Ancient DNA Research

Extracting and analyzing DNA from archaeological remains to reconstruct past human migrations and interactions.

• Objective: Sequence aDNA from Roopkund Lake, Harappan (Rakhigarhi), and Gangetic plain remains to validate ancient migration models.
• Methods: NGS-based sequencing in a dedicated aDNA cleanroom, using EAGER and PALEOMIX protocols for data analysis.
• Outcomes: India’s first comprehensive aDNA dataset, resolving debates on Steppe, Iranian, and indigenous ancestry contributions.

Forensic Genetics and Applications

Developing and applying DNA-based methods for human identification in criminal and civil cases.

• Objective: Develop DNA-based forensic tools for criminal investigations, paternity testing, and mass disaster identification.
• Methods: STR and SNP-based profiling, mitochondrial DNA sequencing, and forensic bioinformatics for mixed DNA samples.
• Outcomes: Enhanced forensic capabilities for Indian law enforcement, improved identification accuracy, and contributions to national DNA databases.

Medical Genomics and Lifestyle Disease Screening

Investigating genetic factors underlying diseases prevalent in Indian populations to improve diagnostics and therapeutics.

• Objective: Identify genetic variants linked to lifestyle diseases, including diabetes (e.g., TCF7L2 variants), cardiovascular diseases (e.g., APOE, PCSK9 variants), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (e.g., 25bp MYBPC3 deletion), alongside adaptive traits (e.g., lactose persistence, skin pigmentation).
• Methods: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), selection scans (XP-EHH, PBS), and targeted gene sequencing on 7800 existing samples and new datasets, with specific panels for MYBPC3, TCF7L2, and cardiovascular risk genes.
• Outcomes: Screening protocols for high-risk South Asian populations, contributions to Indian biobanks, and precision medicine advancements.

Infectious Disease Screening and Genomic Surveillance

• Objective: Develop genomic screening tools for infectious diseases, focusing on COVID-19 susceptibility and resistance, and monitor pathogen evolution.
• Methods: Whole-genome sequencing of host (e.g., ACE2, TMPRSS2 variants) and pathogen DNA, variant analysis, and phylogenetic tracking of viral strains (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 variants). RT-PCR and NGS-based diagnostics for rapid screening.
• Outcomes: Rapid diagnostic tools, insights into host-pathogen interactions, and contributions to national and global infectious disease surveillance systems.

Plant Genomics

Decoding genomes of important crops to enhance yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.

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