Presently working on the following research areas.
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors as anti-inflammatory molecules.
The key enzyme involved in acute and chronic inflammatory reaction is PLA2. The powerful anti-inflammatory drug glucocortisosteroid has many side effects. The interest is in finding alternative specific PLA2 inhibitor(s) from various medicinal plants. In addition synthesis and derivatization of potent PLA2 molecules with anti-inflammatory activity is in progress.
Biochemical and pharmacological actions of plant latex proteases:
Blood coagulation and wound healing processes are strictly regulated by proteolytic events. Plant latex is known to control bleeding and is extensively used in folk medicine. Proteases from these plant latex were isolated and characterized for their involvement in blood coagulation and wound healing processes
Clinical significance of hyaluronan degrading enzymes in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions.
Myxedema is the main characteristic feature of hypothyroid condition where the content of hyaluronic acid is elevated. This condition is effectively treated by thyroid hormones. The effect of thyroid hormones on the regulation of hyaluronic acid content by enzymes is currently being investigated.
Dr. K. Kemparaju
Working on the pharmacology of venoms from snakes and spiders.
Anti-venom therapy fails to control the local toxicity of envenomation. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are in demand for the efficient management of the condition. Further, as venoms are known as the depot of molecules that exhibit high target specificity, there is a greater scope for isolation, characterization and understanding the molecular mechanisms of toxins that may serve as prototypes for designing therapeutic molecules. Therefore, the focus is on:
Dr. Gopal Marathe
Dr. Marathe has extensively worked on biologically active phospholipids for the past several years and recently joined the faculty in 2007. Platelet activating factor (PAF) and related lipid molecules are implicated in variety of inflammatory disorders. Although the mechanism of their synthesis is currently not clear, an alternative pathway by which PAF analogues are made by oxidative fragmentation of phospholipids has been identified. Such a pathway is employed extensively during LDL oxidation. The current project involves the identification of such mediators in a variety of inflammatory disorders such as asthma and sepsis.
In another project in collaboration with scientists from Cleveland Clinic Foundation, mechanisms underlying aspirin resistance are currently being investigated.
Status of the Department (FIST/SAP/DRS)
| SL. NO. | STATUS | PHASE | THRUST AREA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FIST | completed |
|
| 2 | SAP | Applied |
|
Individual teachers on-going research projects:
| SL. NO. | NAME | RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE | FUNDING AGENCY | AMOUNT SANCTIONED | DATE OF COMMENCEMENT | EXPECTED DATE OF COMPLETION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr.K.Kemparaju | Studies on the molecular mechanism of antiplatelet and anti-coagulant properties of fibrinogenase from Indian cobra venom | DST | Rs. 22,15,000 | ||
| 2. | Dr.K.Kemparaju | Preparation ofn Antivenin and cross-reactivity of commercial antivenin against Indian king cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah) venom | UGC Major Reasearch grant | Rs. 11,30,000 | May 2009 | April 2012 |
Individual teachers on-going research projects:
| SL. NO. | NAME | RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE | FUNDING AGENCY | AMOUNT SANCTIONED | DATE OF COMMENCEMENT | EXPECTED DATE OF COMPLETION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr.K.Kemparaju | Studies on the molecular mechanism of antiplatelet and anti-coagulant properties of fibrinogenase from Indian cobra venom | DST | Rs. 22,15,000 | ||
| 2. | Dr.K.Kemparaju | Preparation ofn Antivenin and cross-reactivity of commercial antivenin against Indian king cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah) venom | Click here to view UGC Major Reasearch grant | Rs. 11,30,000 | May 2009 | April 2012 |