTR
neonatal meningitis, namely universal primer PCR for
laboratory has identified three HIV-1 Env antigen
detecting 16 s RNA gene, CSF procalcitonin, CSF
targets which have shown excellent antigenic and
leucocyte esterase is underway. The findings may
structural properties favourable to assess their
lead to better and accurate diagnosis of bacterial
immunogenicity in suitable animal models. The

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 81
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

immunogenicity of these antigens is currently being Antibodies and other Entry Inhibitors of HIV-1,
assessed in rabbit model. Selective modifications molecules with potential applications as HIV vaccines
of these antigens are being done for their potential was successfully developed and tested in small
use in antigen-specific mAb isolation from single B animals and the challenge studies need to be carried
cell cloning. In addition, by screening 200 out in non-human primates. Another study on
antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve slow progressing ‘Biosimilars of Antibodies with Multiple CD4s which
HIV-1 infected Indian patients, 11 patients who were will Irreversibly Neutralize Broad Spectrum of HIV-1
able to elicit bnAbs in the natural disease course by Inducing Shedding of gp 120s’ succeeded in
have been identified, 4 of them are found to make engineering two CD4 fusion molecules that can strip
potent bnAbs showing >60-90% neutralization gp 120s from pseudo HIV cells and block fusion by
breadth across different HIV-1 strains of distinct rendering the pseudo particles ineffective. The leads
geographical origins. These individuals are referred thus available will be taken into translational mode
to as elite neutralizers. In active collaboration with by identification of a commercial partner. A study on
the IAVI’s Neutralizing Antibody Consortia (NAC), the ‘Microbicide for Prevention of HIV Transmission and
HVTR laboratory is currently working towards isolation other Sexually Transmitted Infections: In Vitro Efficacy
of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and Pre-clinical Safety Evaluation’ identified herbal
(bnmAbs) from these elite neutralizers which will formulations as microbicides for prevention of
immensely help in R&D endeavors in guiding rational sexually transmitted HIV-1/HSV-2, which will be taken
next generation immunogen design and treating to the next level by HLL Lifecare Limited, Kerala.
infected patients. Discernable outcome of this collaborative effort has
been 42 publications, 6 patents and training of
manpower in the capacities of JRFs, SRFs and RAs.

In addition to the R & D projects, DBT has initiated


inter-institutional HIV Research Program entitled’
Cohorts for HIV Resistance and Progression in Indian
Children and Adults’. The networking program
envisages on building specific HIV cohorts and a
related national database and bio-repository to
enable the conduct of studies that will provide a
Figure 22. Structure guided approach being employed better understanding of the disease to aid in the
towards rational HIV-1 Indian Clade C Env (4-2.J41) protein design and development of novel tools for treatment
based immunogen design.
and prevention of HIV/AIDs.
b) DBT- ICMR Collaborative Research Efforts on HIV,
In a study at IIT Guwahati to investigate key enzymes
AIDS and Microbicides: The mandate of this
and their respective inhibitors involved in the redox
collaborative effort was to accelerate research
metabolism and associated pathways of the
efforts towards generation of knowledge for
Leishmania donovani parasite, a potent
development of technologies to provide the basis
antileishmanial compound which resulted in parasitic
for the development of HIV vaccines and novel
death via apoptosis and show synergistic effect with
therapies against HIV and Microbicides. Under this
miltefosine has been identified. Further progress has
initiative, 14 projects were supported. In a study
enabled better understanding of the biology of the
entitled ‘Rapid Epitope Mapping of Neutralizing
Leishmania parasite which will eventually lead to the

82 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

development of therapeutic interventions for the two decades with major focus on disease biology,
treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. drug discovery and vaccine research. DBT has
implemented various projects and also supported
In another study aimed at studying the interaction
Centres of Excellence that involves various institutes
between the flu virus matrix protein M1 and human
for research activities that ranges from basic
nucleosomes, four individual human histone proteins
sciences to translational research.
namely were expressed in bacteria, purified to
homogeneity and refolded into histone octamer in In a CoE at IISc Bengaluru, Molecular dissection of
vitro. The octamer along with specific DNA sequence M. tuberculosis integration host factor (IHF),
was reconstituted together to obtain nucleosome revealed novel insights into the mode of DNA binding
core particles. The M1 protein from Influenza virus and nucleoid compaction. Similarly, molecular and
was also expressed using bacterial system and functional characterization of M. tuberculosis RecD
purified to homogeneity. A complex of the M1 protein suggested that it is a novel member of the SF1 family
with the host nucleosome is currently being prepared of helicases and has role in the initiation of HR.
for structural studies. Further, the studies on M. tuberculosis RecG and
RuvA, RuvB disclosed the mechanism underlying
Holliday junction resolution and multiple mechanisms
of replication restart in bacteria. In a CoE at New
Delhi, a Vitamin ‘C’ model was developed as a
valuable system to probe host interactions with
dormant Mtb that will provide an understanding of
cellular events in host-directed therapeutics. In the
Figure 23. Images of nucleosome core particle crystals
CoE supported at University of Delhi and International
A study was undertaken to characterize and Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, a
establish IspE kinase gene as an antimalarial drug new improved method was developed to evaluate
target and to identify novel compounds as the inhibitory potential of a candidate compound
antimalarials against Plasmodium IspE enzyme. IspE against Mycobacteria residing in phagosomes.
gene of Plasmodium falciparum (PfIspE) and
Taking into account the fast spread of multidrug
Plasmodium vivax(PvIspE), collected from seven
resistant and extensively drug resistant Tuberculosis
topographically distinct malaria endemic regions of
in the country a focused RFA was issued by DBT and
India showed that both PfIspE gene and PvIspE gene
proposals for development of innovative, field-
is highly conserved. Further, the recombinant PvIspE
applicable and cost effective TB diagnostic
protein/enzyme was expressed and characterized.
biomarkers have been supported. Some of the
In a study carried to investigate gut microbiome in significant findings have been highlighted below;
children with arthritis, it was found that children with
In a study at JALMA to study the induction of
juvenile arthritis had alteration in their gut microbial
autophagy as a strategy for treatment of
flora with increase in bacteria that can increase
tuberculosis, particles to release the autophagy-
inflammation like bacteroides.
inducing agent rapamycin in a rapid manner on
c) Tuberculosis (TB): India is the country with the deposition on the lung surface, or to target the
highest burden of both TB and MDR TB. DBT has majority of the drug to alveolar macrophages were
been funding research on Tuberculosis for the past prepared. Spray-drying and non-solvent addition

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 83
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

processes for the preparation on a laboratory scale to anti-microbial response is under progress.
were optimized. Powders comprised of these
In addition, DBT and ICMR have signed a MoU on
particles were assessed for amenability to deep lung
Biomedical & Health Research wherein Tuberculosis
delivery and in vivo lung deposition and macrophage
was marked as critical area of partnership with prime
uptake. It was concluded that spray-dried particles
focus on TB diagnostics.Validation of indigenously
were suitable for use as a dry powder inhalation (DPI)
developed technologies for diagnosis of pulmonary
formulation.
tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
has been initiated by four major institutions and two
Indian companies. The TrueNat RIF kit is found to
be comparable to the GeneXpert in-terms of
sensitivity and specificity. An operational feasibility
studies are now planned to be conducted to find its
Figure 24. Different z-sections showed that the particles were
internalized by cells, confirming that particles were able to implementations at District Medical centers under
reach in deep lungs and were taken up by alveolar Revised National Tuberculosis Control programme.
macrophages.Confocal microscopy showing FITC-RAP-particle
uptake by alveolar macrophages (A) Phase contrast micrograph
(63´) of a lung macrophage recovered by BAL 5 min after V ACCINE R ESEARCH AND
inhalation of fluorescent-tagged particles. (B) FITC channel (C)
Merged and (D) z-section of the same field.
D EVELOPMENT
In a study supported at JNU Delhi an approach to TB Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has made
treatment was developed that reduces immune concerted efforts in strengthening vaccine research
impairment, length of treatment and toxicity. Nano- and development since its inception in 1986-87
formulated curcumin with 6- to 7-fold increased through various endeavours. Currently major efforts
bioavailability than regular curcumin was developed are being implemented through the Vaccine Grand
and tested for efficacy in a murine TB model. The Challenge Programme (VGCP) and Indo-US Vaccine
formulated nanoparticle drastically reduced the Action Programme (VAP).
hepatotoxicity induced by the anti-tubercular drug VGCP aims to encourage novel and innovative
INH. In addition, enhanced T cell-mediated immunity vaccine related discoveries, accelerated
and prevented post-therapy susceptibility to re- development of candidate vaccines for which earlier
infection and re-activation of the disease was leads are available, research of basic & applied
observed. Further, it significantly reduced the length nature to improvise current understanding of vaccine
of treatment for attaining sterile infection and science and to strengthen the scientific basis for
therefore reduced the risk for the generation of MDR future vaccine design. The programme is under
and XDR variants of TB. implementation since 2009-10 and major supports
In a study carried at University of Hyderabad to have been provided to R&D projects focusing on the
analyze anti-mycobacterial role of sphingolipids development of candidate vaccines and vaccine
against pulmonary infection with pathogenic related technologies.
Mycobacteria, it was demonstrated that S1P signaling The VAP is a bilateral Indo-US program, which
promote IFN gamma mediated Th1 programming supports a broad spectrum of activities relating to
and bacterial defense and indeed represents a new and improved vaccines. The program was
prospective drug candidate for controlling pathogenic designed to encompass laboratory-based research,
mycobacteria. Further evaluation of receptors linked

84 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

evaluation of candidate vaccine development, testing immunization


for clinical development, vaccine quality control,  Observation of practices at sites during
delivery of vaccines etc. The oversight to the program immunization
is provided by the VAP Joint Working Group (JWG)
comprised of eminent scientists and policymakers The states identified for the pilot rollout were Vellore
from both the countries. The programme is under District, Tamil Nadu, Pune District, Maharashtra and
implementation since 1987. VAP-supported research Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. The Central Unit
projects have directly addressed critical health based at CHRD-SAS coordinates the project; the
problems relevant to both countries. Project Management Committee guides the Central
Unit and conducts periodic reviews. The International
Rotavirus Vaccine: ROTAVAC® is the first Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN) is assisting
indigenous rotavirus vaccine, developed from an the public health system in the three states during
Indian strain by an Indian company and tested by the rollout. The limited roll out is coordinated by the
Indian investigators in an effort led by the Indian Department of Biotechnology and an Inter-
government and supported by several national and ministerial- Interagency Coordination Group Steering
global partners. The vaccine has been developed by Committee co-chaired by Secretary, DBT and
a unique social innovation of public-private sectors Secretary Department of Health Research &Director
along with institutional collaboration. The vaccine is General, ICMR with the Secretariat at BIRAC of DBT.
manufactured in India by M/s Bharat Biotech
International Limited, Hyderabad under cGMP Malaria Vaccines: International Centre for Genetic
conditions and is a more affordable alternative to Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi
the rotavirus vaccines already on the market. The along with its translational research partner “Multi
vaccine is commercialized and based on the Vaccines Development Program” earlier known as
recommendations of NTAGI; ROTAVAC® has been “Malaria Vaccine Development Program”) has
introduced in the EPI programme of nine states. advanced the development of blood-stage vaccines
for P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria over the last
Early implementation of Rollout of Rotavirus Vaccine decade. Funding support through Vaccine Grand
in the Public Health System Under Monitoring: Challenge Program of Department of Biotechnology,
Subsequent to licensure, the competent body of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
government of India, National Technical Advisory (BIRAC) and multiple international agencies including
Group on Immunization (NTAGI) recommended the Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), PATH and European
phased introduction of indigenous ROTAVAC® Vaccine Initiative (EVI) has been received. These
vaccine in the national program and advised that recombinant protein-based adjuvanted Malaria
the early rollout be carefully monitored and observed vaccines advanced through the translational
by relevant government agencies with support from development pathway of GMP production, pre-clinical
national academic institutes and the central immunogenicity testing, GLP compliant toxicity testing
government. The aim of this initiative is to gain and Phase I trial after receiving all necessary
experience on the following issues pertaining to the regulatory approvals. All these translational
vaccine i.e.: development activities have been done with Indian
 Cold chain capacity at the sites partners or collaborators or through an out-sourced
model. A brief of the vaccine candidates which have
 Logistics for vaccine supply
undergone development beyond lab bench are
 Preparation of tools and processes for mentioned below:

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 85
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

JAIVAC-2 (Second Generation P. falciparum Major Initiatives implemented under Indo-Us


Vaccine Candidate): In its monovalent form VAP: An Indo-US Candidate Vaccine Advisory
JAIVAC-2 is an Alhydrogel formulation of Recombinant Committee (CVAC) has been established to support
protein, MSP-Fu24 (a fusion chimera consisting of VAP’s mission to promote R&D efforts for important
PfMSP-119 and an 11kd region of PfMSP3 (PfMSP- candidate vaccines, through their evaluation of
311). The fusion chimera contains both a T-helper candidates and subsequently provide
(TH) epitope as well as B epitopes that are the target recommendations to the VAP. So far two meetings
of antibody dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI). In of CVAC have been organized and 8 candidate
its bivalent form JAIVAC-2 is an Alhydrogel formulation vaccines have been reviewed and endorsed under
of physical mixture of PfF2 and MSP-Fu24 protein. VAP. Under CVAC, joint scientific consultations is
Presently both the formulations are undergoing Acute being planned to explore opportunities for
and Repeat Dose toxicity studies after approval from Chikungunya and Dengue vaccine trials in India.
Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM)
a) Regional Prospective Observational Research for
and Animal Ethics Committee.
Tuberculosis (RePORT) India is a bi-lateral multi-
Dengue Vaccine: Department has been supporting organizational collaborative effort designed to
the group at ICGEB, for the development of safe, advance regional basic and clinical tuberculosis (TB)
efficacious and inexpensive tetravalent dengue science in India, strengthen TB research capacity and
vaccine. The dengue vaccine candidate is based on infrastructure and foster research collaboration
the host receptor-binding domain-III (EDIII) of DENV within India and with other countries. The primary
envelope protein. The four-in-one, tetravalent funding for Consortium research activities comes
vaccine candidate, incorporates the EDIIIs of all four from the Indian Department of Biotechnology (DBT),
DENVs spliced together through flexible peptide- U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
linkers in a single translational reading frame. Further, Diseases (NIAID), Division of AIDS (DAIDS), U.S.
it is presented on the surface of Hepatitis-B surface National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Office of AIDS
antigen (HBsAg) virus-like- particles (VLPs). Research (OAR). The RePORT India Consortium
consists of five distinct TB cohorts mainly in Southern
India working in collaboration to address a wide array
Schematic design of DSV 4 of scientific objectives and to institute a unified
common prospective observational research
These VLPs elicit serotype-specific antibodies
protocol that is supported by a central biorepository,
capable of neutralizing various genotypes of each
a central data management center and utilization of
serotype and have been found to be immunogenic
harmonized data elements and specimen collection
in mice and macaques. With the extensive evaluation
standard operating procedures (SOPs). Each RePORT
of immunogenicity of DSV4 in mice and preliminary
India Cohort Research Unit (CRU) site began
study in macaques, DSV4 can progress in parallel to
implementing its individual “parent protocol” with
the next stage of GMP production, toxicity studies
distinct research objectives in 2014. In 2016, the
and a dengue virus challenge study in non-human
Hinduja Hospital, in Mumbai has joined the RePORT
primates. The encouraging outcomes in the pre-
India team and is now the sixth RePORT project/ site.
clinical evaluation of DSV4 have enabled negotiation
The site is in the process of obtaining final approval
with a potential industrial partner to advance DSV4
and is poised to initiate enrollment shortly. The CRU
to the next stage of GMP production and toxicity
sites and specimen biorepository received funding
evaluation.

86 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

so that they could set up activities for concurrent been recommended for implementation under the
enrollments into the RePORT India Common Protocol. aegis of Indo-US VAP.
Center for Health Research and Development–
d) A joint Indo-US Workshop on “Genomics and
Society for Applied Studies (CHRD-SAS) will support
Bioinformatics to Explore Human Microbial Ecology
CRU site data management activities. Sites have
in Health and Disease” was held at THSTI, Faridabad
been making preparations that will be needed for
from 6 th-8 th September, 2017 to build analytical
Common Protocol implementation. Biospecimens
capacity amongst young scientists in THSTI and other
collected for the Common Protocol will be “banked”
research institutes across India. As an outcome of
over time from two prospective, observational
the workshop further collaborative efforts will focus
cohorts, one with participants who have active
on development of joint proposals for Microbiome
pulmonary TB (Cohort A) and the second with
Research.
participants who are household contacts (HHCs) to
an active case of TB (Cohort B). The National Institute The 29th Annual Meeting of the Joint Working Group
for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) in Chennai, India (JWG) for the Indo-US Vaccine Action Program (VAP)
will serve as the specimen biorepository. The primary was held in Rockville, MD, USA on April 11-12, 2017.
objective is to provide specimens to Indian and other The event commemorated 30 years of bilateral
biomarker researchers and their collaborators to partnership between the National Institute of
better understand the pathogenesis of progression Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National
from LTBI to active disease and to better understand Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health
the prognosis of TB disease. and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and
b) India-US collaborative research on Human
Technology (MOST), Government of India (GOI).
Immunology: The goal of this funding program is to
Another close partner to VAP is the Indian Council of
promote India-US collaborative research on human
Medical Research (ICMR) within the Department of
immune-phenotyping in the context of infectious
Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family
disease and vaccine development, in collaboration
Welfare (MOHFW), GOI.
with investigators of the HIPC (Human Immunology
Project Consortium). During Phase-I, Five joint The VAP-JWG meeting was immediately preceded by
applicants have been supported. Each team includes the 2nd Meeting of the Candidate Vaccine Advisory
one HIPC Project Leader and one Project Leader from Committee (CVAC) under VAP, on April 10, 2017.
India. Outcome from Phase-I has been assessed in Deliberations and recommendations of CVAC were
Joint Working Group meeting of Indo-US VAP held in presented to the VAP JWG on April 12. A total of
April, 2017. Planning to implement Phase-II of HIPC eight candidate vaccines were presented to CVAC
is under consideration. for review: two dengue candidates, two TB
c) Collaboration on AMR: On June 25, 2015, an LOI candidates, and one candidate each for chikungunya,
was signed between NIAID and ICMR/DBT to RSV, Zika and Inactivated Rotavirus. VAP JWG also
cooperate on AMR research. U.S. On Jan 20-21, approved of establishing a steering committee within
2016, a systems biology workshop was held in New CVAC to provide guidance on epidemiological studies
Delhi, organized by ICMR and NIAID. Subsequently, for vaccines against flaviviral and other diseases.
the proposal on “AMR in Acinetobacter in neonates Lastly, VAP JWG encouraged NIAID/DBT engagement
at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)” developed with CEPI on upcoming discussions pertaining to
through consultation between NIAID-AIIMS, have chikungunya and other vaccines.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 87
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

On April 12, 2017, the bilateral Vaccine Action medicine.


Program was renewed for another 5 years (till April
Major initiatives: Considering the need for an
11, 2022) through formal signing of the VAP Joint
appropriate animal model to understand the disease
Statement by DBT Secretary Prof. K. VijayRaghavan
biology and also to design good proposal for potential
and NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci.
therapeutic applications of stem cells for various
G LUE G RANT S CHEME : human diseases, a Strategy has been formulated
for developing appropriate animal models to
Glue Grant scheme was initiated aiming to link Basic, establish safety and toxicity of stem cells for human
Clinical and Public Health Research Departments in diseases.
an inter-institutional linkage(s) leading to long-term
The “National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research,
partnership programs to bridge the gap between
2017” was jointly formulated by Department of
laboratory/field research and its application to clinical
Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical
and policy outcomes with a potential for translational
Research to lay down standards for stem cell
research and technological innovation and capacity
research and ensure that research with human stem
building efforts. Against a fresh grant announcement,
cells is conducted in a responsible and ethically
302 LoIs were received. Based on the scientific merit
sensitive manner in the country. This document was
and ethos of the glue grant scheme, the LoIs were
released by the Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family
short-listed inviting full proposals from the short-
Welfare on 11 th October, 2017. As per the
listed PIs. The received proposals were further
Guidelines, all institutions carrying out research on
screened for technical and scientific merit and four
human stem cells must constitute an Institutional
proposals have been recommended for financial
Committee for Stem Cell Research (IC-SCR) and
support.
register with the National Apex Committee for Stem
S TEM C ELL R ESEARCH & Cell Research and Therapy (NAC-SCRT). The
registration of IC-SCR is mandatory and all the
R EGENERA TIVE M EDICINE :
EGENERATIVE institutions working in the field are required to comply
Stem cells and regenerative medicine is one of the with the guidelines. The guidelines states that any
thrust areas under the medical biotechnology stem cell use in patient is investigational and it must
programme of the Department. The mandate is to only be done within the purview of an approved and
promote basic, early and late translational research monitored clinical trial and not offering it as therapy.
and formulation of regulatory framework for stem The guideline is available on DBT website: http://
cell research in India. The Department supports w w w. d b t i n d i a . n i c . i n / w p - c o n t e n t / u p l o a d s /
projects under Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine National_Guidelines_StemCellResearch-2017.pdf.
programme with focus on: induced pluripotent stem Salient achievements: During the year number
cells; hematopoietic stem cells; mesenchymal stem of projects has been supported on embryonic,
cells and human embryonic stem cells. Scientific mesenchymal and adult stem cells and also studies
strategies includes basic biology of all adult stem aiming to explore various factors involved in lineage
cells, early and late translational research, commitment, role of cancer stem cells in
developing gene editing technology for possible chemoresistance and generation of iPSCs from
therapeutic applications, creation of animal models various sources and its lineage specific
for various human diseases and training programmes differentiation. The supported projects have resulted
on various component of stem cells and regenerative in 30 publications in peer reviewed journals. Some

88 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

of the significant findings are as below; electric field (EF) stimulated culture methodologies
as instructive cue for orchestrating lineage
Studies were carried to explore the role of an
commitment of stem cells towards electrically
antioxidant enzyme Manganese Superoxide
excitable cells. Importantly, the study created a new
Dismutase (MnSOD) in lineage commitment during
paradigm in which a switch in the lineage commitment
development using mESC model system. The results
of hMSCs towards neural-like cells was achieved by
revealed that MnSOD is highly expressed in neurons
exposing to direct current EF stimuli of physiological
differentiated from mESCs and its overexpression
magnitude. Precisely, a combination of intracellular
leads to rescue of neural differentiation even under
GNPs and extracellular conducting substrates largely
non-permissive neural differentiation conditions.
influenced the transformation of hMSCs to neural-
Further, it has been shown that MnSOD loss of
like cells. The results demonstrated that it is possible
function leads to abrogation of early neural
to recapitulate the electroactive environments of
differentiation. Thus, MnSOD may have a novel role
cardiac and nervous tissue, for directed stem cell
in fate specification during development which might
differentiation in regenerative therapy by employing
be highly significant when stem cell mediated lineage
the nanoscale biomimetic properties.
commitment is desired.
In yet another study, it has been demonstrated that
Studies at IISc., Bangalore provided an insight into
inhibition of BMP signaling by two independent
the effectiveness of electroactive nanoparticles and
methods resulted in the differentiation of mouse

Figure 25. Effect of MnSOD on neural differentiation of mESCs is not mediated by proliferation, ROS and
apoptosis: A) Immunofluorescence showing KI67 staining in neural progenitors derived in presence and absence of MnSOD B)
Flow cytometric analysis of BrdU incorporation in neural progenitors derived under MnSOD inhibition C) Cell cycle analysis of early
neural progenitors generated under MnSOD knockdown D) ROS analysis in neural progenitors under MnSOD inhibition E) Gene
expression analysis of neural differentiation performed under MnSOD inhibition and addition of NAC G) Immunophenotyping for
CASPASE3 in neural progenitors harboring MnSODsh RNA.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 89
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

BMSCs into neuron-like cells expressing both PTEN knockdown in SCI subjects.
neuronal and glial markers up to day 15 in culture.
A study supported to understand cell-material
However, on extended culture to day 30 these cells
interactions for cardiovascular regeneration and
appear to no longer express any glial markers but
developing models to investigate cardiac diseases
retain the morphology of neurons as well as the
showed that for cardiac regeneration in stem cells
expression of neuronal markers. This suggests that
the surface of the scaffolds could be coated with
inhibition of Bmp signaling induces a plastic state in
keratin and the scaffolds could be designed with
the BMSCs which last till 15 days when they may
directionally aligned topography. In addition, it was
have the potential to differentiate into either neurons
observed that stem cells and cardiomyocytes can
or glial. However, further culturing leads to loss of
be guided using topographical cues. These studies
this plastic state and preferential differentiation into
would enable the development of cardiac patches
mature neurons. Further, this study also suggests
and lab bench models for studying cardiac diseases.
the probability of a concerted influence of Bmp
inhibition together with Wnt activation in directing Relapse of cancer after chemo- or radio-therapy is
the mouse BMSCs towards a neurogenic cell fate. the major caveat in treatment of cancer and the
relapse has been implicated to presence of a
Human embryonic stem cell culture is difficult to
population of relatively quiescent chemo-resistant
manipulate due to their primed state of pluripotency
cells termed cancer stem cells. Studies were carried
which means these cells are in a state of
to understand the properties and behavior of these
differentiated rather than fully non-committed state.
cancer stem cells and to design treatment strategies
Therefore a study analyzing the expression of genes
to target these cells within a tumor so that total
implicated in naïve vs primed pluripotency in mouse
regression of the tumor may assure complete
embryonic stem cells (mESCs) cultured in presence
remission of the disease. In one such study, the
of absence of PKC signalling inhibitor was supported.
differentiation potential of ovarian CSCs to
The result suggests that in mouse inhibiting PKC
endothelial cells was evaluated in vitro using the
signalling pathway could retain the cells in naïve state.
spheroid model followed by functional analysis. The
A preclinical study was supported with an aim to flow cytometry analysis of the CSC derived
explore novel human stem cell-based therapy for endothelial cells showed that there exists a small
augmentation in functional recovery following spinal proportion of endothelial cells (~10%) arising from
cord injury (SCI) and to test if transient-modulation cancer stem like cells in primary ovarian tumors
of PTEN gene in injured spinal cord may enhance showing functional attributes like uptake of
functional recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI). The acetylated low density lipoprotein and expression of
results revealed that localized in vivo PTEN endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Further, the
modulation at the site of spinal cord injury creates a reduction in expression of endothelial markers when
favorable regenerative microenvironment. In mice it treated with bevacizumab suggested that VEGF
was shown to reduce astrogliosis and reduce the pathway is responsible for the endothelial
events leading towards conversion to scar-forming differentiation of ovarian CSCs
astrocytes that further progresses the primary insult
Studies were undertaken to identify putative genes
towards secondary injury and precipitate to functional
responsible for chemo-resistance in cancer stem
loss in SCI. This qualitative data gives a strong
cells, particularly of breast tumors, which may be
evidence to further uncover detailed molecular
targeted along with conventional anti-cancer drugs.
mechanisms for correlation between astrogliosis and

90 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

It was revealed that chemotherapy enriches the Centre is also imparting training to graduate and
cancer stem cells. This finding was further endorsed postgraduate students. So far three PhD students,
by paclitaxel treatment of breast cancer cell lines one DST inspire faculty and 2 postgraduate students
which induces a G2/M arrest in breast cancer cells have joined the lab for training in stem cell research.
but does not affect the cancer stem cells. Further, Up gradation of cGMP and procurement of
progressive work on SOX2, (a major pluripotent gene equipments are under process.
of chemotreated cancer stem cells) showed that it
Collaboration: The Department implemented a
has a huge abundance in conferring and enhancing
programme titled ‘Accelerating the application of
the stemness in breast cancer cells. Downstream
stem cell technology in human disease (ASHD)’ as
studies with this highly abundant stem cell marker
Indo-Japan collaborative programme with four
reflected SOX2/ABCG2/TWIST1 axis as the
participating institutions from India, namely: inStem,
operational cascade behind chemo-resistance of
Bangalore; NCBS, Bangalore; NIMHANS Bangalore;
breast cancer stem cells and can be a possible
CSCR, CMC Vellore; & Center for iPS Cell Research
therapeutic target in future for remedial actions
and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Japan as
against breast cancer relapse.
international partner. It has two broad research
In a study supported on retinoblastoma, induced components dealing with human diseases of national
pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from importance, namely “Accelerator program for
orbital adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) of discovery in brain disorders using stem cells (ADBS)”
RB patients carrying germline mutations. The RB- and “Novel approaches to hematological disorders
iPSCs thus generated from the orbital AMSCs (NAHD)”.
retained the germline RB1 mutation and expressed
The ADBS programme aims to understand major
pluripotency factors. Trilineage differentiation of the
psychiatric disorders in Indian population by
RB-iPSCs was confirmed by embryoid body formation
harnessing the power of sophisticated clinical
and expression of ectodermal, endodermal and
investigations, modern human genetics, and stem
mesodermal transcripts.
cell technology. The Department of Psychiatry at
Centre of Excellence on Stem Cell Research: NIMHANS has been engaged in identifying families
DBT supported Centre of Excellence for Stem Cell with a high incidence of mental illness and studying
Research at AIIMS, Delhi in 2008 has completed its clinical aspects of these diseases. The families would
Phase I in which construction of basic research lab, be followed over a period of twenty years to observe
animal housing facility and cGMP Lab has been the development of clinical disease and assessed
established. The Phase II has been supported this using a range of clinical investigations including
year with an objective to manufacture clinical (GMP) neuroimaging and neuro-psychological assessments
grade stem cells for clinical research; to explore at regular intervals. Pluripotent stem cells are being
various non-viral approaches for generation of iPSCs generated from identified families at inStem and
and to expand educational and training programmes NCBS to generate cellular models in which
at various levels. Workshop on ‘In Vivo Imaging for mechanistic aspects of cellular neurobiology relevant
Preclinical Research’ was conducted on 5 th to mental illness will be studied, building on existing
September, 2017, for generating manpower and skill expertise in genetics and cell biology based research
development in preclinical research and enhancing including the ability to generate neuronal cell models
knowledge in the area of preclinical research. This using state of the art stem cell technology.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 91
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

human brain (blue to red color gradient indicates increasing


range of values in mm) generated in Indo-Japan ASHD
programme: Structural MRI studies helps to measure various
global and regional metrics (eg., volume, cortical thickness,
surface area and gyrification index).

One of the key objectives of this Indo Japan


collaborative ASHD programme is to build human
resource capacity for the application of modern stem
cell technology in the study of human disease. The
first ADBS Human iPSC Workshop 2017 on
“Reprogramming Human Somatic Cells to HiPSCs”
Figure 26. Cultured neural stem cells generated was held in November 6-11, 2017 at inStem,
from a human subject in ADBS programme. NSC are Bangalore. The workshop included lectures by leading
stained to show the expression of markers of neural stem
cells. Nestin (green) is a cytoplasmic protein. SOX2 (red) is a
experts in the field and also the practical sessions
nuclear marker that colocalizes with DAPI (blue) that marks on cell culture techniques involved in generation,
DNA. characterization, propagation and differentiation of
The NAHD is an ambitious project which involves hiPSCs. Further the training program in iPSC
three major components – a gene therapy program technology at the Center for iPS Cell Research and
capitalizing on the developments of vector-based Application (CiRA of Kyoto University) was
gene therapy for haematological diseases in the implemented for the second year in November-
world both as a clinical trial for haemophilia and December 2017. Eight Indian researchers from
preclinical research for other major haemoglobin various Indian institutes were selected and trained
disorders. Secondly, it aims at exploiting the iPSC at CiRA, Japan. Under the aegis of this program, a
technology to develop a bank of pluripotent cells lines process for distribution of iPSC lines has been
fro HLA homozygous individuals called a ‘haplobank’. implemented. Requests for ADBS bio repository
A third major component is focused on a community resources are routed through a web-portal (https://
based “Control program” for sickle cell anemia and www.ncbs.res.in/adbs/bio-repository). Distribution of
beta thalassemia. To implement the control program control iPSC cell lines has begun and cell lines have
in Odisha, collaboration has been established with been distributed to 8 labs in Mumbai, Delhi and
the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Bangalore.
the National Health Mission of the Govt. of Odisha.
G ENOME E NGINEERING
T ECHNOLOGIES
Genome engineering/editing technologies has ability
to rapidly and economically introduce sequence-
specific modifications into the genomes of a broad
spectrum of cell types and organisms and has
immense potential to accelerate scientific
breakthroughs and discoveries in disciplines as
diverse as synthetic biology, human gene therapy,
disease modelling, drug discovery, neuroscience, and
the agricultural sciences. The priority areas include
Figure 27. Structural MRI image (T1-weighted) of a

92 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

applications in the study of emerging diseases, to platform for modification of nisin gene of
manipulate/engineer genomes, develop transgenic Lactococcus lactis W8 to generate novel therapeutic
systems and develop genome-based diagnostics. using recT mediated oligonucleotides. Lactic acid
Some of the highlights of research activities carried bacteria was screened from fermented dairy foods
out are mentioned below: for the presence of recT by PCR technology using
primers designed from the information of genome
Studies were undertaken at NABI, Mohali to develop
sequence in the database. Colonies positive for recT
and apply genome editing tools in allohexaploid
genes were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence
wheat. To improve the nutritional quality of wheat
analysis and the identity of the isolates were
IRO3, a bHLH transcription factor that negatively
confirmed by BLAST search at NCBI. The recT
regulates iron transporters and IPK1 which is
sequences of isolated L. fermentum strains showed
involved in the phytic acid biosynthesis were
99% identity with those of sequenced genomes of
identified. These two genes were selected to be
reported L. fermentum. The investigation on
knocked out in order to achieve high iron and low
expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli and L .
phytate content in wheat crop. To choose a target
lactis W8 is currently in progress.
site SS finder tool was utilized and unique target
site of 19 nucleotides followed by PAM-NGG Studies have been undertaken by NCBS, Bangalore
(protospacer adjacent motif) was taken from exon on Genome Engineering using CRISPR to enable
carefully. To check the possibility of potential off discovery in lipid signalling to generate genetic tools
targets, multiple BLAST analyses were performed to understand the specific functions of
against different wheat databases and NCBI-SRS. phosphoinositide signaling using Drosophila
Agrobacterium mediated wheat transformation with melanogaster as a model system. An optimized
the developed CRISPR constructs is underway. workflow for designing and optimizing guide RNA’s
(gRNA) for CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome
Studies were initiated at IVRI, Izatnagar to develop
engineering in Drosophila cells was established.
chimeric recombinase by fusing catalytic domain of
Transgenic Drosophila strains expressing optimized
‘hyperactivated’ site-specific recombinase mutant
gRNA constructs for genome engineering of genes
evolved to target multiple genomic locations with
involved in phosphoinositide signalling were
nuclease-null Cas9 (dCas9) protein which would be
generated. 100 gRNAs and 45 gRNA pairs were
supported by guide RNAs for genomic targeting at
identified with a potential to generate gRNA
the desired genomic loci in human (HEK-293 cell) as
transgenic lines which would be used to develop
well as bovine (MDBK cell) genome. The RGR
complete knockouts and tissue specific deletion
architecture was designed and sequences for
mutants.
synthetic genes coding Gin, â and Sin
‘hyperactivated’ recombinase mutants were A small zebra fish culture facility with an infrastructure
obtained. The resulting chimeric recombinase for embryo micro manipulation has been set up at
platform would have immense potential for safer L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. Several gRNA
targeted DNA integration in the mammalian genome constructs were designed to target zebra fish abca4b
such as generation of stable cell lines, generation of and rd3 genes.
iPSCs, gene therapy and production of transgenic
At National Brain Research Centre, Manesar studies
animals.
were initiated on CRISPRi system to investigate novel
Studies were initiated at Visva-Bharti, Shantiniketan, regulatory mechanisms of synapse formation by long
West Bengal to develop Genome engineering non-coding RNA. A genome wide sequencing

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 93
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

approach was used to identify lncRNAs expressed in engineering and other quantitative sciences for
the hippocampus through an unbiased screen using unravelling the complexities of biological systems and
the next generation sequencing technique. provide cost-effective solutions for improved quality
Enrichment of these newly identified long non-coding of life. Some of the significant achievements made
RNAs at the hippocampal synapses was further during this period are:
verified by quantitative PCR. Furthermore, a set of
Point-of-care bio-photonics device for rapid
lncRNAs that are activity regulated during the window
detection of oral cancer: Early diagnosis of
of synapse formation and can potentially modulate
cancer and its proper therapeutic management is
the activity-dependent process of synaptic
the key factor in determining survival and morbidity
maturation were identified. Experiments are in
of oral cancer patients. Scientists at Amrita Centre
progress to perform the loss of lncRNA function by
for Nanosciences& Molecular Medicine, Kochi are
CRISPRi–mediated knockdown and subsequent
intending to develop a point of care device based
assessment of the functional synapse development
on Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
by the whole-cell patch clamp recording.
technique for the rapid detection of oral pre
Human Resource Development: Department malignant and malignant lesions.The device will
has also initiated fellowship program to provide best benefit from its ability to differentiate and classify
and brightest Indian students and scientists to gain the oral lesions, particularly in scenario like mass
exposure and access to world class research facilities screening of populations at rural areas. Under this
in leading U.S. institutions as well as to promote project, a SERS catheter device for oral cancer
research and capacity building in the frontline area diagnosis has been developed and a portable direct
of Genome Engineering and Editing technologies. read-out Raman spectrometer for SERS based oral
Through IUSSTF program for overseas fellowships cancer diagnosis has been customized. In addition
with the following two modules: (i) Genome to instrument design, they have also developed a
Engineering/Editing Technologies Initiative (GETin) – SERS enabled optical fiber probe and Ag-TiO2 SERS
(a) Overseas Fellowship for Indian citizens (b) Student substrates. Development of oral cancer xenograft
Internship and, (ii) Genome Engineering/Editing animal models and testing the Raman system in vivo
Technologies Initiative (GETin)-Visiting Fellowships is under progress.
are attracting highly skilled researchers working
overseas in the cutting-edge area of Genome
Engineering/Editing Technologies to pursue their R&D
interests in Indian institutions or to mentor Indian
scientists in their projects.In the current year, 5
students and 5 young scientists were selected under
the Student Internship program and Overseas
Fellowship program module, respectively to acquire
training and conduct research work in different U.S. Figure 28. SERS Catheter device for oral cancer diagnosis
institutions.
Photoacoustic spectroscopy based objective
B IOENGINEERING assessment of breast tumor progression: The
breast cancer incidences in India varies from 5-30
Bioengineering is a highly interdisciplinary area of per 100,000 women with an annual incidence of
research involving cross-disciplinary knowledge from approximately 1,44,000 new cases making it the

94 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

most common female cancer in urban India. Early Robot design for 3D Bio Printing of tissue
diagnosis of tumor detection is the need of the hour. embedded cellular vascular constructs: One
To address this, scientists at Biophysics Department, of the major limitations of current tissue engineering
Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka are utilizing strategies is the incorporation of vasculature within
the technique of photoacoustic spectroscopy to record the constructs. Recent studies on developing cellular
the molecular alterations subject to disease initiation vascular constructs with 3D printing opens up
at much earlier stage without affecting the individual. possibilities for bioprinting full-fledged viable tissues.
The technique is very promising in terms of sensitivity, However for bioprinting vasculature, an important
accuracy and safety. It is based on detection of challenge is bioprinting multiple cellinks
acoustic or sound signal in a sample induced upon simultaneously to mimic the multicellular structure
pulsed/modulated excitation at suitable wavelengths. of blood vessel. To address this, scientists at Amrita
In this project, breast tumor was induced in Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine,
experimental animals (nude mice). The tumor growth Kochi are trying to design a high-fidelity bio-robot for
was assessed at different time points in vitro.The 3D bioprinting of tissue embedded vascular
tumor mass was extracted and the corresponding construct. Next, to build the multi layered bio printed
photoacoustic signatures were recorded at 281nm vascular construct, they are in process for
excitations and compared with the similar information identification of suitable gel matrix for endothelial
obtained from control samples. In order to find and smooth muscle cells necessary for cell inks and
correlation of tumor development with clinical breast also for optimization of cell seeding, cell growth and
cancer samples, a photoacoustic spectroscopy study self-assembly of endothelial cells in defined gel
involving clinical samples were also undertaken matrices in vitro.HUVECs encapsulated Carrageenan
obtaining Institutional ethical approval and collecting gel was printed and the cells were seen to be viable
samples with prior informed consents. Preliminary in over 24 hours post printing, optimization of similar
results obtained from the corresponding malignant printing with Human Smooth Muscle cells (hSMCs)
and normal breast tissue samples showed clear is ongoing.
differences between them indicating the usefulness
Process optimization and development of
of the photoacoustic technique in capturing minor
ceramic composites for total hip arthroplasty:
variations subject to disease initiation within the tissue
In order to minimize the revision surgery procedures
samples under study.
in total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty
due to loosening of implants, research efforts are
being made to improve materials and surfaces of
load bearing implants. A project has been sanctioned
in IIT Kharagpur to develop improved materials for
the implants which are hard and have high fracture
toughness, wear resistance, good lubrication and
cytocompatibility. Under this project, the composition
for synthesis of Al 2O 3 matrix composites were
optimized and prepared by conventional sintering at
different temperatures. Microstructural, mechanical,
Figure 29. Typical photoacoustic pattern in time domain (left) wear and wettability of Al2O3 ceramics composites
and the corresponding FFT patterns in frequency domain were carried out. Preliminary evaluation of Ti alloy
(right) of clinical breast tissue samples recorded at 281nm
pulsed laser excitations composites in terms of hardness, corrosion and wear

