Regional Centre for Biotechnology

The research group led Dr. Nagendra Hegde from BRIC-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in collaboration with Madurai Kamaraj University and Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, have elucidated the whole genome of Mammaliicoccus sciuri, a bacterium associated with mastitis in cows. Bovine mastitis is an important condition that impacts the economy of production of milk and milk products. The condition is majorly caused by bacteria. Besides understanding the composites of bacterial species that can cause mastitis, it is important to comprehend the ability of these bacteria to cause infection and survive in the face of antibiotic treatment. One of the predominant groups of bovine mastitis causing bacteria are staphylococci and mammaliicocci. The team has elucidated the complete genome of an isolate of Mammaliicoccus scuiri (Genome Accession No. INGCA000000142). Analysis showed that it contained genes which could express virulence factors relating to antibiotic resistance, adherence, enzymes, cell surface components and intracellular survival. The study has wider implications for the animal health, milk quality and food security, and consequences to public health. The genome analysis revealed genes for resistance to several antimicrobials, some metals, disinfectants and antiseptics, and those involved in adherence and intracellular survival, uncovering pathogenic potential. Some virulence determinants were located in genomic islands, suggesting possible horizontal transfer events. These findings have implications not only for milk quality and food security but also for animal health, with possible consequences to public health. Rajesh Gokhale Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India CSIR India Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics BRIC-Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) Institute of Life Sciences Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) BRIC NABI National Brain Research Centre BRIC-NCCS Pune BRIC-National Institute of Immunology BRIC - National Institute of Plant Genome Research - NIPGR Rajiv Gandhi Centre For Biotechnology (RGCB) Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)

A collaborative research group led by BRIC-BRIC-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) elucidated the complete genome of a Staphylococcus aureus strain (Genome Accession No. INGCA000000140) isolated from a case of bovine mastitis. This methicillin-sensitive strain belonged to spa type t021, multi-locus sequence type 243 (ST243), and clonal complex 30 (CC30). Its genome carried markers associated with efflux pumps and genes conferring resistance to quinolones and metallothiols. Other virulence determinants included genes related to adherence and biofilm formation and those encoding immune evasion proteins, secretion systems, and toxins including enterotoxins and hemolysins. This is part of the first study to present a comprehensive whole-genome analysis of bovine mastitis-associated S. aureus isolates from India. Bovine mastitis is an economically devastating disease that causes inflammation of the mammary glands in dairy cows due to physical trauma and microorganism infections. Mastitis can lead to reduced quality and quantity of milk from the cows and is thus a major economic burden for dairy farmers. The symptoms include fever, hard, hot, or red quarter of the udder and the milk appears watery with presence of flakes and clots. There is a possibility of transmission of infection to humans if the milk is consumed raw. Rajesh Gokhale India DST CSIR India Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics BRIC-National Institute of Immunology BRIC-Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) RGCB - Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology Institute of Life Sciences BRIC - National Institute of Plant Genome Research - NIPGR Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) BRIC NABI BRIC-NCCS Pune Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)

We are proud to announce that our three young researchers, Ojaswi Singh, Dhruvin Patel and Karishma Maddheshiya, have won the ABLE - Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises' BEST 2024 national competition held on December 14. Representing the North Zone, they showcased their prototype on sustainable carbon dioxide capture. They were mentored by Dr. Nidhi Adlakha from Regional Centre for Biotechnology & Dr. Shashi Kumar from ICGEB. Department of Biotechnology | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) | Arvind Sahu | nidhi adlakha . . . . . . . #BESTprogramme #Entrepreneurship #SustainableTech #CO2capture

Prof. Kalai Mathee will be at RCB today to give a talk on improving manuscript writing skills. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Medical Microbiology, a current Council Member and Trustee of the Microbiology Society, and an Editor of mBio. #ScientificWriting #WritingSkills

