Research

AchievementsThe network project, Comparative Genomics of non-coding RNA was formulated in 2005-06 in preparation for the 11th five year plan (2007-12).  With seed funding from CSIR, preliminary work to explore the anti-viral activity of certain human microRNAs was studied during this period.  We also solicited participation from scientists at IICT, IICB and NCL to explore areas at the interface of Chemistry and RNA Biology.  A set of specific objectives, that fall into three major areas were drawn up, through discussions at couple of meetings. 
 
  • miRNA and human disease
  • Development of tools for detection and modulation of potentially therapeutic/ diagnostic miRNA
  • Fundamental aspects of non-coding RNA

(click here to see progress)

 

Proposed Work Plan


The detailed work plan as per each objective is described in the project proposal.  The major milestones to be achieved at various times during the project are highlighted below:

 

Milestones

Validation of Antiviral targets

 

Expression patterns of miRNAs

 

Biophysical and structural knowledge of miRNA-target interaction

 

 

 

Validaton of cancer diagnostics

 

 

Functional validation of diabetes related miRNA-targets

 

 

Development of any potential anti-viral miRNA based diagnostic/ therapeutic, if identified

 

Repeat based Expression Profiling platform development

Identification of auto-regulatory loops and switches in miRNA regulation

 

 

Development of any potential anti-viral miRNA based diagnostic/ therapeutic, if identified

 

Targeted delivery of miRNAs to specific sites in the body (animal studies)

2007-8

2008-9

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

0

Year

 

 

 

 Proposed Deliverables

(click here to see achieved deliverables)

 

 

60-80 SCI Publications

 

A diagnostic bio-marker for at least one (three proposed) disease

 

At least one (three proposed) lipid based receptor and tissue specific transfection vectors for packaging and delivery of miRNAs

 

At least one novel methodology for miRNA detection/ validation/ discovery

 

Around 4 patents/copyrights

 

Manpower and knowledge generation in integrative biology