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 95
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

has been completed. In vitro tribological and metal oxide (ZrO2) is appropriate to elevate the
wettability evaluation of Al2O3 composites has been antimicrobial property, particularly from implant-
performed on conventionally sintered samples. The associated infectious microorganisms. Under the
microstructural non-uniformity and the presence of project supported in Sathyabama University,
porosity in the composite coatings appeared to Chennai, titanium toe model was designed by 3D
reduce the corrosion resistance of the coatings. printing system and pure HAp was prepared from
goat femur bone. HAp-ZrO2-Ag composites were
Peptide nanofiber matrix as drug delivery
pelletized and the composite pellets were
system for fungal keratitis: Human corneal
characterized by XRD and FESEM-EDS analysis. The
epithelium consists of heterogeneous population of
parameters for the composite coating have also been
cells residing on the stroma. The corneal epithelium
optimized.
is one of the major barriers for delivering drug across
its different layers. In this project, scientists at Vision Nanoenabled Biosensor for Detection of
Research Foundation, Sankara Netralaya are trying Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Under a collaborative
to develop peptide nanofibrous polymer matrix as effort between Delhi Technological University (DTU)
drug delivery vehicle for treatment of fungal keratitis. and AIIMS, New Delhi, a bi-analyte sensor is being
They have designed, modelled and simulated 6 self- developed against the opa gene and porA pseudo
assembling peptide sequence insilico and proceeded gene of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with development
further with one of the potential peptides. They have and standardization of a duplex PCR for N.
custom synthesized the peptide and have shown its gonorrhoeae. At AIIMS, PCR was standardized for
internalization to primary corneal epithelial cells. They porA pseudo gene and for opa and porA pseudo gene
have also synthesized nanofiber with bovine serum duplex. The primers of porA pseudo gene were found
albumin, Gelatin and Polycaprolactone polymer. The to be specific only for gonococcal DNA and did not
Gelatin-PCL composite was able to maintain the show any cross-reactivity with DNA from other
transparency required for visual acuity. The cells were bacterial species. Moreover, the PCR was found to
plated on nanofibers and showed good attachment. detect DNA in spiked pus samples. The specificity of
PCL-Peptide composite was also made and its release the duplex PCR however showed cross reactivity to
study is in progress. Neisseria meningitides and Neisseria lactamica and
studies are underway on resolving this peculiar case
Surface Modified Hybrid Bioimplant to
of duplex cross reactivity. The duplex PCR is being
Enhance Implant Durability: The importance of
validated with clinical samples. In DTU, synthesis and
implants has been drastically increased for the past
structural characterization of polyaniline (PANI) and
few decades. Titanium (Ti) is better suggested implant
gold-PANI (Au-PANI) nanocomposites were carried out
material,but the biocompatibility and bioactivity are
for electrode fabrication. The synthesized PANI and
essential requirement to improve the properties of
Au-PANI nanocomposite were deposited onto pre-
an artificial implant (Ti) to reduce the allergic reactions
hydrolyzed indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass
(joint pain and inflammations) and also exhibit
substrates. Cyclic voltammetric studies were
chemical bonding to living tissues and formation of
conducted to characterize the fabricated electrodes.
bone-like apatite layer on its surface. Zirconia (ZrO2),
The best current response was obtained for PANI2/
when reinforced in HAp, improves the mechanical
ITO due to formation of a uniform thin layer. Further,
property comparable to natural bone and is
the peak current for Au-PANI/ITO was found to be
considered as a good load-bearing material. In
higher than that of PANI2/ITO which indicated the
addition, incorporation of Silver (Ag) into HAp and

96 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

synergistic effect of the excellent electrochemical in 8 Institutes across the country. This has 3 main
properties of gold nanoparticles incorporated with components. The first component deals with
the PANI fibers. development of lab scale component of polymer-
ceramic hybrid composites as acetabular cup for total
Conducting Cryogel for Peripheral Nerve
hip replacement. To address this, High Density
Regeneration: A project was funded at IIT Kanpur
Polyethylene (HDPE) based composites reinforced
on developing conducting cryogel scaffold for
with graphene oxide (GO) were prepared and
enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration. For this,
polyethylene (PE) was immobilized onto GO sheets
the effect of electrical field stimulation on neuronal
to improve the interfacial adhesion. A good
cell viability, proliferation and differentiation, was
combination of yield strength, elastic modulus and
evaluated by synthesizing CGPpy conducting cryogels
elongation at failure were recorded for their
through cryogelation technique. Schwann cells when
composites. Cytocompatibility assessment using
electrically stimulated showed 47% and 35%
osteoblast and mesenchymal stem cells
increase in schwann cell proliferation at day 3 and 5
corroborated good cell attachment in culture and
respectively, as compared to their control. Further,
modulation of protein adsorption and cell
the effect of EF stimulation on the neurite lengths
proliferation was demonstrated together with better
of neuro2a cells was also evaluated under uniform
elastic modulus and yield strength. The aim of 2nd
electrical field. The results showed immediate neurite
component is to design and fabricate truncated
like extensions in most of the cells as compared to
femoral head from commercially available high purity
their control. For the enhanced peripheral nerve
Nano powders and optimize various manufacturing
regeneration CG cryogels were synthesized with
steps to obtain dimensionally stable femoral head.
aligned porous architecture as filler in the hollow
So far, a rapid and robust process was optimized to
conduits for developing a nerve guidance channel
develop highly dense oxide bioceramics, which
(NGC). The aligned nerve guidance channels (aNGCs)
consist of finer microstructure and optimum
were characterized for their mechanical,
mechanical response. In-vitro cell culture with a
physicochemical and biological properties. For
murine myoblast cell line exhibited an increase in
aNGCs, the neuro2a cells were cultured for a period
the number of mitochondrially-active cells and good
of 7 days and found to be compatible with increased
cellular attachment confirming excellent
proliferation with time. Further, the in-vitro
cytocompatibility. The aim of 3 rd component is to
regeneration experiment was done to examine the
design CAD based model of two piece dental implant
ability of aligned longitudinal channels in providing
manufacturing via conventional and 3D printing
guidance cues to the migrating and proliferating cells.
technology; efficacy of dual ceramic coating on
The nuclear shape index value and degree of
specific parts and investigate the cytocompatibility.
alignment of the migrated cells from the dorsal root
During the period multiple novel CAD based 3D
ganglion (DRG) explants were analyzed. The calculated
models of a complete 3 piece-dental implant system
degree of alignment for the cells migrated from
are designed. An acrylic based ink was formulated
DRG’s was more than 57% reflecting that the
for 3D inkjet printing of Titanium and ceramics. The
developed NGCs are providing guidance cues and
novel implant system was fabricated using advanced
governing cellular alignment.
CNC and EDM with high dimensional tolerance.The
A Centre of Excellence Project has been supported novel implant prototypes were coated with
on “Translational Research on Biomaterials for hydroxyapatite with uniform coating thickness and
Orthopedic and Dental applications” implemented good surface roughness combination.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 97
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

B IODESIGN P ROGRAMME medical technology start-up company has been set-


up by the Fellows trained under this programme in
The Department has implemented Biodesign sync with the ‘Start-Up’ India programme. Two
programme with the aim to develop innovative products developed under this programme have been
indigenous and affordable medical technologies and commercially launched during this year:- a) Sohum-
devices as per unmet clinical needs of India and train Auditory Impairment Screening Device developed by
researchers, innovators, entrepreuners to create an SIB start-up M/s Sohum Innovation Labs India Pvt.
ecosystem for medtech innovations and Ltd and b) Noxeno-Nasal Foreign Body Removal
entrepeneurship in the country. This Program is Device developed by SIB Start-up InnAccel
established in four centres: School of International Technologies Pvt. Ltd. During this year six trademarks
Biodesign implemented at AIIMS and IIT Delhi; Centre and one Industrial design have been granted by Indian
for Biodesign and in-vitro Diagnostics at Translational Trademark Registry and an European Patent has
Health Science & Technology (THSTI), Faridabad; been granted for “A cardio pulmonary resuscitation
Biodesign and Bioengineering Initiative program at device and an integrated resuscitation system
IISc, Bengaluru; and Healthcare Technology thereof”. In addition, twelve patent applications
Innovation Centre at IIT Madras, Chennai. Few (National, International and National phase filing)
highlights of the programme during the year are given have been filed to protect the medical technologies
below: developed by the Fellows under this programme. The
11th Annual Medtech Summit has been successfully
School of International Biodesign Program
organized on December 2nd, 2017 under the aegis
(SIB): This programme is a frugal medical device
of this programme to provide a platform for
innovation program implemented by the Department
interaction among national and international
as a joint programme between a medical school
participants and leaders in medtech innovation.
(AIIMS) and an engineering institution (IIT-Delhi) in
collaboration with international partners. The Centre for Biodesign and in-vitro Diagnostics,
Department has authorized Biotech Consortium India THSTI: The Center for Biodesign was established
Limited (BCIL) for management of its Intellectual as a niche centre at THSTI with focus on diagnostics
Property and other techno-legal activities. SIB and extends support services from strategic bench
focuses on training young innovators. During this work to commercialization. The Centre has evolved
year, 12 medical technology innovators (doctors, core expertise around Products and Platform
engineers, designers, entrepreneurs) have been Technologies for diagnostics. During the year, Center
trained in the Biodesign process. Two medical device has developed a functional prototype of a highly
technologies have been developed: a) Apparatus and specific, finger-prick whole blood compatible point-
Methods for Extracting Body Fluid for Sampling or of-care strip-test, ‘Ezy-Typ’ and the test is under
Testing; b) Apparatus and Methods for Non-Invasive clinical validation at Kalawati Saran Children Hospital,
Monitoring of Analytes for a Biological Subject and New Delhi. In addition, three kits (‘TB-Detect’‘, TB
three technologies have been validated. During this Concentration and Transport; TB-Extraction kit) have
year two technologies were transferred to medical been developed for TB and Drug resistant TB
device companies: a) brünacousta-A Novel diagnosis.The ‘TB-Detect’ kit provides a mechanism
Switchable Doppler Stethoscope was licensed to for improving the current TB smear microscopy test
M/s. Brun Health Pvt. Ltd, Telangana; and b) by equipment-free bio-safe sputum concentration.
Inochicare- Advance Wound Care Dressing was The ‘TB Concentration and Transport’ kit provides a
licensed to M/s. Inochi Care Pvt. Ltd., Assam. A new mechanism for convenient, dry, bio-safe sputum

98 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

collection, processing and subsequent established by DBT in IIT Madras to bring together
transportation for molecular DST tests. The ‘TB DNA technologists, engineers, doctors and healthcare
extraction kit provides inhibitor free M.tb DNA professionals, industry and government to develop
purification suitable for DNA sequencing and other healthcare technologies for the country. HTIC is
Molecular DST testing. These kits are ready for multi- delivering innovations and technologies that are
centric validation through ICMR. Two patents were reaching the field through government and industry
filed during the year with four articles published. partnerships, bringing benefits to society. HTIC’s
Three products are in final stage of development: i) Mobile Eye Surgical Unit, MESU™, a first-of-its-kind
High affinity DNA aptamers against Mycobacterium technology in the country has conducted around
tuberculosis ii) Multiplexed Point-of-Care test for 8000 surgeries in over 40 rural locations and is
tropical febrile illness TB and iii) High sensitivity continuing operations in states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra
multiplex point-of-care assay system for the detection Pradesh and Jharkhand. Eye PAC™, an ophthalmic
of blood borne infections. image computing technology, developed by HTIC is
creating global impact and has reached 1500+
Biodesign & Bioengineering Initiative Program,
installations in 26 countries so far with around 2
IISc: The Biodesign-Bioengineering programme at
million eye examinations. A new product for newborn
IISc, Bangalore was implemented in collaboration
eye screening, “3nethra neo” has been recently
with St. John’s Medical College and Narayana
introduced into the market under this programme
Hridalyala Bangalore. During the year, studies were
which is the first indigenous technology available in
carried out to delineate mechanism of physiological
market for screening retinopathy of prematurity, a
flows through arterial vessels. In this study, they used
critical premature condition. The Center’s first
flow visualization and computational fluid dynamics
indigenous point of care technology and product for
to study unsteady flows in a highly curved tube. They
quantitative immunodiagnostics developed in
have also developed a micro-mechanical device for
collaboration with J Mitra Pvt. Ltd. has completed
providing a mechanical stimulus to cells cultured on
pilot manufacturing and is expected to reach over
it and observed the change in the deformation of
1000 labs by end of 2017 addressing a market of
the nucleus of the cell. Under another initiative of
around 50,000 tier-2 labs in the country and is
mechanobiology of breast cancer project, with a
expected to benefit around 2 million people annually
combination of ridge and array micro machined
in coming years. HTIC is expanding its R&D and
pillars, they were able to quantify the directional
engineering capabilities to develop more complex and
preference of collective cell migration. In another
high end technologies and systems currently lacking
related study, engineered gel systems were used to
in the country, such as high end diagnostic systems,
characterize the forces exerted by the cells, known
minimally invasive robotic surgical systems,
as cellular traction force-microscopy technique.
endoscopic imaging systems, non-contact
Experimental and computational aspects of this
physiological monitoring, intelligent medical image
study were conducted and reported. The
computing, and trauma care solutions.
computational technique improved the accuracy of
estimated forces applied by the cells on the soft N ANOBIO TECHNOL
ANOBIOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY
substrate.
Nano biotechnology provides a new frontier for
Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre scientific and technological advances to exploit
(HTIC), IITM: Healthcare Technology Innovation biomolecules and materials at nanoscale to address
Centre (HTIC) is an R&D centre which has been challenges related to health, agriculture, energy and

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 99
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

environment. DBT has been engaged in promoting behaviour (2.9-fold higher dissolution efficiency) than
interdisciplinary research, fostering innovation and its physical mixture.
promoting translational research in various cutting
In a translation study pursued at ACNSMM, Amrita
edge areas of Nano Biotechnology. The efforts have
Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi for treatment of
led to promising knowledge outcomes with
infectious wounds using antimicrobial
translational potential and being supported for early
Nanocomposite Chitosan Bandages,chitosan
translational research. Some of the highlights of
composite bandages were developed and
research work are mentioned below:
characterized. It was found that the composite
Dysregulated proto-oncogene c-Myb has been bandages were highly porous, flexible and capable
implicated in leukemogenic and pathogenesis of AML. of absorbing fluid. Cell viability studies on human
Studies were undertaken at INST, Mohali for dermal fibroblast cells proved the non-toxic nature
identification and characterization of the epigenetic of the bandages. The in vitro antimicrobial study
mediator, polycomb protein Bmi-1 as c-Myb targets showed the activity of the bandages against
for mediating suppression of differentiation and microbes. In addition, the long term antibacterial
promoting proliferation resulting leukemic study confirmed that the nano-composite bandage
transformation. A Bmi-1 inhibitor PRT4165 loaded significantly improved antimicrobial property
HSA Nano formulation to achieve targeted drug compared to the commercial available bandages. In
delivery was synthesized and characterized to vivo experiments carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats
overcome current treatment limitations. PRT4165 showed better infection reduction than commercially
loaded HSA Nano formulation resulted in decrease available bandage. These antimicrobial composite
in cell viability of AML cell line U937 better than its chitosan bandages has huge potential in infection
free bulk drug crystalline state. The current study control and wound healing.
shows, PRT4165 encapsulated (HSA-NPs) Nano
formulation may overcome limitations of placebo
drug and showing therapeutic efficacy compare to
bare drug and hold promise for future translational
potential against AML therapy.

Studies have been carried out at NIPER, Mohali to


develop nanocrystalline solid dispersion (NSD) of
hesperetin (HRN) with enhanced oral bioavailability
Figure 30. Study on antimicrobial nanocomposite chitosan
for cancer treatment. A NSD system was developed bandage
for enhancing the oral bioavailability of HRN using
mannitol (MAN) which was found to be the ‘best’ Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer
performer in generating NSD powder of desired related deaths in females worldwide and the
quality attributes. The two-component NSD system conventional nanotherapeutic delivery system
was further improved by adding sodium lauryl available in the market lacks the targeting and
sulphate (SLS) and dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate imaging modality. Studies have been carried out at
(DOSS) using quality-by-design (QbD) approach. The IIT, Mandi to engineer multimodal ‘third generation’
multi-component HRN-MAN-SLS-DOSS NSD system nanotherapeutic delivery system, targeted
was found to show improved crystallite size specifically to breast cancer cells for cancer therapy.
(558.2±49.1 nm) and better in vitro dissolution Au Nano rattles and plasmonic nanocapsules having

100 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

a rod-shaped rattle structure were synthesized and semiochemicals. Mesoporous silica and carbon were
thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were used as nanomatrix for delivery of semiochemicals
determined. Au Nano rattles also showed excellent of coconut rhinoceros beetle, red palm weevil and
catalytic performance towards the degradation of tomato pin worm, Tutaabsoluta. Pheromone loaded
environmental pollutants like p-NP and organic dyes into the nanomatrix had a controlled release over a
and hence their application would also be deployed spatio temporal scale. The nanomatrix required lower
as an agent of environmental remediation. load of pheromone as compared to commercial lure
and had also had extended release rate to trap
At Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, a
insects.
synthetic scheme for bile acid-phospholipids and bile
acid-Drug-phospholipid conjugate technology was Major challenge in the treatment of
developed. A gastric pH stable bile acid derived neurodegenerative diseases is that the presence of
amphiphile where Tamoxifen is conjugated to polarized endothelial layer composed blood brain
lithocholic acid derived phospholipid (LCA-Tam-PC) barrier (BBB) that restricts the entry of therapeutics
was designed and synthesized. To track and quantify into the brain. Studies have been carried out at Sree
the intracellular and intra tumor drug concentration Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and
nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore conjugate, Technology, Trivandrum to develop Blood brain barrier
LCA-Tam-NBD-PC was synthesized. In vitro studies targeted Nanoconstructs for the diagnosis of brain
revealed increased IC50 values of LCA-Tam-PC due diseases and the delivery of therapeutics into the
to stable conjugate of the drug. Pharmacokinetic and brain. A nanomaterial system based on atomic sized
bio-distribution studies using LCA-Tam-NBD-PC gold cluster conjugated with a brain targeting
validated the enhanced gut absorption, blood molecule, L-dopa was successfully developed for
circulation, and tumor site accumulation of brain targeting, imaging and delivery of therapeutics.
phospholipid conjugate that led to improved Carrier efficacy of the system was tested by physically
antitumor activity of LCA-Tam-PC. The study could conjugating a model drug, pilocarpine which showed
be used to design the repertoire of bile acid slow and sustained release of the drug both in vitro
phospholipid-drug conjugates as a new platform and in vivo. The study will open new horizons in the
technology for oral delivery of chemotherapeutic area of diagnosis and treatment of
drugs. neurodegenerative diseases.

At IIT Delhi, translational research work is being


pursued to develop stimuli responsive biocompatible
polymeric particles for targeted drug delivery in
breast cancer. An efficient, scalable stimuli sensitive
(redox sensitive) polymer was synthesized with
optimization using three step synthesis procedures.
The polymer is composed of biocompatible
components, polycaprolactone or (poly lactide can
Figure 31. Molecular structures of LCA-Tam-NBD-PC (B) also be used), polyethylene glycol, linked through
Confocal micrographs of MCF-7 cells LCA-Tam-NBD-PC. disulfide linkage. The polymer was characterized
using proton NMR (1H-NMR) and gel permeation
Studies were carried out at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre
chromatography (GPC) and performed in vitro and in
for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore for
vivo evaluations for assessing its drug delivery
controlled release dispensers for delivery of

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 101


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

efficacy. Tumor regression study in animals has i.e. squaraine dye (SQ) attached target specific
shown that drug delivery efficiency of the developed peptide substrate susceptible to matrix
nanosystem is comparable to that of the marketed metalloproteinases (MMP2 & MMP9), over-expressed
formulation, DOXIL. The developed nanosystem has in extracellular matrix of cancer cells and, (ii) lipoic
added advantages such as stimuli sensitive nature, acid appended doxorubicin, conjugated through acid
which could achieve more specific tumor targeting, labile hydrazone linkage (LAH-DOX). The fabricated
ease of manufacturing, scalability and cost targeted theranostic nanoconstruct exhibited the
effectiveness. potential for pre-clinical and further clinical studies
towards efficient cancer treatment and future scope
Studies were carried out VIT, Vellore to develop a
to be evolved as a promising nano medicine.
better therapeutic approach for the treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Withaferin-A, a steroidal
lactone incorporated with mannosylated liposomes
(ML-WA) was administered to adjuvant induced
arthritic rats in intent to target the synovial
macrophages. The result showed a successful
internalization of ML-WA, reduced oxidative stress
and a progressive gain in the body weight. ML-WA
treatment upregulated the production of
osteoprotegerin (OPG) and downregulated the
release of receptor activator of nuclear factor-B
ligand (RANKL), favouring osteoclastogenesis
negatively. Correspondingly, the ankle joints were
found intact with no bone erosion and cartilage
degradation in ML-WA treated AIA rats as evidenced
by histopathological analysis. Concentration and the
gene amplification of M1 macrophage mediated pro-
inflammatory mediators were curtailed and anti-
inflammatory cytokine was found abundantly
released in ML-WA treated AIA rats. The results
signified that targeted delivery of ML-WA ameliorated
the severity of inflammation and bone resorption in
AIA rats via M1 to M2 macrophage repolarization.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising therapy


for cancer treatment where plasmonic nanoparticles
convert NIR light to heat leading to hyperthermia
induced cell death. At CSIR-NIIST, Kerala, spatio-
temporal synchronization of PTT and chemotherapy
was adopted as an insightful approach to enhance
the therapeutic efficacy. Localized photothermal-
chemotherapy was initiated by gold nanorod (GNR)
conjugated to (i) Raman signature molecule (RSM)

102 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


05

Biotechnology Based
Programmes for
Societal Development

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 103


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Department continue to support projects under its ponds and cages and ornamental fish production,
‘Biotechnology based Programme for Societal preparation of value added fish products, water
Development’ with an aim to promote use of analysis and development of fish brooders. The
biotechnological processes and tools for the benefit average fish production from the reservoirs has been
of the society including rural population, SC/STs and increased from 25 kg/ha to 285 kg/ha with an
women community. The programme aims to create increased average additional income per family of
platform for self-employment generation among the tribal fishermen Rs. 42,415/- per annum. Due to
target population by diffusion of proven and field- the implementation of these activities migration has
tested technologies through demonstration, training been reduced and 56% of household have stopped
and extension activities. The broad focused areas migration.
are fish farming, poultry farming, vegetable seed
In another project on productivity and production
production, integrated farming, entrepreneurship
enhancement, freshwater pond water bodies were
development, vermicomposting, spirulina and pulses
uitlzied for livelihood generation of the Aila Affected
cultivation, popularization of biofertilizer and bio-
SC/ST Communities of Islands of the Sundarban,
pesticides, horticultural crops, bio-resource
West Bengal. Various training programmes were
utilization, value added products, sericulture, women
conducted and nearly 200 farmers were trained on
and child health, hygiene and nutrition. Large number
various aspects of fish culture and quality seed
of rural, SC/ST and women population including
production of C. catla, C. mrigala, L. bata and
youth have been benefited through the
improved variety of L. rohita (Jayanti-Rohu). Vanaraja-
implementation of these projects. Some of the major
chicks were also distributed to promote integrated
achievements of the programmes supported are
farming along with fish culture.
highlighted below:
Another project on integrated farming for sustainable
B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY B ASED P R OGRAMME livelihood generation was implemented at Gauhati
FOR R URAL D EVELOPMENT University, Guwahati.The beneficiaries were selected
from Village Kulsi and Dimali of rural Kamrup district
Fish Farming: A project on propagation of culture- of Assam. Several training programmes have been
based-capture fisheries in selected reservoirs of conducted on integrated fish cum duck farming. To
Konkan and Western Ghat regions of Maharashtra facilitate composite and integrated fish farming, all
was supported at College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri for the selected ponds were renovated by dewatering,
the benefit of tribal communities mainly Katkari, Bhoi, bottom scrapping, dyke trimming followed by
Koli involved in inland fishing. Considering the dearth manuring with cow dung, lime and super phosphate
of fish-seedlings to stock the inland water bodies of in recommended dose. After pre stocking
the region, a comprehensive carp fish hatchery management of the selected ponds, 3000 yearlings
production unit was established with an annual in average (40g to 50 g in weight) of Catla, Rohu,
capacity of 50 million of fish spawn. The hatchery is Mrigal, Grass carp and Silver carp were stocked in
providing quality fish fingerlings of Catla, Rohu, Mrigal all the ponds.When the yearlings attained average
and common carp to the tribal inland fishing weight of 80 to 100 g, after two months, 100
cooperatives. Several training and demonstration ducklings (Campbell strain) (ratio of male : female :
programmes have been conducted on various 1:4) at the age group from 2 to 3 months and
aspects for the tribal fishermen on reservoir fisheries average weights of 0.81 kg to 0.95 kg were
management, production of fish fingerlings in the introduced equally in five ponds and were reared in

104 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECHNOLOGY BASED PROGRAMMES
FOR SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

the duckery constructed for the purpose. After one Vivekanada Seva Samiti, Shahjahanpur were
year of rearing, average growth of Catla was recorded registered under Act 21, 1860 for group mobilization
maximum (1.0 kg) followed by Silver Carp, Rohu, under the project. One IIPR Mini Dal Mill has been
Mrigal and grass carp with maximum weight of 0.8kg, given to the beneficiaries of Shahjahanpur for
0.6 kg, 0.5kg and 0.4 kg respectively along with processing and value addition of pulses. To generate
production of average 500 number of eggs and 50 awareness and promote organic pulses production
ducklings from each duckery . Adoption of Integrated 10 Vermi-compost units using earthworm
duck cum fish farming has increased the additional (Eiseniafetida) have been established at village
income of the farmers. Kucharam in Chitrakoot district. To maintain pulse
crop cafeteria at KVK, 26 promising cultivars have
Cultivation of Spirulina: A project on small scale
been supplied for demonstration cum evaluation of
backyard cultivation of Spirulina for selected NGOs
suitable varieties for the region.
from various districts of Tamil Nadu as an income
generation activity and as a health supplement was Agripreneurship Development: A project on
implemented by Shri AMM MurugappaChettiar community based mass production of bio-control
Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A total of 27 agents in J&K, popularization of low cost technology
beneficiaries were selected for setting up Spirulina for Agri entrepreneurship through farm based bio-
cultivation facilities at their locations and 75 control units was implemented at SKUAST-Jammu.
beneficiaries were trained on Spirulina cultivation Farmers were trained to rear the host insect on
techniques and 27 Spirulina tanks were constructed which the bio-control agent was to be reared
with dimensions (6m x 3m x 0.45m) having capacity e.g. Corcyra, Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa
of 8000 L. All beneficiaries have started Spirulina armigera and subsequently mass production
cultivation, harvesting the algae in their own of Trichogramma and NPV bio-control agents. Around
backyard tank and sold around 1550 kg of Spirulina 350 farmers were exposed and 60 farmers were
in the local market @ Rs.800/kg. Some beneficiaries successfully demonstrated low cost production
have been using Spirulina powder as an animal feed system in the farmer field. Sufficient quantity
for their cattle (50g/day) and also have been selling of Trichogramma (>950 Tricho cards) has been
Spirulina-maize powder mix to local poultry farmers released over 50 ha area. The intervention
and earning additional income of Rs. 8000/ month popularized were trap cropping; pheromone trap
with a minimum of 10 kgs of Spirulina production. system to monitor and mating disruption; and
promotion of bio-control agents like Bacillus
Cultivation of Pulses: A project on development
thuringiensis and Trichogramma and botanicals like
of pulses based sustainable bio-village models
neem oil and neem cake. These techniques have
through action research for livelihood security under
given very good results in Sudhamahadev in
different agro-ecosystems in Uttar Pradesh was
Udhampur district and adjoining villages like Basht,
implemented by Indian Institute of Pulses Research,
Gaurikund and Mantalai. As part of public private
Kanpur. Eight quintal quality seed of pulses as
collaboration, the technological intervention under
chickpea (Var. JG 14 and JG 16) and lentil (IPL 316)
the project got integrated with a local company
was distributed to 55 farmers in village Benipur, Nagla
operating under Actech Agro Private Limited. A young
in Shahjhanpur and Kucharam in Chitrakoot, UP for
local farmer was motivated for farm enterprise as a
demonstrations cum seed production. Two farmers
KisanUtpadak Company in the project
societies namely Maa Durga Krishik Seva Samiti,
implementation area. The company is engaged in
Kucharam, Chitrakoot and Benipur Swami

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 105


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

promotion and popularization of interventions and been benefitted through adoption of fish farming for
bio-control agents. their livelihood generation.

Rural Bio-Resources: A network project on Poultry Farming: A project on Giriraja poultry


establishment of rural bio-resource complex for rearing and propagation for socio-economic
ecologically sustainable utilization for the economic upliftment of scheduled caste community in Imphal
empowerment of Himalayan region community East District, Manipur was implemented at Central
implemented at HESCO, Dehradun in collaboration Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur. The project
with GBPUAT and GBPIHED. Two rural Bio-Resources was implemented in Andro-villages which are socio-
Complexes have been established at Garhwal and economically backward and schedule caste
Kumaon (Chokhutiya) of districts Almora and dominated village in KeiraoBitra sub-Division of
Dehradun, respectively. A total of 26 villages from Imphal. A total of 200 scheduled caste beneficiaries
Almora and 22 villages from Dehradun have been were selected for training and demonstration on
selected to implement the project activities. Farmers scientific Giriraja management, marketing, and
have been imparted training on backyard vegetable formation of SHG. One week old Giriraja chicks
cultivation, polyhouse vegetable cultivation along with feeds, medicines were distributed to the
technologies, organic farming, mushroom cultivation, beneficiaries for rearing.
processing and preservation techniques of fruits, bio
briquetting, poultry farming, vermin composting. More
than 800 beneficiaries from 48 selected villages
have been benefited through adoption of this
practice for their livelihood generation.

B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY B ASED P R OGRAMME
F OR SC/S
SC/ST T P OPULATION :
OPULATION

Fish Farming: A project on carp seed production


in FRP hatchery and development of integrated
rearing system for livelihood development of SC/ST
Figure 1. Harvesting of fish by the farmers
communities in Khordha District of Odisha was
implemented at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar. A total of Popularization of Bio-fertilizer and Bio-
192 beneficiaries having 9.19 ha pond area were pesticide: A project on popularization of biofertilizer
selected from Balipatana, Balianta, Banapur & and bio-pesticide for enhancing the rice and wheat
Begunia blocks. Several training programmes on production of SC/ST farmers of Jaunpur and
scientific aquaculture management have been Azamgarh district, U.P. was implemented by Institute
conducted for the tribal farmers. Induced carp of Environment and Sustainable Development,
breeding operations were conducted in all 3 hatchery Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Training
units i.e. Puranapadhan, Kantabada and Aranga. At programmes were conducted for awareness creation
Puranapadhan Village, 17.25 million carp spawn on bio-fertilizers and their use led to 25-30% increase
(Catlacatla- 2.5 million; Labeorohita- 9.25 million; in yields and 40-50% in income with respect to wheat,
Cirrhinusmrigala- 3.5 million; Cyprinuscarpio- 1.5 maize and vegetable crops. Farmers also saved 25-
million and Ctenopharyngodonidella- 0.5 million) 40% chemical fertilizers by biofertilizers application.
were harvested (Fig.1). More than 400 farmers have Adoption of bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticides helped

106 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECHNOLOGY BASED PROGRAMMES
FOR SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

the farmers for livelihood generation. the project villages and they have been given training
on vegetable seed production particularly for tomato,
Agri- biotechnologies: A project on socio-economic
brinjal and okra. A total of 20 training programmes
upliftment of the rural and peri urban SC/ST population
were conducted on different aspects of quality
of Srikakulam district through agri-biotechnologies was
vegetable seed production for the farmers.
implemented by Agri Biotech Foundation, Hyderabad.
Training programmes were conducted on rising B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY B ASED P R OGRAMME
vegetable seedling using pro tray technology and use
FOR W OMEN
of vermicompost. Resource mobilization was done for
construction of vegetable seedling nurseries and Ornamental Fish Culture: A project on
vermicompost followed by distribution of nursery ornamental fish culture was implemented for the
implements. Adoption of this technology benefitted 187 empowerment of rural women and youth in
farmers for livelihood generation. Kozhikode district of Kerala through KVK, ICAR- Indian
Horticultural crops: A total of 120 tribal farmers Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala.
have been benefitted through a project on perennial Training on various aspects of ornamental fishes
horticultural crops under rainfed cultivation, covering marketing, fish feed preparation, aquarium
implemented at Horticultural College and Research have been conducted and twenty five fish culture
Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University demonstration units have been established at the
Coimbatore. Three villages viz., Monthanthotti, field of beneficiaries. Training and demonstration
Neergundypudur and Kaunakakai were selected at programmes conducted helped the rural women to
Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and six beneficiaries adopt ornamental fish culture as a livelihood option.
were identified to establish orchards with nutrient rich The marketing of fishes are being done by KVK. Two
perennial horticultural crops for their better livelihood. self-help groups namely Angel JLG in Perambra block
Training and demonstration programmes were panchayath and Jaya activity group in
conducted on cultivation of perennial horticultural Koorachundugramapancahayath of Kozhikode
crops, preparation of processed foods at home, bee district, Kerala were formed. Regular monitoring of
keeping and developing kitchen gardens. Training health status of the fish and water quality of culture
manuals on cultivation and processing of perennial tanks are being done. A training manual and a leaflet
horticultural crops and profitable horticultural crop in local language (Malayalam) have been published
cultivation were also distributed to the beneficiaries. and distributed to the beneficiaries.
Farmers were also provided spade, crowbar, hand Poultry Farming: A project on sustainable livelihood
hoe, digging fork, shovel, secateurs, sickle sprayer generation for rural women through improved
and ladder; planting materials and farm inputs like backyard poultry farming was implemented at College
fertilizers, vermicompost and bio-nutrients for of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Central
establishing orchards. Agricultural University, Mizoram. A total of 541 parent
Vegetable Seed Production: A project on quality Vanaraja chicks (80 male birds and 461 female birds)
seeds production of some important high value were supplied by Project Directorate of Poultry,
vegetable crops (tomatoes, brinjal and okra) was Hyderabad. Ten women from ten selected villages
implemented by KVK, Manipur in the villages which were imparted training to enhance their skill to serve
are predominantly engaged in vegetable growing others as local service providers in their respective
areas. Ten self-help groups were constituted from villages and establishment of rural poultry resource
centre. The project was implemented in two districts

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 107


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

of Mizoram, viz., Aizawl and Mamit covering 5 villages status educating them about simple lifestyle changes
in each district. More than 2000 chicks have been related to their sanitation and sexual habits or
distributed to 89 beneficiaries. The average egg personal hygiene which may reduce the infection
production is about 600 eggs per family per month rate, thus improve quality of life and avoid loss of
and farmers are earning about Rs. 6000-8000/- per work. A demo-cum-talk session was also conducted
month. The rearing of Vanaraja birds helped the at Masala Mathri Kendra and distributed brochures
beneficiaries to utilize the income derived from the to 120 poor women and girls. A health education
selling of eggs and birds in meeting day to day program was also organized at an organization of
expenditure activities like education fee of children, Self-Employed Women Association (SEWA-Lucknow),
food items, small savings etc. The additional income and 80 women participate in the programme.
of the enterprise helped them in reducing the hard Besides this, regular health awareness program on
work done by these women like going to jungle in daily basis is being done at Obstetrics and
search of vegetables for selling, fire woods or doing Gynaecology outpatient department of the college.
labourers job in others house to meet the expenditure Around 40,000 to 50,000 women have benefitted
of their families. People from the nearby area have through implementation of this project.
also shown interest in poultry farming and the project
A Network Programme on Breast cancer screening
beneficiaries are selling their chicks to them.
was continued in four districts of North-East India
Health and Hygiene: A project on immunological, namely Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura
genetic and behavioural profile of women with urinary through coordinating agency Cancer Foundation of
tract infections was implemented at King George’s India, Kolkata. A total of 7919 women have been
Medical University, Lucknow. 869 women were sensitized on breast health in Agartala Govt. Medical
screened with complains suggestive of UTI and their College, Tripura and 2009 in Civil Hospital, Aizawl,
urine and blood samples were taken for analysis. Mizoram. 6319 women have been sensitized on
Out of these, 103 women had E. coli infection and breast health in Manipur and 2023 in Meghalaya. A
60 had some other bacteria. These 103 women dedicated Breast Clinic was established in the host
were followed for next 12 months, fortnightly and institutions for community screening. The breast
asked for symptoms experienced during previous health education plan was focused on breast self-
episode as a guide for self-diagnosis of any examination (BSE) to identify the early signs of breast
recurrence. Only 22 women reported recurrence of changes and reach out to the designated Breast
symptoms. 1500 healthy women were also recruited Clinic for clinical follow up. A 3-day Training on Data
from family planning clinic for screening and urine entry and Analysis was also organized in Shillong,
samples of 22 women showed presence of 105 CFU/ Meghalaya for Data Managers and Social Workers
ml of bacteria (15 E. coli, 7 other bacteria) in the working in the Project from participating centres.
absence of symptoms. Cytokine detection for all
A project on Genetic awareness, diagnostic &
women was done and 78 cystitis and 11 recurrent
counselling programme on maternal and neonatal
cases were reported and IL-8 was found to be higher
health was implemented at Department of Molecular
at the time of index episode than in infection free
& Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University,
period. A demonstration cum talk programme was
Varanasi, U.P. In this project, emphasis was given on
also conducted at Navyug Kanya Mahavidyalaya,
the need of pregnancy care, genetic awareness and
Lucknow and brochures were distributed to the 600
to inculcate healthy lifestyle into routine practice with
women faculty and senior students. Awareness was
the help of gynaecologists, medical superintendent
created among women with low socio-economic

108 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECHNOLOGY BASED PROGRAMMES
FOR SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

and health education officers of the local area. economic condition of rural tribal women in Assam
Training programmes have been organized for genetic was implemented by The Energy and Resources
counselling, awareness campaigns for ASHA, Institute (TERI-NE), Guwahati. Ten villages of Kamrup
Anganwadi workers in the villages focusing mainly and Udalguri districts of Assam covering 120 women
on pregnant females, reproductive age group women beneficiaries have been selected for production of
as well as adolescent girls. These programs are disease free laying (DFL) rearing and spinning of Eri
determined to develop local population’s insight into Silkworm. Several awareness generation and capacity
female reproductive health right from the adolescent building programmes have been conducted. Under this
age. Families were motivated towards pregnancy project separate rearing houses for the beneficiaries
care, nutritional interventions for anaemic pregnant have been developed and 60 improved Eri spinning
females as well as adolescent girls, management of machines have been provided to the beneficiaries.
pregnancy related complications and other sensitive Trainings programmes on different aspects of Eri
social issues such as gender determination. Seven- silkworm rearing, spinning, pest and diseases
day workshop was also organized for medical management and issues related to post cocoon
professionals and research scholars to provide a management were conducted, which benefitted 110
common platform for clinicians and researchers for women.
the better understanding and use of modern age
technologies for effective management of maternal
and neonatal health issues.
Value Added Products: A project on socio-
economic upliftment of rural women through
development of value added meat products was
implemented at Faculty of Veterinary science and
Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of
Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu. Five
hands-on training programmes were conducted at
division of Livestock Products Technology and nearly
hundred women participated from different villages
of R. S. Pura, Jammu were trained on various
technological aspects in the development of various
value added meat and egg products and their
packaging, preservation and marketing. Special
emphasis was also given regarding the development
of shelf stable meat products. A few trained women
have also introduced different value added products
in their already established shops.
Ericulture: Eri silk is the product of the domesticated
silkworm, Philosamiaricini that feeds mainly on castor
leaves. The ‘Ericulture’ is a household activity
practiced mainly by tribal of north-eastern part of the
country. A project on ericulture for upliftment of socio

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 109


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

06

Biotech Product
& Process
Development

110 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECH PRODUCT &
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

B IOSYSTEMS AND B IOPROCESS food waste as feedstock. Application of pre-aeration


to waste prior to feeding at semi-pilot scale biosystem
E NGINEERING assisted the suppression of methanogenic activity
Biosystems and bioprocess engineering program and exhibited 10% higher VFA production than the
supports interdisciplinary approaches towards control. Acid pretreatment strategy helped in
analysis and synthesis of complex cellular systems enhancing the VFA production (PT; 11.1 g/l) when
based on the hierarchical structure and compared with untreated parent biocatalyst (UT; 6.1
decomposability of bio-systems. Further, towards g/l). Taguchi methodology served as a systematic
achieving efficient bioprocess; research on mathematical approach to understand the
recombinant technology integrated to process acidogenic process. Pretreated biocatalyst along with
design,in-silico modelling and process systems higher COD load and bicarbonates presence led to
engineering are being encouraged. Some of the enhanced cumulative hydrogen production, whereas
achievements of the projects supported are as pH in combination with sulphate, nitrate, and
follows: bicarbonates increased the degree of acidification.

