Research

Neuroscience Programme:

We study the translation control process in neurons and how RNA-binding proteins with disordered domains contribute to RNP granule assembly and neurodegeneration. We study this in Drosophila and vertebrate models.

Key Collaborators: Prof. Mani Ramaswami (Trinity College, Dublin) and Prof. Leslie Griffith (Brandeis University, Waltham).

Vector-borne diseases Programme:

In addition to our focus on RNA biology, we also study vector-borne diseases. Aedes aegypti is a vector for Flavivirus like Dengue and Zika. We are interested in how these ssRNA viruses replicate in dual hosts (Mosquitoes and Vertebrates) and what host factors and stress pathways contribute to the viral replication.

We apply the tools developed in Drosophila to study the mosquito anatomy and molecular mechanism that make them resilient vectors.

Key Collaborators: Dr. Vinothkumar Kutti Ragunath (NCBS, Bangalore), Dr. Sunil Laxman (inStem, Bangalore), Dr. Dhananjay Chaturvedi (CCMB).