As I stand here today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. To the esteemed chief guests,Prof. Dr. Ajay K. Sood and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, your inspiring words touched my heart and reminded me of the power of perseverance and passion — your speech will stay with me for years to come. Thank you Regional Centre for Biotechnology for your tireless efforts in making this convocation a truly unforgettable experience. And to my PhD guides, Manna sir and Madhusudan Reddy Nandineni sir, words cannot express how deeply thankful I am for your guidance, wisdom, and belief in me. Your support has been the anchor through the toughest moments and the encouragement that pushed me forward. This journey has been challenging, but with all of you by my side, it has been incredibly rewarding. I will forever carry the lessons, the struggles, and the triumphs with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Last but not least thank you Vysakh Sivasankaran for motivation to achieve this milestone.

🎓 Congratulations, Dr. Sudipta Chakraborty! 🎓 We are delighted to share that Sudipta Chakraborty, under the supervision of Dr. Moulinath Acharya, has been awarded a Ph.D. from Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB). 💡 Thesis Title: “Genome-wide association study of primary angle closure glaucoma in the Indian population.” This remarkable work sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of primary angle closure glaucoma, a major cause of vision impairment. It offers new insights into the disease biology in Indian population. We wish him the very best for a bright future ahead! 🌟 Department of Biotechnology #PhD #biotechnology #genomics #GlaucomaResearch #ScientificExcellence

Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, participated today as the Chief Guest of the 3rd Convocation Ceremony of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology. In his convocation address, Prof. Sood highlighted the role of biotechnology in addressing global and regional challenges, its significant contribution to India's economic aspirations, and the importance of fostering academia-industry partnerships to advance innovations like CAR-T cell therapy and indigenous vaccine development. He emphasized the need for strategic initiatives such as the Bio E3 Policy and the National Deep Tech Startup Policy, which can enhance India’s biotech ecosystem. Prof. Sood also encouraged the graduates to adapt to evolving technologies and integrate their learning to create a sustainable future while contributing to India's leadership in biotechnology and innovation. Other dignitaries who participated in the event included Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Chairman, Board of Governors of Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr Arvind Sahu, Executive Director, Regional Centre for Biotechnology; and Prof. R.P. Roy, Dean, Regional Centre for Biotechnology.

🌟We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Student Teams (BEST) 2024 National Final! The BEST program has been fostering entrepreneurial spirit among biotechnology students. This initiative encourages graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students to develop their entrepreneurial acumen by addressing challenges in biosciences commercialization and presenting innovative ideas to an esteemed jury. Over the years, the program has been a launchpad many biotech startups, many of which have brought laurels to India on the global stage. 🏆 Winners: ✨ First Place: Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana Team: Dhruvin Patel, Ojaswi Singh, Karishma Maddheshiya ✨ First Runner-Up: Manipur University Team: Elangbam Diana Devi, Leishangthem Hilemba Meitei, Linika Tayenjam Congratulations to all the participants for their exceptional ideas and efforts! A big thank you to our sponsors Novonesis & Yokogawa and our Regional Academic Partners who supported and contributed to the success of this competition. Here's to building a brighter future for biotechnology in India and beyond! Krishnan G S Murali Panchapagesa Muthuswamy Deepanwita Chattopadhyay Ezhil Subbian Ravi Bhola Dr. Balasubramanya S Manipur University, Imphal Regional Centre for Biotechnology Sowmya Shresth M Sarkar Sridhar Ramanathan Amity University, Noida Vellore Institute of Technology KIIT School of Biotechnology D Y Patil University Navi Mumbai, School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Department of Biotechnology Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) IT BT Department, Karnataka K-tech Biotechnology Facilitation Cell Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society

Prof. Pablo Ivan Nikel from Denmark Technical University will discuss the essential function of thymidylate kinase in Pseudomonas putida using synthetic biology tools on 18th December. #RCBSeminar #SyntheticBio

93 students were awarded their MS and PhD degrees on the 3rd Convocation Day of RCB. Some glimpses from the ceremony. #PhD #MS #ConvocationDay2024 #RCBConvocationDay