Engineering Bacillus subtilis to develop an Process development for the enzymatic


efficient platform for enzyme secretion: This conversion of grease into long chain fatty acid:
project is being implemented at IIT Bombay with the Grease is widely used as a lubricating agent in almost
aim of efficient manipulation leading to design of every machine to reduce the friction generated
secretion systems in bacteria. Towards this aim, between the two moving parts. Disposal of grease
scientists have developed a computational model waste poses a serious problem and becomes a threat
to address the issue of design of nucleotide to the ecosystem as it is non-biodegradable. In most
sequences in B. subtils which maximize the protein of the countries, waste grease has been dumped in
secretion from the organism. The approach, adopted the litter site or in the sewages without any pre-
is independent of the target protein, and is based treatment leading to severe environmental issues.
on the thermodynamics of protein secretion and Utilization of grease as a substrate opens up new
expression. Efforts have also been made on making strategy for product development vis-a-vis its
general modifications in the organism which target remediation.
effective secretion and stabilization of secreted In this study metabolic pathway used by Penicillium
proteins. They have so far, successfully built chrysogenum to convert grease into long chain fatty
constructs which house upto three modifications. acid was studied and a process has been developed
Valorisation of waste to carboxylic acid by to convert grease waste into Fatty acids, which has
integrated acidogenic fermentation process huge market globally.
using bio-refinery approach: This study is being Bioprocess development and application of
carried out at IICT Hyderabad with the aim to develop laccase from Basidiomycota sp.: The laccases
integrated bioprocess that provides a novel solution are the enzymes that have proved to be an effective
for waste valorization towards resource recovery with tool in many industrial processes like waste water
carboxyl platform as a focal point in the framework treatment especially in dye degradation and toxic
of biorefinery. Among all redox condition studied (pH waste treatment. It can also act upon plant litter
5 to pH 12), pH 10 operation (6.3 g/l) exhibited higher and degrade the most recalcitrant complex natural
volatile fatty acid (VFA) productivity of 6.3 g/l using polymer such as lignin. Being the most important

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 111


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

ligninolytic oxidative enzymes, they have large market obtained using sucrose-induced cells indicating role
potential in biotechnological processes. Therefore, of invertase activity in trans-fructosylation activity.
novel laccase producing microbes having wider and Using these cells, pH, temperature, substrate
different substrate specificities, with improved concentration, whole cells concentrations were
stability carries high importance. altered to investigate their effect on FOS yield and
important parameters were identified. These
Studies carried out under this project at Moolji Jaitha
parameters will be optimized with an objective to
College, Jalgaon, Maharashtra led to optimization and
obtain maximum conversions. Selective separation
the scaling up of the laccase production, which has
of the sugars from synthesized FOS using various
resulted in the reduction of the production cost from
resins was also evaluated. Results are likely to find
Rs. 49/L to Rs. 2.28/L. The crude laccase produced
applications in industry as these molecules are
was found effective in bioremediation of textile as
prepared currently using purified enzymes.
well as non-textile dyes (~80-90 %); suitable for its
applications in textile and pulp industry. The Bioprocess development for caffeine
detoxification of dyes by laccase was found to be degradation using whole cells and enzymes:
very efficient which was evaluated by microbial and Industrial applications: This study is being done
phytotoxicity assay. at IIT Madras, Chennai. Sequence of the genomic
DNA fragment of Pseudomonas sp. revealed the
Metabolic engineering of Zymomonas mobilis
presence of ndm genes similar to that present in
for production of Malic acid: The enzyme
Pseudomonas putida CBB5. Five ndm genes namely,
pyruvate decarboxylase converts pyruvate into
ndmA, ndmB, ndmC, ndmD and ndmE were cloned,
ethanol. The major flux goes from pyruvate to
over-expressed and purified to homogeneity.
acetaldehyde which is further converted to ethanol,
Biochemical characterization of NdmD was done.
to lactate, and to acetyl CoA which enters TCA cycle.
NdmD, the reductase component of caffeine
For diverting the metabolic flux towards malic acid,
demethylation system found in Pseudomonas sp. has
the study involved the deletion of pyruvate
an extra Rieske domain in its N-terminal when
decarboxylase and lactate dehydrogenasegenes in
compared to other RO reductases. Investigators
Zymomonas mobilis ZM4.
made two deletion constructs Δ114NdmD and
The deletion in the present study done at IIT Delhi Δ250NdmD where N-terminal Rieske domains were
was performed using electroporation of linear PCR deleted from full length NdmD. Far UV CD spectral
product. This is the first report of deletion of a gene profile shows that the deletion constructs folds into
in Z. mobilis using this approach. This will make native structure even when the Rieske domain was
genome engineering in this bacterium easy and rapid. deleted from NdmD. Functional assays proved that
the N-terminal Rieske domain is not required for the
Whole cell catalysed biotransformation for
catalytic activity of NdmD.
synthesis of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS):
The feasibility of using whole cells of Microbacterium Centre of excellence in vaccine delivery using
paraoxydans for synthesis of FOS has been biodegradable polymer particles: This centre
demonstrated using cell bound enzymes at IIT Delhi. was supported for creating a facility for large scale
In order to use invertase/inulinase activity for FOS manufacturing of polymeric nanoparticle using spray
synthesis, cells were induced with sucrose, inulin or drying for vaccine delivery and to develop
left un-induced. Maximum FOS yield of 40 g/L was nanoparticle based pneumococcal vaccine consisting

112 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECH PRODUCT &
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

of carbohydrates of 4 Pneumococcal serotypes of thermal bonding methods were used to bond lower
predominant Indian origin (without using conjugation and upper PMMA sheet.
of carrier peptide).
P UBLIC H EAL TH , F OOD AND
EALTH
A large scale nanoparticle formulation laboratory has
been established at NII, New Delhi for delivery of
N UTRITION B IOL OG
IOLOG
OGYY
biologicals. Investigator has shown that polymeric The mandate of Public Health Food and Nutrition
nanoparticles entrapping capsular polysaccharide programme is addressal of micronutrient
induced neutralizing antibody titer from single dose deficiencies, severe acute malnutrition, food
immunization. A process of conjugation of fortification, probiotics for human health and well-
polysaccharide to recombinant protein has been being, food safety, molecular detection of GM traits
standardized. Preparation of nanoparticle entrapping in foods, development of low cost foods/
carbohydrates of other serotypes has been supplements and utilization of agricultural residues
established and are being evaluating for for value added products and capacity building in
immunogenicity. Serotype 1,5, 14, 6B and 19F have Food Science and Nutrition Biology.
been procured and being used for immunization
studies. Novel proteins from S. pneumoniae have Biology of childhood undernutrition and
also been expressed in E. coli. Purification and healthy growth with an emphasis on linear
immunogenicity tests are underway. Work on growth retardation: A centre of excellence on the
development of cell wall polysaccharide based mutations in GUCY2C and human disease, the gut
pneumococcal vaccinehas also been initiated. and beyond was implemented in IISc, Bangalore in
the current year. The effects of the most severe
Centre of excellence for biopharmaceutical mutations in GC-C on gut physiology would be
technology: This COE is being implemented at IIT- studied. Mouse would be humanised using the mutant
Delhi, New Delhi. Some of the achievements are: human GC-C and organoids developed from this
a) Cloning and expression of Lucentis: Lucentis is a mouse would be monitored for functions related to
48 kDa humanized monoclonal antibody fragment, GMP accumulation. The transgenic model being
which is mostly produced as inclusion bodies in E. generated would be used to study the mechanisms
coli expression system. It has been approved to treat of secretary diarrhoea.
the “wet” type of age-related maculardegeneration Effect of maternal protein and vitamin B 12
(wetAMD), a common form of age-related vision loss. supplementation on placental vasculature :
Lucentis gene was amplified, cloned and over- Low maternal vitamin B12 status during pregnancy
expressed in E. coli. The expression conditions were has been reported to be associated with higher risks
optimized, wherein optimum results were achieved of intrauterine growth retardation. With an aim to
in S.O.C. medium, at induction time of 12 hrs at 16°C dissect out the mechanism for this association 74
with IPTG (Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopy ranoside) human placental samples were collected and were
concentration of 0.4 mM. categorized as low (n = 37) and high (n = 37) vitamin
b) Fabrication of microchip: A disposable PMMA chip B12 groups respectively. The expression level of
was fabricated by using laser, thermal and UV bonding endoglin (ENG) using real-time PCR with respect to
technique for preparation of water in oil emulsions. maternal, placental and neonatal parameters was
PMMA sheet was cut and micro channels were observed to be significantly higher in the low vitamin
engraved using laser ablation technique. UV and B12 group. Further studies are ongoing for estimation

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 113


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

of placental expression of angiogenesis associated pathway. The specific role of IRP2 is being probed
genes in low and high maternal B 12 groups to further.
delineate the placental signalling pathway through
Development of aptamer based detection
which ENG is likely mediating the effect of maternal
system for Aflatoxin M1 in milk: Aflatoxin M1
vitamin B12 status on fetoplacental growth.
(AFM1) is present in milk of lactating animals fed on
Assessment of dietary advanced glycation end aflatoxin B1 contaminated feeds and is a class 2B
products (dAGEs) and mechanistic studies to carcinogen. Untruncated (72 nts long) and truncated
evaluate the effect of dAGEs on inflammatory (18 to 42 nts long) aptamers were evaluated for
markers in subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes: AFM1 recognition which was detected by colour-
dAGEs are the main source of AGEs in body and may change in aptamer-conjugated-gold nanoparticles in
increase oxidative stress and inflammation which may presence of AFM1. Untruncated and truncated
lead to risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. aptamers recognised AFM1. An electrochemical
dAGEs of Indian foods were determined and efficacy aptasensor for detection of trace amounts of AFM1
of low AGE vs high AGEs diet on biomarkers of has been developed. This required immobilization of
inflammation and among obese individuals in aptamer on screen printed gold electrode comprising
Chennai was evaluated in randomized cross-over of working electrode, counter electrode and
intervention trial. The change in blood glucose and reference electrode and was achieved by
insulin were assessed and found to be significantly sequentially layering dithiodipropionic acid,
higher in low dAGEs diet. Carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) streptavidin and biotinylated-tetraethylene glycol-
which is a blood biomarker of AGE was significantly aptamer. Immobilization of aptamer was monitored
lower in participants of low dAGEs diet compared to by cyclic voltammetry (Figure 1). Further work is in
high dAGE diet. progress to validate the identified aptamer for
development of sensing system in milk.
Effect of zinc supplementation prior to iron
on iron absorption, and iron status in deficient
rats: It was demonstrated that zinc induces the
intestinal iron absorption via induction of DMT1
(apical transporter) expression and its membrane
localization. The inhibition of zinc induced iron
absorption due to DMT1 silencing suggested that
zinc induced iron absorption is indeed mediated by
upregulation of DMT1 expression. It was also
demonstrated that zinc induces the activation of
PI3K and its downstream targets AKT, mTOR and Figure 1. Voltammetry study of the immobilised aptamer
70S6K. Inhibition of zinc induced PI3K activation by
Development of high-throughput
LY294002, abrogates the effect of zinc on iron
nanobiosensor for the detection of
absorption and DMT1 expression. Moreover, it was
Salmonella sp. in food: A DNA aptamer pool,
also demonstrated that zinc induces the expression
specific to six strains of the common food pathogen,
and activity of IRP2, but not IRP1 in caco-2 cells.
Salmonella typhimurium, has been obtained after
These results suggested that zinc induced iron
11 iterative rounds of cell-SELEX (systematic
absorption in intestinal cells is mediated by induction
evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment). This
of DMT1 expression via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling

114 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECH PRODUCT &
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

is to be used to fabricate a simple, specific, rapid alumina that is present in gamma phases is known
diagnostic tool for detection of Salmonella to be one of the efficient adsorbent fluoride among
typhimurium at point-of-care. inorganic contaminants of water. Efforts are being
made to synthesise nanoparticles of gamma alumina
Development of cost effective diagnostic
using sol-gel and precipitation processes.
tools for the determination of food
Nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel aqueous and
adulterants and contaminants using metal
non-aqueous based processes were found to
nanoparticles: A chemosensor has been developed
possess better adsorption capacity of 15000-
for the detection of highly toxic pesticide, quinalphos
25000mg/kg but were expensive. Alternate
(Qp) using 2-amino-4-thiazoleaceticacid capped gold
attempts are being made to synthesise nanoparticles
nanoparticles (ATA-AuNPs) by both naked eye and
of gamma alumina by precipitation process with
spectrophotometry. Determination of methyl
equally good adsorption capacity of around 12000-
parathion (MP) by colorimetry, spectrophotometry
15000 mg/kg at low cost. Further efforts are being
and spectrofluorimetry methods using N-CDs as a
made to simplify the synthesis process and make
fluorophore was also demonstrated. A chemosensor
more energy efficient. On the other hand, efforts
has been developed for the determination of an
are being made to incorporate synthesised
artificial sweetener saccharin using 3, 5-diamino-1,
nanoparticles in conventional sediment removal filter
2, 4-triazole capped gold nanoparticles (DAT-AuNPs)
using nanocoating methodology. The filtered water
by both naked eye and spectrophotometry.
maintained drinking water standard as per BIS for
Molecular detection and quantification of drinking water but neither aluminium nor any toxic
shiga-like toxin producing Escherichia coli in secondary contaminants were found.
fresh vegetables: The persistence of Shiga-like
Role of probiotic lactobacilli in modulation of
toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in the
intestinal epithelium mediated barrier
agricultural soil creates serious threat to human
functions and immune signals: In vitro effects
health; however, the survival of STEC strains is not
on epithelial barrier functions of two indigenous
yet understood thoroughly. The results of the survey
probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus and
conducted at different time course indicate that the
Lactobacillus fermentum against E. coli and LPS of
occurrence of STEC in vegetables like carrot,
pathogenic E. coli (O26:B6), Caco-2 cells were
coriander, cabbage, lettuce, radish like raw
studied. Cells treated with probiotic strains
vegetables. The survival pattern of STEC strain
demonstrated appreciably lower flux of phenol red.
(O157-TNAU) was compared with non-pathogenic
The probiotic treatment significantly increased the
(MTCC433) and genetically modified (DH5α) strains
mRNA expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin and
on different tropical agricultural soils and on a
Cingulin compared to significant suppressed
vegetable growing medium, cocopeat under
expression by E. coli/LPS treatments than control.
controlled condition using EGFP-tagged strains. A
Both probiotic strains either increased the mRNA
simple realtime PCR protocol has been standardized
expression of tight junction genes or maintained equal
to assess the pathogenic population directly from
expression to untreated control cells under exclusion
the vegetable and soil.
and competition assays with live E. coli/LPS. The
Development of domestic defluoridation filter maintenance and restitution of cytoskeleton actin
using synthesized nano gamma alumina architecture, tight junction structures (ZO-1 and
particles as adsorbent material: Activated Claudin-1) or polygonal cell morphology on probiotic

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 115


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

treatments during E. coli/LPS infection were clearly Development of Molecular Diagnostics and
visible by immuno-fluorescence and transmission Immunotherapeutic Vaccines for Prawn and
electron micrographs compared to their diffused and Brinjal Allergy: Prawn and brinjal are proved as
fragmented appearance when cells were infected two major sensitizers for an atopic population of India
with E. coli/LPS alone. In conclusion, both probiotic and other countries as well. The investigators have
strains effectively attenuated E. coli or LPS induced collected food allergy patients sera (n=57 for brinjal
leaky epithelial barrier function. and n=65 for prawn) and 20 healthy sera as a
negative control. These patients were tested by the
Innovation and demonstration of technologies
Immuno-cap method. Serological detection of
for improved production and enhanced shelf
allergens was done by probing the muscle proteome
life of Tomato: To improve the tomatoes shelf life,
of prawn and fruit proteome of brinjal. As on date,
a process based on atmospheric cold plasma (ACP)
cloning, purification and characterization of two novel
has been developed along with a special ready to
allergens viz. a 14 kDa profilin from brinjal and a
drink beverage based on tomato fruit juice, coconut
32.8 kDa tropomyosin from fresh water prawn is
water and other additives. The processes for
done. Both the allergens displayed frequent IgE-
utilization of tomato and tomato processing by-
reactivity as confronted with patient sera. Further
products in the development of fibre, mineral and
studies are ongoing for characterization of the
antioxidant rich novel nutritional bakery products has
antigenic determinants of these allergens using
been standardized.
various computational as well as peptide-based
Preparation, characterization and application approaches.
of vitamin A and D loaded milk protein nano-
Aptamer probes for detection of celiac disease
complexes: Vitamin A and D deficiency diseases
epitopes of gluten in commercial varieties of
are the consequence of lower dietary level and their
Indian Wheat, Rye and Barley: Synthesis,
low bioavailability which necessitates fortification in
screening and characterization of six immunogenic
food. FSSAI approved the fortification of toned/
peptides from alpha-gliadin, gamma-gliadin and HMV
double toned /skimmed milk. Incorporation of fat
glutenin fraction of wheat was completed. Aptamer
soluble vitamins in low fat foods requires stabilization
candidate with good binding candidates in micro
in an aqueous medium and protection against
molar range were obtained against two peptides.
deteriorating factors. Hence, solubility of milk
Currently the investigators are screening gliadin and
proteins was improved by succinylation through
glutenin from different wheat varieties with the
modification of some physicochemical characters.
developed aptamers.
Evaluation of milk fortified with these milk protein-
Vit A nano-complexes suggested that these nano- Center of excellence on “the effect of amino
complexes could be added to food products with acids, vitamin A and their metabolites and
minimal effect on sensory acceptability, oxidative stress on low birth weight”: To test
physicochemical characteristics and product shelf the hypothesis that supplementation of protein and
life. Vitamin A content was lowest in sterilized milk vitamin B12 during pregnancy could improve
followed by boiled and pasteurized milk. Milk protein- biochemical fluxes, placental epigenetics and birth
Vit A nano-complexes fortified milk showed higher outcomes, an intervention trial with a daily
in-vitro bioavailability of vitamin A as compared to supplement of 500 ml of skimmed milk during
free vitamin A fortified milk. pregnancy was performed in low BMI pregnant Indian
women. The novelty of this study is the use of stable

116 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECH PRODUCT &
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

isotope tracers that measures fluxes of amino acids, B IOSAFET Y R ESEAR CH


ESEARCH
since the investigators had earlier shown that
arginine and methionine are deficient during The programme aims at implementation of the Rules,
pregnancy. In consequence, this study has led to 1989 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for the
the creation of an Indian human placental archive manufacture, use, import, export and storage of
from the St. John’s mother-baby cohort, a unique hazardous microorganisms, GE organisms or cells
resource that is being utilized to understand the and products thereof for research and development.
placental molecular mechanisms mediating the role The Rules, 1989 delegated the Department of
of maternal nutrition on fetoplacental growth and Biotechnology to administer functioning of i)
adverse birth outcomes such as intrauterine growth Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSCs) which
restriction. The findings from this study suggest that operate directly from the premises of the institutions
women with high Hb tend to have higher oxidative and ensures on-site assessment and monitoring of
stress in early pregnancy, and are therefore likely to adherence to the biosafety guidelines with overall
bear the brunt of possible harmful effects of iron oversight of the regulatory process, at the
supplementation. On the other hand, women who institutional level and ii) Review Committee on
were even mildly anaemic appear to have benefited Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) that monitors &
by the supplementation.The ongoing study is reviews all ongoing research projects involving high
evaluating the effect of an indigenous traditional food risk category and confined field experiments and
preparation using curry, mint or coriander leaves, ensure the compliance of biosafety rules &
which are high in beta-carotene. More importantly, regulations, as well as framing and implementation
this study has set up a new way to measure vitamin of safety measures and guidelines, while conducting
A status, by measuring its stores, rather than using research on high risk group microorganisms and GE
serum retinol values, which are tightly regulated and organisms.
unlikely to show toxicity. This has been done using
During the year, the RCGM evaluated about 349
stable isotope technique and stores will be correlated
applications in 5 meetings in the areas of agriculture,
with intrauterine foetal growth in healthy pregnant
healthcare and industry. The applications were for:
women.
import/exchange of high risk group microorganisms
Capacity Building in Food Science: The and recombinant research related materials
Department has initiated an Integrated M.Sc-Ph.D including seeds, gene constructs, plasmids, and
programme at Gauhati University, Guwahati in Food vectors, living modified organisms (LMOs); conduct
Science for imparting teaching during two years of of pre-clinical toxicity studies and evaluation of pre-
M.Sc followed by research in Food Science to clinical study data; conduct of event selection trials
enhance research capacity in “Food Sciences” by (ESTs)/ Biosafety Research Level 1 (BRL1) trials in
carrying out focussed R&D in (a) Fermented Foods confined conditions for transgenic crops under
(Solid) b) Functional and Flavoured Tea products development viz. cotton, corn, rice, chickpea and
including tea based health drink and c) Exploration pigeon pea from universities/public & private
of exotic fruits and vegetables of North Eastern organizations for biosafety clearance.
region for bioactive components. As on date the first
Eleven Central Compliance Committee (CCC) teams
batch of 5 MSc students have joined the course.
with more than 25 experts from plant breeding,
The Department has also constituted an Expert
physiology, plant biotechnology, entomology,
Committee for a periodic review of this programme.
pathology, silkworm biology etc., along with experts

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 117


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

from the states and members of state agricultural was released on 5th December, 2017 during the
university (SAU) were constituted and visited Meeting of States Parties of the Biological Weapons
containment facilities of genetically engineered Convention (BWC) held at Geneva, Switzerland. The
silkworm & mosquito and biosafety research trial sites Indian Biosafety Knowledge Portal (IBKP) is in the
and interacted with the in-charges of the trials and final stage of development. The portal would ensure
the Directors of Research of the respective SAUs biosafety compliance at the organizational level in
and institutes for monitoring the compliance of addition to online submission-tracking-review-
biosafety rules & regulations while conducting the processing, monitoring and authorization of the
trials as stipulated in Biosafety Guidelines. applications submitted by various applicants to
RCGM.
In the pharmaceutical sector, 11 rDNA products
were permitted for conducting pre-clinical toxicity The Biosafety Support Unit (BSU) established in
studies by 10 private/public institutions & companies. partnership with Regional Centre for Biotechnology
Based on the evaluation of pre-clinical study reports, (RCB) evaluated applications submitted to RCGM for
6 rDNA products developed by 5 private/public approval, and also developed Risk Assessment and
institutions & companies were recommended by Risk Management Plan (RARMP) documents on
RCGM to Drug Controller General of India [DCG (I)] applications submitted for biosafety clearance;
for appropriate phase of clinical trials. prepared comprehensive documents on the GM
food labelling policy; and on notified/certified GM
To assess the veracity of spread of unapproved
food testing laboratories in India, and also played a
herbicide tolerant (HT) cotton in the country and to
major role in updating and revising “Recombinant
confirm the presence of gene(s) and, strategies and
DNA Safety Guidelines, 1990. BSU has supported
measures to contain any illegal activity a ‘Field
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in
Inspection & Scientific Evaluation Committee’ (FISEC)
preparing a comprehensive safety assessment
was constituted with subject experts, and nominees
document titled “Assessment of Food and
from concerned ministries and states as advised by
Environmental Safety (AFES) for GE mustard” and
Prime Minister’s Office. The committee interacted
analyzing the comments received on AFES document
with technology developers, seed producers,
of GE mustard. BSU was also involved in conducting
farmer’s groups and non-government organizations
training programs/workshops like scientific/strategic
in three separate meetings, to assess the illegitimate
research on Biosafety & Biosecurity;Risk Assessment
spread of HT cotton in various states and its report
and Risk Management (RARM) workshop for GE
will be submitted shortly.
plants; Current developments in GE Crops and Food
Continuing the reform initiatives for Biosafety & Environmental Safety to bring awareness about
regulation, the department has revised the existing laws, rules and guidelines governing biosafety
Recombinant DNA Safety Guidelines, 1990 with regulation of GMOs among various stakeholders as
significant enhancement in scope as per the Rules, well as for in-house capacity building.
1989; harmonized provisions, containment facilities
As a measure to ensure strict compliance of
and operating procedures with international best
biosafety guidelines for rDNA activities by universities,
practices; and revision of risk group agents and
public & private institutions, laboratories, and industry
regulatory overview. After public consultation,
through their Institutional Biosafety Committees
“Regulations and guidelines on biosafety of
(IBSCs), 36 new IBSCs have been constituted, while
recombinant DNA research & biocontainment, 2017”
63 old IBSCs have been renewed.

118 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECH PRODUCT &
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

Foreign Trade, In-House R&D recognition and essentiality of the projects, resources & manpower
other issues: Trade plays an indispensable role and established, intellectual property (IP) generated; the
always been a decisive parameter for the growth of Department had recommended 13 R&D units of
country’s economy. The Department had fixed and biotechnology firms under in-house R&D unit scheme
communicated Input/output norms for 03 to Department of Scientific & Industrial Research.
biotechnological products. Comments on export/
Patent facilitation and capacity building:The
import of 06 restricted items were also shared with
Biotechnology Patent Facilitating Cell (BPFC) provides
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to
single window awareness-cum-Patent facilitation
facilitate trade in biotechnology.
(examination, filing, maintenance and follow-ups) to
Incentivize the core research & developmental scientists and researchers on request for filing of
capabilities of various public and private Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT) and National phase
establishments remains a major boost for innovation applications on inventions pertaining to Life Sciences
driven industrial growth in the country. Keeping in and Biotechnology through empanelled IPR firms.
view of the technical expertise, relevance& Following patents have been granted during 2017-
2018:

S r. Country & Patent No. Name of the Inventor(s) Patent Title


No. /Applicants
1 US Application No. 14/323,687 KUNZANG CHOSDOL || FAT1 GENE IN CANCER
(Patent No. 9,556,437 B2) BHAWANA DIKSHIT || AND INFLAMMATION
SUBRATA SINHA

1. ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF


MEDICAL SCIENCES, NEW DELHI
2. NATIONAL BRAIN RESEARCH
CENTRE, MANESAR
3. DEPARTMENT OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY, NEW DELHI

2 Us Divisional Application SYED SHAMS YAZDANI || MODIFIED BACTERIA


NO. 15/458,040 BASED ON NEHA MUNJA || ANU JOSE FOR THE PRODUCTION
PCT/IN2013/000534 PARENT MATTAM OF BIOALCOHOL
APPLICATION US 14/424,037
1. INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR
GENETIC ENGINEERING AND
BIOTECHNOLOGY, NEW DELHI
2. DEPERTMENT OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY, NEW DELHI

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 119


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

3 139/Del/2007(282490) NEESHMA JAISWAL || AN IMPROVED APPARATUS


SUNIL KUMAR || FOR COLLECTION OF
SANDEEP K. MALHOTRA || HONEY BEE TOXIN
ANSHU MALHOTRA

1. UNIVERSITY OF ALLAHABAD,
ALLAHABAD
2. DEPERTMENT OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY, NEW DELHI

4 889/DEL/2010(288480) ARVIND SAHU || PETIDES THAT INHIBIT


ARCHANA P. KADAM FACTOR B, C2 AND
COMPLEMENT
1. NATIOINAL CENTRE FOR CELL ACTIVATION, AND THEIR
SCIENCES, PUNE USES
2. DEPERTMENT OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY, NEW DELHI

5 741/DEL/2010(286667) KISHORE KUMAR KRISHNANI QUANTITATIVE METHOD


FOR DETECTING A
1. CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF MICROBIAL POLLUTANT
BRACKISHWATER AQUACULTURE
2. DEPERTMENT OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY

6 433/DEL/2009(289249) ANIL KUMAR TRIPATHY || A METHOD FOR


SIMARJOT KAUR PRODUCING CALCUIM
CARBONATE
1. BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY, NANOPARTICIES USING
VARANASI RECOMBINANT CARBONIC
2. DEPERTMENT OF ANHYDRASE FROM
BIOTECHNOLOGY, NEW DELHI AZOSPIRILLUM
BRASILENSE

120 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


07

Biotechnology
Information System
Network

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 121


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

The Biotechnology Information System Network (Sanjeevini) available at http://www.scfbio-


(BTISnet), established in the year 1986, is nowspread iitd.res.in/sanjeevini/sanjeevini.jsp. The centre has
across the country with around 170 centres. These provided extensive hands-on training to 131
centres are closely networked as BTISnet and youngsters, divided into five batches, over 10 days
classified into various categories based on the workshops.
centre’s expertise, infrastructure, capabilities and
The COE at Bose Institute, Kolkata, has developed
number of students and researchers. The BTISnet
several useful tools like: PluriPred, a web server for
includes –6 Centres of Excellence (CoEs), 12
prediction of the proteins which have important role
Distributed Information Centres (DICs), 49
in pluripotency (http://bicresources.jcbose.ac.in/
Distributed Information Sub-Centres (DISCs) and
ssaha4/pluripred/); PPIMpred, a prediction server
103 Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facilities. The
of small molecules that inhibit Protein-Protein
network also consist of one supercomputing facility
Interactions of MDM2/p53; c-MYC/MAX and BCL2/
for Bioinformatics and six interactive graphics
BAK available at http://bicresources.jcbose.ac.in/
facilities. A large numbers of bioinformatics R&D
ssaha4/PPIMpred/; LMDIPred, a prediction server,
projects are being supported through this
which allows predicting linear peptide sequences from
programme. The network supports 6 teaching
a protein interacting with SH3, WW and PDZ domains,
programs in M.Sc., M.Tech. and PhD. in Bioinformatics
available at http://bicresources.jcbose.ac.in/
and Computational Biology to generate skilled
ssaha4/; lmdipred/ EnPPIpred, a prediction server
manpower. Further, the BTISnet centres conduct
that predicts Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) in
short term trainings and workshops for the benefit
entheropathogens including E. coli, Vibrio cholerae,
of research community including experimental
Salmonella typhi, Shigella & Yersinia, available at
biologists. The centres also provide Bioinformatics
http://bicresources.jcbose.ac.in/ssaha4/
and Computational Biology services to the scientific
EnPPIpred/.
community.
The School of Computational and Integrative
C ENTRES OF E XCELLENCE (COE S ) IN Sciences (SCIS) at JNU, New Delhi is involved in
B IOINF ORMA
IOINFORMA TICS
ORMATICS research and teaching programs in areas which are
highly interdisciplinary in nature. The centre runs
The COEs act as research and training activity hubs several academic programmes like MSc-PhD
for regional and neighbouring academic and research degrees in computational and integrative sciences.
institutes, with a focus on quality research, education Teaching and research programs are supported by
and services. good computational and communication
The COE at IIT-Delhi, New Delhi has developed a infrastructure consisting of computer clusters with
whole genome analysis methodology and software multiprocessor nodes, large-memory nodes and
based on DNA energetics (ChemGenome) available graphics processing units (GPUs) to facilitate
at http://www.scfbio-iitd.res.in/bioinformatics/ specialized research in the new building of SCIS. The
genefinding.htm; an all atom energy based COE at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, has
computational protocol for protein tertiary structure developed several tools and databases like RTD
prediction (Bhageerath-H) available at http:// Phylogeny. Other server developed for typing of
www.scfbio-iitd.res.in/bhageerath/bhageerath_h.jsp viruses & bacteria are updated and maintained. They
and a binding free energy based methodology for have also developed AllerBase – an exhaustive
protein/DNA targeted lead molecule design database of allergens.

122 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
SYSTEM NETWORK

D IS TRIBUTED I NF
ISTRIBUTED ORMA
NFORMA TION C ENTRES
ORMATION agriculture with ‘Advanced Super Computing Hub
for Omics Knowledge in Agriculture’ (ASHOKA) for
(DIC S ) data analysis work in collaboration with Indian
The focus of DICs is on quality research, education Agricultural Statistical Research Institute.
and services. The DIC at Anna University, Chennai The DIC at National Brain Research Centre, Manesar
has developed a database of tripeptides (http:// specialises in Neuroinformatics. The centre is
www.annauniv.edu/biotech/tphome/ involved in understanding the pathways for
tpdist_hm.html) and a server for protein local neurodegeneration that may lead to brain disorders.
structure deformation prediction (http:// The centre has developed Dyslexia Assessment for
www.annauniv.edu/biotech/tphome/mutserv.html). Languages of India (DALI) tool for identifying,
The Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat DIC has assessing and ameliorating reading difficulties in
thrust activity area of application of bioinformatics children. It has also developed a platform for
in agricultural biotechnology research as well as metabolite signal quantization for magnetic
imparting trainings to the students and scientists resonance spectroscopic data (Kalpana): technique
across the North Eastern states of India. for estimating biochemical signatures from the brain
using MRI-MRS of patients for clinical/diagnostic
The DIC at CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh has developed applications.
databases and software both for in-house use and
for scientists world over and has published more than The DIC at National Institute of Immunology (NII), Delhi
250 research articles in reputed international has developed several database and prediction
journals.Recently, the DIC has developed the methods including databases of cleavage & cross-
following databases: PEPlife: a repository of the half- links in RiPPs, substrates of human PDZ domains,
life of peptides; ProCarDB: a database of bacterial analysis of PTM catalyzing enzymes, and tools for
carotenoids; CPPsite 2.0: a repository of analysis of miRNA-mRNA base-pairing, construction
experimentally validated cell-penetrating peptides; of phospho-networks, substrates for MHCs & kinases,
ZikaVR: an integrated Zika virus resource for solvent accessibility of phosphosites and others.
genomics, proteomics, phylogenetic and therapeutic The DIC at Pondicherry University, Puducherry has
analysis, and SATPdb: a database of structurally developed several software like: FuzzyApp - Fuzzy
annotated therapeutic peptides. logic based allergen protein predictor, DualPred - Dual
The DIC at Indian Agricultural Research Institute targeted proteinpredictor, APSLAP - an adaptive
(IARI), New Delhi specializes in Agri-Informatics and boosting technique for predicting sub-cellular
Bio-Statistics and has developed SNP Prediction tool localization of apoptosis protein, E-Learning modules
“SNPredictor” using PERL scripts. This software is in bioinformatics and immune epitope prediction
able to predict all potential Single Nucleotide database & tools, amongst others. The centre has
Polymorphs (SNP’s) for a given EST data. They have also developed several databases like: Clostridium-
also developed miRule (Rule based micro RNA DT(DB): a comprehensive database for potential drug
prediction Tool) that predicts the presence and targets of Clostridium difficile, the Arabidopsis stress
position of the mature miRNA in the input precursor responsive gene database, (SEDB) structural epitope
sequence. The centre has expertise in bigdata database, VPDB: viral protein structural database,
analytics in agri-bioinformatics and uses advanced membrane proteins database and many others.
supercomputing hub for OMICS knowledge in

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 123


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

D IS TRIBUTED I NF
ISTRIBUTED ORMA
NFORMA TION S UB
ORMATION chromosomes) and SilkPPI (protein-protein
interaction in Silkworm, Bombyx mori). Indian
C ENTRES (DISC S ) Institute of Advanced Research (IIAR), Ahmedabad,
These DISC were mainly established with the aim to has developed databases for adhesins, plant
provide service to the research community. However, pathology, plant lectins and tritryps protein
the centres are now also imparting training in classification. Indian Institute of Spices Research
bioinformatics through workshops. The DISC at (IISR), Kerala has developed databases like
ACTREC, Mumbai, has developed several databases Radobase - a database on burrowing nematodes,
like Oral Cancer Gene Database ‘HIstome’: The IPVdb – a database on plant viruses reported from
Histone Info baseand PDZome. The DISC at India and PiperPep – a database of experimentally
Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli has generated peptides from black pepper. Indian
developed software Syn-R-io (www.nfmc.res.in/ Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi has developed
synrio) and Cyanopatt (www.nfmc.res.in/bca/patm/ several tools like Zif-Predict-a webserver for
ps.html). The major objective of the DISC at Biotech predicting zinc fingers and their target sites, Zif-NN-
Park, Lucknow, is to showcase the R&D and a tool for designing zinc fingers for any target DNA
academic strength of Lucknow in the area of synergistically, Zif-Predict IHBE- a tool for designing
Biotechnology and to serve as the nodal point for zinc finger proteins for any target DNA using either
industry-academia interactions. The centre has modular or synergistic approaches and CRISPcut- a
developed several tools like IC50 Convertor Tool webserver for designing optimal sg RNAs for CRISPR-
(JAVA-based standalone program, which is highly Cas9 based experiments in human cells. Mahatma
applicable in QSAR modelling) and a siRNA prediction Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS),
tool. Databases developed by the centre include a Wardha has developed MTB-PCDB: Mycobacterium
database of Antidiabetic plants based on clinical/ tuberculosis proteome comparison database,
experimental trial, HDVDB: a data warehouse for MycoProtease-DB: a database of MTB and NTM
hepatitis delta virus and fruits in Uttar Pradesh. The proteases and hpvPDB: human papillomavirus
DISC at Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur proteome database. At National Botanical Research
has developed PIASP2, GNufaand BISR-PRIMER Institute, Lucknow, DISC has developed Indian
tools. Databases developed by them includes Legumes Database Management (ILDM), Herbarium
Database of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (DOMAP), of Indian Legume Database Management (HILDM),
Database of Interaction Specificity in Protein-Ligand and databases for Indian legumes.
Complex (Disprolic) and Database of Food Borne
B IOINF ORMA
IOINFORMA TICS I NFRAS
ORMATICS TR
NFRASTR UCTURE
TRUCTURE
Human Pathogens (FOODPATH). Central Sericultural
Research and Training Institute, Mysore has F ACILITIES (BIF S )
developed Mulberry Genome Database,which
The aim of these centres is to promote biology and
consists of extensive molecular marker data on DNA
biotechnology teaching through bioinformatics. The
polymorphism, DNA fingerprints, binary scores,
scheme is designed to expose teachers, scientists
similarity and dissimilarity index matrices,
and students to the use of bioinformatics in helping
phylogenetic relationship in terms of dendrogram and
biotechnology. Andhra University, Vishakapatnam BIF
marker segregation pattern. They have also
has developed AquaInfoBase-Sequence relationship
developed other databases relevant to sericulture
between the aqua living system and human diseases
like SilkTF (Silk worm Transcription factors),
based on nucleotide/protein sequences and marine
MulsatDB(mulberry specific SSR markers, design
secondary metabolites database (MSMDB). CCS
primers and locate markers on strawberry
Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar has developed

