About Us
The regulation of coordinated action of multiple proteins is instrumental in normal functioning of a cell. At Cellular and Structural Biology division, we study proteins which are relevant to reproductive health for their structure-function relationship, protein-protein interactions and functional regulation. The department in engaged in wide range of research projects spanning the areas of reproductive tract cancers- in particular ovarian and prostate cancer, placental biology and pubertal disorders.
PSP94 (beta microseminoprotein) and CRISP3 are two interacting proteins being studied in the lab which show dysregulated expression in prostate cancer and are associated with poor prognosis. In house ELISA assay has been developed for PSP94 and has been evaluated in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. It shows utility of PSP94 as an adjunct marker for serum PSA for differentiating between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Role of PSP94 is being investigated in male fertility. Interactome of mammalian CRISP (cysteine-rich secretory protein) family proteins is being explored and novel interacting partners have been identified. Studies on characterization of Trop2, which is an overexpressed tumor antigen in ovarian and prostate cancer led to identification of its novel cleavage mechanism by a membrane serine protease, matriptase. Active immunotherapeutic strategies targeting Trop2 are being evaluated. In this regard, an immunodominant region has been identified whose immunotherapeutic potential will be tested in animal models.
Since tumorigenesis and placentation bear resemblance in terms of invasive behavior of the cells, lab has untaken studies investigating role of Trop2 and its homologue EpCAM in trophoblasts. Studies are also ongoing to evaluate urinary PLGF as a marker for poor placentation.
With the interest in mechanisms controlling onset of puberty, studies on the neuropeptide kisspeptin-1 (KISS1), and its cognate G-protein coupled receptor, KISS1R have been initiated. The delineation of the important residues implicated in KISS1/KISS1R interaction and a detailed understanding of the life cycle of this hormone-receptor complex is ongoing.
We envisage that findings from our various studies interfacing in vitro system, animal models and human participants will provide important clues to utilize some of these proteins as diagnostic/prognostic markers and/or therapeutic targets. Department also aims to develop indigenous diagnostics and point of care devices; thus contributing towards the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat
People
| Name | Designation |
| Dr. Bhakti Pathak | Scientist ‘F’ and Head |
| Dr. Dhanashree Jagtap | Scientist ‘E’ |
| Dr. Antara Banerjee | Scientist ‘C’ |
| Ms. Ananya Breed | Sr. Technical Officer-1 |
| Mr. Bhalchandra Kulkarni | Technical Officer |
| Ms. Pradnya Kamble | Ph.D. Student |
| Ms Vaidehi Miya | Ph.D. Student |
| Ms Apoorva Pawar | Ph.D. Student |
| Ms Meghali Borkotoky | Ph.D. Student |
| Ms. Jyoti Vishwakarma | Ph.D. Student |
Projects
Ongoing Projects
| Title | Funding Agency |
| Evaluating the role of proteolytic processing of Trop1 and Trop2 in normal placentation and placental pathologies, Funded by | DBT (2021-2024) |
| Delineating the role of human beta-microseminoprotein in male reproduction | ICMR |
| Role of kisspeptin mediated signaling in onset of puberty | SERB Women Excellence Grant |
| Delineation of the role of isoforms of kisspeptin in mammalian reproduction | SERB Start Up Grant |
| Study of kisspeptin receptor oligomerization and its functional significance | BRNS-DAE |
Projects (Completed)
| Title | Funding Agency | From | To |
| Deciphering the role of PSP94 and CRISP family proteins in ion-channel modulation | DST SERB | 2018 | 2021 |
| Developing an immunochromagraphy based strip test to analyze PLGF concentration in the urine for the risk of developing preeclampsia | DHR | 2017 | 2019 |
| Analyzing the effect and mechanism of CRISP3 upregulation during prostate tumorigenesis | DAE-BRNS | 2011 | 2014 |
| PSP94 as an Adjunct Marker for Serum PSA for Differentiating between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer | Intramural | 2018 | 2020 |
| Evaluating the potential of Trop2 as immunotherapeutic target for ovarian cancer | Intramural | 2015 | 2021 |
Contact Us
Telephone: +(91-22)24192125
Email Id: csb[at]nirrch[dot]res[dot]in
| Name | Designation | Email Id | Phone no |
| Dr. Bhakti Pathak | Scientist ‘F’ and HOD | pathakb[at]nirrch[dot]res[dot]in | +(91-22)24192015 |
| Dr. Dhanashree Jagtap | Scientist ‘D’ | jagtapd[at]nirrch[dot]res[dot]in | +(91-22)24192014 |
| Dr. Antara Banerjee | Scientist ‘C’ | banerjeea[at]nirrch[dot]res[dot]in | +(91-22)24192014 |