Ongoing Research Projects
Dr. Dey and his research team involved in the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins, ion channels, and GPCRs using advanced techniques such as single particle cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, SAXS, and XL-MS. Dey lab integrates biochemical, biophysical, and multi-omics approaches with patient-derived, cellular, and animal models to understand mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disorders, especially atherosclerosis and hypertension. The group routinely employs AKTA FPLC for protein purification and electrophysiology for functional studies. Equipped with facilities for rodent NIBP, ECG, EMG, EEG, and SpOâ‚‚ monitoring. Dey lab regularly works with rat and mice models of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac hypertrophy.
Functional characterisation and X-ray crystallographic structure determination of a novel lectin to design small molecule therapeutics
Understanding the 3-D structure of a protein allows us to visualize the arrangement of its amino acids, its active sites, and to analyse its ligand-binding sites and other structural elements crucial in order to unravel its functions. My research focuses on elucidating the functional properties of a galactose-binding lectin and determining its X-ray crystallographic structure to delve into the molecular interactions between the lectin and different ligands. The insights gleaned from such structural studies can be leveraged for designing drugs or conjugates tailored to target tissues expressing galactosides. Molecular docking study of this lectin can facilitate the identification of potential binding interactions and provide insights into the specificity of the lectin for different ligands. Moreover, exploring the lectin's interaction with cancer cell lines would yield valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of the caspase-mediated apoptosis. By understanding how this lectin engages with cancer cells, we can identify new targets for therapeutic intervention and develop novel strategies for cancer treatment. Furthermore, lectins can be utilised for targeted drug delivery by conjugating drugs with them which would enhance drug delivery to specific target cells while minimizing off-target effects.
Rana Kamei
Post Doctorate
Strcutural based drug discovery against viral disorder
Our project aims to design drugs that can interfere with the structure and function of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Our approach is focused on a protease of the virus which is essential for viral replication inside the host cells. Different techniques, such as isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmin resonance, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, are being employed to study how different molecules interact with this protease and affect its activity. Additionally, we use stern volmer plots to analyse quenching effect and binding affinity, and an assay kit to screen potential drugs that can inhibit the protease and reduce the viral load.
Sarika Bano
PhD Student
research picture
Structural & functional characterisation of human potassium voltage-gated channel to decipher its role in atherosclerosis for therapeutic intervention
Potassium channels are indispensable for orchestrating the normal functioning of the heart. Our research is dedicated to delving into the intricate roles of potassium channels, with a special focus on the ion channel, in the context of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular ailments. In our pursuit to address the global health burden of atherosclerosis, we aim to shed light on the potential involvement of this ion channel in the progression of this disease. We are committed to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the human ion channel through conscientious in vitro and ex vivo investigations, alongside exploring the contribution of other ion channels to this complex pathology. Our approach encompasses a comprehensive methodology, encompassing recombinant cloning, expression, and purification of human potassium channel and structure determination, followed by a thorough exploration utilizing biochemical, biophysical, and electrophysiological techniques. Furthermore, we are poised to develop sophisticated in vitro and ex vivo assays, leveraging cutting-edge cell culture methodologies and ELISA techniques, to meticulously assess the efficacy of potassium channel and other ion channels in mitigating atherosclerosis progression.
Diksha Rani
Vaibhav
Pulkit Soni
Functional Characterisation of Olfactory Receptor in Cardiovascular Diseases
Our work aims to uncover the regulatory, structural, and functional landscape of the novel olfactory receptors and to establish their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular pathology. The study will first elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the expression of these receptors during cardiovascular diseases. It will then define their cardioprotective functions using disease-relevant cellular and molecular models, followed by systematic mapping of the intracellular signaling pathways modulated by these proteins.
The project further includes recombinant production and purification of receptors to enable advanced structural biology investigations. High-resolution three-dimensional structures will be determined using single particle Cry-EM to provide mechanistic insight into receptor function and ligand interaction. Finally, lead molecules targeting these receptors will be identified and subjected to preliminary biochemical and biophysical characterization to evaluate their potential as therapeutic candidates for hypertension and atherosclerosis. Collectively, this integrated approach bridges basic receptor biology with translational drug discovery, offering a foundation for novel cardiovascular therapeutics.
Manish Kumar
Phd Scholar