124 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
SYSTEM NETWORK

databases of crop plant diseases and plant mites. network ‘NEBInet’ consisting of 31 Bioinformatics
The BIF at Institute of Himalayan Bio Resource centres was established across 8 states. NEBInet
Technology, Palampur has developed several comprises of 2 DICs (at NEHU and AAU), 2 DISCs (at
software-TAREF: a tool to refine microRNAs target IBSD, and Sikkim State Council of Science and
prediction in animal, filteR:parallely coded tool for Technology) and 26 BIFs (at various universities,
fast next generation sequencing read filtering and colleges and institutions). In order to monitor the
cleaning; p-TAREF: a concurrent application for fast progress of these centres the interactive meeting of
and accurate plant miRNA target identifications; miR- NEBInet was organised in Megalaya at St. Edmond’s
BAG: an Avant-garde parallely coded tool, based on College, Shillong on 16th& 17th November, 2017.
machine learning for accurate miRNA identification
The DIC at North Eastern Hill University, Shillong is
that works universely on genomic and NGS (Next
identified as one of the seven Bio-Resource
Generation Sequencing) data; miReader: a highly
Information Centre (BRICs) and portal development
accurate cutting edge algorithm to identify mature
under the first phase of Indian Biodiversity
miRNAs from NGS read data; pPromotif: a novel and
Information Network (IBIN), DBT. It is also the Nodal
accurate algorithm to identify transcription factor
Centre of North East Bioinformatics Network
binding sites on plant genomic sequences; Assembly
(NEBInet) in NER.The centre is currently working on
Validator: a tool to detect mis-assembly in de novo
Helminth parasite database. The DISC at Sikkim
assembled contigs and others. ICGEB, New Delhi
State Council of Science and Technology, Gangtok
developed altered pathway analyser (APA) and Anti-
has completed web database of all Rhododendron
Hepatitis peptide resource. Maharani’s Science
sp. of Sikkim. The DIC at AAU, Jorhat has done
College for Women, Bangalore had developed
reconstruction of transcription factor-gene regulatory
databases for Phytomellitus, bamboo and
network in rice and miRNA FeedForward Loops.
Ectomycorrhizals. Maharshi Dayanand University
(MDU), Rohtakhas developed databases-MalVec: a The BIF at Mizoram University, Mizoram has
database of Indian Malaria Vectors and Mosquito developed databases of snakes, beetles and
Borne Disease Database (MBDD): an integrative butterflies of Mizoram. Assam Agricultural University,
database of 4 major Indian mosquito borne diseases Khanapara, Guwahati has developed a database of
– Malaria, Kala-azar, Dengue, Chikungunya. Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Resources of
North East India (BABRONE) and Indigenous
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad has developed
Livestock and Poultry Resources of North East India
Orfin and database- Mycorrdb (intergenic regulatory
(ILRONE). They have also developed a globally
regions to all mycobacterial Genes/ORFs),
accessible online server “Serotyping of common
CyanoPhyChe(A database for Physico-chemical
clinical isolates of Salmonella by Multiplex PCR” in
properties of cyanobacterial proteins), ClosIndb
collaboration with the Vaccine Research Institute of
(database for the analysis of Clostridium species),
San Diego, USA. The Assam University, Silchar has
MycoinDB (Mycobacterium information database)
developed a database on anti-diabetic
and NeMedplant (database of medicinal plants from
phytochemicals and is named as DiaBank. The BIF
Northeast India).
at Central Agricultural University, Tripura has
N OR TH E AS
ORTH TERN B IOINF
ASTERN ORMA
IOINFORMA TICS
ORMATICS developed database on Fisheries Resources of
Tripura. The College of Veterinary Science & Animal
N ETWORK (NEBI NET ) Husbandry (CVSc& AH), Aizawl centre has prepared
Under the special drive to strengthen the North database on animal disease prevalence in NE region,
Eastern States of the Country a Bioinformatics and the animal genetic resources of NE region. The

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 125


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

BIF at DM College, Imphal has done morphometrics Annual Incentive Awards-2016 for the
and molecular phylogenetic analysis of fishes found BTISnet Centres: In order to ensure continuous
in Manipur river system and developed a database up scaling of research activity, enhancement in
on ethnozoological resources of Bishnupur District quality of publication and to encourage the centres
in Manipur. The centre at Gauhati University, that perform better, a series of incentive awards for
Guwahati modelled important proteins from different publications have been constituted. Centre(s)
organisms like Varanus komodoensis, Silurana receiving the best prizes in their respective categories
tropicalis, Silk Worm, Turtles, Fish & HIV-2 pol- are provided with extra research grant along with
polyprotein. Manipur University, Imphal centre is certificate. In the year 2016 the best COE award
actively engaged in development of a comprehensive was given to JNU, New Delhi, the best DIC award to
database for pollen grains found in Manipur state. CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh, the best sub-DIC award
The centre at Nagaland University, Kohima has done to CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow and the best BIF awards to
nucleotide compositional analysis and statistical CCS University, Meerut; ICGEB, New Delhi and Sri
clustering of 90 species of Paphiopedilum species. Venkateswara College, New Delhi. The 28th BTISnet
The BIF at IBSD, Imphal is creating an ‘Application Annual Coordinators meeting is being organised on
Database’ for the anti-tuberculosis properties of 3 rd and 4 th March, 2018 in Tirunelveli, by
plants available in Sikkim Himalayan region. Manonmanium Sundarnar University, Tirunelveli. The
focal theme for this meeting is “Translational
O THER A CTIVITIES Bioinformatics”. The research papers published in
last one year by the Centres have been scrutinised
Bioinformatics R&D Activities: The first R&D
and the incentive awards for the best publishing
proposal in bioinformatics was received by the
centres as well as best publications during the year
department in 1999. Since then the department has
2017 will be announced in this meeting.
supported about 130 projects, out of which 111 are
ongoing. The projects have been supported in various DeLCON Consortium: The DBT’s Electronic Library
areas such as NGS data analysis; structural Consortium (DeLCON) is a topical endeavor for
bioinformatics of proteins and nucleic acid; providing access to scholarly electronic resources
computational analysis of metabolic pathways; large including full-text and bibliographic databases in all
scale network analysis; computational image analysis; the life science subject disciplines to the DBT
large scale data-mining, analysis, integration, Institutional community across the country.The total
curation and storage. IISc, Bangalore has developed members of DeLCON Consortium is 33 Institutions.
a method for antitubercular drug discovery which Besides the DBT Institutions, an emphasis has been
identifies activity related substructures from a series given to institutions and universities across the states
of acid alkyl ester derivative compounds, and in North Eastern India. DeLCON provides current as
predicts its anti-TB activity. IIT-Madras, Chennai has well as archival access to more than 1000+ core
made interesting discovery about the conformational peer-reviewed biology and biotechnology journals and
changes of monomeric FtsZ in GTP-bound, GDP- a bibliographic database (SCOPUS) in different
bound, and nucleotide-free states. ICGEB, New Delhi disciplines from 22 overseas publishers and
has conducted proteomic analysis of lysine and aggregators. Presently there are 28 members and
arginine methylome of the malaria parasite, 20 publishers in this consortium.
Plasmodium falciparum and developed a new
machine learning based tool for prediction of
arginine methylation.

126 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


08

Biotechnology Parks &


Incubators

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 127


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

The Department of Biotechnology promotes Biotech providing training in the areas of Flavor, Fragrances
research and helps to translate research into & Perfume and Agriculture. Six Trainees of Biotech
products and services. The Biotechnology Parks, Park were sent to Grasse, France by U.P. Govt. for
offer facilities to Scientists, and Small and Medium further exposure. During the year Biotech Park signed
sized Enterprises (SMEs) for technology incubation, 5 MoUs and Agreements.
technology demonstration and pilot plant studies for
accelerated commercial development of B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY I NCUBA TION C ENTRE ,
NCUBATION
Biotechnology. The Department in partnership with H YDERABAD , T ELANGANA
State Governments/ State Government
Organisations/Central Government Organisations The Genome Valley of Hyderabad has now emerged
has established Biotechnology Parks and incubators as the largest biotechnology hub of the country and
in different parts of the country to facilitate biotech close to about 150 national and multinational
product development, entrepreneurship, research companies have started their operations. Several
and innovation. of these are start-up companies. The Valley provides
employment to about 8000 technical and scientific
B IO TECH P ARK , L UCKNO
IOTECH UCKNOWW, work force. Buoyed by the success, APIIC has initiated
U TT AR P RADESH
TTAR phase-III of the Genome valley for biotech industries.

Envisaging the growth of Biotechnology sector, the


Biotech Park, Lucknow primarily a technology
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad
incubator, has been set up jointly with the
(CSIR-IICT), Government of Andhra Pradesh and
Government of Uttar Pradesh. Biotech Park is based
Department of Biotechnology, GoI, in the year 2004,
upon a society framework, with the scientific
decided to establish the BTIC with the following basic
community and endeavoring in knowledge creation
objectives:
and dissemination, in promoting / incubating at the
same time creating an ecosystem towards Bio-  Accelerate the commercialization of new
Entrepreneurship. Over the years, Park has attracted technologies
29 companies out of which 18 graduated out and
 Nurture and mentor emerging ventures
presently Park is home of 11 companies. The focus
of the Park is to assist knowledge creation and  Assist new enterprises to forge appropriate
promote biotech entrepreneurs through a service linkages with other biotech companies,
driven framework. academia and government
The Biotech Park is continuously striving to achieve With its state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, furnished
its mission to develop knowledge based economy in laboratories & office space, utilities, support services
biotechnology, assure benefits of biotechnology to and amenities, the BTIC has emerged as the best
all sections of the society. The Park holds Incubation Center not only in genome valley but also
conferences, workshops, seminars and participates in India, in two years of its operation. The Centre,
in relevant events like Kisan melas and gosthis which is the first publicly owned and privately
regularly to create awareness in the emerging fields operated R&D venture in the country, has now
of biotechnology. become a role model for other such enterprises. The
existing infrastructure has successfully attracted
Biotech Park is an active partner with UP Skill
more than 10 new companies in the cluster; most
Development Mission, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and

128 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


BIOTECHNOLOGY PARKS & INCUBATORS

of them being startup/early stage companies. To qualified women to take to a career of remunerative
provide analytical services to the biotech and allied self-employment through the organization of
industries, The Advanced Analytical and environment friendly biotechnological enterprises.
Characterization Resource (AACR) facility is The first phase of the park became operational in
established as a joint initiative of BIRAC, SBTIC and May 2001 with a seed funding Rs. 4 Cr from the
CSIR-IICT. Department of Biotechnology.

TIDCO C ENTRE FOR L IFE S CIENCES The Park has 20,000 sq ft of built up area as
modules of 1,000 sq. ft. each, while land modules
(TICEL) B IOTECH P ARK , C HENNAI , have been given on long-term lease. Since its
T AMIL N ADU inception the Park has turned over 500 skilled
women entrepreneurs, technocrats and workers;
The Park was established by Tamil Nadu Industrial
presently the park has close to 200 women
Development Corporation Ltd. (TIDCO), an
entrepreneurs & technocrats and workers with 40%
undertaking of the TN State Government with
of them being skilled. The Women workforce is at
support from DBT. DBT sanctioned grant for
60%. Presently it houses 13 companies inclusive of
purchasing equipment towards establishing a
5 start-ups and three incubatees. Over the last few
Biotechnology Core Instrumentation Facility (BTCIF).
years the Park has had more than 500 interns who
Laboratory facilities at BTCIF include Microbiology,
have benefitted from the Park and there is an
Molecular Biology, Fermentation, Downstream
increasing interest among faculty and students who
Processing, Purification, Analytical Support, Animal
desire refresher programmes and internships.
Cell Culture Facilities and Utilities. The sources of
income include sample analysis services, hands on The new addition to the Park is the establishment of
training for students/ trainers, lease rentals from a 5,000 sq ft Incubation centre with the support
equipped laboratories. This Park has created from BIRAC under its BIONEST programme. Dr Harsh
infrastructure for Biotech R&D on 5 acres of land in Vardhan the Hon’ble Union Minister launched this
Chennai. It has now achieved 100% occupancy new Incubation Facility at the recently held
with National and International clients. The tenancy International India Science Festival in Chennai.
area has 74 modules of 1525 sq. ft. each, available
for clients to develop their own customized R&D labs B IO TECH P ARK T ECHNOL
IOTECH ECHNOLOGOG
OGYY
of BSL2 standards, upgradeable to BSL3, in I NCUBA TION C ENTRE , G UW
NCUBATION AHA
UWAHA
AHATITI ,
accordance with GLP standards. Clients can install
A SSAM
their facilities appropriate to perform their
independent research. The project for the setting up of Guwahati Biotech
Park Technology Incubation Centre submitted by the
T HE G OLDEN J UBILEE B IOTECH P ARK Govt. of Assam has been sanctioned by the DBT. An
FOR W OMEN , C HENNAI , T AMIL N ADU interim facility for the Incubation Centre has been
built in an existing building of IIT Guwahati. This facility
Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for Women is a now has 8 Modular Laboratories, Specialized &
successful first of its kind women centric life sciences Support Facilities ready to be used. A common
ecosystem. The Golden Jubilee Biotech Park for instrumentation facility is being equipped with
Women Society is a ‘not for profit ‘institution with a sophisticated instruments. The progress of the
Mission of providing opportunities for professionally development of the Park is regularly monitored by

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 129


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

GBPIC Management Committee and Technical The Centre is registered as a Section 8 not-for-profit
Advisory Committee. This incubator is now trying to Company and is managed by Independent Board of
attract companies and incubates to develop Directors and professional staff. Services include
commercial products based on the rich natural plug-and-play, infrastructure lab space and common
products of the region. equipment, high-end equipment and facilities,
mentorship, funding, networking, branding, legal,
Govt. of Assam has recently allotted a land measuring
finance and accounting. The Centre is currently
17 acres to Guwahati Biotech Park in proximity to IIT
nurturing 23 start-ups and 4 companies have already
Guwahati for setting up of GBPIC. Assam Govt. has
graduated.
extended budgetary support for procurement of land
and for construction of perimeter fencing and land B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY I NCUBA TION C ENTRE ,
NCUBATION
development cost for the permanent campus of
Guwahati Biotech Park. The Incubation Centre in the
C OCHIN , K ERALA
interim facility will be shifted to this permanent The Department of Biotechnology has set up a
location. Biotechnology Incubator Center (BTIC) at Kerala
B IO Biotechnology Park in 4 acres of land with a total
TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY P ARK , B ANG AL
ANGAL ORE ,
ALORE
built up area of 50,000 sq.ft. It has been established
K ARNA
ARNAT T AKA for accelerating and supporting the research process
of entrepreneurs. A common facility lab in an area
The project was sanctioned at a total Project Cost
of 8000Sq.ft is also set up for the entrepreneurs as
of Rs 32.26 Cr; with contribution from Karnataka
well as incubates in the biotechnology park. Rajeev
Biotechnology & Information Technology Services
Gandhi centre for Biotechnology is the Institutional
(KBITS), Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government
Partner of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure
of Karnataka and Department of Biotechnology,
Development Corporation (KINFRA) for operating the
Government of India. Bangalore Bioinnovation
Lab. At present, Kerala Start Up Mission (KUSUM)
Centre (BBC) is envisioned to be a state of the art
and RGCB are managing the facility.
Bioinnovation Centre catering to the needs of start
ups in the broad areas of Life Sciences and facilitate The BTIC was made operational in the year 2009
Innovation driven Research. and there are 16 start-ups currently housed in the
centre, five companies have graduated in the
Located within Bangalore Helix Biotechnology Park
Business Enterprise Zone (BEZ). A common facility
at Electronic, BBC is located in 10 Acre campus with
lab is being used by entrepreneurs as well as
total built up area of above 50,000 sq ft. It houses
incubates.
a state of art Central Equipment Facility as well. The
Centre is nestled between thriving Academic
Institutions like Institute of Biotechnology and
Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Centre for Human
Genetics and the upcoming area for anchoring Big
Companies/MNC’s. The Centre caters to the broad
areas of Life Sciences i.e. Healthcare (MedTech/
Pharma/Bio-Pharma), Agriculture, Food/ Nutrition,
Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental
Biotechnology.

130 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


09

International
Cooperation

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 131


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Global collaborative research is imperative for Technology, Mumbai have successfully scaled up the
science to have impact on scale. Partnering with the lab scale extraction and purification process of kafirin
best in the world will catapult Indian science to the to pilot scale with 1 kg/day kafirin production. This
next level of innovation and transformation. It is vital kafirin has been successfully used to cast packaging
that collaborating countries envisage science films, edible coating for fruits (e.g. strawberries),
programme which will have footprint for generations beadlets as carrier for nutraceuticals (e.g. antioxidants)
to come, and with this in mind the government of and medicines (e.g. doxorubicin). Further, kafirin has
India is increasingly trying to promote collaborative also been evaluated for coating of gelatin capsules
research, which holds the promise of applying the making them useful for sustained/delayed release
best academic methods in solving the myriad applications in pharmaceuticals.
economic, social and environmental challenges. By
The cereal cyst nematode (CCN), Heterodera avenae,
linking experts from around the world and involving
is one of the major biotic constraints in wheat
stakeholders from wider society, research networks
production around the world. Scientists at IARI, New
can more easily identify problems, adopt a multi-
Delhi have identified, cloned and functionally
disciplinary approach to solving them and monitor
validated 40 key genes involved in various parasitic
the impact of solutions. Department of Biotechnology,
functions using the RNAi approach. It was found that
implementing many such joint programmes.
RNAi silencing of different genes reduced nematode
B ILA TERAL R&D
ILATERAL PR OGRAMMES :
PROGRAMMES multiplication by 53-93.8 % over control in terms of
infection, development and reproduction.
Australia: Department is partnering with
Department of Innovation, Industry and Science In the studies at Punjab Agricultural University,
(DIIS), Govt. of Australia to support joint research in Ludhiana trigenome Brassica hybrids (Allohexaploids)
cutting edge areas of science and technology. In the were successfully produced. These hybrids showed
last 10 years of this collaboration, 55 projects and very high biomass accumulation and were tall and
10 workshops have been supported in the areas of late to mature.
Healthcare, Agriculture and Bioenergy. 132 papers Brazil: Under Indo-Brazil cooperation, six joint
have been published in various journals, 7 patents projects were recommended against the second Joint
have been filed. 15 Technologies and 13 products/ call for Proposals (2016-19). Among these, three
process have been developed. projects were focused on bio-medical research
Significant Achievements from some of the projects including developing novel microparticles based
are as follows: formulation strategies for cancer immunotherapy;
deciphering the cellular and molecular mechanisms
The Indian Investigators at Indian Institute of of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using human iPSCs,
Science, Bangalore have developed some novel and studies on secreted proteases of host-
strategies to generate effective, high levels of Mycobacterium tuberculosis interaction for novel
humoral and cell mediated immunity against HCV by drug discovery and vaccine development. Remaining
immunizing animals with ‘HCV like particles’ and DNA three were supported towards integrated biorefinery
construct expressing HCV non-structural proteins, for production of fuel and chemicals from Algal
respectively. These have been shown to trigger Biobased systems; production of bioethanol and
immune response in mice and pigs. Wastewater to Bioenergy: value-added products from
sugarcane bagasse and microalgae biorefinery
Investigators at Indian Institute of Chemical
approach in Indian and Brazilian scenario.

132 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Canada: Department collaborates with IC-IMPACTS 100 adults from high and stable malaria area of
(the Indian Canada Centre for Innovative Jharkhand and 300 individuals of all age groups from
Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate low endemic area of Mewat in Haryana. Immuno-
Transformation and Sustainability), Canada epidemiological analysis of sera samples collected
International Science and Technology Partnerships, from tribal region of Jharkhand displayed Naturally
Canada (ISTP, Canada), Grand Challenges, Canada Acquired Immunity against malaria.
and NRC: PBI, Canada in all areas of Biotechnology.
Finland: The Department partners with Academy
Till date 20 projects have been supported under the
of Finland, Finland and TEKES, Finland in areas of
joint calls. In the project executed by Indian Institute
biotechnology and till date 41 projects have been
of Technology Ropar, bignelli based organic receptors
funded. Under the Vitalsens project, Healthcare
were characterized. The CuS quantum dot were
Technology Innovation Centre at IIT-Madras, Chennai
synthesized and functionalized with bignelli based
in collaboration with University of Turku, Finland have
organic receptor. The bignelli decorated hybrid CuS
developed an affordable, minimally intrusive wireless
quantum dot was further characterized and used
ECG patch capable of continuous streaming of 3
for antibacterial activity studies against Escherichia
channel ECG, accelerometer data and skin
coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Salmonella spp. The
temperature information to a gateway device (running
Antibacterial activity of these hybrid material exhibit
custom Android application) with cloud connectivity
very good result in laboratory condition.
for use in Neonatal wards, ICU and post-op
Denmark: Department collaborates with Innovation monitoring. The technology has been transferred to
Fund, Denmark in the area of Health Science two start-ups HealthSensei and Helyxon.
Biotechnology and till date 12 projects have been
In another Indo-Finnish project, supported to HTIC,
supported. The study by KEM Hospital, Pune, Deep
IIT-Madras, Chennai in collaboration with University
Nursing Home & Children Hospital, Ludhiana and
of Oulu, Finland; three new low cost smart phone
CCMB, Hyderabad investigates epigenetic signatures
supported technology prototypes for vascular health
(DNA methylation) in the children born in gestational
monitoring Vis ARTSENS touch, ARTSENS Mobile and
diabetes pregnancies in India and Denmark. Over
ARTSENS pen have been developed. An extensive
500 pregnancies have been studied in Pune and
clinical validation of these devices is underway in
Ludhiana and comparisons made with the European
two clinical centres in Chennai and at the hospital in
cohort with the aim to establish standards for the
Technology Research Centre, Finland.
Indian population. The study confirms that Indian
women get gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at a
much younger age and at a lower BMI compared to
the European women. The average birth weight in
our GDM pregnancies is 2.9 kg. The epigenetic study
suggests that specific pathways are differentially
regulated in offsprings of GDM pregnancies, which
might influence future risk of cardio-metabolic
disease.

In the study at IIIM-Jammu, NIMR, New Delhi, ICGEB- Figure 1. ARTSENS Touch prototype and internal design (a)
Hardware prototype (b) Ultrasound gel (c) ultrasound probe (d)
New Delhi, and IISc-Bangalore parasitological surveys Battery (e) ARTSENS analog front end board (f) NI USB 5133
have been conducted in cohorts of 300 children and digitizer board.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 133


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Germany: Department is partnering with German Anil Baijal. The first onsite small scale pilot unit, with
Federal Ministry of Education, Science Research and a capacity of 100 litres/day is now operational. This
Technology (BMBF) and German Research plant will study the changing microbial consortium
Foundation (DFG) in areas of biotechnology. The and the thermodynamics/flow of the drain water,
project funded to Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, with the changing weather, through the year. These
India was beneficial in understanding the genetic studies will lead to the final design of large scale
basis and establishing a diagnosis for Indian families pilot with a capacity of 10,000 litres/day, which will
with osteogenesis imperfecta with the help of an be in operation by January 2019.
NGS-based gene panel for diseases with low bone
The Department has partnered with ZonMw and NWO,
mass and exome sequencing.
Netherlands to launch the 3rd joint call for proposal
Russia: Under Indo-Russia collaboration, 9 projects in 2017 in the area of “Technology for a Sustainable
have been supported till date. A second joint call for Healthcare: Minimally invasive techniques”. Under
proposals was announced during the year. Four the call, 5 proposals were approved for funding.
proposals focusing on Genomics and Proteomics
Instrumentation, Nano-Devices and Photosynthesis
based Bioenergy & Bio-reagents were recommended
for joint support.

Netherlands: The Department collaborates with


Dutch organization for Scientific Research (NOW),
STW and ZoNMw (Technology Foundations),
Government of the Netherlands. The ongoing
activities under the partnership include 3 joint
projects; improved tolerance to heat and drought,
population Based Prospective Cohort Study to
Figure 2. A foundation stone laying ceremony of the LOTUS HR
Unravel the Causes of Stroke and Cognitive Decline Project by Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology, India, Dr.
in the elderly population and a joint initiative on “Local Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands,
treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Mr. Bert Koenders and Lt. Governor of Delhi, Sh. Anil Baijal.

water reuse (LOTUS)”. Spain: Department collaborates with Centre for the
The LOTUSHR project by Indian Institute of Technology, development of Industrial Technology (CDTI),
Delhi, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Government of Spain to promote and fund market
Delhi, National Environmental Engineering Research driven research and technology development as well
Institute (NEERI), Nagpur aims at the cleaning of as to encourage partnerships and business led
sewage water of the Barapullah drain - the second R&D&I collaborative projects in the field of
largest drain in Delhi, while simultaneously recovering biotechnology. Under the 4th joint call announced in
resources from it. A foundation stone was laid on 2017, 3 projects in the area of brain cancer
the site to mark the beginning of work on cleaning treatment, novel nano-formulations for
the Barapullah drain on 9 May, 2017 by the Hon’ble leishmaniasis, and bioprocessing of glucose
Minister of Science & Technology, India, Dr. Harsh isomerase for enhancing production for use in food
Vardhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands, industry were approved for funding.
Mr. Bert Koenders and Lt. Governor of Delhi, Sh. In a study implemented by Natural Remedies Pvt.

134 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Ltd, active fraction of Turmacin was identified and between the Department and the Swiss Agency for
named as Turmerosaccharides. This fraction showed Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government
significant reduction in osteoarthritic pain. In another of Switzerland, with the involvement of Indian and
project funded to Jay Research and Biotech India Swiss biotechnology R&D institutes and firms. In
Private Limited, Pune a Bio-organic (microbial + Phase IV, 4 research networks were funded on pest
organic or natural) Kit for tomato, soybean, resistance, yield improvement and climate resistance
vegetables, pomegranate and table grapes has been of cassava, finger millet, chickpea and pigeon pea
developed as per the requirement of farmers (Rain integrating the socio-economics with the
fed, flood irrigation and drip irrigation). Grapes grown biotechnology components.
using this technology are free of pesticide residue
Cassava Network Project being implemented at ICAR-
and have been exported to Europe. The technology
Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI),
has been shared with farmers and agri-experts in
Thiruvananthapuram and TNAU, Coimbatore
India and Spain and is ready for scale-up.
transgenic cassava plants for resistance to
Sweden: The Department partners with VINNOVA, Cassava Mosaic Virus Disease (CMD) have been
Sweden in the area of medical and environmental developed and tested for resistance in green house.
biotechnology. Under the 3rd joint call, five projects The socio-economic component of the project
were funded in 2017-18. included analysis of Cassava seed system, cropping
system and value chains of cassava products.
In a study at IIT-Kanpur, oblu an open-source
wearable motion sensing toolkit has been developed. BIOFI network project is implemented at Bharathiar
It is a pre-programmed navigation sensor for University, Coimbatore; Pondicherry University,
Pedestrian navigation and positioning, industrial Puducherry; UAS, Bangalore; ICRISAT, Hyderabad;
safety, treatment of movement disorders etc. The and MSSRF, Chennai. The network is targeted on
technology has been transferred to GT Silicon Pvt. development of sustainable pigeon pea and finger
Ltd., Kanpur and has been exported to over 20 millet inter-cropping systems based on the selection
countries. It is also the recipient of many awards of responsive cultivars and validated processes of
like DST-Lockheed Martin ‘India Innovation Growth bio-fertilizers and bio-irrigation particularly for small-
Programme’ (IIGP) and the CII Industrial Innovation holder rainfed farms. Results also revealed that bio-
award. fertilization can improve the yield of both finger millet
and pigeon pea, both in mono-cropping and
In another study at IIT-Guwahati, Guwahati in
intercropping schemes, and in bio-irrigation trial.
collaboration with Swedish University of Agricultural
Genome-wide variations across pigeon pea lines
Sciences, Sweden, Scientists have developed a
were assessed in ICRISAT, Hyderabad. Marker trait
bioactive dressing using natural silk fibroin mat top-
associations have been identified for transpiration
coated with a thin layer of the recombinant spider
efficiency, total biomass and total water extraction.
silk protein and layered with Human skin
(keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast) cells. The The Ragi network being implemented at UAS,
wound dressing has shown promising results upon Bangalore; St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore;
validation in a diabetic rabbit model. and NAARM, Hyderabad is aimed at developing
superior Ragi cultivars that have the resilience to
Switzerland: The Indo-Swiss Collaboration in
stress and are superior in productivity and nutrient
Biotechnology (ISCB) is a collaborative research and
availability. The whole genome sequencing of the high
development (R&D) programme in biotechnology

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 135


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

yielding ragi cultivar PR 202 has been completed. INNOVATE; British Council; Academy of Medical
This is the first ever report of a hybrid, de-novo sciences (AMS); Cambridge University. It also
sequencing strategy. Breeding and crop improvement collaborate with Biotechnology and Biological
strategies have been devised to enhance Ragi yield Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Medical
potential and nutrient bioavailability through Research Council (MRC), Natural Environment
molecular breeding. Detailed assessment of Ragi Research Council (NERC), Economic and Social
production system, markets and policy was done and Research Council (ESRC) through Research Councils
strong inter-disciplinary linkage among the partners U.K. (RCUK) in all major areas of Biotechnology.
have been established.
Under BBSRC-DBT joint call on Farmed Animal
IARI, NBPGR and NRCPB, New Delhi are the Indian Disease and Health (FADH), a multi institutional
partners of the Pigeon Pea network and the project network project led the development and evaluation
aims at developing high yielding, semi dwarf, short of technologies for detection and typing of currently
duration, synchronous maturity pigeon pea known 29 serotypes of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) using
genotypes compatible with the stakeholders’ real time RT-PCR assays; a pan BTV qRT-PCR assay
preferences, including nutritional value A high-density for detecting 4 copies per reaction and Reverse-
62K SNP genotyping chip was designed and used transcription-loop-mediated-isothermal-amplification
on 384 pigeon pea genotypes. The data so (RT-LAMP) assays to detect eastern or western
generated have been used for delineating the topotype of BTV with analytical sensitivity comparable
population structure of pigeon pea cultivars and to real-time RT-PCR, detecting BTV RNA within 60-
mapping of fertility restorer gene for the A2 CMS 90 minutes have been developed.
system, which will be useful in hybrid seed production.
A project being implemented by NIAB, Hyderabad a
After evaluation of over 2000 germplasm accessions
fine scale gene expression atlas of 220 tissue and
the high yielding accessions were forwarded for next
cell types collected from adult riverine water buffalo
level multilocation trials and 50 of the panel for yield
(Bubalus bubalis) (Mediterranean, Pandharpuri and
contributing trait was SNP genotyped at NRCP, New
Bhadawari breeds) have been developed. This study
Delhi. Abiotic stress tolerance mechanism was
is the largest gene expression atlas generated in
identified and a process patent is proposed. miRNA
water buffalo to date. In addition, WGS data for 72
targets were annotated to find out the genes and
Indian buffalo covering six breeds has been done to
pathways being targeted by the predicted miRNAs.
study diversity between buffalo breeds. Potential
Second season evaluation is being carried out with
variation identified between domestic breeds will
1200 accessions at Killikulam, Tamil Nadu.
form the basis for the development of predictive
The Department has also partnered with Swiss marker-assisted selection and breed improvement
National Science Foundation (SNSF), Switzerland to in the buffalo industry.
develop a joint call for proposal on “Blue sky
In another project towards improvement of Nitrogen
research/ basic research in the life sciences which
Use Efficiency in Wheat (INEW), 406 Wheat
is either biotechnology related or biotechnology
germplasm lines comprising 199 Indian and 207 UK
inspired”. The call for proposal has been announced
lines were screened for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)
in January, 2017.
and adaptation of UK lines to North Indian
United Kingdom: Department partners with environments under field conditions as well as
Department for International Development (DFID); precision nutrient was studied. At NBPGR, New Delhi,

136 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

activities towards developing bioinformatics data the programme, six joint projects are ongoing. Studies
analysis environment (RNASeq NGS pipeline and Wiki on molecular biomarker role of chemokines in
Page) to assist analysis of data for NUE experimental diabetic retinopathy clearly showed the role of MCP-
partners is being undertaken. 1 (Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1) in the
progression of Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
A wheat variety Unnat PBW343 resistant to yellow
(NPDR) and this is the first study to document the
rust pathogen was developed by pyramiding four rust
biomarker role of MCP-1 in a prospective study.
resistance genes using marker assisted selection and
was released at the National level. This is the first Tunisia: Under the joint program of cooperation,
MAS based variety to be commercialized for wheat project was supported at ICGEB, New Delhi on
in India. “Assessment of the protective effect, against
Tuberculosis, of a new vaccine composition.” It has
The DBT-Newton Bhabha funded project is testing
been observed that there has been an increase in
the introduction of a new vital sign device CRADLE
the incident rates of Tuberculosis partly due to failure
into routine maternity care at community and
of M. bovis BCG to impart protection against adult
hospital level in 10 sites in India, and in 7 African
TB. In this project, focus has been to evaluate the
countries. More than 3300 devices have been
effect of FOXO3 activation on the protective efficacy
delivered to hospitals and clinics, and successfully
imparted by BCG. MK-2206, an active allosteric Akt
incorporated into routine care, sometimes as the
inhibitor is in clinical trials for the treatment of solid
first blood pressure device available in the clinic.
tumors. Studies have shown that treatment with MK-
More than 1500 health care workers have been
2206 resulted in inhibition of AKT enzyme, and its
trained to use the device. The project was recipient
downstream signaling in vitro and in vivo. As
of the first ever Newton award of 200,000 pounds.
expected, pre-treatment with MK-2206 resulted in
United States of America: Under INDO-US increased apoptosis in THP-1 macrophages and this
Collaborative program on low cost medical devices, induction of apoptosis was observed to be dose-
a Low Cost Motorized Wheelchair (LOCOMO-WC) dependent. It has also been observed that pre-
(Fig.1) was developed by Indian Spinal Injuries treatment with MK-2206 resulted in reduced
Centre. Compared to the existing motorized phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO3 enzymes.
wheelchairs, LOCOMO-WC has a suspension system
South Africa: Recognizing the importance of
with linear links which lead to all four wheels to
collaborative & complimentary research to address
operate independently thus making it suitable to
regional needs, DBT in collaboration with DST, and
handle uneven terrain also. The cost of LOCOMO-
Medical Research Council & Dept. of Science &
WC is estimated at Rs. 45,000 which is far less
Technology, Govt. of South Africa embarked on a
compared to the imported motorized wheelchair
collaborative Research Program on HIV, TB and TB/
which costs around Rs. 1.5 lakhs.
HIV. This collaborative program is under the
The Department is partnering with Department of framework of bilateral Science & Technology
Health and Human Services, Government of USA in Cooperation agreement between the Department
the area of vision research. A call for proposals was of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science &
issued in the current financial year under the Technology, Governments of India and South Africa.
research areas of Diabetic Retinopathy, Genetics of Three joint proposals in TB, HIV, TB/HIV have been
Ophthalmic Diseases and Ocular Inflammation. Under recommended under this collaborative effort.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 137


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

M UL TILA
ULTILA TERAL R&D
TILATERAL PR OGRAMMES
PROGRAMMES developed by Eram Scientific and University of South
Florida, USA was carried out. The waste treatment
European Union: The Department collaborated would result in zero discharge and would be pathogen
with the European Union in all areas of biotechnology, free. The combined technology was piloted at school
and till date 33 projects have been funded. Under near Trivandrum, Kerala where it served over 1500
the project entitled ‘Targeting the elimination of students and people from the local neighbourhood.
antineoplastic compounds in hospital wastewaters In another project, BITS Pilani, Goa and Ghent
treatment’ being executed by NIT, Durgapur and University, Belgium have developed an affordable
Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh; three and simple-to-operate decentralized wastewater
photocatalysts and photo-catalytic membrane treatment system which relies on electrochemical
reactor for treating antineoplastic agents in hospital reactions and the production of chlorine, to
waste water have been formulated. Laboratory scale manipulate the pH of the wastewater to destroy
testing is under progress. pathogens and helminthes. The system was tested
at a household level and then finally scaled up to
C OLLABORATIONS WITH NGO S &
OLLABORATIONS serve a 100 person hostel, within the campus. The
O THER O R G ANIZA TION
ANIZATION team is now looking to further scale-up the system
and deploy it for testing in slums.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Under the
first GCI call titled “Achieving Healthy Growth through H UMAN R ESOURCE D EVELOPMENT
Agriculture and Nutrition” five Indian led pilot projects
THROUGH G LOBAL L INKAGES
were funded. In a study by the Science for Society,
Maharashtra, domestic solar construction dryer has Newton Bhabha PhD placement programme:
been implemented at community level, to test its For the fourth consecutive year DBT in partnership
impact on ensuring year-wise nutritional food security with British Council India provided funding
to Indian women. Under the VeggieLite eKutir, Odisha opportunities to support short-term PhD placements
has piloted a supply chain innovation to assess its between UK and Indian institutions. Under the
impact in improving access to fresh vegetables and scheme 25 Indian PhD scholars were selected to
fruits to supplement nutrition at affordable prices in spend a period of their study (2 to 4 months) in UK’s
rural and peri-urban areas. In a novel approach to higher education institutions in pursuance of their
reduce zinc malnutrition in rural women and children research work of PhD.
through agronomic bio-fortification of food crops
Amity University, Noida tested an agricultural Khorana programme for Scholars: The
intervention that used foliar application of zinc on Department is collaborating with University of
rice and wheat crops to potentially address Wisconsin (UW) Madison, USA and the Indo-US
micronutrient deficiency through supplementation of Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) to nurture
food crops. contacts between students of biotechnology and
biomedical sciences from India and the US, through
Under the programme “Reinvent the Toilet a joint training programme in biotechnology and allied
Challenge” six projects were funded under the call. areas. The programme acts as a key catalyst to
Field testing of off-grid, self-sustained, modular, encourage post-graduate students to take up
electronic toilet, with solar energy for Indian weather research as a career. In the year 2017-18, 30 Indian
and integrated with mixed waste processing unit, scholars were supported under the scheme.

138 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Young Entrepreneur Scheme-India (YES- developing a programme with Tekes, Finland on


INDIA): Department in partnership with ABLE is “Rebooting education in the Indian Schools” by
executing a Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Student facilitating long-term collaboration with Finnish
Teams (BEST) programme for students since last 8 Edugaming companies in co-creation of edu-gaming/
years. BEST-India programme aims at encouraging tech for Indian school systems. As an initial step,
young postgraduates and doctoral students in the Department organised the bilateral workshop
developing biotechnology entrepreneurship by “Edutech and EduGaming: The future of Education”
exposing them to issues involved in commercialisation at C-CAMP, Bangalore in October 2017. Thirteen
of bioscience. Each year ideas of 3 teams of students EduTech and EduGaming companies from Finland,
are funded. The programme has yielded six start-up 25 Indian companies and 8 schools participated in
companies by the winning teams. The call for the the workshop. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Ayog
year 2018-19 has been announced. partnered in the event, which allowed connecting
tinkering labs supported by AIM to pilots of the
DBT-Stanford programme on Foldscope:
Finnish EduTech.
Foldscope is a low-cost paper origami microscope
developed by Prakash Lab at Stanford University, M EMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION TO OTHER
USA. The programme will open the doors for bringing
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
science to the least privileged in a step towards truly
democratizing science. A call for proposals inviting European Molecular biology organization
schools, colleges and citizen scientists to apply for (EMBO): The Department, EMBO and its
Foldscope with application in education and research intergovernmental funding body EMBC, have signed
was announced in 2017 and 520 applications were a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen scientific
received. As a first step workshops at municipality interaction and collaborative research between India
Urdu school at Sangharsh Nagar, Dharavi at Mumbai and Europe. As an EMBC Associate Member state,
and IIT Bombay were held on August 28-29, 2017 researchers working in India are now eligible to
where teachers and students of government schools participate in all EMBO programmes and activities.
from across India were trained in use of the In the year 2016, scientist has been selected under
Foldscope as a teaching tool. the EMBO Young Investigators scheme, 1 has been
awared EMBO Long-Term Fellowships, and 24 have
been awarded the EMBO Short-Term Fellowships and
1 EMBO Young Investigator Lecture was organized.
Recently, EMBO has established a new cooperation
with the Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance under
which 3 new interdisciplinary meetings in India per
year will be organised.

