Page 46 - Annual report 2021-22

Annual Report 2021-22 |

This decision unit focuses on the chemical basis of biological systems. It works at the
interdisciplinary boundary between biology and chemistry to improve fundamental
understanding of molecular biology. Based on this knowledge the participants also provide
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core expertise in designing tools for better biology, by incorporating principles of biophysics
and bio-molecular interactions. For instance, while gene editing has taken biological research
by storm, this group designs CRISPR /Cas based diagnostics and better delivery tools for such
ribonucleoprotein complexes. Assigning function to non-coding RNAs, the large group of
functionally uncharacterized, non-protein-coding transcripts in the cell are indeed a
challenge. Here, multiple groups are trying to understand the role of secondary structures in
governing the function of certain pathologically relevant lncRNAs. How do proteins fold and
how do metabolites in the cellular milieu affect the proper folding of proteins: These are some
of the fundamental questions that investigators in this decision unit are exploring.
Development of formulations for countering natural responses to environmental stress is an
area of strategic importance. Wound healing is studied both from the fundamental and
application point of view by exploring the contributions of various cell types in skin and
developing tissue scaffolds for especially challenging large wounds.

Recent Progress:

● An engineered version of FnCas9 with superior specificity has been developed. Its
efficacy for various types of gene editing is being evaluated.
● A webserver and database for facilitating the use of CRISPR systems has been
released.
● Resources to handhold clinical trials in gene editing have been developed.
● Biodegradable polymers and ionic liquids have been developed for delivery of
CRISPR/Cas systems.
● The role of secondary structures in several lncRNAs, notably, MALAT1, CHAST and
CONCR are being investigated.
● Misfolding changes metabolite levels in E. coli and it uses metabolic alteration as the
preferred pathway for bolstering proteostasis.
● fSynAFP is a formulation, for prior application as a protection against frostbrite. In
animal models, testing of this formulation has shown promising results.
● Conjugated mitochondria outer membrane targeting Amphipathic Tail Anchoring
Peptide (ATAP) to ZnO nanoparticles and attached a cell penetrating peptide on the
nanoparticle surface to target cancer cells, specifically.
● Melanocytes perform a non-canonical role, beyond pigmentation, in wound healing.