Human Frontier Science Programme


organization (HFSPO): India is one of the member
Figure 3. Foldscope Workshops at Dharavi, Mumbai held on states of HFSPO. The overall objectives of the
August 28, 2017
programme are to support for innovative, cutting edge
EduTech and EduGaming Programme for high risk research at the frontiers of the life sciences
Rebooting Education: The Department is and promoting the international collaboration in the
spirit of science without borders. HFSPO support the

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 139


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

investigator under four categories - programme grant, climate change, weather predictions, matters related
Long term fellowship, Cross disciplinary fellowship, to land, soil, disease, pest, water, planting material
career development awards. As per HFSPO annual and marketing. The FarmerZone will also include a
report 2016, under four categories India received MarketZone where farmers can directly sell their
1, 5, 1 & 1 awards respectively. produce which can be picked up directly from the
farm.
BRICS: Department of Science and Technology,
Govt. of India, the nodal agency for the Nobel Prize Series, India- 2018: The Department
implementation of the programme, has created a has an ongoing collaboration with Nobel Media AB
working group in Biotechnology, which is jointly to hold the Nobel Prize Series in India over five years.
coordinated by Brazil and Russia. The coordinating The first Nobel Prize Series 2017 was held in
agency from Indian side for this working group is yet partnership with Government of Gujarat on January
to be decided. 9-10, 2017 during the Vibrant Gujarat. The second
Nobel Prize Series, India 2018 will be held in
I NTERNA TIONAL
NTERNATIONAL MEETINGS partnership with Government of Goa on February 1-
2, 2018. The broad theme for the Nobel Prize Series,
European Molecular Biology Laboratory
India 2018 is “Education and the value of teachers”
(EMBL): Department is exploring collaborations with
emphasizing shaping of future science, technology
European Molecular Biology Laboratory. It includes
& innovation.
access to EMBL facilities in Europe to Indian scientists
and also opportunities for organising joint
collaborative research and training for Indian
scientists in the areas of bio-imaging, structural
biology and bioinformatics. In this context, a 2-day
conference titled “Towards India’s Associate
Membership of EMBL” was organised on October 12-
13, 2017 in Delhi with scientific sessions and panel
discussions on recent developments in bio-imaging,
structural biology and bioinformatics. The conference
was attended by about 100 selected scientists
across the country and was also live-streamed to
various research institutions across the country.

Agriculture Conclave: In order to develop a


roadmap/action plan for setting up of the
FarmerZone, an international conclave was
organized by DBT on August 30-31, 2017 where,
farmers, experts in science and technology, world
agri-leaders and policy makers and global companies
who work in big-data and e-commerce segments
participated. The “FarmerZone” is envisaged as a
cloud-service with curetted big data, which will cater
various needs of the farmer—from dealing with

140 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


10

Autonomous
Institutions & Biotech
Science Clusters

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 141


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

N ATIONAL I NS TITUTE OF I MMUNOL


NSTITUTE OG
MMUNOLOG
OGYY showing the role of CDPK1 in parasite invasion; 2)
RiPPMiner, a novel bioinformatics resource for
(NII), N EW D ELHI , D ELHI deciphering chemical structures of RiPPs by genome
National Institute of Immunology (NII) undertakes mining was developed; 3) The Institute has developed
research of high caliber in basic and applied a versatile tool - SBSPKSv2 which is for genome
immunology to devise strategies for manipulation of mining and analysis of polyketide and non-ribosomal
the immune system in order to provide protection peptide biosynthetic pathways in chemical space; 4)
as well as intervention against diseases. This is In another study it was shown that inhibitory TNF
undertaken by carrying out innovative research using p100 pathway modulates the adaptive
fundamental tools of biology. The research activities compartment during immune responses; 5)
at the Institute are grouped in four broad areas, Tumorsuppressor SIRT6 regulation in hepatocellular
namely, infection and immunity, molecular design, carcinoma and the mechanism underlying UBE3A-
gene regulation and reproduction and development. mediated tumorigenesis in the disease was
The Institute has continued to expand scientific established; 6) a new role for autophagy proteins in
programmes in a multi investigator driven mode to directing melanosome movement was elucidated and
ask challenging questions in biology for improvement the unconventional use of the proteins in cellular
of human health. The scientific findings have so far trafficking pathways was revealed. Such crosstalk
been published as 94 research papers. More between the central cellular function and
publications of discovery science in reputed high- housekeeping pathway may be a crucial mechanism
end journals are expected. to balance melanocyte bioenergetics and
homeostasis; 7) Another finding showed the efficacy
Research focus and outcome: The focus of of â-lactam/â-lactamase inhibitor combination linked
research activity has been on viral diseases (JEV, to WhiB4-mediated changes in redox physiology of
HIV, Influenza); bacterial disease pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis; 8) An
(Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pneumococcus, immunocompromised mouse model, NOD.SCID-rd1,
Salmonella typhi, Helicobacter pylori); parasitic for Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was developed by
diseases (Leishmaniasis, Malaria); chronic disease crossing CBA/J and NOD SCID mice and selecting
biology (Diabetes Mellitus, Multiple Sclerosis, homozygous double mutant animals for further
Amyloid Diseases); Cancer Biology, Developmental breeding; 9) In a study for preparation of a freeze-
Biology and Genetics, Stem Cell Biology, Ageing, Basic stable dry powder alum adsorbed antigen stable at
Immunology, Structural Biology and Drug Design, frozen conditions it was found that particles maintain
Genetics and Gene Regulation. Emphasis is given to their adjuvant potential upon freezing as seen in
carry out fundamental research in these above areas animal immunization studies; 10) In another study it
with possibility of translational activities. The key was shown that autophagy induction by
outcome is briefed as follows: Mycobacterium indicus pranii promotes
Significant basic research outcome: The Mycobacterium tuberculosis clearance from RAW
outcome of basic research which has been published 264.7 macrophages and 11) Studies demonstrated
in the frontline journals are: 1) Calcium Dependent that daily oral administration of melatonin can
Protein Kinases are key effectors of calcium signaling increase bone accrual during growth and can cure
in malaria parasite. Using phosphor-proteomics and ovariectomy-induced structural and functional
conditional knockdown CDPK1substrates were degeneration of bone by specifically increasing bone
identified and a cross-talk between CDPK1 and PKA formation.

142 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

Translational Research Activity: The Institute has developing quality plasma products. The institute will
been engaged in the following research activities to also offer its expertise to BIBCOL on protein
develop products and processes for industrial purification and process engineering. Initiatives are
benefits. being taken to collaborate with Indian Spinal Injuries
Centre, New Delhi to set up innovative tissue culture
 Freeze-stable alum-adjuvanted vaccine
facilities for 3D in-vitro culture of autologous human
formulation: a freeze-stable dry powder alum
spinal disc.
adsorbed antigen having stability at frozen
conditions was prepared. It was observed that New Initiatives: The Institute started working as
the formulation protects the alum adjuvanted party to ‘NCR Biotech Science Cluster’ which aims
vaccines from cold temperature shock. at promoting the cooperation in Research &
Development among DBT Institutes around NCR. The
 Fabrication of biodegradable composite
R&D facilities, infrastructure and other resources will
scaffolds at room temperature for tissue
be shared to promote research collaborations
engineering applications: Composite scaffold
among the NCR institutes. The Institute organized
blends of polymers PDLLA and Eudragit were
‘Young Emerging Scientist’ [YES] symposium on 5th-
developed using the novel method of fusion of
6th October, 2017 at NII. Multiple events were carried
particles by treatment with methanol. Scaffold
out during the symposium and distinguished
with different surface charges can be
scientists and students from different institutes
fabricated, using this method, suitable for
(THSTI, ICGEB, NIPGR etc.) participated in poster
cellular interaction.
presentations, talks and seminars.
Intellectual Property: A European patent – “Ig
Academics:The Institute enrolled 21 students during
genes specific oligonucleotides and uses thereof”
the year for Ph.D. degree with academic affiliation
(Patent no 2100970) has been granted on 13/04/
of Jawaharlal Nehru University and 46 graduate/
2017 while a US patent – “Hemoglobin receptor as
postgraduate students were provided short-term
novel vaccine for Leishmaniasis” (Application no. 14/
training. NII has provided opportunities to 21
648,538) has been accepted in the reporting period.
students for short-term training under ‘Science Setu’
An Indian patent – “Novel immunotherapeutic
conceptualized to enable connectivity between
method for treatment of cancer” (Indian patent no.
Institute scientists and undergraduate students of
284087) was also granted on 08/06/2017. The
14 colleges of Delhi University and one deemed
Institute has filed two patents – 1) Freeze-stable
University of Faridabad. Ten students sponsored by
alum-adjuvanted vaccine formulation and 2) A
Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore were also
method for fabrication of biodegradable composite
enrolled as project trainees for six month.
scaffolds at room temperature for tissue engineering
applications. Other notable Achievements: The Institute has
discovered SPAG9, a novel cancer antigen that is
Research collaborations: The Institute has signed
expressed in reproductive tract, breast and various
consulting agreement with EPR Centre for Cancer
other malignancies. Human clinical trials employing
Research and Bioinformatics Private Limited to
recombinant SPAG9 have been initiated in Cervical
provide consultancy on the development of various
Cancer patients using Dendritic Cell based vaccine
biosimilars and biologicals. The Institute has also
at Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai.
signed MoU with BIBCOL, PSU of Dept. of
Biotechnology, GoI for collaborative research for

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 143


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

N ATIONAL C ENTRE FOR C ELL S CIENCE C4b, the non-catalytic subunit of the CP C3-
convertase. Similarly, in Variola virus smallpox inhibitor
(NCCS), P UNE , M AHARASHTRA of complement enzymes (SPICE) contains positively
The National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) was charged residues instead of glutamic acid.
established with a mandate of three main functions: Another group initiated research to gain an insight
• National Cell Repository; • Research & into the complexity of nuclear pore complex (NPC)
Development; • Human Resource Development macromolecular assemblies and based on the crystal
Major initiatives: The national cell repository structure and supporting biochemical data,
services at NCCS have supplied six thousand cell homodimeric and homotrimeric state of Nup62 was
lines to four hundred research and academic observed. In addition, comparative structural
institutions in India. The repository extended its analysis showed that the coiled-coil domain of Nup62
services further to facilitate human resource was sufficient to interact with other coiled-coil
development by conducting two national workshops, proteins for the formation of parallel triple helix
providing hands-on training in cell culture techniques bundles demonstrating the role of this motif in
to researchers from across the country. providing plasticity for diverse interactions.

Research Activities: Group involved in cancer Human Resource Development: During this year,
research, reported that the oncogenic microRNAs, 33 research scholars have received the Ph.D.
miR-93 and miR-106a, repress FBXO31, resulting in degree, 21 students have submitted their thesis, and
the upregulation of Slug, which was found to be 22 research scholars were registered as Ph.D.
involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell students with the University. Besides, 32 new
invasion. The findings have strong relevance to Research Fellows joined the institute and 38 project
designing improved strategies for controlling trainees & 16 summer trainees also received training
malignancy. at NCCS.

In a study on virus and host interactions in HIV-1 C ENTRE DNA F INGERPRINTING


FOR
infection, differential gene expression analysis was AND D IAGNOSTICS (CDFD),
carried out which showed down-regulation of the
cyclin F (CCNF) gene. Further investigations revealed H YDERABAD , T ELANGANA
that cyclin F has the ability to negatively regulate the The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics
expression of the viral infectivity factor (Vif) by (CDFD) is a model autonomous institute with service
inducing its ubiquitination and proteasomal and research components. The primary objective of
degradation which may lead to restoration the institute is to provide services in the form of
APOBEC3G (A3G) expression, providing innate specialized diagnostics and DNA fingerprinting, and
immunity to the host against HIV. to carry out fundamental research activities, where
In study related to Vaccinia virus, one of the groups both components complement and enrich each
reported that the vaccinia virus complement control other.
protein (VCP) exhibited selectivity in inhibiting the Services: Human DNA Fingerprinting: CDFD, being
bovine complement pathway (CP) determined by the premier organization in the country for referrals
three amino acids which were found to interact with of complex and sensitive cases from various law
bovine serine protease factor I and inactivate bovine enforcing agencies has analyzed 430 samples from

144 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

119 cases in 2017. These include high-profile cases One of research groups studying cell biology
from MHA, NIA, CBI and State Police forces. CDFD characterized a novel non-canonical function of the
also provides training in the field to different police/ Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) protein, a histone
forensic personnel. methyltransferase during mitosis. It was reported
that interaction of MLL complex with kinesin motor
protein Kif2A regulates chromosome alignment and
spindle assembly. The finding provides novel insight
into MLL-rearranged leukemia. Focusing on another
aspect of cancer biology, it was found that PTEN, a
tumour suppressor, regulates glucose uptake by cells
in a phosphatase-independent manner by utilizing
its PDZ binding motif (PDZbm) to interact with the
PDZ domain of SNX27 preventing recycling of the
glucose transporter GLUT1 to the plasma membrane,
which leads to impaired cellular glucose uptake.

In a study to investigate role of Inositol


hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6Ks) in mice fertility,
Figure 1. CDFD analyzed samples from Bhopal-Ujjain train
blasts in Madhya Pradesh (left) and Sukhoi Su-30 Fighter Jet IP6K1 was found to be a novel component of the
crash in Arunachal Pradesh (right) chromatoid body and noted that this structure is
absent in Ip6k1 null round spermatids. Furthermore,
a) Diagnostic Services: The Diagnostics division at
juvenile spermatids from Ip6k1null mice displayed
CDFD offers diagnosis of genetic diseases as well
premature expression of the transition protein TNP2
as prenatal diagnosis for detection of chromosomal
and the protamine PRM2 due to translational
abnormalities, single gene disorders and inborn
derepression, and the aberrant localization of these
errors of metabolism. About 4753 samples were
key sperm-specific chromatin components results
tested for various genetic disorders. Medical
in abnormal spermatid and azoospermia in these
Genetics Department at NIMS is functional under a
mice.
tie up with CDFD to provide services to patients with
genetic disorders as well as for training and research. A novel defense mechanism against mycobacterial
infection that utilizes the histone methyltransferase,
b) Basmati Rice Purity Testing: Newly established
SUV39H1 was reported in a study on tuberculosis.
Plant DNA fingerprinting services has been actively
Upon infection, the host enzyme SUV39H1
offering new purity testing of different rice varieties
trimethylates the mycobacterial histone-like protein,
as well as other commercially important crops. CDFD
HupB, this in turn reduced the cell adhesion capability
offers Basmati Rice purity testing to the rice
thus reducing the mycobacterial survival inside the
exporters through the APEDA. About 86 samples
host cell. Novel function of cyclic â-(1, 2)-glucan, an
were tested during 2017.
intrinsic component of Gram-negative bacteria that
Research Activities: The Centre undertakes is involved in iron homeostasis and protection against
research in several frontier areas of modern biology. iron-induced toxicity by sequestering iron was
The major thrust areas include Microbiology, Cell identified. The study provides a new mechanism of
Biology, Disease Biology, Genetics and Computational iron uptake in bacteria including important pathogens.
Biology.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 145


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The research outcome of all these studies are in the scientists, including five who have been recently
form of 57 peer reviewed research publications, inducted, are leading independent research groups
award of different fellowships including EMBO short in four major areas viz. structural genomics and
term fellowship, awards including B.M. Birla Science computational biology, plant development and
Prize and numerous national research and travel architecture, stress biology and nutritional genomics.
grants from the agencies like, DBT, DST, CSIR and NIPGR scientists have been working on major cereals
ICMR . and legumes, several vegetables and oilseeds of
economic importance, besides model plants.
Human resource development and outreach
activity: CDFD has about 100 research scholars Salient Achievements: Over the years, a number
working for their doctorates in different areas of of projects have been undertaken to enhance
biology. CDFD also holds a Summer Training Program tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses and
in collaboration with Indian National Science growth ability under nutritionally deficient conditions.
Academy, Indian Academy of Sciences and the Sheath blight disease, caused by the necrotrophic
National Academy of Sciences, and about 20 to 25 fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, is one of the major
students every year are benefitted under this rice diseases. It causes huge crop losses worldwide
Program. Three different fellowship programs have with no source of natural resistance available thus
been initiated to impart training to guest workers far. In one of the projects, NIPGR researchers have
affiliated to different scientific institutions, hospitals identified a novel Rhizoctonia solani-eating bacterium
and forensic laboratories. Burkholderia gladioli strain NGJ1 and established
that a peptide secreted by this bacterium has a
As a part of outreach activity, CDFD has entered
broad-spectrum anti-fungal property. This discovery
into an MOU with 29 schools and junior colleges in
not only showcases high-end basic science research,
and around Hyderabad under the BRIDGE Program
but it also has potential application in controlling
to educate school students in various fields of
fungal diseases. Insect herbivory is a major biotic
science.
stress causing great amount of crop loss, resulting
N ATIONAL I NS TITUTE OF P LANT
NSTITUTE in increased use of chemical pesticides by farmers.
Our researchers have identified a potential novel
G ENOME R ESEARCH (NIPGR), N EW herbivore-associated-molecular-pattern (HAMP) from
D ELHI , D ELHI the oral secretion of the herbivore Spodoptera.
Identification of a so far unknown HAMP would
The National Institute of Plant Genome Research accelerate development of herbivore-resistance in
(NIPGR) has achieved a logarithmic growth in plant plants. Another study focused on phosphorus-use-
genomics research and placed India among the major efficiency in rice. Rice is one of the largest consumers
contributors in the field of plant molecular biology of phosphate fertilizers; however, most of the soil
and biotechnology. The Institute has been effective phosphates remain unavailable for the plant’s
at generating new knowledge that has potential for uptake and utilization. Scientists have identified rice
genetic enhancement of crops for social benefits genes, which regulate phosphate homeostasis and
and in providing higher education as service to promote improved growth under low phosphate or
academia and society. Through its infrastructural on organic manure. Apart from rice, major findings
base and knowledge-based resources, NIPGR is were also achieved for other crop species. Chickpea
poised to contribute towards frontier areas of plant genes encoding enzymes from inositol metabolic
biology and agricultural biotechnology. Currently, 28

146 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


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pathway as well as a tubby-like transcription factor to RCGM for conducting a limited field trial.
involved in stomatal closure were characterized, that
Genomics research bridges different branches of
would advance our understanding of molecular
natural sciences and has seen enormous growth in
mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance. These
the last two decades. It is constantly providing new
candidate genes would be useful in developing new
ways of tailoring crops, medicines and industrial
generation crops. In yet another study, strong
molecules for human benefit. It is hoped that in
correlation of sly-miR159 with the tolerant attribute
coming years, the ongoing efforts at NIPGR will allow
of a tomato cultivar against Tomato leaf curl New
India to emerge as one of the important national
Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) infection was demonstrated.
and international resource centres for materials and
Previously, NIPGR scientists sequenced desi chickpea knowledge in the area of plant molecular biology.
genome and published a draft genome assembly. Besides this, the scientific human resource being
During this academic year, NIPGR has published the produced by this institute and the training extended
draft genome assembly of the wild progenitor of to the students and researchers of other
chickpea, Cicer reticulatum. This wild chickpea organizations through short-term training programs
species is used for introgression breeding and thus and workshops would immensely contribute in the
its genome sequence would facilitate identification achievement of such an aspiration.
of beneficial alleles for chickpea improvement. To
In terms of publications and patents, the year 2017
that direction, our scientists have identified genetic
was highly productive and scientists were able to
markers for seed size and are using them for marker
publish 103 articles in high impact international
assisted selection. Additionally, the scientists have
journals, and file national and international patent
successfully carried out whole-genome re-
applications.
sequencing of four rice genotypes with contrasting
seed size/weight [long grain genotypes, LGR and PB N ATIONAL B RAIN R ESEAR CH C ENTRE
ESEARCH
1121 and short grain genotypes, Sonasal and Bindli].
(NBR C), M ANESAR , H AR
(NBRC), ARYYANA
Considerable progress has also been achieved in
ongoing programs with a major target to improve NBRC is credited with the mandate of pursuing basic
protein content and amino acid composition by research to understand brain function in health and
expressing a seed albumin, AmA1, from Amaranthus disease, generate trained human resources with the
hypochondriacus. This has been made possible by capability to carry out inter-disciplinary research in
developing an advanced generation of indica rice neuroscience and promotion of neuroscience in India
population expressing AmA1. A detail agro- through networking among institutions across the
phenotypic and physiological analysis revealed an country.
enhanced photosynthetic activity, increased yield and Major initiatives: The Dementia programme, which
42-67% increase in total protein in the transgenic is a multi-centre, nation-wide programme, to
lines. Significant progress has also been made integrate the social context of dementia in India with
towards our ongoing efforts to develop low the biology of the disease has been initiated this
glucosinolate lines in Indian oilseed mustard. The year. It seeks to study the incidence and prevalence
application entitled “Event selection under small of dementia in the context of the community and in
scale open field growth condition and substantial both urban and hospital based studies and develop
equivalence test of the promising low glucosinolate cohorts that can be assessed for various risk and
transgenic Brassica juncea line” has been submitted protective factors. Study of known and potential

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 147


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biomarkers, imaging and genetics would be utilized gene expression in glioma. In a study to investigate
to understand biology of the disease. The Centre of Brain expressed X-linked (Bex) genes, a newer group
Excellence (COE) in Epilepsy, a joint programme of tumor suppressor genes which are silenced in
between AIIMS and NBRC has been recommended different varieties of cancers, curcumin was shown
for the second phase based on the excellent work to induced all endogenous Bex genes in N2a cells in
done during Phase I and future projections that a dose and time-dependent manner and also
combine innovative basic and translational research. activated p53 prior to Bex genes induction. Most
NBRC offers unique M.Sc. and Ph.D degrees in importantly, inhibition of curcumin-mediated
Neuroscience to train students in the integrated induction of Bex genes by pifithrin-alpha (p53
study of brain function that is not provided by inhibitor) and siRNA for Bex mRNAs also inhibited
conventional courses in various aspects of Biology. N2a cells apoptosis suggesting, a direct role of Bex
The selection of students from different streams genes in N2a cells apoptosis and the involvement
apart from biology and biotechnology based of p53 in the induction of Bex genes. These results
programmes including conventional engineering and suggest that re-expression of Bex genes by curcumin
computer science courses, physics, chemistry and act as tumour suppressors and may provide a new
mathematics results in an intellectual churning strategy to treat neuroblastomas. In a study to probe
leading to better creativity. how information is processed in the somatosensory
and motor systems of different mammalian species,
Salient achievements: In a study related to
subtle but important differences were observed in
Japanese Encephalitis it was observed that the host
the organization of the movement systems in two
microRNA miR-301a blocks the IRF1-mediated
closely related rodent species mice and rats.
neuronal innate immune response to Japanese
Interestingly, mice have more of a mosaic pattern of
encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. The neutralization
the movement representation in the cortex as
of miR-301a reinforces host innate immunity by
compared to rats. Such differences optimize the
restoring IFN-beta expression, thereby restricting viral
survival of these species in their individual niche. In
propagation in neurons. In addition, JEV induces
a study undertaken to examine axonal regeneration
human neural stem/progenitor cell death by
in peripheral neurons of C. elegans, let-7 microRNA
elevating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident
was identified for inhibition of functional regeneration
chaperone GRP78, mitochondrial protein Prohibitin
by regulating the expression of ced-7 coding for a
(PHB) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein
homotypic cell adhesion protein. Further, the loss of
hnRNPC through stress. This unravels a novel
this microRNA promotes repair process by increasing
mechanism underlying stem/ progenitor cell death
axon fusion events during regeneration. In another
following viral infection. Significant strides have been
study carried out in collaboration with scientists from
made by scientists at NBRC working on various kinds
Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science
of brain tumours. In addition to highlighting the
(IACS), it was found that the nanoparticle form of
previously unknown role of telomerase in the
some of the sugar molecules can significantly
regulation of pentose phosphate pathway, studies
enhance their chaperone performance in inhibiting
have indicated the involvement of Nrf2-TERT loop in
protein aggregation and in lowering of amyloidogenic
maintaining oxidative defence responses in glioma.
cytotoxicity. Scientist at NBRC have developed a
The importance of dysregulated metabolism in
comprehensive brain signal processing toolbox called
immune surveillance has highlighted the importance
“KALPANA” for brain metabolic profiles and
of Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 in modulating
quantization, which has a direct application in clinical
chromatin landscape crucial for facilitating HLAB

148 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


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settings. NBRC has signed an MOU with Mahatma (root and leaf) has been performed and sequences
Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and were submitted to NCBI under SRA accession
Sustainable Development (MGIEP), a type I UNESCO number SRR3530418. Transcripts obtained will
centre, for the advancement of collaborative accelerate the understanding of metabolite
research. NBRC also signed an MOU (Glue Grant) biosynthetic pathways, along with providing new
with the Government of Haryana regarding joint work insights to increase the biomass yield. A major
with Gurgaon General Hospital, Regional Centre for programme on mass production of orchids for
Biotechnology and THSTI (Translational Health developing bio-entrepreneurship in North East Region
Science and Technology Institute). (NER) has been initiated. IBSD has also taken major
initiative to promote Prunus cerasoides (Cherry
Blossom) in different parts of North East (NE), which
will boost up the economic potential of these states.
A new bioactive compound, Xylosmanoside has been
isolated from Xylosma longifolium. A process has
been developed for extraction of highly stable natural
colour pigments from chillies and its characterization
is in progress.

Figure 2. Dyslexia which is a reading disability affects learning


in children. A tool to detect dyslexia has been developed at
NBRC for early detection of this disability which is now being
used in schools

I NSTITUTE B IORESOURCES AND


OF
S US
USTTAINABLE D EVEL OPMENT (IBSD),
EVELOPMENT
I MPHAL , M ANIPUR
Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable
Development (IBSD), Imphal continued its efforts Figure 3. Mass production of orchids at IBSD Bioresource Park
at Haraorou, Imphal, Manipur
towards bio-resources development and their
sustainable use through biotechnological In the Microbial Resources Programme, a total of
interventions for the socioeconomic growth of the 21,631 cultures (18777 bacteria, 739 probable
North East Region. During the year, IBSD has actinobacteria, 1881 filamentous fungi and 234
published 12 research publications in peer-reviewed yeasts) originated from various ecological niches of
scientific journals along with filing of a new patent. NE India including from untapped ecological niches
such as hot springs, high altitude, low temperature
Salient achievements: In the Plant Resources
mountains, caves, forest, fermented foods etc.,
Programme, protocols for in vitro propagation of
have been collected and preserved at the Microbial
Lilium mackliniae (Siroi lily) and Lilium chitrangada
Repository Centre in IBSD. Molecular surveillance
(Dzuko lily) have been developed. Two new species
of traditional fermented foods marketed in North
have been identified in family Zingiberaceae. The
East India conclusively established the risk of enteric
whole transcriptomic analysis of Swertia chirayita
bacterial pathogens (Clostridium botulinum, Bacillus

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 149


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cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium Guwahati. The IBSD and Institute of Life Sciences
perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia (ILS), Bhubaneswar have jointly organized a National
coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Yersinia enterocolitica). Consultation on Bioresources for Sustainable
IBSD has initiated research on the development of Development during August, 2017 at Bhubaneswar.
a DNAChip based microbial risk assessment platform
and identification of critical control points of pathogen I NSTITUTE OF L IFE S CIENCES (ILS),
entry in fermented foods of Manipur. Microbial B HUBANESWAR , O RRISA
pesticide for the control of soil and seed borne fungal
pathogens using Trichoderma viride (T20) has been The major area of research in ILS during the last
developed. In vitro antifungal efficacy of indigenous year focused on infectious diseases biology, various
actinomycetes isolate identified as Streptomyces aspects of gene function and regulation, and
albidoflavus RCS243 has been established as translational research through technology
promising biocontrol agent. development. In this year 13 Ph.D degrees are
awarded to the students and 30 new students have
A major programme on bioenergy from aquatic weeds enrolled for Ph.D. programme.
of Loktak Lake has been initiated during the year.
The work has been carried out on the exotic Salient achievements:
paragrass of Loktak Lake as feed stock for a) Infectious disease Biology: Mice with chronic
bioethanol production by different pre-treatment and malaria were found to be resistant to endotoxemia,
hydrolytic process. sepsis and Salmonella typhimurium infections. This
In the Animal Bioresources Programme, a potent cross- protection to other pathogens appear to offer
AChE inhibitor 2, 3-Dimethylmaleic anhydride has an evolutionary advantage for persistence of
been isolated from Colocasia esculenta. Further, the Plasmodia in Human and animal communities.
molecule showed significant impairment in the Studies on biofilm revealed that PIA-independent
antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, the possible reason biofilm formation is a standard feature of S.
of insect toxicity of 2, 3-Dimethylmaleic anhydride haemolyticus isolates, irrespective of the sources
might be associated with inhibition of AChE activity of isolation. Cell lysis enabling DNA release was an
and oxidative imbalance. essential step for biofilm attachment during initial
In the Bioinformatics Programme, around 85 ethno- stages of biofilm development. The DNA and protein
veterinary plants were selected from the secondary remain an important matrix component throughout
sources followed by primary data from surveys. the process of biofilm maturation. It was also noticed
Compilation of Ethno-pharmacological plants of North that curcumin reduced the capacity of biofilm
East is under process. Rhododendron database of formation during initial stages of development and
Sikkim Himalaya is also in progress. the expression of Sortase A transcript decreases with
the biofilm age indicating its role in early stages of
IBSD has signed an MOU with Inter American biofilm development.
University of Puerto Rico, United States of America
for carrying out joint research programmes. The Investigations on Chikungunya virus has resulted in
institute has organised Global Sustainable the characterization of the interaction between nsP1
Development Summit 2016 towards United Nations and nsP2 proteins of this virus during infection. It
Sustainable Development Goals in association with was mapped that amino acid residues 170-288 of
North East Development Foundation (NEDF) at Chikungunya virus nsP1 directly interacts with amino

150 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


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acid residues 1-95 of nsP2 and modulates its ATPase in sulfur oxidation pathways in an obligatory
activity in vitro. mixotrophic bacterium Thiomonas
bhubaneswarensis strain S10 (DSM 18181T).
Investigation on bacterial cell division protein showed
the interaction of the FtsZ with MinD using In order to make an ideal promoter system for
microscopy and pull down assays. Moreover, using optimal gene expression, the SA-inducible promoter
independent in silico and laboratory techniques FDA (CmYLCV: -729 to +137 from TSS) from Cestrum
approved drug library was screened to identify yellow leaf curling virus was employed to study the
molecules those may inhibit cell division in bacteria interaction of SA-inducible Arabidopsis transcription
by targeting FtsZ. With this approach, it was found factors, TGA3 and WRKY53. In vitro and in vivo DNA–
that doxorubicin; an anthracycline antibiotic is able protein interaction studies suggest that TGA3 and
to inhibit E. coli growth by perturbing FtsZ functions. WRKY53 bind to -closely located as-11(-649) and W-
Monocytes and macrophages represent critical arms box 1(-640) cis-elements present in the CmYLCV
of the innate immune system and are considered promoter. This interaction between TGA3 and
regulators and effectors of inflammation and innate WRKY53 resulted in the enhancement of CmYLCV
immune response. The studies showed an promoter activity via NPR1-dependent salicylic acid
unexpected function of LPA that transfigures CD11b+ signaling in Arabidopsis.
murine monocytes into F4/80+ macrophages. LPA
stimulated Akt/m-TOR signaling is critical for LPA
mediated macrophage development in mice.
Additionally, transcriptome analysis reveals that
PPARã is the key transcriptional regulator in the
development of LPA induced macrophages. In
humans, LPA mediates macrophage formation using
similar pathways. These findings identify critical role
for LPA in regulating innate immune system.

b) Gene regulation and function: Several studies


have been undertaken on host gene expression and
regulation associated with cancer at ILS. The
GSE4170 dataset analysis showed that EVI1 Figure 4. EVI1 and FUT8 block erythropoiesis in CML. A). K562
positively correlates with FUT8 in CML cell lines and cells transfected with EVI1 siRNA and control siRNA. B).
patients samples. Furthermore, it was found that CD71/Glycophorin A expression. C). Increased number of
benzidine-positive cells (blue staining) transfected with EVI1
EVI1 blocks not only erythropoiesis but also the siRNA with respect to cells transfected with control siRNA.
differentiation of erythroblasts through FUT8 in K562
cell line. c) Translational research and Technology
Development: A lipid based dual herbal drug loaded
Whole genome sequencing of 15 new bacteria has nanoparticles was developed which could be a
been completed to elucidate the metabolic model potential candidate for CNS delivery and co-delivery
and functional analysis of the genes linked to the of dual drug loaded Nano medicines to kill cancer
phenotypic expression of the bacteria. Genome-scale stem cells. The cancer group working on Oral
reconstruction of the metabolic model has squamous cell carcinoma (OCSS) have observed that
elucidated the functional activity of genes involved TIGAR (TP53-induced glycolysis regulatory

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 151


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

phosphatase) diverts the shunt towards Pentose research across various sectors of Biotechnology with
Phosphate Pathway (PPP) and this leads to a mandate to understand the underlying biology of
production of NAPDPH which cancer cell utilize for human, animal and plant diseases and eventually
their survival during stress. The data suggests that develop a new complimentary approach to train
TIGAR might have potential tumor initiating role in individuals in translational biology and promote
OSCC and therefore could be potential therapeutic collaborations between clinical, veterinary and
target for OSCC. agricultural professionals with basic biology
scientists.
In rice more than 250 putative miRNAs were
identified. Presence and expression of several rice Salient achievements in key areas:
miRNA involved in salt tolerance were confirmed. In
a) Breast cancer: A novel anti-invasive mechanism
addition, several known miRNAs were also identified
mediated by Star-PAP/PIPKIá of key metastatic
to be salt responsive with their expression decreasing
regulators was reported. Invasiveness of cancer cells
more than 50 % in response to exposure of the plant
was observed to be inversely co-related to cellular
to salt. An initial study on target prediction and
Star-PAP levels in breast cancer. This study has
validation revealed regulation of expression of the
opened an avenue for translational research with
antioxidative enzyme like L-ascorbate oxidase, the
Star-PAP/PIPKIá nexus as a direct or adjuvant
expression level of which decreased more in the salt-
therapeutic target to prevent cancer metastasis.
sensitive rice cultivar Badami compared with the salt
tolerant cultivar Pokkali, suggesting that the removal â-hCG has been shown to promote migration and
of reactive oxygen species could be one among invasion through TGFâRII signaling predominantly in
several strategies being followed by plant for salt BRCA1 mutant breast cancer cells. Studies have
tolerance. established that â-hCG induces expression of
hemoglobin genes and protects the cancer cells
A collaborative agreement has been made during
during oxidative stress resulting in drug resistance.
with Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable
Development (IBSD), Imphal for undertaking b) Stem cell: It was hypothesized that Aprataxin PNK-
research and development efforts for sustainable like Factor (APLF ), with insignificant expression in
bioresource management in Odisha and Northeast Embryonic stem cells, could act as a barrier in
regions of the country. A dedicated “Science reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Outreach Centre” was inaugurated during March (MEFs) to induce pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
2017, with a focus for providing platform and Studies proved that Histone chaperone HIRA is
opportunities for young students and scholar for required to maintain the self-renewal status in
inculcating scientific temper among them and also hESCs. PHB, a metabolite with HIRA could contribute
to organize dialogues and technology dissemination towards retention of pluripotent state of ESC. This
workshops for relevant stakeholders of the region. study established that a-Keto Glutarate associates
with pluripotent nature of both naïve and primed
R AJIV G ANDHI C ENTRE FOR pluripotency.
B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY (R GCB),
(RGCB), c) Chikungunya: A proteomic analysis of CHIKV-
T HIR UV
HIRUV ANANTHAPURAM , K ERALA
UVANANTHAPURAM infected human astrocytic cell line U-87 MG revealed
tight interactomes among the modulated proteins,
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB)
which were further identified. The results also
continued with significant success innovative

152 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


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showed that NPM1/B23, a multifunctional Biotechnology (RGCB) has established National


chaperone, plays a critical role in restricting CHIKV Facility For Drug Discovery and Developmental
replication and is a possible target for antiviral Therapeutics (NFDDDT). NFDDDT will also enrich
strategies. The analysis of expression profile of existing academic programs at RGCB through
Interferon-regulated genes (IRGs) in the brain tissue education, advancement of cutting edge research,
in a mouse model of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) fostering inter-department and inter-institution
neurovirulence identified significant upregulation of collaborations particularly with the pharmaceutical
269 genes, out of which a predominant percentage and biotechnology industry and facilitate the creation
(76 %) was IRGs. Concordant modulation of IRGs in of a global vision in drug discovery.
both mice and human cells indicates that they might
g) BioNest: The BioNest is a unique program designed
play important roles in regulating CHIKV replication
to provide infrastructure and scientific support that
in Central Nervous system (CNS).
helps researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs
d) Dengue: In a study to compare two closely related looking to transform biology or medical or cosmetic
DENV serotype-2 strains; it was observed that these based technologies and innovations into full-fledged
laboratory strains differed significantly in infecting commercial enterprises. The facility located in Kochi,
human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and which is jointly managed by the Rajiv Gandhi Centre
hepatocytes (Huh7), two major target cells of DENV for Biotechnology and the Kerala Starup Mission.
in in vivo infections. A comparison of the sequences BioNest also offers hospitals in the Kochi area
of the two strains with published sequences of access to high end molecular diagnostics for
various DENV strains known to cause clinically severe infectious diseases, cancer and cardiovascular
dengue identified a number of amino acid changes diseases at RGCB’s NABL and NABH accredited
which could be implicated as possible key genetic facility, high end bioinformatics & computational
differences. analysis, DNA barcoding services for plant based
material used in preparation of various nutraceuticals
e) Tuberculosis: Rv3334 protein of Mycobacterium
and plant based medicines as well as access to expert
tuberculosis is a transcriptional regulator and is
advice and assistance in IPR protection and related
upregulated during hypoxia and other stress
matters.
conditions. Studies have been done to establish that
Rv3334 binds to its own promoter and acts as an h) Services for the Ayurveda/natural medicine
autorepressor. DNA-binding activity of the protein industry: RCGB has identified major programme on
was abrogated in the presence of certain divalent “Ayurveda Inspired Discovery”. The program has clear
metal cations. Histone acetyltransferase, an enzyme objectives that include developing a center of
that is required only in the eukaryotic context was excellence for generating knowledge on treatment
first ever discovered in M. tuberculosis. response and effects on patho-physiological
Subsequently by ChIP seq it was demonstrated that processes in response to Ayurveda based
the protein is recruited to nine promoters in infected therapeutics.
macrophages.
i) Molecular Diagnostics: Laboratory Medicine and
f) A National Facility For Drug Discovery and Molecular Diagnostics (LMMD) group dedicatedly
Developmental Therapeutics: Envisaging the future works 24x7 to cater to the diagnostic needs of the
of drug discovery and therapeutic development with people of southern Kerala. With high incidence of
the support from Department of Science & epidemics in Kerala, LMMD has significantly
Technology (DST), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for contributed in accurate outbreak investigations

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 153


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through 42 viral and 4 bacterial tests assisting tailored to drive innovation in biotechnology,
patients from various public and private hospitals in particularly in areas of new opportunities and also
the region. Additionally, cancer and cardiovascular to fill talent gap in deficient areas. It provides a
biomarker panels are being extensively used at the platform for biotechnology education, training and
community level at highly subsidized rates for all and research at the interface of multiple disciplines. The
even free of cost for the under privileged. The panels programmes of the Centre are designed to create
of tumor recurrence prediction and tumor drug opportunities for students to engage in multi-
response as well as pharmacogenomics assay of disciplinary research to provide solutions for human
Tacrolimus® post renal transplantation have been and animal health, agriculture and environment.
widely accepted by the medical community.
Major initiatives: The Centre has continued to
j) Regional Facility for DNA Fingerprinting: The major pursue the various innovative research programs to
service of RFDF is to provide human DNA create knowledge in the broad areas of biotech
Fingerprinting services to judicial, crime investigating science. In study on transcription Regulation:
and law enforcing agencies. RFDF has expanded its Structure and Mechanism (FleN), a P loop ATPase
DNA Fingerprinting services to flora and fauna was identified as a vital protein for maintaining a
including RAPD, AFLP or microsatellite marker-based monotrichous phenotype in Pseudomonas
studies, testing for genetic diversity analysis, species/ aeruginosa. It exhibited antagonistic activity against
population/varietal discrimination, hybrid seed FleQ, the master transcriptional regulator of flagellar
testing, Cox-1 based molecular identification and DNA genes. Crystal structures of FleN revealed that it
bar coding of fauna especially for species undergoes drastic conformational changes on ATP
identification in wildlife forensics. binding to attain a structural remodeling which
facilitated the formation of the functional dimer and
k) Training and Education: RGCB holds a unique
helped the antiactivator attain a reversible form that
program “catching them young” for school students
could calibrate FleQ activity to an optimal level.
selected from various schools to do a three-month
Studies have been carried out on development of
project at RGCB during weekends and summer
nanomaterials for biomedical applications focused
holidays. A total of 110 students graduated from
on the engineering of the Synthetic Antimicrobial
RGCB in the years 2007 to 2016.
Polymers (SAMPs) derived from biocompatible
l) International collaboration: RGCB and NIH have polyamides for novel therapies to treat Mycobacterial
agreed upon a RO-1 Grant to study response and infections.
failure to measles vaccine in South India. RGCB and
The India-ESRF partnership: To continue the
the International Agency for Research against Cancer
successful first phase of association with ESRF
& the Gates Foundation have agreed to extend the
(2008-2016) a new agreement with the ESRF has
HOV Vaccine study till 2020.
been made. The agreement provides access to
R EGIONAL C ENTRE FOR multiple and much better experimental stations for
macromolecular crystallography, small angle X-ray
B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY (R CB), F ARID
(RCB), ABAD ,
ARIDABAD scattering (SAXS) and the cryo-electron microscopy.
H AR Y A N A India has become the 22nd country to join the ESRF.
Since the start of this new agreement, scientists from
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) was 13 different institutes from all over India have
established with a vision to produce human resource obtained X-ray diffraction and small angle X-ray

154 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


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scattering data for different macromolecules and and make the biomedical innovations accessible to
macromolecular assemblies. The access to this improve the public health. Scientists at THSTI have
international facility will enable Indian scientists to secured significant extramural funding from National
formulate innovative solutions to problems faced by and International agencies.
the nation in public health and agriculture.
The Vaccines and Infectious Diseases
Human Resource Development: Thirteen young Research Centre (VIDRC): The VIDRC is the first
scientists are currently mentored by the RCB faculty. Centre of THSTI. Some of the significant
A multidisciplinary Ph.D programme has been achievements include: 1) a demonstration of VapC20
instituted where 25 students were admitted in the as an obligate homodimer, and its self-association
academic year 2017-18. The RCB Act 2016 has also is critical for its folding and activity. Surface Plasmon
empowered the Centre to conduct an integrated Resonance experiments suggested that VapC20
M.Sc.-Ph.D degree program in Biotechnology, which interacts with its cognate antitoxin VapB20 to form
will commence from the academic session 2018- a stable complex with nanomolar affinity. 2) Scientists
19. An MoU has been signed between Tata Institute at HIV Vaccine Translational Research Laboratory
of Fundamental Research and participating (HVTR) laboratory proved that the broadly neutralizing
institutions for conducting Joint Graduate Entrance antibodies elicited in HIV-1+ elite neutralizers typically
Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life are unable to reduce viremia in the same individuals
Sciences (JGEEBILS) examination with a purpose to from whom they are isolated. 3) A non-radioactive
establish a combined entrance test for Ph.D and, RNA Strand Displacement Assay protocol for
where applicable, M.Sc. in life science and measuring the dsRNA unwinding activity of the
interdisciplinary streams. A joint mini-symposium on Hepatitis E virus helicase and also a protocol to assay
“Cellular Mechanisms in Health and Disease” was the RdRp activity of many other viruses has been
organized with Advanced Institute of Science and established. 4) Correlation between lncRNAs and
Technology (AIST) of Japan in February 2017. The 5th severe dengue phenotype has been established. This
Molecular Virology meeting was hosted with THSTI would enable its application as prognostic marker
in February 2017. The meeting brought together for dengue virus-induced disease progression. 5)A
researchers from various Indian institutions working new analog of 5-NP, 3-methyl-6-nitro-1, 10-
in various areas of virology. The Centre has also been phenanthroline with improved in vitro activity and in
regularly conducting short-term courses and vivo efficacy in mice was designed. 6) Calcimycin was
workshops in the frontier areas of Life Sciences identified as a potent inhibitor of Mycobacterium
benefitting young and mid-career researchers. bovis BCG growth in vitro and in THP-1 cells as well.
7) Monoclonal antibody pairs have been
T RANSLATIONAL H EAL
RANSLATIONAL EALTHTH S CIENCE AND characterized and translated into rapid
T ECHNOL OG
ECHNOLOG
OGYY I NS TITUTE (THS
NSTITUTE TI),
(THSTI), immunochromatography tests to specifically detect
the viral nonstructural 1 protein antigen and
F ARID ABAD , H AR
ARIDABAD YANA
ARY
distinguish four dengue virus serotypes and Zika virus
Translational Health Science and Technology Institute without cross-reaction. 8) The ability of zinc salts to
(THSTI) was established with the mandate to block HEV replication by virtue of their ability to inhibit
integrate multidisciplinary scientific teams from the the activity of viral RdRp was discovered. Since high-
fields of medicine, science, engineering and dose zinc is used in the treatment of Wilson’s
technology for generating translational knowledge disease, it might be possible to control HEV-

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 155


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

associated health problems following a similar upregulation.


treatment regimen. 9) A novel STK1-targeted small-
The Drug Discovery Research Centre (DDRC):
molecule quinazoline compound ‘Inh2-B1’ has been
The DDRC is an inter-disciplinary center that works
identified as promising antibiotic–resistance-breaker
on disease interrogation, target identification and
against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
early stage development and also has a focus on
10) Scientists at HVTR lab identified a new clade A
metabolic syndromes, particularly diabetes. Some
Env, A5 which is efficiently cleaved on cell membrane,
of the significant achievements are: 1) Scientists at
and can be used in DNA prime-protein boost
DDRC experimentally proved that gap junctional
vaccination studies with already identified BG505.
coupling between excitatory and non-excitatory cells
11) Scientists at HVTR lab engineered an HIV-1 B/C
of heart muscles plays important role in the calcium
recombinant, native-like trimeric Env protein that is
dynamics 2) Scientist at DDRC were able to
highly resistant to CD4-induced conformational
construct a network between biological processes
changes making it suitable for use as antigenic bait
through common genes and data was analyzed to
for bnAb isolation, structural studies, and use as
obtain perturbed biological processes at each time
potential immunogens. 12) High activity of
point to identify paths linking initial perturbed
myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase was
processes with final perturbed processes which
detected in the plasma samples of the follow-up and
capture progression of metabolic disorders such as
recovered dengue patients, the presence of a larger
obesity and diabetes. 3) A mathematical model
amount of cell-free dsDNA in the dengue-severe
predicting host mitochondrial pyruvate transporter
patients, suggesting an association of neutrophil-
activity to be critical regulator of Mycobacterium
mediated immunity with dengue disease progression.
tuberculosis pathogenicity and possible mechanistic
The study has a great translational significance for
target for drug discovery was also developed and
the prognosis and management of the dengue
validated experimentally.
patients.
The Centre for Human Microbial Ecology
The Pediatric Biology Centre (PBC): The PBC
(CHME): The CHME focuses on malnutrition, gut
serves as an interdisciplinary research center where
microbiota, and multi-drug resistance with ongoing
research on childhood health and disease would lead
studies on the role of the microbiome in the
to knowledge-driven interventions and technologies
pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, its effect on the
that can be effectively implemented. Significant
immune response and the influence of diet and
achievements are: 1) it was experimentally proved
artificial sweeteners on gut microbial composition,
that there is no significant beneficial effect of zinc
role of effector and regulatory T cells in intestinal
on the duration of recovery or risk of treatment
inflammation and of retinoic acid metabolites in
failure in children with radiologically confirmed
regulation of the inflammatory response. In one such
pneumonia.2)Scientists at PBC discovered that
study, scientists at CHME have proved Foxo1 as a
addition of TNF to podocytes causes CD80
key transcription factor that dictates the
upregulation, actin reorganization and podocyte
development and effector functions of Th9, while
injury. Overexpressed CD80 and Neph1 interact via
IL-9-producing T cells could prove beneficial in
their extracellular domain and this interaction implies
designing targeted therapies aimed at alleviating the
possible use of small molecules that disrupt CD80-
course of autoimmune diseases and anti-cancer
Neph1 interaction as a potential for treatment of
therapy.
nephrotic syndrome associated with CD80

156 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

The Clinical Development Service Agency facilitated Reametrix, Bangalore for the validation
(CDSA): The CDSA has a unique mandate to provide studies, and optimization of ReaTBDx at SGPGIMS,
cost-effective, high quality, not-for-profit technology- Lucknow. PCBR has created a consortium for LAMP
based preclinical and clinical product development test implementation at Community Health Centers
as well as support services for clinical research through MoHFW and NIB. PCBR in collaboration with
conducted by various public institutions, academic NCDC, ICMR and Manipal Center for Virology in a
institutes and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). CDC funded study successfully mapped 750 labs
A broad range of services offered by CDSA for their capabilities in doing diagnostics work as well
includes regulatory consultation, project as biosafety preparedness.
management, clinical monitoring, medical writing,
b) Vaccines: PCBR prepared a Roadmap for cholera
safety monitoring, audit, data management and
prevention and control. The analysis of available data
biostatistics. CDSA has been involved in clinical
on cholera, led to identification of “hot spots” or
monitoring of various projects such as project on
regions with high risk of cholera in India. PCBR has
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Preterm Birth and
been consulted by Global Alliance for Vaccines and
Reflexology studies, study on indigenously developed
Immunization as well as by the WHO’s Global Task
surfactant for preterm babies with Respiratory
Force for Cholera Control for a meeting on Ending
Distress Syndrome etc. It also has a mandate to
Cholera: A Global Roadmap, for 2030. PCBR is also
guide, strengthen, coordinate, undertake and
involved in committees set up by the Government
implement human resource capacity building in India
for introduction of rotavirus vaccine, to provide inputs
for preclinical and clinical development and other
in technical issues such as cross over in the use of
related activities by conducting trainings and
two different vaccines in the program. PBCR has
workshops across the country. CDSA conducted a
analyzed global data on influenza and has observed
total of 4 training sessions on Good Clinical Practices
high degree of morbidity and mortality in pregnant
across 5 organizations with 228 participants. It has
women. PCBR has created partnership with INCLEN
also conducted one training session on Ethical and
to collect the baseline data and study the effect of
Regulatory Requirements for clinical trials and
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in pregnant
research at ESIC Medical College and Hospital,
women in India.
Faridabad with 80 participants.
c) Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): A roadmap
The Policy Center for Biomedical Research
for vaccine introduction in Kala-Azar elimination
(PCBR): The PCBR was sanctioned with a mandate
program is being created with analysis of
to bridge the gap between health researchers, who
shortcomings of four candidate Leishmania vaccines.
implement and who are impacted by that research
by providing analysis on health technologies that I NSTITUTE FOR S TEM C ELL S CIENCE
could guide strategic planning to meet local health
needs. AND R EGENERA TIVE M EDICINE
EGENERATIVE

The Achievements in key identified areas of PCBR


( IN S TEM ), B ENG AL
ENGAL UR
ALUR
URUU , K ARNA
ARNATTAKA
are: The Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative
Medicine (inStem) at Bengaluru is India’s first stem
a) Point-of-care Diagnostics: PCBR has partnered
cell institute committed to accelerating advances in
with DSS, New Delhi for creating a prototype to
stem cell biology & regeneration to understanding
optimize LED as lighting source for microscopy. PCBR
disease. The thrust on interdisciplinary, thematic

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 157


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

research with translation emphasis has allowed how it breaks down during aging and disease.
inStem to tackle complex questions in ways that
cannot be addressed in individual investigator-driven
efforts. inStem has also been engaged with various
international universities/institutes to enhance its
technical and scientific capabilities. inStem’s efforts
have focused on building core strengths in stem cell
biology and manipulations, in areas such as repair
from injury or wounding, disorders of the brain and Figure 5. Images to show the shape of the nucleus (the
compartment in cells where DNA is stored) in a young cell
heart. (left) and the changes in the shape of the nucleus in an old
cell (right).
Salient achievements: The Centre for
Cardiovascular Biology and Disease( CCBD) at The Technologies for the Advancement of Science
inStem, is establishing a consortium comprising (TAS) theme develops technologies and catalyzes
clinicians and researchers across India through which new approaches to solve difficult problems in
6000 South Asian heart failure patient samples have fundamental and applied biology. Scientists in this
been organized and sequencing of protein-coding theme have reported fundamental discoveries in
regions (exomes) of 30,000 genes have been natural light sensing which has shed new light on
accomplished for 100 donors. The initial analysis has eye evolution, while helping map functional eye-brain
identified possibly novel genes for South Asian regeneration. New methods for biomaterial delivery
specific cardiomyopathies. To understand how these was developed that work for model organisms as
genes function, two transgenic mice models, well for inflammation alleviation. The technology to
mimicking the disease in humans were generated. deliver nucleic acids into flatworms is already paving
Notably, one of these was made at the state-of-the- the path towards uncovering interesting facets of
art National Mouse Resource (NaMoR) Facility on the regeneration process.
campus. Studying how these proteins interact with
Work at the Centre for Brain Development & Repair
other structural components of the heart, not only
(CBDR) has established the robust re-programming
informs about differences in proteins from normal
protocols to generate iPSCs, a biorepository of
and diseased hearts, but also enables the application
human LCL and iPSC cell lines and protocols for neural
of this knowledge to develop cost-effective drug
differentiation. Fully operational breeding-colonies of
screening strategies for repurposing approved drugs.
nine new transgenic rat models of highly penetrant
At Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis single-gene causes of ASD/ID to better animal model
(CITH), attempts are being made to restore organs systems that can accurately reflect autistic
in the body that are lost during injury. In recent work, symptoms in humans have been established.
a specialized subset of immune cells in the skin known
Efforts over the past year at the Centre for Chemical
as ãäT cells has been shown to play a major role in
Biology and Therapeutics (CCBT) at inStem, has led
activating stem cells, so that they can perform their
to the first exemplification of a new strategy to
role in rebuilding the skin following a wound.
interrupt intracellular signaling pathways via
Scientists have identified a protein that appears to
molecular recognition of phosphorylated proteins.
cause human cells in culture in the laboratory, to
Bractopin, a selective, potent, drug-like inhibitor of
age (Figure 5). Such studies will assist in
the BRCT domain family, had been discovered and
understanding of how tissue normally functions and
characterized chemically and biologically.

158 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

A National Cryo-EM facility has been set up under is being used to reactivate gamma globin by editing
the aegis of a Multi-scale Basic and Applied Research the potent gamma globin repressor in hematopoietic
program as a joint effort between inStem and NCBS. stem cells. The group has generated guide RNAs
The recent installation of the 300 keV microscopes targeting the potential gamma globin repressor and
with state of the art detectors and automation is a cloned in to the viral vector and have confirmed the
major technological capability, the first of its kind in successful disruption of target locus in human
India, allowing molecular exploration of biological embryonic kidney cell lines. In parallel,
function and is a major technological capability in ribonucleoprotein based system (RNP) is being used
campus. The formal inauguration of the facility is to cleave the target locus in hematopoietic stem cells.
scheduled in January 2018.
The second part of the gene therapy program
Centre for Stem Cell Research (a translational unit involves preclinical models for lentiviral vector based
of inStem, Bengaluru) at Christian Medical College gene therapy through hematopoietic stem cell for
Campus, Bagayam, Vellore: The Centre for Stem Cell the major haemoglobin disorders. New lentiviral
Research continues to focus on translational vectors carrying the beta globin gene are being
research in cell and gene therapy towards tested in human ex-vivo erythropoietic systems
regenerative medicine to bring stem cell science and developed at CSCR and in parallel experiments in
other novel therapies to management of patients mouse models. A liposomal formulations with anti-
with unmet needs. oxidant lipid as an efficient delivery system has been
developed for enhanced transfection with quenching
Salient achievement:
of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. A novel
a) Gene therapy: This program involves two major strategy called green transfection in which cationic
areas at present – The first is directed towards a nano carrier system derivative from vegetable oil,
clinical trial for AAV vector based gene therapy for palmstearin (PS-Lips) have been developed. These
haemophilia B: A novel transgene construct was nanocarriers system could efficiently deliver mRNAs
developed and evaluated in human hepatocytes and into haematopoietic cells. Work is in progress
in haemophilia mice. It is now being tested in various towards development of first indigenous commercial
models for dose finding, safety, toxicity and transfection reagent. Patent filing for novel liposomal
biodistribution. Apart from this, the clinical gene transfection formulations is also under process.
therapy program is also being developed with
screening of patients for AAV antibodies and
development of the clinical trial protocol. A potential
target for the reactivation of fetal haemoglobin has
been identified and a CRISPR/Cas9 based
ribonucleoprotein system has been developed for
genome editing of the identified target. Using the
Multiplex genome editing approach, successful
cleaving of the target sites both in human embryonic
kidney cell lines and human umbilical cord blood-
derived erythroid progenitor (HUDEP) cell lines has
been achieved. For therapeutic genome editing for Figure 6. Chemical structures cationic amphiphiles
synthesized from Palmstearin. Schematic illustration shows
hematological disorders, a targeted genome the complex formation between PS-Lips and pDNA.
engineering platform based on CRISPR/CAS9 system

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 159


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

model using FDA approved material, indocyanin


green (ICG) a method of labelling of mesenchymal
stem cells (MSCs) and in vivotracking of labelled
stem cells in mice using live cell imaging system has
been developed and a patent application has been
filed for this technology.

Tissue Engineering: Studies have been


undertaken for design, fabrication and
characterization of various nanofibrous-based tissue
Figure 7. Comparative in vitro mRNA transfection efficiencies
of PS-Lips & P-Lip in adherent cell line, HEK 293 (A&B); and
grafts (flat and hollow-types) suitable for regenerative
suspension cell lines, HEL-1 (C); K-562 (D). Lipofectamine medicine. Development of biomaterials as a carrier
RNAi Max was used as positive control for mRNA system for the delivery of stem cells, in particular
transfections.
injectable gel-based stem cell delivery systems, for
b) Musculoskeletal regeneration: The major focus osteochondral and cardiogenic applications is under
of this program is on clinical translations related to progress.
physis, articular cartilage and bone regeneration. For
articular cartilage regeneration, ongoing small and N ATIONAL I NS TITUTE OF B IOMEDICAL
NSTITUTE
large animal studies have articular defect G ENOMICS (NIBMG), K AL YANI ,
ALY
reconstruction with differentiated MSCs on
indigenous scaffolds. In a first of its kind study,
W EST B ENGAL
reconstructions of bone defects in children with MSCs NIBMG was established in 2009 with a vision to
differentiated to osteoblasts on ceramic scaffolds enhance knowledge on human health and disease
have shown good outcome in the first 5 cases. through genomics and translate the knowledge using
Further, a larger trial is being planned to be appropriate technologies for promotion of well-being
performed. and improvement of genetics based health care in
India. Within a brief period since its inception, the
c) Haplobanking: A major translational effort has also
National Institute has made a global academic mark
been initiated towards establishing a “haplobank”
by making significant research findings as evidenced
as a part of an international consortium called the
by high-quality publications in the areas of cancer
Global Alliance for iPSC Therapies (GAiT) for potential
genomics, genomics of infectious disease and
use in regenerative medicine in the future.
population genetics. Faculty members of the
Other Programmes: Institute have successfully obtained extramural
research funding and have developed national and
a) Somatic cell reprogramming: iPSC lines from the
international collaborations. The Institute has also
fibroblasts of a patient with Fanconi anaemia (FA)
played a major role in national genomics capacity
have been generated by non-integrative methods.
building by organizing workshops and hands-on
Currently, these iPSC lines are being used to
training, independently and in collaboration with
understand the molecular basis of Fanconi Anaemia
international institutions such as the European
disease pathogenesis.
Bioinformatics Institute, University of Chicago etc.
Novel multifaceted approach to widen the Students and faculty members of the Institute have
therapeutic window of spinal cord injury in SCID mice received national and international awards and

160 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

recognitions. The campus is now vibrant and fully granuloma formation. Life course epidemiology has
functional with most of infrastructure being been initiated with 50,000 recruited individuals to
completed. understand the role of environmental factors in
modulating the effects of genes. Blood profiles and
Major initiatives: To accelerate genomics in health
clinical profiles are being collected repeatedly for in-
and disease, the Institute is successfully running a
depth studies on genetic and environmental
laboratory for collaborative research with clinicians
interactions
called the Biomedical Genomics Unit (BMGU) for
open access to its high-end platforms to national Salient achievements:
institutions in which such infrastructure is required.
a) Teaching and Training: One student has acquired
Studies are ongoing to understand the role of
PhD degree and two students are awaiting the award
microbes inhabiting the skin of humans in the
of PhD degree. Besides, as part of short term
development of various skin conditions, such as
training, a total of 13 trainees were recruited of
acne, psoriasis, dermatitis etc.
which, 4 were from the Academy Summer Research
India gained the status of a founding member of the Fellowship Program and the rest from various
“International Cancer Genome Consortium” with Universities across the country.
efforts of NIBMG and DBT. In a study focused on
b) Establishment and sustenance of CoTeRI:
oral cancer, various gene alterations were identified
Formidable capacity for massively parallel nucleic acid
which could be used to predict the extent of survival
sequencing was built and two global records of
of an oral cancer patient after surgery by screening
sequence data generation in a single experiment
just a few genes. In another major study on cervical
were created. In the last five years, data equivalent
cancer, HPV16 virus was observed to cause the
to about 10,000 human genomes were generated
cancer by acquiring certain genetic and epigenetic
cutting costs of sequencing using various innovative
changes in the viral genome that correlate with the
experimental approaches. To share the
activation of certain host cell signaling pathways.
infrastructural resources with other researchers in
CKS1B, a gene of this pathway that activates cell
India to facilitate pursuit of genomics, “Core
proliferation was highly expressed in such cancers
Technologies Research Initiative” program (CoTeRI)
but not in those that had integrated HPV16. An
has served the genomics needs of researchers in
inhibitor of this gene which is actually prescribed to
over 40 universities and national institutions,
patients with manic depression could be relevant
including the laboratories of the NE region. The
for treating such cancers. Studies on infectious
demand for accessing CoTeRI is increasing steadily.
disease genomics based on transcriptomic analysis
of blood samples revealed up-regulation of gene c) Establishment of Systems Medicine Cluster
expression in osteoclast differentiation in human (SyMeC): NIBMG has catalyzed a collaborative
septic shock. In this area, it has also been identified ecosystem by bringing six institutions to work
that age and gender can act as effect modifiers in together towards the goal of fostering systems
the association of the functional IFNL4-generating medicine - Bose Institute, Indian Institute of Chemical
polymorphism with allergy and clinical features of Biology, Indian Statistical Institute, Tata Medical
asthma in a Polish population. Studies on tuberculosis Centre and the Indian Institute of Science Education
revealed that key metabolic pathways of the host & Research. The project has been funded by the
cell might be more critical for regulating the Department of Biotechnology under the “Biocluster”
intracellular mycobacterial load, in the context of scheme. Preliminary evidence of DNA alterations that

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 161


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

drive metastasis in oral cancer has been obtained. for postharvest quality and nutrition; (III) Basic biology
Work on many clinically relevant problems that relate for crop improvement; (IV) Functional foods for better
to susceptibility, diagnosis, early detection of risk health (V) Computational biology approaches for
exposures, and new methods to integrate and marker and gene discovery.
analyze multiple data types for more robust
Major initiatives: NABI researchers are engaged
inferences has been initiated.
in development of designer crops with high nutrition,
d) Outreach Programs: An outreach open house increased shelf life and processing quality. Research
program and panel discussion on flagship programs is ongoing to improve the nutritional and processing
of Govt. of India such as “Swasth Bharat”, “Digital quality in wheat. Functional genomics strategies for
India” and “Climate Change and Sustainability” was improving micronutrient transport and its
organized which was attended by more than 80 bioavailability in wheat have also been employed.
students from different schools. A visit of various Genetic Transformation of Banana for Quality
laboratories in NIBMG with hands-on experiments Improvement for enhanced provitamin-A is another
has also been conducted in a session for school prime area where work has been initiated with the
students where faculty members and research support from BIRAC. In the area of bioinformatics
scholars from NIBMG, IISER-Kolkata and Kalyani development of advanced algorithms, databases,
University participated. tools and pipelines for data mining and comparative
analysis of food crop genomes, transcriptome and
small RNA based regulation have been done.
Transcriptional regulation of seed development and
maturation in plants is also ongoing. NABI has also
developed biodegradable and nontoxic coating
materials for the post-harvest shelf life improvement
of fresh fruits. In the area of food and nutrition,
researchers are manipulating the beneficial gut
bacteria as a strategy for the management of
metabolic disorders. Additionally, fabricated
nanomaterials in food for enhancement of
Figure 8. India International Science Festival: Public Outreach micronutrients bioavailability and food safety has also
& Open Day Program, held on been undertaken and currently its efficacy and its
September 18, 2017
related studies are being performed.
N ATIONAL A GRI -F OOD B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL OG
TECHNOLOG
OGYY Salient achievements: In a tilling (EMS treated)
I NSTITUTE (NABI), M OHALI , P UNJAB based approach to develop resistant starch in
wheat; mutant lines showing variation in amylose
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) was content and resistant starch were developed. Some
established with the objectives of promoting and of high amylose mutants are being used for
coordinating research of high calibre in basic and introgression of high amylose into high yielding
translational aspects at the interface of Agriculture, varieties as well as for molecular and genetic basis
Food and Nutrition. Institute is working in the five of high amylose. Advance generation (M6) of 101
core areas that includes, (I) Improving cereals for mutant lines showing variation from 3 to 76%
nutrition and processing quality; (II) Improving fruits amylose was produced and evaluated for starch,

162 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

amylose, and resistant starch. Out of them 24 performed using SEM and TEM showed that
mutants were evaluated for agronomical traits for encapsulation did not cause any distortion in the
producing advanced breeding lines. In an attempt structure.
to develop colored wheat lines with high anthocyanin
In the area of post-harvest technology development,
content for nutraceutical applications, several
the composite film formulations containing wheat
advanced colored wheat lines with bright color and
straw AX and oat bran polysaccharide-fatty acid
bold seeds have been developed through breeding
esters exhibited improved functional properties.
method. Yield of advanced lines is comparable to
These properties included significant reduction in
high yielding cultivars. The anthocyanin content and
water vapor transmission (~67-85%), improved
antioxidant activity of different colored wheat and
mechanical strength (~10-13 MPa), thermal stability
its products was in the order of Black<Blue<Purple
(> 200°C) and film transparency (60-75%). The
<White. Colored wheat lines showed anti-obesity
emulsion based composite film formulations were
effect on high fat treated mice. In vivo studies using
further coated on the surface of fresh fruits (apple)
high fat diet induced obesity models suggested that
and the studies to determine the efficacy of the
black and purple wheat lines could effectively prevent
coating materials for the postharvest quality
fat deposition, improve glucose homeostasis, insulin
improvement are under progress.
tolerance, lower the serum cholesterol and free fatty
acids levels.To increase the bioavailability of
micronutrients in wheat; gene encoding for inositol
pentakisphosphate kinase (TaIPK1) involved in
biosynthesis of PA was targeted for gene silencing
to develop low phytate wheat. Towards improving
provitamin-A in Banana, several transformation
experiments have been performed to generate
desirable numbers of transgenic lines. Carotenoid
profiling in contrasting cultivars, Nendran and
Rasthali were studied for changes in carotenoids in Figure 9. Coloured wheat lines generated at NABI and their
seed sections. Purple colour is in pericarp and blue colour in
fruit-peel and pulp as collected at unripe and ripe aleurone. Black wheat has both the colours.
stages. In the area of food and nutrition
biotechnology, multiple leads were obtained. N ATIONAL I NS TITUTE OF A NIMAL
NSTITUTE
Glycoconjugates capped multifunctional Gold
B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL
TECHNOLOGOG
OGYY (NIAB),
nanorod based nano-biosensor was developed to
detect food borne bacteria and efficacy of the kit is H YDERABAD , T ELANGANA
currently being studied.
National Institute of Animal Biotechnology is aimed
Fabrication of the nanomaterials in food for to harness novel and emerging biotechnologies and
enhancement of micronutrients bioavailability is also take up research in the cutting edge areas for
been addressed at NABI. In this area, guanosine improving animal health and productivity. The
diphosphate (GDP) was encapsulated within the lipid mandate of the institute is to develop human
vesicle to increase its delivery, stability, specificity resource across the value chain and is developing
and efficiency along with improved pharmacokinetic the human resource through Ph.D programme,
properties. Characterization of encapsulated GDP project staff training and hosting women scientists

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 163


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

having fellowship in the area of animal biotechnology. signaling, leading to attenuation of the host pro-
Further, the Institute is reaching to the local schools inflammatory response. The study would be helpful
and colleges to connect NIAB scientists with national in developing novel anti-Brucella drugs and preventive
educational needs of schools and colleges. strategies to control brucellosis.

Major initiatives: Research at NIAB is focused on For understanding host immune response and
infectious diseases, reproductive biotechnology, development of vaccine against leptospirosis,
genetics & genomics, bioinformatics, nutrition & several outer membrane proteins of Leptospira were
metabolic diseases of livestock and poultry, cloned and expressed. Leptospira proteins Lsa21,
transgenesis and therapeutic proteins. Towards LigA and LigB were identified to induce strong innate
developing improved diagnostics and vaccines for immune responses in macrophages, through the
brucellosis, immunodominant antigens of Brucella activation of Toll-like receptors. The mechanisms and
were identified through immunoproteomics. An their potential to serve as subunit vaccines are
antigen BM-5, strongly reacted with sera from currently being investigated. In addition, the institute
infected animals and humans, and not with serum is embarking on a systematic approach to evaluate
from S19 vaccinated cattle, hence being potentially different adjuvants/vaccine delivery systems like
useful in the differentiation of infected and liposomes, microparticles, nanoparticles, herbal
vaccinated animals. BM-5 antigen was used to adjuvants, etc., to identify potent adjuvants for
develop a prototype Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) device animal vaccines.
for detection of brucellosis in animals and humans
Studies were undertaken for molecular
(see figure 10).
characterization of non-structural viral proteins of
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) to understand their
roles in host-virus interactions. NDV genome carries
six genes, one of which (the P gene) is co-
transcriptionally edited to produce two non-structural
proteins V and W. It was found that V protein
supports viral RNA replications and shields dsRNA
(viral replicative intermediate) to prevent interferon
response. In addition, overexpression of W causes
apoptosis, the mechanism of which is under
investigation. Institute is in the process of setting
up a reverse genetics system to mutate the V and W
proteins to further understand their functions and
to develop novel vaccines.
Figure 10. A: Immunoprobing BM-5 antigen with serum
samples; B: Testing of LFA device with negative
or positive sera.
Microsatellite analysis and genetic diversity studies
using immuno-dominant antigens to understand the
In an effort to identify and characterize host factors pathogenesis of Theileria, showed polymorphisms
that support the invasion and intracellular replication and significant sequence diversity between the
of Brucella in macrophages, Brucella protein TcpB prevalent strains and current vaccine. Further,
was identified which interacted with cellular protein screening of 550 cross-bred animals from the
CLIP170, and suppresses Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 endemic areas could identify 181 susceptible and

164 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

369 resistant/tolerant animals based on microscopy implement genomic selection to increase milk yield,
and qPCR. Further, genotyping analyses using the a program to decipher the genetic makeup of
Illumina/Agilent Bovine chip for identifying the disease indigenous cattle breeds has also been initiated.
related markers/loci are being carried out. In order
to understand host-parasite interactions, Theileria C ENTER OF I NNO
NNOVVATIVE AND A PPLIED
infected bovine cell lines were established from the B IOPROCESSING (CIAB), M OHALI ,
peripheral blood mononuclear cells of infected
animals. Studies have also been initiated on profiling
PUNJAB
of exoproteome and total proteome of the selected The Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing
virulent isolates of mastitis-associated (CIAB) is working on development of processes and
Staphylococcus aureus for identification of the products from secondary agriculture produce.
virulence genes. Institute is also developing bioprocesses and
innovative technologies to meet the translational
In a study to understand the role of novel cell cycle
need of industries. Institute is significantly
regulators orchestrating the unique cell cycle and
contributing towards human resource generation by
transcription of Toxoplasma gondii, the role of Cdk-
imparting training to students in the areas of
related kinase, Crk9 was identified in transcription
bioprocessing and secondary agriculture.
elongation, mediated through phosphorylation of
conserved serine residue in the heptapeptide Salient achievements: A thermo-stable and
repeats of C-terminal domain of the large subunit of recyclable magnetic nanobiocatalyst has been
RNA polymerase II, TgRpb1. Multiple modes of TgCrk9 developed for bioprocessing of agro-industrial
regulation indicating an overall unique molecular residues and D-allulose synthesis. The
mechanism of transcriptional control to cater to the nanobiocatalyst was employed for treatment of fruit
special needs of the parasite was established. The pomace wash, resulting in D-allulose production from
study could lead to rational drug design programs. the low-cost feedstock. A liquid whey beverage
product named CIAB-NAVITA has been developed.
In another study Sphingobium fuliginis, a prominent
The liquid whey, which is rich in protein and lactose,
organophosphate degrading microorganisms which
is transformed into a nutraceutical beverage
affects animal health and production was
enriched with prebiotic dietary fibers derived from
sequenced, assembled and two novel chromosomes
fruit processing residues such as kinnow pulp. An
(3.8Mbp and 1.2Mbp) and four plasmids (27 to 224
efficient process based on xylanase and magnetic-
kb) were identified. The two chromosomes were
xylanase CLEA for xylo oligosaccharides production
shown to harbor 5100 protein coding genes, 9 rRNA
from agro biomass has been developed.
and 55 tRNA genes.
Interestingly, hydrolysis of rice straw and corn cob
NIAB has initiated a program on the development of by both types of enzymatic forms was found to
an easy method of transgenesis of farm animals, as produce predominantly xylopentose and xylohexose.
well as in vitro maturation and fertilization of goat A ‘Farm Gate Technology’ for the recovery of the
oocytes. The healthy embryos, once obtained, would natural tartaric acid from geranium biomass
be used for male pronuclear DNA injection. Testicular (Pelargonium graveolans) was developed. Iron
transgenesis establishment in farm animals is fortified turmeric- a value added product for every
underway. house to improve iron deficiency has been
developed. An efficient process of production of
In order to conserve indigenous breeds and to

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 165


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

bacterial cellulose from tomato juice has been B IOTECH S CIENCE C LUSTERS
developed and characterized for purity. Levulinic acid
(LA) was produced in a co-solvent, biphasic reactor Systems Medicine Cluster (SyMec), Kalyani,
system consisting of dilute HCl (aqueous) and West Bengal: A cluster for multi-dimensional
dichloromethane organic solvent. The modified research to enable Systems Medicine: Acceleration
protocol achieved a 15% wt. LA yield through the using a Cluster Approach (SyMeC), at Kalyani, West
synergistic effect of using a mineral acid and acidic Bengal was formed with six participating institutions;
products (auto-catalysis) and the solvent system National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG)
which allowed facile recovery of LA from the organic [Core Institution], Bose Institute (BI), CSIR-Indian
phase. Further purification of the resulting extractant Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Indian Institute
was achieved through conventional column of Science Education & Research (IISER), Indian
chromatography and charcoal treatment. Statistical Institute (ISI) and Tata Medical Centre
Furthermore this system allowed the solvent to be (TMC) to investigate and understand the dynamic
easily recovered, in excess of 90%, which was shown systems of the human body as part of an integrated
to be able to be recycled up to 5 recycle runs without whole, and identify perturbations that cause disease,
significant loss of final product concentrations. in order to implement Systems Medicine using cancer
Convenient, safe, and scalable chemical processing as an exemplar; provide improved tools for
has been developed for the production of citronella prediction, prevention and treatment of diseases
essential oil variant with respect to citronellol. Almost using a Systems Biology approach; create a platform
complete conversion of citronellol to cis/trans-rose for multi-disciplinary training to build a cadre of
oxide has been achieved in citronella essential oil scientific, clinical and technical personnel required
variant. A mix blend of fragrance with high sensory to drive and to sustain Systems Medicine. During
ranking could be produced by mixing native citronella the year, a multi-institutional approach was evolved
essential oil with rose oxide value added citronella to excavate biological systems that precipitate
oil. disease and correlated outcomes. Preliminary
evidence of DNA alterations that drive metastasis
in oral cancer has been obtained. Many clinically
relevant problems that relate to susceptibility,
diagnosis, early detection of risk exposures, and new
methods to integrate and analyze multiple data types
for more robust inferences have been initiated.

NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad: The


Figure 11. D-Psicose production from fruit processing waste by NCR Biotech Science Cluster has been established
using Smt3-D-psicoe 3-epimerase
at Faridabad by the Department with an overall
Technology Transferred: Low calorie sugar (D- objective to promote common infrastructural
psicose) from fruit processing residues/ fructose resources for research, translation, innovation,
(Patent Appl. No. 201611003411) was transferred validation, entrepreneurship and techno-business
to Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited, partnership between institutions within cluster and
Hyderabad and CIAB-NAVITA: Liquid Whey Health with other stakeholders in the city.
Drink (Patent Appl No. 201711008368) was
The cluster has established an ‘Advanced Technology
transferred to Diovita Foods Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
Platform Centre (ATPC)’ that would act as a catalyst

166 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS &
BIOTECH SCIENCE CLUSTERS

for multidisciplinary basic and translational research these programs.


by providing relevant instrumentation, training and
A facility with a state of the art 300 KV electron cryo-
professional services for the stakeholders and
microscope was physically installed. Using the
others alike on behalf of the Biotech Science Cluster
microscope some images of ribosomes were
in Faridabad. A biotechnology Incubator has been
collected to test the quality of the microscope.
established as part of the Biotech Science Cluster
Scientist from UCLA has been working as a visiting
in partnership with BIRAC. This state of the art facility
scientist and has contributed to setting up of a state
would provide new and emerging companies with a
of the art membrane protein expression, purification
compatible environment to support their start-up
and crystallization facility. The facility has been used
phase and increase their likelihood of success. In
to initially express a sialic Acid transporter, whose
addition, the incubator will also facilitate prototype
structure has now been determined and manuscript
to product conversion for devices and implants.
writing is in progress. Two eukaryotic membrane
Highly-equipped common facilities including BSL-3
proteins, one that diffracts to 3.5Å resolution and
facility have been set up at NCR-BSC taking into
other to 7.0Å resolution have been crystallized.
account the complex nature of research being
Structure determination of these proteins is under
undertaken by the cluster partners. An engineering
progress.
workshop was conducted to support the cluster
partners in generating fine mechanical/electronic
designs for a wide range of biotechnologies to
integrate medicine, engineering and physical sciences
towards applications in bio-design and engineering.
An Office of Connectivity was set up to serve as a
nodal point to facilitate establishing an effective
scientific network.

Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster, Bengaluru:


A multi-scale Basic and Applied Research in Biological
Sciences (B-LIFE) Cluster has been set up to advance
Multiscale Basic and Applied Research in Biological
Sciences. The goal is to leverage the strengths that
exist in the cluster institutions made of The Institute
for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
(inStem), National Center for Biological Sciences
(NCBS) and the Center for Cellular and Molecular Figure 12. Electron micrograph of Planarian 80S ribosome
collected at Bangalore
Platforms (C-CAMP) to create new initiatives that
cannot be carried out as a single institutions Under B-Life programme, the Govt. of Karnataka’s
mandate. The strength of the partner institutions in Dept of IT, BT and S&T appointed IBAB as the nodal
the Bangalore area like the Institute for centre for the B4 programme (Boston-Bangalore
Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), The Biosciences Beginnings). About 25 students have
University of Agricultural Sciences, Indian Institute been trained in different labs in big data projects.
of Science, National Institute of Mental Health and Under the ambit of the grant, three short courses
Neuro Sciences will all contribute to the success of on Computational Neuroscience (Computational

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 167


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Approaches to Memory and Plasticity) have been


conducted, which prompted several students to take
data and computational science research in
neuroscience. In addition to manpower development,
project personnel under B-Life have worked on the
multiscale neuronal simulator MOOSE. MOOSE is now
at release 3.1.1. In collaboration with another DBT-
funded project (CNS) and the University of Edinburgh,
MOOSE is being used to develop a detailed signaling
model of synaptic function in health and disease.
This model already incorporates over 500 reactions
and molecules. Currently modelled pathways target
autism spectrum disorders. This model development
process is designed to be scaled up to incorporate
many other signaling pathways involved in other
neuronal disorders.

168 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


11

Public Sector
Undertakings

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 169


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

B HARA
HARATT I MMUNOL GICALS AND
MMUNOLGICALS
B IOL OGICALS C ORPORA
IOLOGICALS TION L IMITED
ORPORATION
(BIBCOL)
Bharat Immunolgicals and Biologicals Corporation
Limited (BIBCOL) is a Central Public Sector Unit (PSU)
promoted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT),
Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of
India with primary objective of eradication of Polio
from the country. With continuous support of
Department of Biotechnology, BIBCOL has achieved
this vision of Government of India and now Company
is in diversification mode to include another vaccines
and pharmaceuticals.

S. Ye a r Turnover Profit
No. before tax

1 2013-14 202.75 11.0


I NDIAN V ACCINES C ORPORA TION
ORPORATION
2 2014-15 146.22 2.01
L IMITED
3 2015-16 128.03 (7.07)
Indian Vaccines Corporation Limited was
4 2016-17 124.18 9.45 incorporated in March 1989 as a Joint Venture
Company promoted by Govt. of India (Dept. of
In addition to bOPV in vaccine segment, BIBCOL has Biotechnology) Pasteur Merieux Serum & Vaccins
been manufacturing and marketing dispersible Zinc (PMSV). France and Indian Petrochemicals
Tablet in Pharmaceutical segment, and now launching Corporation Ltd. (IPCL- a PSU) taken over by Reliance
the RUTF in commercial market. BIBCOL is in process Industries Limited (NON-PSU) with a paid up capital
of developing a vaccine candidate like Oral Cholera of Rs. 18.78 crores, with the objective of
Vaccine and setting up the facility for production of manufacturing vaccines based on Vero cell
plasma fractionation for production of plasma Technology to be supplied by PMSV France. The
derived medicines (PDMs). company came into existence after a joint venture
BIBCOL has contributed in the vision of Government was signed on 1st February 1989.
of India to eradicate the polio from the country. The main objective of the company was to
BIBCOL has ambitious plans not only for its long term manufacture Injectable polio vaccines (IPV) to be
sustainability and better growth but making incorporated in the mass immunization programme
significant contributions for the better health of the of Govt. of India. However, IPV was not approved by
masses of our country. The company is trying to W.H.O. as a result the project was put on “HOLD” in
establish a facility for the production of life saving February 1992.Thereafter P.M.S.V. exited from the
drugs for the country at very affordable prices. J.V. in 1998 by selling its shares to DBT.

IVCOL is presently being controlled by a board of

170 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

Directors, with two Directors representing RIL and fostering global and national partnerships
Two Director representing GOI (DBT). Company has
BIRAC provides funding support to entrepreneurs,
been incurring losses for the last two years (Rs.164.
start-ups, SMEs and Biotech Companies for all
37 laces for 2014-15 and Rs.208.22 for 2015-16)
stages of the product development value chain from
and has accumulated losses of Rs.996.39 laces as
discovery to proof of concept to early and late stage
of 31.03.2017.
development, taking forward to its validation and
Shareholding of IVCOL at percent is as under. scale up, and then right upto pre-commercialization.
Govt. Of India (DBT) 66.67% There are also special product development
Reliance Industries Ltd 33.33 missions. The Entrepreneurship Development domain
of BIRAC focuses not only on the funding support,
B IO TECHNOL
IOTECHNOL
TECHNOLOGOG
OGYY I NDUS TR
NDUSTR
TRYY R ESEAR CH
ESEARCH but also on making available the right infrastructure,
A SSIS
SSISTTANCE C OUNCIL (BIRA C)
(BIRAC) mentoring and other networks for technology transfer
and licensing, IP and business mentoring including
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council regulatory guidance. BIRAC’s Strategic Partnership
(BIRAC)is a not-for-profit Section 8, Schedule B, group works closely with all the national and
Public Sector Enterprise, set up by the Department international partners including government
of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India as an departments and concerned ministries both Central
Interface Agency to strengthen and empower the and State, industry organizations, international
emerging Biotech enterprises specially the start-ups bilateral agencies, philanthropic organizations and
and SME’s to undertake the strategic research and corporate sector, to leverage the strength and
innovation, addressing nationally relevant product expertise and mobilize resources and extend the
development needs. BIRAC has been taking into outreach of its activities.
consideration the recent scientific advances and
commercial successes which have captured the  BIRAC’s Impact so far
attention and aspirations of policy makers, business Since its inception BIRAC has created an ecosystem
people, and investors consequently. This in turn has which supports affordable product development by
further propelled the growth of biotechnology empowering and enabling Indian biotech companies.
sector by supporting factors responsible for Through its various funding schemes BIRAC has
entrepreneurship activity, productivity, and beenable to create the following impact:
sustainability.

BIRAC’s vision is primarily to act as a boon for the


bioeconomy of India as well as its global partners.
There are three main verticals in which BIRAC
operates to accomplish its mission viz.:

 Investment: Providing risk capture across the


Product Development value chain

 Entrepreneurship Development: Nurturing the


ecosystem by providing the enabling
environment

 Strategic Partnership group: Leveraging and

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 171


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

During the year 2017, BIRAC has supported a total Till date 229 projects have been supported under
of 715 different projects across multiple domains this programme.
of biotechnology. 32 new projects were supported
c) Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme
from April 2017 to December2017 along with the
(BIPP): BIPP is an advanced technology scheme
commercialization of 11 new products and 17 new
which supports high risk, high innovation accelerated
IPs being filed during this period.
technology development and encourages
collaborations and partnerships, between industry-
academia and industry–industry. Ever since its
inception, BIPP has made a tremendous impact and
has supported more than 184 projects involving 144
companies and 47 academic institutes. In the current
year, 2 calls were announced under BIPP scheme
through which 5 projects have been supported and
2 are under consideration.

d) Promoting Academic Research Conversion to


Enterprise (PACE- AIR and CRS): To encourage/
support academia to develop technology/product (up
to PoC stage) of societal/national importance and its
subsequent validation by an industrial partner, BIRAC
Investment Schemes - The Backbone: has launched Promoting Academic Research
Conversion to Enterprise (PACE) Program on 15th June
a) Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG): BIG is the
2017. The Programme has two components as below:
flagship early stage funding program of BIRAC, which
has motivated and ignited more than 250 ideas over d.1) Academic Innovation Research (AIR):
last 5 years of its operationalization. So far, more
The objective of Academic Innovation Research
than 2300 applications have been received under
(AIR) programme is to promote development
11 calls of BIG. BIG has facilitated creation of more
of Proof-of-concept (PoC) for a process/product
than 75 new start-ups, supported more than 50
by academia with or without the involvement
women entrepreneurs, and generated more than
of industry.
700 high skilled workforces. More than 90 IPs have
been filed by the BIG grantees during the course of d.2) Contract Research Scheme (CRS):
their projects. Another major highlight of the success
Contract Research Scheme (CRS) aims at
of this programme is the ability of BIG grantees to
validation of a process or prototype (developed
secure further follow-on funds through other
by the academia) by the industrial partner.
government and private sources.

b) Small Business Innovation Research Initiative So far, 28 projects have been supported under CRS.
(SBIRI): SBIRI has prioritized early stage funding for During 2017-18, one general call and one special
high risk innovative research. The projects with high call for proposals on developing novel tools/
societal relevance supported under the programme technologies/processes and product optimization/
have resulted in prominent outcomes in the form of Scale up of “Anti Snake Venom”have been launched
products which have already come to the market. under SBIRI as well as under CRS.

172 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

The Entrepreneurship Development- Fostering for students called as Biotech Innovation-Ignition


Innovation: In order to foster innovation, BIRAC School (BIIS), wherein 40-50 students (preferably
has taken several initiatives to promote girl students, and where possible, school students,
entrepreneurship and has achieved considerable rural youth) would work to co-create solutions for
success. extreme affordability and mass social applications.

a) BIRAC BioNEST (BIRAC–Bioincubation: Nurturing c) eYUVA (Encouraging Youth for Undertaking


Entrepreneurs for Scaling up Technology):Under the Innovative Research through Vibrant Acceleration):
BioNESTprogramme, BIRAC has established 30 The University Innovation Cluster (UIC) programme
world-class bio-incubatorsacross the country and has of BIRAC has helped in creating pre-incubation space
created around 300,000 sq. ft of incubation space. where innovators (students with a Master/Ph. D
These incubators offer incubation space and office degree) with entrepreneurial ideas can perform
space to start-ups and entrepreneurs, provide preliminary studies and bring the same to (pre) proof-
access to high end instrumentation and analytical of-concept stage. The programme has been running
services, advisory services, IP services, facilitate successfully since 2013. Through BIRAC support,
technical and business mentorship, establish each UIC has created a dedicated incubation space
connects between industry and academia and enable ranging from 2500 to 3000 sq. ft. Two post-doctoral
interactions for efficient exchange of knowledge and and 4 post masters fellows are funded at each UIC,
help start-ups gain access to various SEED grants. who receive fellowship as well as a one-time grant
to conduct R&D.
Through these Bioincubator facilities, BIRAC has
supported skilled manpower for the smooth d) SPARSH (Social Innovation programme for
management of these incubators. A total of about Products Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health):
120 jobs have been generated through these SPARSH highlights the need of Innovative solutions
incubators and around 300 start ups have been to society’s most pressing social problems.The fifth
supported. BIRAC has supported 10 Bio incubators Call of SPARSH announced in January 2017
during 2017-18. “Innovate for Agriculture” focussed on developing
Innovative Diagnostic tools for Soil and Plant Health.
b) SITARE (Students Innovations for Advancement
The latest Call of SPARSH i.e. 6th Call “Waste to
of Research Explorations): BIRAC has partnered with
Value” was launched to address the challenge due
Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable
to the increased urbanisation and population growth
Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI) to support
and focussed towards the mandate of Swatch
grass-root level innovations. Two categories of
Bharat Mission. The Social Innovation Immersion
Awards BIRAC-SRISTI-GYTI (Gandhian Young
Program (SIIP) of SPARSH till date has supported 18
Technological Innovation)Awards (wherein INR 15
social innovators who are trying to develop solutions
lakhs is given for 2 years) and BIRAC-SRISTI
for most pressing problems in the field of Maternal
Appreciation Awards (wherein INR 1 lakh is given)
and Child Health (MCH). Most of the Social Innovators
have been constituted to support and mentor the
who are mentored through the program have been
young innovators working at universities and schools.
successful in raising follow-on funding or starting their
As on date, we have 34 projects running under GYTI
own enterprises.
category and more than 120 students have been
awarded under Appreciation award category. This e) BIRAC SEED Fund: The SEED (Sustainable
year SRISTI is also organizing 21 days workshops Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development) Fund
is aimed at providing capital assistance to start-ups

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 173


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

with new and meritorious ideas, innovations and development of novel, affordable and effective
technologies. The SEED support is positioned to act biopharmaceutical products and solutions. The
as a bridge between promoters’ investment and National Biopharma Mission was approved by the
Venture/Angel investment. BIRAC operationalized the Cabinet for implementation in May 2017 with a total
SEED fund in 2016 and implements it through the cost US$ 250 million which is co-funded by World
Incubators, wherein startups are provided up to INR Bank (50%). Through these efforts it is proposed
30 lakhs in lieu of equity held by the incubators. Till that India would work towards achieving its target
now, two rounds of Seed Fund have been completed, of $100 billion Biotech Industry by 2025 and also
under which 7 incubators including Venture Centre, capturing 5% of the Global Biopharmaceutical
Pune; C-CAMP , Bangalore;IKP Knowledge Park, market share. This Mission is designed in a manner
Hyderabad;FIIT, IIT Delhi;SIDBI, IIT Kanpur;KIIT in which it addresses the key components of the
Technology Business Incubator, Bhubaneswar and Vision outlined in the National Missions -Make in India
Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IIT and Start up India and also aims to take forward
Bombay have been supported. the commitments made by DBT in the National
Biotechnology Development Strategy.
f) BIRAC AcE Fund: The novelty of AcE Fund policy is
to create a fund of fund to support daughter funds b) Early Translation Accelerator (ETA): BIRAC
including Early Stage Angel Funds & Ventures in the supported Early Translation Accelerators (ETAs) to
area of Biotechnology and Life Sciences. AcE Fund focus on catalyzing transformation of young
shall enable creation of an ecosystem for providing academic discoveries (publications/patents) with
risk capital to young enterprises to undertake possible commercial and societal impact into
research and development in high priority technology economically viable ventures and technologies. The
areas. It will, in the process, enrich the intellectual proposed set up will collaborate with academic
property in the country and encourage more investigators, will engage industry and will leverage
entrepreneurs to work towards product and international translation ecosystems. Following three
technology development of high quality at affordable projects are under validation at the healthcare ETA
economies in a sustainable manner. The core focus supported at C-CAMP
of daughter funds would be to develop domestic
b.1). Platform for improved erythropoietin (EPO)
innovation & manufacturing capabilities. This will
production
promote innovation, research & development within
the country. b.2). Validation of novel compounds in neuro-
degenerative diseases
Affordable Product Development-Discovery
Research Translation: b.3). Validation of novel Self-assembled short
peptide based nanomaterials for Glioblastoma
a) National Biopharma Mission - Innovate in India
therapy.
for Inclusiveness: This year, BIRAC forged a very
important partnership with World Bank for ETA in the area of Industrial biotechnology has been
implementing the National Biopharma Mission, an funded to IIT-Madras and selection of the projects
Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission of is in progress.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for accelerating
Mentorship: The Capacity Building:
early development of Biopharmaceuticals. The
Mission Programme is a Pan-India Programme with a) BRIC (BIRAC Regional Innovation Centre) at IKP
the main aim of making India a hub for design and Knowledge Park, Hyderabad: BIRAC Regional

174 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

Innovation Centre (BRIC) at IKP Knowledge Park, to next level. Till date, 24 BIG grantees have
Hyderabad has conducted an extensive regional participated in the program. The program provides
innovation system (RIS) mapping in South India. The the participants access to the Cambridge start up
study was conducted in two phases and covered ecosystem and an opportunity to learn from the
various regions in Southern, western and central same and build relevant connects.
India. The study conducted as Phase-1 and Phase-2
d) Roadshows and IP Management Workshops:
came out in the form of a report that summarizes
BIRAC is keen to achieve its mandate of creating
the findings of the study and intends to provide inputs
awareness among the stakeholders about the
for framing policies for sustained development of
activities of BIRAC by conducting IP and Grant Writing
life sciences innovation ecosystems. During 2017-
Workshops. One such workshop, at Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 BRIC organized 4 tech showcase events and 6
has been conducted in the present financial year
half day workshops to create awareness among
and target is to conduct 3 more workshops by March
startups and entrepreneurs on funding, regulatory
2018.
and IP related issues.
e) Regulatory Facilitation: BIRAC in collaboration with
b) BREC (BIRAC Regional Entrepreneurship Centre)
Clinical Development Services Agency (CDSA)
at C-CAMP: The Regional Entrepreneurship Centre
organized ten Regulatory Workshops under the series
at CCAMP, Bangalore has been set up as an extended
‘Demystifying Indian Drug regulations for Product
arm of BIRAC and is mandated to carry out various
Approvals’ in North and South India. These
activities with an aim to spread a wave of
workshops focused on regulations of ‘New drugs’,
entrepreneurial culture in the biotech sector across
‘Biopharmaceuticals’, ‘Phyto-pharmaceuticals’ and
the country. The Centre is expected to help BIRAC
‘Medical Devices & Diagnostics’. Two more regulatory
realize one of its important goals, i.e. massive scaling
workshops are being planned in the area of ‘Devices
of entrepreneurship in the Biotech community.During
and Diagnostics’ during 2017-18.
the year, 4 awareness workshops were organized
for students, 2 workshops for existing entrepreneurs The Biotech Ecosystem: Empowerment &
and 2 events for “Meet the Investor series”. In Scale-up:
addition a National Entrepreneurship Challenge
a) Make in India (MII) Facilitation Cell: DBT
Award was launched this year, under which more than
established the Make in India Facilitation Cell at
1500 applications were received. BREC also
BIRAC in September 2015. The cell regularly
organized a 3-day long boot camp for entrepreneurs
interfaces with DIPP and other Ministries to provide
this year, involving experts from across the globe.
information and updates on DBT’s and BIRAC’s plans
c) IGNITE Boot Camp: BIRAC has channelized the for boosting Make in India as well as the Startup
participation of 5 BIG grantees (every year) for last India programme.The cell prepares brief industry
5 years in the CfEL’s (Centre for Entrepreneurial analysis reports to track new Government initiatives
Learning, Cambridge Judge Business School) and market trends related to biotechnology and
mentorship and capacity building programme. The startup ecosystem and provide all inputs to Biotech
response from previous batches has been very industry and budget related queries during the year.
encouraging and participants have emphasized that A dedicated website has been developed for the
the programme helped them in honing their business information dissemination and handholding start-ups
skills, improvising their business plans and http://birac.nic.in/mii/index.php.This year MII Cell
networking for the advancement of their innovation prepared a two year achievement report of

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 175


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Biotechnology sector, which was published by DIPP fecal sludge and MSW to energy and other product
in Jan 2017. MII Cell at BIRAC also organized a was also launched and 4 projects have been funded
Strategy Meet in June 2017 to discuss the road map which are in different stages of development.
for the Make in India and Start up India in
c.1) Bio-toilets in Schools in North East India:
Biotechnology and also to discuss the specific 3 year
action plan for BIRAC. MII Cell has contributed to BIRAC is involved in the management of a
the Innovation Market Place at BIRAC’s sixth project funded to the TERI, north Eastern office
Innovators Meet in Sept 2017 and ICMR exhibition for phase-wise installation of 100 bio-toilets in
in March 2017 at the RashtrapatiBhawan with the schools in north eastern region of India. The
aim to showcase the products, indigenously short listing of schools in the 7 states has been
developed by the innovators supported by BIRAC to completed, covering both public and private
relevant investors and stakeholders. schools including residential schools and 50
toilets have been installed. Data collection from
b) Start-up India Action Plan: BIRAC has an integral
the digesters is ongoing.
role in the Start-up India initiative of the Government.
The launch of Startup India has given an impetus to c.2) SOCH(Solutions for Community Health):
the BIRAC’s role for the biotech industry. Under the
BIRAC has launched an Innovation Challenge
purview of Startup India Action Plan, BIRAC
Award BIRAC-Solutions for Community Health
endeavours to scale up the number of start-ups in
(SoCH) Award ’17 on the MyGov portal which is
the sector by nurturing approximately 300-500 new
aimed at propelling the Indian innovators
start-ups each year to have around 2000 start-ups
towards combating the challenges of
by 2020. Towards an effort to meet the target, 30
community health sector. SoCH is designed to
Bio-incubators and 3 bioclusters have been
offer recognition and financial support to
supported.BIRAC has launched ACE Fund and SEED
technology innovators and entrepreneurs who
fund to provide capital assistance to start-ups and
have been working in the community health
act as a bridge between promoters’ investment and
sector and/or facilitate a promising technology
venture/angel investors. BIRAC has also setup two
idea that can be converted into a handy
regional centresBIRAC Regional Innovation Centre
technology addressing the issues of community
(BRIC) at IKP Hyderabad and BIRAC Regional
health in a defined time limit. SoCH 2017-18
Entrepreneurship Centres (BREC) at CCAMP
has been announced based on two themes: 1.
Bangalore.
Platform technologies for reducing the burden
c) Swachh Bharat: BIRAC has taken many initiatives of Diseases (Communicable and Non-
in promoting the Swachh Bharat mission. The communicable diseases). 2. Sanitation and
foundation for development of safe and affordable Waste Recycling
sanitation was laid when DBT and BIRAC partnered
National and International Alliances:
with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in
announcing the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge- a) DBT-BIRAC GATES Foundation: The Program
India. The grant was awarded to 6 teams of scientists Management Unit housed at BIRAC (PMU-BIRAC),
and entrepreneurs to build next-generation toilets was created and co-funded in collaboration by DBT
based on innovative, sustainable and affordable and BMGF to jointly administer the Grand Challenges
sanitation technologies. A special call India framework. The unit is also supported by USAID
for Technological interventions for conversion of &Wellcome Trust.

176 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

b) Grand Challenges Explorations – India (GCE-India): announced till date under this collaboration and 36
DBT and BMGF as funding partners, BIRAC and IKP projects were selected for funding in three categories
as implementation partners launched GCE-India to i.e. Seed Grant, Early Transition and Transition to
encourage and nurture innovation in areas that Scale.
impact global health. In 2016-2017, one round of
 Two projects have completed successfully
the call, GCE- India Round 2 was completed with 5
projects having been selected for funding. These  One of the product from IIPME scheme, Sohum
projects are currently undergoing final due diligence (Hearing screening device), has been
checks. GCE-Round 3 was announced in June 2017. commercially launched. Three projects (hand-
The Mandate for Round 4 is now under consideration, cranked Defibrillator, Hexapod Couch for LINCA
to be announced in February 2018. machine and Tabplan X-ray to 3D software)
have reached TRL-7. Industrial Design
c) Knowledge Integration and Translational Platform
registration has also been done for Jeevtronics
(KnIT): Launched in 2016, is an initiative that aims
defibrillator
to provide evidence and experience-based guidance
to accelerate progress, equity and input in the
development of health systems in India.

d) Healthy Birth, Growth and Development


Knowledge Integration (HBGDki - India): This is a
unique platform promoted by the foundation globally
where the foundation is partnering with major
countries in Asia, Africa, and South America to
improve maternal and child health through
development of interventions.
Figure 1. 3D Surgery Planning Software and Patient Specific
e) Immunization Data- Innovating for Action (IDIA): Instrument

This program, launched in 2017 aims to address the


challenges in immunization data systems in India that
are different from current approaches and stretch
the frontiers of the existing programmes. The
solutions submitted to this GCI may deal with
integrated health information, or may focus
specifically on immunization only and should have
the potential to be scaled up in multiple settings.
The call for proposals was launched on 15 th
November 2017 and will close on 15th January 2018. Figure 2. Hand-cranked defibrillator

f) DeitY-BIRAC Industry Innovation Program on g) Wellcome Trust, UK: BIRAC has collaborated with
Medical Electronics (IIPME): The project ‘Industry Wellcome Trust, a global charity organization of UK,
Innovation Programme on Medical Electronics’ is a to scout and support innovations in translational
collaborative project between the “Ministry of medicine in the domain of diagnostics for infectious
Electronics and Information Technology”, diseases.
Government of India and BIRAC. Two calls were

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 177


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

h) USAID and IKP Knowledge Park: BIRAC is practices and setting up of coordinated support
supporting new diagnostics for TB in collaboration measures to foster technology and knowledge
with IKP/USAID. IKP has entered into an agreement transfer and cooperation for validation studies.
with USAID and secured a grant to support
i.4) TATA Trust:
‘Innovations in tuberculosis (TB) control in India’ at
a 1:1 leverage with funds raised by IKP from other Tata Trusts have supported the formation of
sources. Two calls have been launched till now. A the Foundation for Innovation and Social
total of 6 projects have been supported out of which Entrepreneurship (FISE). Social Alpha is the
3 projects are now being scaled up. ‘ecosystem architecture’ created by the FISE
to nurture start-up teams through their lab to
i) New Partnerships: During the year 2017 BIRAC
market journey. Tata Trusts through FISE will
continued its efforts for establishing partnerships
support selected innovators to implement
with like-minded organizations and culminated four
social innovations and provide infrastructure
such collaborations:
assistance for scale up.
i.1) Indian Angel Network (IAN):
Industry-Academia Interaction: Bridging The
BIRAC has signed a MoU with Indian Angel Gap:
Network to facilitate funding, mentoring and
a) 5thFoundation Day of BIRAC: BIRAC completed 5
market access for biotech entrepreneurs and
years of its journey this March and celebrated its
start-ups. BIRAC through IAN aims to help start-
5thFoundation day at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
ups trouble shoot the problem of market
on 20th -21st March 2017, with a special theme:
access and secure angel investment. The first
“BIRAC@5: Impactingthe Biotech Innovation
BIRAC-IAN pitching session was organized in
Ecosystem”. The occasion was celebrated with great
September 2017, where 6 BIRAC supported
enthusiasm by the BIRAC community along with
grantees pitched in front of angel investors.
dignitaries representing the Government, academia,
i.2) Indian Science & Technology Entrepreneurs industry, start-ups and budding entrepreneurs. Some
Parks and Business Incubators Association of the products and technologies developed
(ISBA): successfully with support from BIRAC were also
showcased during the event.
BIRAC has entered into an agreement with ISBA
with the objective of training managers/ b) BIRAC’s 6thInnovators Meet: It was organized on
professionals working in BioNESTs, conducting 21st-22nd September 2017 at New Delhi. The Hon’ble
awareness programs in institutions/ Union Minister of Science & Technology & Earth
organizations with potential to establish Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan was the Chief Guest
incubators and to organize conferences/events and Hon’ble Minister of State for Science &
for BioNESTs. Technology & Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary was
the Guest of Honour for the event.A major attraction
i.3) ICMR:
of the event was the Bio-Innovation Fair, where more
MoU has been signed with ICMR in 2017 – 18 than 60 products and technologies across different
to establish a collaborative framework under segments of biotechnology (healthcare, agriculture,
which both BIRAC and ICMR can carry out industrial etc.) were showcased.
activities related to the exchange of best

178 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


12

International Centre for


Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 179


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Malaria: In malaria biology, proteins of food vacuole
Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi encourages protease complex, especially falcipain-2 and heme
innovative research in life sciences for the benefit detoxification protein (HDP) are being targeted
of developing countries. Keeping focus in the three towards the development of new anti-malarials.
theme areas viz., Molecular Medicine, Plant Biology Recently, using in silico analysis, mutagenesis and
and Integrative Biology, the centre continues to be biochemical approaches, two heme binding sites as
very active in research and maintains a high annual well as a hemoglobin binding site were identified in
publication output, which covers a wide spectrum of HDP. Based on the findings that the treatment of P.
scientific investigations. The Centre has taken falciparum 3D7 parasites with peptide corresponding
several initiatives in promoting emerging and to the hemoglobin binding domain in HDP resulted
interdisciplinary areas, in developing active and close in food vacuole abnormalities similar to that seen
collaboration with research institutions worldwide and with E-64, a cysteine protease inhibitor,
in enabling enhanced interactions with the industry pharmacophores that bind to these HDP sites are
through knowledge sharing, translational research being screened and tested for their effects on
and technology transfer. Plasmodium in culture. To understand functional
biology of P. falciparum proteases, recently a novel
M OLECULAR M EDICINE deubiquitinase like protease in the parasites has
been identified and characterized. In continuance
The major efforts in Molecular Medicine were in
of the work on helicases from P. falciparum,
malaria, tuberculosis, dengue, chikungunya and
emerging functions of helicases in regulation of stress
immunology. Significant progress has been made in
survival in the parasite in comparison with human
all these areas.
host is addressed. On another front, medicinal plants
Tuberculosis: The findings of the group focusing from India and Nigeria have been examined for both
towards tuberculosis research opened up an entirely in vitro anti-plasmodial activity and in vivo mouse
new dimension of host-pathogen interactions by malaria curative activities.
suggesting that changes in splicing pattern of infected
macrophages helps bacterial survival within the I NTEGRA TIVE B IOL
NTEGRATIVE OG
IOLOG
OGYY
macrophages. Untargeted metabolomics approach
As a leading discovery, differentially regulated
was used to establish the TB drug metabolism
metabolites during mono and co-infection of
phenotype at population levels towards studies on
chikungunya and dengue viruses with overlapping
tuberculosis detection.
clinical symptoms have been identified by NMR
Dengue and Chikungunya: A major focus of the spectroscopy. It is shown that many metabolites in
virology research at ICGEB has been on dengue virus the serum are differentially regulated during
infection. Centre continues to invest efforts on chikungunya mono-infection and chikungunya co-
development of novel, safe, affordable and effective infection with dengue. These finding may lead to
recombinant dengue vaccine candidates. Considering identification and validation of biomolecules, which
the criticality of the disease, efforts are also being can be exploited as biomarker candidates for
made to understand the dynamics of CHIKV/DENV diagnosis of such infections.
co-infections in vector and host. Studies are being
A novel mechanism of antigen recognition was
carried out to identify virus derived virulence factors
deciphered from the crystallographic analysis of
that could be playing important roles in enabling virus
single chain antibody 2D10 (scFv 2D10) bound to a
to fight insect immunity.

180 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GENETIC
ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

disaccharide moiety. It appears that the molecular two breakthrough discoveries related to methylglyoxal
crowding leading to supramolecular associations acts and its detoxification pathways have been made.
as a specificity determinant and could be naturally Short pathway to Methylglyoxal detoxification
exploited to bind diverse antigens enhancing the discovered for the first time in rice. The presence of
recognition repertoire of antibodies and therefore unique glyoxalase III enzymes (DJ-1) in plants which
allows the humoral response to deal with the threats catalyze the Methylglyoxal detoxification in a single
posed by plethora of antigens. step showing the existence of a shorter route for
methylglyoxal detoxification has been reported for
In another study, it was found that microalgae face
the first time.
several challenges in acquiring CO2 from the
environment process by ribulose bisphosphate Efforts were made to express the gene encoding for
carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco). An industrially phosphite dehydrogenase in plants to enable them
important oleaginous chlorophyta Parachlorella to metabolize PO3 by oxidizing to PO4. It was shown
kessleri-I with the heterogeneous inorganic carbon that the transgenic plants able to metabolize PO3
transporters to enhance the supply of CO2 to as a P fertilizer but simultaneously can act as
Rubisco has been successfully engineered. herbicide to control the non-transgenic weeds and
also pathogens in agriculture.
P LANT B IOL OG
IOLOG
OGYY
Based on the work carried out during the year, the
The major focus of the research in plant biology is to centre published more than 100 research papers in
develop plants resistant to abiotic and biotic highly acclaimed scientific journals and filed 3 Indian
stresses. Continuing the earlier work, the metabolic Patent applications. ICGEB has conducted twin
and transcriptomic profiling of rice during a events “International Vaccine Conference & Malaria
hypersensitive-mediated resistance response has Workshop” to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Around
now been completed. These studies will help to evolve 300 national and international researchers have
novel strategies to control important insect pest gall attended the event. At present, around 21
midge of rice. international personnel are on board participating in
various research activities. As in the past, several
It is also understood that in-depth knowledge of the
faculty members of the Institute have won national
components of stress response pathways is crucial
and international awards and honors in recognition
to develop climate-resilient crops. In this direction,
of their contributions.

List of Indian Patents:

Sr. No. Application No. Title of the invention Date of filing


1. 201711019184 Fungal strain with impaired catabolite repression 31.05.17
(Provisional) forlignocellulosic degradation
2. 201711031010 Novel insecticidal molecules, compositions thereof, 01.09.17
(Provisional) methods of preparing thereof
3. 201711038417 Phytase enriched tomato fruit 30.10.17

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 181


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

13

Promotion of
Biotechnology in North
Eastern States of India

182 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


PROMOTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN
NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

The North East Region (NER) of India is a biological With a view to recognize promising mid-career
treasure trove that has not been fully explored. In scientists in NER, a programme of awarding Unit of
fact, NER constitutes one of the richest hotspots of Excellence (U-Excel) grant has been initiated so as
biodiversity of the country, and most of it remains to to enable them to pursue their innovative research
be characterised for its medicinal, aromatic, edibility, in frontier areas of biotechnology. So far, 22 Units
ecological and ornamental values. Besides, the of Excellence have been established.
sublime climatic and rich soil conditions are just
A major network project involving five institutes from
excellent for agriculture, plantations and sericulture.
NER and DDRC/THSTI-Faridabad has been
Thus, NER offers unique potential for biotechnology-
implemented to harnessing the traditional herbal
based interventions for overall development of the
medicines of NER for developing novel therapeutic
region. In 2009-10, the Department set up the North
strategies for metabolic syndrome.
Eastern Region-Biotechnology Programme
Management Cell (NER-BPMC) for coordination and Mega consortia project on “NER-Scented Rice”
monitoring of biotechnology programmes in the North involving 28 institutions from NER and other parts
Eastern States of India as part of its commitment of the country with the aim to improving Joha and
towards the promotion of biotechnology activities in Black rice of NER was initiated. NER possess a rich
the North Eastern Region. The Department has made diversity of aromatic rice that are of high value due
intensive efforts in setting up of basic and state-of to their unique and delicious edible medicinal
art infrastructure for biotech research and initiating properties. In recent times, an export market for
human resource development (HRD) schemes for these rice varieties is emerging gradually. But these
the benefit of entire North Eastern Region of India. rice varieties are poor yielders and susceptible to
pest attacks. Hence, biotechnological intervention
R ESEARCH AND D EVELOPMENT is required to ameliorate the agronomic
P ROGRAMMES characteristics of these aromatic rice.

Of the several programs launched by the Department


since 2009-10, the R&D Twinning Programme has
made a huge impact by catalysing vibrant
collaborations between institutions from NER and
those from the rest of India, evolving NER-specific
projects and their implementation across all eight Figure 1. The aromatic Black and Joha rice of NER
states of the region. More than 480 twinning projects
have been implemented, addressing issues in Another project on consortium mode on “NER-
Healthcare (Medical biotechnology), Agriculture (Agri- Banana” was also initiated during the year. Banana
biotechnology), Livestock & Fisheries (Animal and is the top most horticultural crop in NER especially
Aquaculture Biotechnology) and in the areas of Assam. However, its productivity in NER is well below
Environment, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP) the national average. In order to address the need
with specific relevance to developmental needs of to conserve, characterize and expand the germplasm
the region; nearly 250 research papers have been stock, a consortium based banana research program
published in peer-reviewed journals and more than has been initiated to cater to the biotechnological
1000 young scientists of NER have been trained in needs of banana production in NER. The research
advanced biotechnology. aspects of the consortium are Banana Biodiversity;

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 183


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Pathogen detection and control; Tissue culture; Value technologies. DBT’s Healthcare Laboratory
addition; Post-harvest loss minimization and Down- established at the Naga Health Authority-Kohima
streaming and processing. 48 projects involving more (NHAK) is the first of its kind facility in Nagaland,
than 80 scientists from NER and other parts of the bringing efficient diagnostic services to the door step
country are involved in this mega consortia project. of patients in the state. These diagnostic labs have
conducted more than 4.50 lakh diagnostic tests of
Ducks are the second most important species next
NER patients.
to chicken, reared for table egg and meat production
in NER. Majority of ducks are desi or non-descript A “Comprehensive Facility for Diagnosis and
type having low production potential. Therefore, a Management of Genetic Disorders” has been
major consortium programme for “NER Duck established at the Assam Medical College & Hospital,
Improvement” to enhance duck production and Dibrugarh(Assam), facilitating studies in Biochemical
productivity through innovative technologies has Genetics, Molecular Genetics & Cytogenetics, as well
been implemented in NER involving six projects and as providing genetic counseling services to the
20 scientists from NER and others parts of the families at risk. This facility continues to provide
country. timely and accurate diagnosis of genetic diseases
due to chromosomal aberrations, single gene
In the area of Animal Biotechnology, DBT has
mutations, haemoglobinopathies, etc.
launched an ambitious programme on Advanced
Diagnostics and Services in Animal Health and Recognizing that accurate and precise diagnosis is
Disease for surveillance and control of trans- the cornerstone of any successful cancer treatment,
boundary, exotic and zoonotic pathogens. The DBT has established the “Molecular Diagnostic
programme, “Advanced Animal Disease Diagnosis Laboratory” at the Mizoram State Cancer Institute,
and Management Consortium (ADMaC)” envisages Aizawl. The laboratory contributes towards
establishing three core laboratories across the NER enhancing the quality of comprehensive cancer care.
for carrying out research and training activities in It also serves as a hub for quality research in
trans-boundary and endemic animal diseases. understanding the factors underlying high incidence
of cancer in the State. The initial focus of the
S OCIET AL P R OGRAMMES F OR
OCIETAL THE research project is on three cancer types commonly
N ORTH E AST R EGION encountered in Mizoram: a). Chronic myeloid
leukemia (BCR-ABL translocation); b). Breast cancer
Healthcare/Medical Biotechnology: In order to (HER2/neu), and c). Lung cancer (EGFR).
enhance the quality of patient care and diagnostic
services, DBT has initiated a program on DBT has provided crucial support for establishing
Development of Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories sophisticated infrastructure for improved diagnostic
in 11 Medical Colleges of NER. The program is now services in pathology, hematology and genetics
operational in all 11 medical colleges/institutions in departments at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi
four states of the Region, namely Assam, Nagaland, Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences
Tripura and Manipur. Labs at 11 medical institutions (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong (Meghalaya). This facility will
have been renovated/upgraded for providing quality specifically help in establishing viral etiology of
diagnostic services as well as for carrying out nasopharyngeal carcinoma (EBV), and oral squamous
research on various health problems prevalent in cell carcinoma (HPV); in unraveling pattern of
the region using modern biotechnology tools and neoplastic renal diseases and hematolymphoid

184 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


PROMOTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN
NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

neoplasma, and in molecular typing of minor blood from NER varieties has been standardized. A Poly-
group antigens in NER. Around 1000 diagnostic tests house for multiplication of NER citrus rootstocks has
for cancer have been conducted by this facility also been constructed.

Agriculture Biotechnology: A multi-centric A multi-centric network programme has been


programme on value addition in jackfruit and implemented for promoting eco-friendly agriculture
commercialization of its processed products which practices in 14 districts across all NE states, with
aims at identification of superior genotypes of emphasis upon the application of bio-inputs
jackfruit and their molecular characterization, and (biopesticides, biofertilizers) for organic farming of
validation and commercialization of technologies for key high value crops of NER, mass multiplication of
value added products from Jackfruit is being required bio-inputs and evaluation of their efficacy.
implemented in collaboration with University of The programme has provided training to nearly 1400
Agricultural Sciences (UAS) GKVK, Bangalore.The farmers in the use of bio inputs in organic farming of
programme has identified more than 40 elite jackfruit 9 target crops (5 spices, 2 fruits and 2 vegetable
genotypes from Karnataka, Assam and Tripura for crops). An area of 156 hectare was developed and
culinary or table purposes. Training workshops for certified for organic farming. A considerable yield
farmers on existing jackfruit technologies, and increment has been reported by providing bio inputs
production of value added products like pickle, curry, under the project.
bhaji, tikki, chips, squash, wine, jam, papad, etc. have
DBT has also supported a multicentric programme
been organized. Marketing and supply chain is being
on assessment of impact of Jhum cultivation on soil
developed through involvement of farmers and
microbiota and on restoration of diverse agro-
entrepreneurs.
ecosystem in NER. This programme is aimed at
amelioration and eco-restoration of Jhum lands in
North East India.

A DBT-supported programme on Augmenting Clean


Pork Production and Value Addition, being
implemented at the National Research Centre for
Pig, Guwahati, Assam, is designed to develop shelf
stable pork products (namely nuggets and bites,
sausages, patties, kebabs, samosa, momo, slices
etc.) and to refine & standardize the technologies
Figure 2. Value-added products of Jackfruit
for producing a wide range of value added pork
The Value Chain Development in Citrus programme products to provide variety to the pork consumers.
aims at using modern technologies for mass Commercial production of pork sausages has already
production of citrus plants and value-added citrus been initiated.
products. This collaborative DBT programme is being
implemented in collaboration with NRC for Citrus C ENTRES OF E XCELLENCE IN NER
(ICAR), Nagpur. Under the programme, more than
A “DBT-AAU Centre for Agriculture Biotechnology in
2000 seedlings of rough lemon have been raised,
NER” has been established at the Assam Agriculture
Khasi mandarin and sweet orange have been
University, Jorhat. The Centre has successfully
successful grafted, and processing of citrus juice
generated transgenic chickpeas and blackgram lines

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 185


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

using Bt genes to confer protection against pod Pradesh), for strengthening research dynamics for
borers; 750 rice germplasm are genotyped using 120 desirable gains in Mithun husbandry, Yak husbandry
SSR markers; Development of drought tolerant rice and improving research activities on genomics and
variety (Ranjit) is in progress; Seven acid tolerance conservation.
genes have been found to be up-regulated in Bacillus
DBT has established “X-Ray Crystallography Facility”
megatarium;, Biofertilizers and biopesticides
at IIT Guwahati. This facility is now fully functional
generated at headquarter and at satellite centres
and available to all NER researchers for their
are being distributed to the farmers. Nine PhD
experimental use.
students enrolled in Agri-biotechnology at Assam
Agricultural University are awarded fellowships. A state-of-the-art, Regional Animal House Facility has
Centre has also funded 9 innovative projects to the been set up at Regional Medical Research Centre
PIs from various organizations at NE India and (RMRC), Dibrugarh to provide well-equipped lab
conducted 6 scientific workshops on biotechnology space for researchers from entire NER for carrying
and several training workshops on bio-input out research in medical science and herbal medicine.
production involving researchers of N E India as well The facility would ensure availability of specific-
as other parts of the country. The Centre will pathogen free (SPF) and genetically defined lab
eventually be an accredited laboratory for quality animals. Imparting training to the biomedical research
analysis of farm inputs and products for the North staff in standard procedures in animal
east region. experimentation will be yet another important activity
of this facility.
For strengthening the Fisheries and Aquaculture
Biotechnology (FAB) related R&D activity in the NER DBT has established a “Technology Incubation
region, DBT has established a FAB-Centre of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development in
Excellence (FAB-COE) at College of Fisheries, Central Mushroom Culture and Farming” at Bodoland
Agricultural University, Lembucherra, Tripura. Its main University. A number of farmers have been trained
objectives are to improve the yield of fish production for production of value added products such as Soup,
in NER, to explore the fish biodiversity across all the Cake, Custard and Pakora from Mushroom. The
eight North Eastern States, understand the lineage centre has also produced mushroom spawn. The
of species diversity, development of protocols for centre has trained more than 100 people in
breeding, seed production and faming of mushroom cultivation and supported few
economically viable species, fish resource entrepreneurs.
management education & capacity building and R&D
on feed development. H UMAN R ESOURCE D EVELOPMENT
IN NER
B IO TECH FA CILITIES , T ECHNOL
IOTECH OG
ECHNOLOG
OGYY
P LA TF
LATF ORMS AND R ESEAR
TFORMS CH
ESEARCH DBT has established a network of 126 Biotech Hubs
across NER, providing necessary infrastructure in
R ESOURCES universities/colleges/institutions and the required
Sophisticated biotech infrastructural facilities have training in sophisticated technologies so as to support
been created at National Research Centre on Mithun and promote biotechnology education and research.
at Jharnapani, Medziphema (Nagaland) and National Together these hubs have conducted more than 600
Research Centre on Yak at Dirang (Arunachal training programmes and supported more than 500

186 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


PROMOTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN
NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

PG and PhD students. Lembucherra, Tripura and National Research Centre


on Mithun (ICAR), Nagaland were established last
In order to create awareness in the field of
year.
biotechnology at the school level, DBT has initiated
a scheme for establishing “Biotechnology Labs in DBT’s e-Library Consortia for North Eastern Region
Senior Secondary schools (BLiSS)” across all states (NER-DeLCON) was established in the year 2010
of NER. A basic set of laboratory equipment along through which access to more than 900 High Impact
with recurring support is being provided under this e-journals were subscribed by DBT. The facility is
scheme. In the first round, 88 Senior Secondary being offered to 18 selected NER institutions free
Schools from NER have been selected by DBT for of cost. It is being extensively used by scientists,
support under the BLiSS scheme, and 100 more faculty and students of these 18 institutions. A
are in pipeline. separate website www.delcon.gov.in has been
created for DeLCON.
The Overseas Associateship Scheme for NER
Scientists supports scientific research/training in An online human resource repository of
overseas laboratories for short term as well as long Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Resources of
term. So far, 205 scientists have been awarded the North East India (BABRONE) has been created and
Associateship. This Overseas Associateship has located at College of Veterinary Sciences (AAU),
resulted in more than 50 research papers in peer Khanapara, Guwahati (Assam). It is a freely accessible
reviewed journals and has also enabled more than e-learning server developed as a common platform
35 laureates in getting extra-mural funding for their for uploading learning materials, sharing of
R&D projects besides training in-house scientific information and as an online discussion forum at
human resource of NER. <www.babrone.edu.in>. Details of more than 1300
researchers, faculty and teachers from NER
DBT has also initiated a “Visiting Research
areavailable on the portal.
Professorship (VRP)” scheme to utilize the expertise
of outstanding biotechnology professionals for
bringing advancement in the Biotechnology and Life
Science related activities in various institutions of
research and higher learning in the NER States of
India. Scientists/faculties from reputed institutions
in India have shown their interest in sharing their
domain expertise with NER institutions through this
scheme. In the first phase, 32 scientists/faculties
have been selected for VRP.

Twenty nine bioinformatics centers have been


established in all the 8 states of the NER and are
networked as the North Eastern Bioinformatics
Network (NEBINet) to provide latest IT equipment to
support the research activities of the host institutions
in NER. Two new bioinformatics centres at College
of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University,

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 187


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

14

Administration &
Finance

188 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

A DMINIS TRA
DMINISTRA TION
TRATION Government e-Market Place (GeM): During the
financial year 2017-18, the Department has made
The Department’s administration is responsible for the following procurements of goods and services
providing good and ambient working atmosphere for through GEM.
the in-house scientists, officers and staff. Logistic
 43 Scanners at the total cost of Rs.12,51,330/-
supports were provided for organizing various Task
force & Expert Committee meetings. Being a  37 Personal Computers and equal numbers of
scientific department, large number of meetings, printers with latest configuration at the total
interactions and quick referral with technical experts, cost of Rs.26.00 lakh.
specialists, academicians and scholars from far
 620 Reams of Photocopier paper
reaching places across the world are held regularly,
for which technical support was provided.  Annual contract of hiring of vehicles on regular
basis.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – Swachhta Action
Plan: The Swachhta Action Plan (SAP) for the  Procurement of stationary items through GeM
Department for the year 2017-18 has already been is under process.
finalized for an amount of Rs. 2.25 crore. The SAP Renovation work: Comprehensive renovation of
activities finalized are as follows: all the three floors of Block-2 including corridors
 Toilet & Road Renovation: Renovation of toilets (floorings & ceilings), toilets and conference room
in the Department at Block-2, CGO Complex has been undertaken with the help of CPWD at a
and BIBCOL (Bharat Immunologicals and total cost of Rs. 1.00 crore.
Biologicals Corporation Limited), Bulandshahar. Video Conferencing / Audio-Visual: Modern
Road repair, BIBCOL, Bulandshahar. video conferencing system procured and installed in
 Cleanliness Drives: Modernization of Canteen, conference Room no 727, Block-2 with the help of
Pest Control Services, repair/re-fitment of old NICSI. Similarly, modern audio-visual system installed
furniture in conference Room no 503, Block-3.

e-Office in DBT: The e-Office is one of the Mission E S TABLISHMENT


Mode Projects (MMPs) under the Digital India
Establishment Section in the Department is
Programme of Government of India being
entrusted with the following functions:-
implemented in the Department. Following steps
have been taken in this regard: Recruitment and promotion to various posts:
Two vacancies of Scientist ‘H’ were revived with the
 Scanning of active files has been completed
approval of Department of Expenditure.
 A Help Desk has been established Appointments of two eligible Scientists have been
 Continuous training to the officers / staff is made to the posts of Scientist ‘H’ on direct
being imparted recruitment basis.

 Scanners provided to the Sections / Divisions One more vacancy of Scientist ‘H’ arose due to
for the purpose superannuation of the incumbent to the post on 31/
1/2017. It was decided to fill-up this vacancy on
 Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) are being
direct recruitment basis, reserved for Scheduled
procured from NICSI

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 189


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Caste Category Candidate. The process to fill-up this Category of posts Post Post
vacancy is under way. sanctioned filled
The eligible Scientists have been promoted to their Group ‘A’ 74 54
next higher grade under Modified Flexible
Complementing Scheme. Group ‘B’ 98 67

Group ‘C’ 77* 46


Recruitment Rules: 12 Posts in the grade of
Scientist ‘C’ have been revived in the Department Total 24 9 16 7
w.e.f. 27.07.2017. It was decided to fill up these
*including 01 Group ‘D’ post
vacancies on direct recruitment basis. The proposal
to make necessary amendments in the Department P ROGRESSIVE U SE OF H INDI
of Biotechnology (Group ‘A’, Scientific Posts)
IN THE D EP AR
EPAR TMENT
ARTMENT
Recruitment Rules, 2012 is under process with the
DoPT. Hindi Division ensures progressive use of Hindi
implementation of Government policy on Official
Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme: Language in the Department. An Official Language
The cases for grant of Modified Assured Career Implementation Committee constituted under the
Progression Scheme to eligible officials are being Chairmanship of the Joint Secretary (Admin.) in the
processed from time to time. Department reviews the progressive use of Hindi in
every quarter and suggests corrective measures for
Training: The officers and staff were deputed for
promoting the use of Hindi. During the year, all
various training programmes conducted by the
documents issued under section 3(3) of the Official
Institute of Secretariat Training & Management
Languages Act, 1963 were in bilingual form and
(ISTM), National Institute of Financial Management
letters received in Hindi were replied to in Hindi only.
(NIFM), Faridabad and Indian Institute of Public
In order to strengthen the monitoring system of
Administration, New Delhi to enhance their skills in
progressive use of Hindi, the officers who sign the
relevant fields.
papers have been made the check- points Under
Grant of Advances and Reimbursement: The Rule 8(4) of the Official Language Rules, 1976,
cases of grant of various advances, medical Establishment, Administration, PPVC, Cash section
reimbursement and other allowances were and Library in the Department have been notified to
processed as per rules in a time bound manner. do their 100% work in Hindi, during the year, 50
officers and employees were imparted training in
Miscellaneous: The Staff Selection Commission Hindi workshop. Hindi fortnight was organized in the
(SSC) has forwarded the dossiers of 08 (Eight) Department during 01-15th September 2017, in
candidates for filling up the 08 (Eight) vacant posts which 10 different competitions namely, Vaigyanik
of Junior Technical Assistants in Department of shodh par bhashan, Noting & Drafting, Hindi Typing,
Biotechnology. This Department is in the process of Antakshari, General Knowledge competition in hindi
issuing ‘Offer of Appointment’ to the selected and Hindi Vyavahar Competition, Noting/Drafting,
candidates. Debate, essay, Recitation competition were held. The
competition for general knowledge was especially
The category wise position of posts sanctioned and held for encouraging the multitasking staff and
filled as on 31.12.2017 is as under:- speech on scientific thesis for all scientists of the
department and in addition to this Hindi Typing test

190 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

for project staff was also organised. 60 officers/ handle vigilance and complaint cases expeditiously.
employees participated in various competitions, out Complaints received from various sources were
of which 45 officials won different prizes. processed in-time. In pursuance of the instructions
Successful participants of the different competitions of the ‘Central Vigilance Commission’, a Vigilance
of Hindi Pakhwara were awarded in a prize Awareness Week was observed in the Department
distribution ceremony. The first prize of Rs.5000/-, and the Autonomous Institutes (AI) and Public Sector
second prize of Rs.3500/- third prize of Rs.2500/- Undertakings (PSUs) under its administration from
and 5 Consolation prizes of Rs.1500/- each have 30th October, 2017 to 4th November, 2017. An office-
been awarded. With a view to encourage writing of wide integrity pledge taking was organized in the
original books of biotechnology related subjects in Conference Room of the Department, which was
Hindi, the Department has been implementing an administered by senior officer. A banner was
award scheme namely “Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose displayed at the entrance of the Department, to
Hindi Granth Lekhan Puraskar Yojna” since 2002. facilitate focus on the theme of “My Vision-Corruption
Under the scheme, first prize of Rupees one lakh Free India”, which was adopted by the Central
rupees, second prize of rupees fifty thousand , third Vigilance Commission (CVC) as theme for the year
prize of rupees twenty five thousand and consolation 2017.
prizes of rupees ten thousand each are given, During A meeting of the Vigilance Officers of the
the year 2017-18 under the said scheme have been Autonomous Institutes and Public Sector
were awarded First, Second and Third prizes for the Undertakings of the Department was convened on
scheme of 2016. 27.12.2016 by the Chief Vigilance Officer of the
Department, to take account of the activities done
P ARLIAMENT AR
ARLIAMENTAR
ARYY M ATTERS
by the Vigilance Officers of the Autonomous Institutes
The meeting of the Parliamentary Standing and Public Sector Undertakings.
Committee on Science and Technology, Environment
& Forests was held on 15.02.2017 in the Parliament
F INANCE
House Annex, to consider the Demands for Grants Department of Biotechnology was allocated as
(2017-18) of the Department. Amount of Rs. 2222.11Crore in the Budget Estimates
2017-18. This was revised to Rs. 2260.11 Crore (Rs.
G RIEV ANCE R EDRESSAL
RIEVANCE
2229.77 Crore under Major Head 3425: other
Department has established an effective grievance Scientific Research and Rs. 30.34 Crore under Major
redressal mechanism to deal with the public as well Head 3451: Secretariat – Economic Services). The
as staff grievance petitions. The Department regularly Financial Statement showing the details of Actual
updates progress, disposal and pendency of public Expenditure during 2016-17, B.E. & R.E. of 2017-18
grievances on the website of Department of and BE 2018-19 in respect of various Programmes/
Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances. A total Schemes are given in Annexure I.
of 206 grievances were received by the Department,
from 01.04.2017 to 17.01.2018, through the
S TATUS OF C&A
C&AGG A UDIT P ARAS
CPGRAMS portal, out of which 148 have been The Status on Action Taken Notes (ATN) on pending
disposed. C&AG Paras pertaining to the department is as per
Annexure II
V IGILANCE U NIT
A Vigilance Cell is functioning in the Department to

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 191


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Annexure - I

Details of Actual Expenditure during 2016-17, B.E. and R.E. of 2017-18


(Rs. in crores)

S. Name of the Programme/ 2016-17 BE RE BE


No. Scheme Actual Expenditure 2017-18 2017-18 2018-19

Plan Non-Plan Total Total


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
REVENUE SECTION 1874.59 20.90 1895.49 2222.11 2260.11 2411.53
1 Secretariat Economic Services
1.01 Secretariat 0.00 22.90 20.90 30.00 30.34 32.31
2.01 Biotechnology Industry Research 25.00 0.00 25.00 30.00 30.00 31
Assistance (BIRAC)
2.02 Support to Autonomous R&D 649.06 0.00 649.06 708.53 724.53 748.98
Institutions*
3.00 Assistance to other Scientific 726.74 0.00 726.74 1350
Bodies
3.01 Biotechnology Research and 285.89 0.00 285.89 1250.58 1252.42
Development, Human Resource
Development, Research
Resources Facilities
4.01 Industrial and Entrepreneurship 187.90 0.00 187.90 203.00 222.82 249.24
Development
TOTAL = Revenue Section 1874.59 20.90 1895.49 2222.11 2260.11 2411.53

* Institute includes 16 Autonomous Bodies namely Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, Institute for Stem
National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, National Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine,
Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Centre for DNA Finger Bengaluru, National Institute of Animal
Printing & Diagnostics, Hyderabad, National Brain Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Centre of Innovative and
Research Centre, Gurgaon, National Institute for Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali, International Centre
Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, Institute of for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New
Bioresources & Sustainable Development, Imphal, Delhi.
Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar,
Translational Health Science & Technology Institute,
Faridabad, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology,
Thiruvananthapuram, National Institute of Biomedical
Genomics, Kalyani, Regional Centre for
Biotechnology, Faridabad, National Agri-Food

192 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Annexure II

Position of Action Taken Notes(ATN) on C&AG Audit Paras

S . Para Number and Year Number No. of para Present Position


N o . of report of Paras settled
during year
1 C&AG Audit Para No. 3 of Report One 84 sub-para Based on the ATN submitted twice
No. 5 of 2003 (Containing has been the Audit has asked for additional
157 sub-paras) settled information in respect of only 29 sub-
paras and ATN for remaining sub-
paras accepted.Furnishing of revised
ATN in respect of remaining sub
paras is under process.
2 Chapter no. 3 of Report No. 12 of One - ATN once furnished to C&AG. Vetted
2016- (Irregular Administrative and ATN received from Audit. As required
entitlements operations) by Audit revised ATN is being
furnished.
3 C&AG Audit Para No. 3.1, of one - ATN has been furnished, vetted ATN
Report No. 17 of 2017(Irregular received, they have sought further
expenditure on premises information, as required by Audit
transferred to another organisation revised ATN is being furnished.
4 C&AG Audit Para No. 3.2 of one - ATN has been furnished, vetted ATN
Report No. 17 of 2017 received, they have sought further
(Unauthorised expenditure due to information, as required by Audit
excess appointment and grant of revised ATN is being furnished.
advance increments to
employees)
5 C&AG Audit Para No. 3.3 of one - ATN has been furnished, vetted ATN
Report No. 17 of 2017 received, they have sought further
(Overpayment of transport information, as required by Audit
allowance) revised ATN is being furnished.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 193


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

15

Mission Programmes

194 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


MISSION PROGRAMMES

B IO TECH -K RISHI I NNO


IOTECH NNOVVATION S CIENCE
A PPLICA TION N ET W ORK
PPLICATION
(B IOTECH -KISAN)
This programme aims to work with small and marginal
farmers especially the women farmer for better
agriculture productivity through scientific intervention
and evolving best farming practices in the Indian
context by linking available science and technology to
the farm by first understanding the problem of the
local farmer and provide solutions to those problems.
It is proposed to establish Biotech-KISAN Hubs in each
of the 15 agro-climatic zones in the country under
the leadership of a facilitator. Each Hub will create a
network by developing strong linkages with top quality
scientific institutions/State Agricultural Universities
(SAUs)/Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)/existing state
agriculture extension services/system and other
Farmers’ organizations in the region as well as linkages
with leading international institutions/organizations.
Biotech-KISAN Hub will have a tinkering laboratory.
The programme includes conducting training
programmes for farmers in laboratories of scientific
research institutions and training programmes for
scientists in agricultural farms. During the year under
report, a Biotech-KISAN Hub has been established at
Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation
Organization (HESCO), Dehradun to cover the agro- Figure 1. Training Programme on Beekeeping at
Sub-Hub Chakrata
climatic zone of Western Himalayan Region. The Sub-
Hubs have been created at Almora, Chakrata and
Chamoli, which are connected to the Central Hub in
S PACE M ISSION ON B IODIVERSIT Y
Dehradun. Three Polyhouse facilities have been CHARA CTERIZA
CHARACTERIZA TION
CTERIZATION
created in each of the three Sub-Hubs to promote
protected cultivation of improved varieties of Department of Biotechnology and Department of
vegetables sourced from GB Pant University of Space have initiated a joint initiative on biodiversity
Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar and Indian characterization at Landscape Level using Remote
Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi for Sensing and Geographical Information System.
enhancing the production, quality and profitability to Under this study, a national level assessment of
the marginal farmers. A mushroom production-cum- biodiversity richness was undertaken for the first
training centre has also been established at Karbari time in India using spatial data to identify and to
village near Central Hub. Seven days training map potential biodiversity-rich areas in the country.
programme on promotion of horticulture crops and So far 84% of the Country’s forest cover has been
beekeeping have so far been organized at Sub-Hubs characterized. The study has brought out a Spatial
located at Chakrata, Chamoli and Almora.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 195


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Database, first of its kind, adding spatial explicitness future grids that are powered by affordable,
to understanding of vegetation formation; it provides reliable, decentralized renewable electricity
a wall to wall mapping of natural habitats. systems

A new initiative is being launched towards intensive 2. Off-Grid Access to Electricity Innovation
mapping of hot-spots and National Coral Reefs Challenge – to develop systems that enable off-
Mapping Mission. These initiatives have been grid households, communities to access
conceptualized based on the action plan that affordable renewable electricity
emerged from the “National Meet on promoting use
3. Carbon Capture Innovation Challenge – to
of Space Technology in Governance and
enable near-zero CO 2 emissions from power
Development” which was held on September, 2015
plants and carbon intensive industries
at New Delhi. The Mission activities will include the
creation of new geospatial inventory of coral reefs 4. Sustainable Biofuels Innovation Challenge – to
covering 172 grids of Indian coral reef regions at develop ways to produce, at scale, widely
1:25000 scale which in turn would greatly help in affordable, advanced biofuels for transportation
developing appropriate strategies for their and industrial applications
conservation and sustainable utilization.
5. Converting Sunlight Innovation Challenge – to
Development of space based biodiversity monitoring
discover affordable ways to convert sunlight into
system will benefit both national imperatives and
storable solar fuels
reporting to international commitments.
6. Clean Energy Materials Innovation Challenge –
M ISSION I NNO
NNOVVATION IN C LEAN to accelerate the exploration, discovery, and
E NER
NERGGY use of new high-performance, low-cost clean
energy materials
Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 22
7. Affordable Heating and Cooling of Buildings
countries and the European Union to accelerate
Innovation Challenge – to make low-carbon
global clean energy innovation. MI was announced
heating and cooling affordable for everyone.
on November 30th, 2015 as world leaders came
together in Paris during COP-21. As part of the India is a member of the Steering Committee and
initiative, participating countries have committed to also member of all seven innovation challenges. DBT
seek to double their government’s clean energy has been assigned responsibility for coordinating all
research and development (R&D) investments over Mission Innovation activities for India with regular
five years. The second Mission Innovation Ministerial interaction with 22 MI member countries.
(MI Ministerial) was held in Beijing China (in June
Country workshops were held for all above seven
2016), where leaders of MI countries announced
Innovation Challenges in 2017. Four of these were
following seven innovation challenges for
arranged by DST and rest three by DBT with support
advancement of clean energy technologies. Indian
from MI India Unit set up by Department of
delegation participated in the inaugural MI session
Biotechnology, at ICGEB New Delhi. The major
led by Hon’ble Minister of Science and Technology
deliverables of each workshop were current status
Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
of the technologies in terms of commercialisation
Mission Innovation Challenges and objectives status, R&D gap areas, plans and timelines to
address the identified gap areas. A dedicated web
1. Smart Grids Innovation Challenge – to enable

196 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


MISSION PROGRAMMES

site (http://www.mission-innovation-india.net) for provided by Central and State Governments


disseminating MI-India activities has been developed
4. Facilitate Startups, SMEs and companies by
and is regularly updated.
communicating the policies and incentives
P UBLIC P RIV
RIVAATE P AR TNERSHIP
ARTNERSHIP extended by the Government for the
programme
P ROGRAMME
5. Support the Make in India Programme by
The Department through its inter phase agency, addressing the queries from various
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council stakeholders
(BIRAC), a Public Sector undertaking set up by the
Major Activities:
Department implements Public Private Partnership
Programme to strengthen and empower emerging 1. A brief industry analysis report has been
Biotech Enterprises specially startups and SMEs. The prepared to track new Government initiatives
details of the Public Private Partnership Programmes and market trends related to biotechnology and
being implemented by BIRAC is given in the Chapter: startup ecosystem and provide all inputs to
Public Sector Undertakings. biotech industry and budget related queries
during the year.
M AKE IN I NDIA
2. The Cell ensures wider dissemination of the
DBT has established the Make in India (MII) Government programmes and other
Facilitation Cell at BIRAC in September 2015. The information relevant to the establishment and
Cell regularly interfaces with DIPP and other growth of startups. A dedicated website has
Ministries to provide information and update on been developed for the information
DBT’s and BIRAC’s plans for boosting Make in India dissemination and handholding startups<http:/
as well as the Startup Indiaprogramme. /birac.nic.in/mii/index.php>
Make in India has specific relevance to the 3. MII Cell has also prepared a two year
biotechnology sector in India, owing to the fact that achievement report of Biotechnology sector
the country’s biotechnology industry is in the phase which was published by DIPP in Jan 2017.
where the opportunities are immense. The MII Cell
4. MII Cell at BIRAC has organized a Strategy Meet
is responsible for creating an enabling ecosystem in
in June 2017 to discuss the road map for the
the country for promoting the manufacturing
Make in India and Start up India in
capabilities of the Indian biotech sector. The
Biotechnology and also to discuss the specific
objectives of Make in India Facilitation Cell at BIRAC
3 year Action Plan for BIRAC.
are:
5. The Cell also plays a major role in DBT and
1. Contribute to Make in India growth through
BIRAC’s Outreach, communication and
identifying and promoting new areas in
publications in the area of Bio-
Biotechnology
entrepreneurship.
2. Co-ordinate activities of Make in India with DIPP,
6. MII Cell also helps startups and entrepreneurs
Government of India
to connect with the relevant Departments of
3. Catalyze the growth of manufacturing industry Govt. and facilitate them by resolving their
by mapping incentives and opportunities queries.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 197


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

7. MII Cell has contributed to the creation of Biotechnology Sector under Startup India Action Plan:
Innovation Market Place at BIRAC’s sixth
1. Presently 30 Bio-incubators have been setup
Innovators Meet in Sept 2017 and ICMR
across India with world class facilities.
exhibition in March 2017 at the Rashtrapati
Bhawan with the aim to showcase the products, 2. Department is supporting 3 Bio-clusters (NCR,
indigenously developed by the innovators Kalyani and Bangalore) and approval of Pune
supported by BIRAC, to relevant Investors and Bio-cluster is in advance stage.
stakeholders.
3. BIRAC has launched ACE Fund and SEED fund
Also a detailed Action Plan 2.0 has been formulated to provide capital assistance to start-ups and
in 2017 under Make in India where DBT/BIRAC has act as a bridge between promoters’ investment
set targets and objectives to achieve which are and venture/angel investors. Seven incubators
broadly given below: have been provided funding under the SEED
Fund programme
1. Entrepreneurial Support to around 150 start-
ups/entrepreneurs each year through funding 4. BIRAC has setup two regional centers
and incubation BIRAC Regional Innovation Centre (BRIC) at IKP
Hyderabad and BIRAC Regional
2. Creation of shared infrastructure for
Entrepreneurship Centres (BREC) at CCAMP
biopharmaceutical development and
Bangalore.
development of products
5. Bengaluru-Boston Biotech Gateway to India has
3. Setting up of Manufacturing Fund for startup
been formed. Through this initiative, a range of
and SMEs
institutes in Boston (Harvard/ MIT) and
4. Working with existing Bio-clusters to set up Bengaluru are able to connect and share ideas
Research Parks & Bio-manufacturing Facilities and mentor the entrepreneurs and young
for attracting FDI scientists especially in the areas of Genomics,
Computational Biology, Drug Discovery and New
5. Building and strengthening domain specific
Vaccines.
knowledge management and entrepreneurial
skills in Biotechnology I NDUS TR
NDUSTR
TRYY - A CADEMIA C OLLABORA
OLLABORATIVETIVE
S TAR TUP I NDIA
ARTUP M ISSION F OR A CCELERA TING
CCELERATING

Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government


D ISCO VER
ISCOVER
VERY Y R ESEAR
ESEARCHCH T O E ARL
ARLY Y
of India, intended to build a strong eco-system for D EVELOPMENT F OR
nurturing innovation and Startups in the country that B IOPHARMA CEUTICALS - “I NNO
IOPHARMACEUTICALS NNOV V ATE IN
will drive sustainable economic growth and generate
large scale employment opportunities. The
I NDIA (I 3)”
Government through this initiative aims to empower An Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission of
Startups to grow through innovation and design. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Accelerating
Prime Minister of India formally launched this Early Development for Biopharmaceuticals; to be
initiative on January 16, 2016. implemented by BIRAC, was approved by the Cabinet
Following are the major achievements in for implementation in May 2017 with a total cost of

198 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


MISSION PROGRAMMES

Rs. 1500 crore (50% grant will be arranged through 3. Develop human capital by providing specific
world bank loan). The Mission I3 is “Innovate in India” trainings to address the critical skills gap among
for Biopharma. It will create an ecosystem for nascent biotech companies across the product
innovative indigenous product development by development value chain, including in business
Researchers, Startups and SMEs and make Indian plan development, and market penetration.
Biotech Industry Globally competitive.
4. Creating and enhancing technology transfer and
In a bid to create a globally competitive intellectual property management capacities
biopharmaceutical industry that addresses the and capabilities in public and private sector.
country’s major concerns around barriers to
It is envisioned that the Mission would aid in preparing
affordable healthcare, Hon’ble Minister Dr. Harsh
India’s technological and product development
Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology
capabilities in the biopharmaceutical sector to a level
launched the Innovate in India (I3) program on 30th
which is globally competitive over the next 10-15
June 2017 in New Delhi.
years, and will transform the health standards of
The Mission is a PAN India programme involving all India’s population through affordable product
stakeholders and BIRAC as a Product Development development. The Mission will provide a holistic and
Partnership (PDP). The Program Management Unit integrated approach to strengthen and support the
established at BIRAC is functioning as an operational entire product development value chain for
and functional arm for effective execution of the accelerating the research leads to product
mission activities. The oversight to the program is development. This will help not only in immediate
being provided by the Inter-Ministerial Steering product development addressing public health
Committee comprising of members from various needs, but will also help to create an ecosystem which
Ministries; and also supported by Program Technical will facilitate development of a continuous pipeline
Advisory Group comprising of global and national of products.
leaders from industry and academia.

The Mission is designed in a manner in which it


addresses the key components of the Vision outlined
in the National Missions-Make in India and Start up
India and also aims to take forward the
commitments made by DBT in the National
Biotechnology Development Strategy.

The mission is focussing on the following:

1. Development of product leads that are at


advanced stages of the product development
lifecycle and relevant to the public health need
by focusing on managed partnerships

2. Establish and strengthen shared infrastructure


facilities and product discovery/validation and
manufacturing

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 199


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

ABBREVIATIONS

200 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


ABBREVIATIONS

AAU : Anand Agricultural University


AAV : Adeno Associated Virus
ACTREC : Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer
ADBS : Accelerator program for discovery in brain disorders using stem cells
ADF : Acid Detergent Fiber
AD-MSC : Adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cell
AIDS : Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AIRCP : All India Research Coordinated Projects
AIST : Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
ALP : Alkaline Phosphatase
AMF : Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
AMP : Antimicrobial Peptide
AmpH : Amphetamine
APC : Adenomatous polyposis coli
APR : Adult Plant Resistance
ARF : Agricultural Research Fund
ARI : Aghrakar Research Institute
ASHA : Accredited social health activists
ASHD : Accelerating the application of stem cell technology in human disease
ATP : Adenosine triphosphate
ATPC : Advanced Technology Platform Centre
AX : Arabinoxylan
AXIN : Axis inhibition protein
BAC : Bacterial artificial chromosome
BHKcz : Body Hamster Kidney Cell Zellen
BIOFI : Biofertilization and Bioirrigation for sustainable mixed cropping of Pigeon Pea
BIRAC : Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
BL : Burkitt Lymphoma
BLAST : Basic Local Alignment Sequence Tool
BM-MSC : Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell
BMP : Bone Morphogenetic Protein
BMSCs : Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
BSL:3 : Biosafety laboratory 3
Bt : Bacillus thuringiensis
Cas9 : CRISPR associated protein 9
CBDR : Centre for Brain Development and Repair
CCBD : Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease
CCBT : Centre for Chemical Biology and Therapeutics
CCCH : Three conserved cysteine residues & one histidine residue

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 201


ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

CD : Circular dichroism
Cdc : Cell division cycle
cDNA : Complementary Deoxyribonucleic acid
CDS : Coding Sequences
CDSCO : Central Drugs Standard Control Organization
CHH : Crustacean Hyperglycemic Hormone
ChiLCV : Chilli Leaf Curl Virus
CHO : Chinese Hamster Ovary
CIFA : Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
CIFE : Central Institute of Fisheries Education
CIMAP : Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
CiRA : Center for iPS Cell Research and Application
CITH : Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis;
CMD : Cassava Mosaic Disease
CMS : Cytoplasmic Male Sterility
CO 1 : Cytochrome Oxidase I
COL18A1 : Collagen Type XVIII Alpha 1 Chain
CORVET : Core Vacuole/Endosome Tethering
CP : Complement Pathway
CPE : Cytopathic Effect
CPV : Canine Parvo Virus
CRISPR : Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
CS:induced : Cigarette Smoke Induced
CSCR : Centre for Stem Cell Research
CSIR : Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
CTCRI : Central Tuber Crops Research Institute
CTNNB : Catenin Beta
Cyp19A1 : Cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1
DBH : Dopamine beta: hydroxylase
DBT : Department of Biotechnology
DC : Direct Current
DCFR : Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research
DGKZ : Diacylglycerol Kinase Zeta
DNA : Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DST : Department of Science & Technology
E. coli : Escherichia coli
EGF : Epidermal Growth Factor
EGFP : Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein
ELISA : Enzyme: Linked Immunosorbent Assay

202 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


ABBREVIATIONS

EMS : Ethyl Methane Sulphonate


ESC : Embryonic Stem Cell
ESRF : European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
ET calves : Embryo Transfer
ETH : Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (Swiss Federal Institutes of
Technology)
FACS : Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting
FANCJ : Fanconi Anemia Group J Protein
FCR : Feed conversion ratio
FDA : Food and Drug Administration, USA
FGF : Fibroblast Growth Factor
FM : Finger Millet
FOG : Fats, Oils, and Grease
FOS : Fructooligosaccharides
FRP : Reinforced Plastic hatchery
FSH : Follicle: stimulating hormone
FTIR : Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
FUCCI : Fluorescence Ubiquitination Cell Cycle Indicator
FZD : Frizzled Class Receptor
GABA : Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
GAiT : Global Alliance for iPSC Therapies
GBPIHED : Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development
GBPUAT : Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
GFAP : Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
GH : Growth Hormone
GMP : Good Manufacturing Practice
GNPs : Gold Nanoparticles
GO : Gene Ontology
GWAS : Genome wide association studies
hCG : Human chorionic gonadotropin
HCV : Hepatitis C Virus
HESCO : Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization
HFD : High Fat Diet
HIV : Human Immunodeficiency Virus
hMSCs : Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
HPLC : High performance liquid chromatography
HPV : Human Papilloma Virus
Hsp : Heat Shock Protein
HSP90B1 : Heat Shock Protein 90 Beta Family Member 1

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IAA : Indole-3-acetic Acid


IARI : Indian Agricultural Research Institute
IASRI : Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute
IBDV : Infectious Bursal Disease Virus
IBR : Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis
ICAR : Indian Council of Agriculture Research
ICMR : Indian Council of Medical Research
ICRISAT : The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi: Arid Tropics
IC-SCR : Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research
IFI16 : Interferon Gamma Inducible Protein 16
IGF1 : Insulin-like growth factor 1
IGF1R : Insulin-like growth factor 1 Receptor
IGKV : Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
IICB : Indian Institute of Chemical Biology
IIPR : Indian Institute of Pulse Research
IIRR : Indian Institute of Rice Research
IISc : Indian Institute of Science
IISER : Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research
IISR : Indian institute of Sugarcane Research
IIT : Indian Institute of Technology
IL-6 : Interleukin-6
IND : Investigational New Drug
inStem : Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
IPK1 : Inositol Pentakisphosphate Kinase
iPSc : Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
IRES : internal ribosome entry site
IRRI : International Rice Research Institute
ISCB : Indo-Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology
ISG15 : Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15
IVDMD : In vitro Dry Matter Digestibility
IVRI : Indian Veterinary Research Institute
JAC : Joint Apex Committee
JGEEBILS : Joint Graduate Entrance Exam for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Science
JNU : Jawaharlal Nehru University
KLF-4 : Kruppel Like Factor 4
KM : Kodo millet
KVK : Krishi Vigyan Kendra
LAMP : Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification
LFA : Lateral Flow Assay

204 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


ABBREVIATIONS

LH : Luteinizing Hormone
LHC : Light-Harvesting Complexes
LIF : Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
LLP : Limited Liability Partnership
LPS : Lipopolysaccharide
MAB : Marker Assisted Breeding
MALDI-TOF/TOF : Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption-Time of Flight
Map2 : Microtubule Associated Protein 2
MAPK : Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase
mESC : Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
MF : Multiplication Factor
miRNA : MicroRNA
MnSOD : Manganese superoxide dismutase
MPA : Multiple Party Agreement
mRNA : Messenger RNA
MSSRF : M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation
mtRNA : Mitochondrial RNA
NAARM : National Academy of Agricultural Research Management
NABL : National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
NAC-SCRT : National Apex Committee-Stem Cell Research and Therapy
NAHD : Novel approaches to hematological disorders
NaMoR : National Mouse Resource Facility; iPSC: Induced pluripotent Stem Cells;
NBFGR : National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
NBPGR : National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
NBRC : National Brain Research Centre
NCBI : National Center for Biotechnology Information
NCBS : National Centre for Biological Sciences
NCR : National Capital Region
NDF : Neutral Detergent Fiber
NDM-5 : New Delhi metallo-â-lactamase 5
NII : National Institute of Immunology
NIMHANS : National Institute for Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
NIPGR : National Institute of Plant Genome Research
NIVEDI : National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics
NOX4 : Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase
NPC : Nuclear Pore Complex
NPV : Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus
NRCPB : National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology
NRRI : National Rice Research Institute

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OAS1 : Oligoadenylate Synthetase 1


OBC : Other Backward Class
OcHKT1-5 : Oryzacoarctata sodium transporter HKT1-5
OCT-4 : Octamer-binding transcription factor 4
OIE : Office International des Epizooties
PAN : Presence Across Nation
PAU : Punjab Agricultural University
PBMC : Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
PcNHX1 : Porteresiacoarctata (Oryzacoarctata) vacuolar antiporter1
PCR : Polymerase Chain Reaction
PGF 2á : Prostaglandin F2: alpha
PGFM : Prostaglandin F2: alpha metabolite
PGM2 : Phosphoglucomutase 2
PGPR : Plan growth promoting rhizobacteria
PKB : Protein Kinase B
PKC : Protein Kinase C
PMMA : Poly Methyl Methacrylate
PMSCs : placentaderived mesenchymal Stem Cells
PMU : Programme Management Unit
PO : Phenoloxidase
PPRV : Peste: des: Petit Ruminants Virus
ProPO : Prophenoloxidase
PSY : Phytoene synthase
PTEN : Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)
qRT:PCR : Quantitative Realtime Polymerase Chain Reaction
QTL : Quantitative Trait locus
R&D : Research and Development
RAF : Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma
RBPT : Rose Bengal Plate Test
RCB : Regional Centre for Biotechnology
RCF : Regulation of Cell Fate
RNA : Ribonucleic Acid
RNAi : RNA Interference
RNP : Ribonucleo Protein
ROS : Reactive Oxygen Species
RS : Roberstsonian Translocation
RT-PCR : Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction
RT-qPCR : Reverse Transcriptase-Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
SAGE : Scientific Advisory Group of Experts

206 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


ABBREVIATIONS

ERID : External Relations and Institutional Development


TRAIN : Translational Research Award in Infectious diseases
VIDRC : Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research Centre
DDRC : Drug Discovery Research Centre
CHME : Centre for Human Microbial Ecology
CDSA : Clinical Development Services Agency
HVTR : HIV Vaccine Translational Research laboratory
BMGF : Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
bnAbs : Broadly-Neutralizing Antibodies
dsDNA : Double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid
RNA : Ribonucleic Acid
IL9 : Interleukin 9
BCG : Bacillus Calmette–Guérin
HEV : Hepatitis E Virus
TNFá : Tumor Necrosis Factor á
CD80 : Cluster of Differentiation 80
mPOCT : Multiplexed Point-of-Care Test
SAMPs : Synthetic Antimicrobial Polymers
SAP : Stress Associated Proteins
SAXS : Small angle X-rayScattering
SC/ST : Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe
SCI : Spinal Cord Injury
SCID : Severe Combined Immuno Deficiency
SDC : Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation
SDS : Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
SEC : Scanning Electron Microscopy
SHG : Self Help Group
SNP : Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
SNV : Single Nucleotide Variation
SOD : Superoxide Dismutase
SOX-2 : (sex determining region Y): box 2
SPICE : Smallpox Inhibitor of Complement Enzymes
SVP : Sub Viral Particle
TANUVAS : Tamil Nadu University for Veterinary Animal Sciences
TAS : Technologies for the Advancement of Science;
TAU : Technology Advancement Unit
TB : Tuberculosis
TCA : Tricarboxylic Acid
TEM : Transmission electron microscopy

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TGFBR3 : Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor III


THSTI : Translational Health Science and Technology Institute
TIGS:CI : Tata Institute for Active Genetics & Society (Centre at inStem)
TMX4 : Thioredoxin Related Transmembrane Protein 4
TNAU : Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
TRL4 : Toll like Receptor 4
TRPVB : Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals
TSNAX : Translin Associated Factor X
UAS : University of Agricultural Sciences
UDSC : University of Delhi South Campus
UPR : Unfolded Protein Response
UTI : Urinary Tract Infection
UTR : Untranslated Region
VCP : Virus Complement Control Protein
VEGF : Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
VLP : Virus Like Particles
Wnt : Wingless Integration Site
WNT : Wingless: Type MMTV Integration Site Family Member
WSSV : White Spot Syndrome Virus
ZnF : Zinc Finger
ZnSO4 : Zinc Sulfate
β:G : β:glucan
β:GBP : β:1,3 Glucan Binding Protein

208 DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY


Government of India
Ministry of Science & Technology
Department of Biotechnology
Designed & Printed at : Indu Cards & Graphics, Chawri Bazar, Delhi-06 M. 9811419531

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