Page 16 - CTB-1 10 May

16 PIONEERING A NEW FUTURE
L-R: Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, during his visit to the Agharkar Research Institute on 3 February 2016
have developed HPTLC-based method for the authentication of various medicinal plants from western India. Efforts are being made to discover new molecules that inhibit copper-induced toxicity and amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) aggregation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. ARI scientists have also made a mobile application to measure hemoglobin level; the application is extremely relevant in resource-limited rural population, especially school children. Further, microbes and plants are explored for human welfare.
GENETICS & PLANT BREEDING
ARI has collaborated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for more than five decades to develop various food crops. Genetics
and Plant Breeding group has made a significant contribution to meet the country’s challenges such as changing climate, growing population, increasing food needs, natural resource degradation, biotic threats
to crops, and changing consumer food habits. ARI scientists have developed 12 high-yielding varieties, each of wheat and soybean, and one grape variety.
Ischaemum agharkarii Grape variety ARI 516
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
This group focusses on understanding how cell behaviour in the developing embryo directs distinct processes and how genes contribute to its overall development. The institute uses diverse groups of model organisms such as Hydra, Drosophila and Zebrafish, to investigate cell communication, pattern formation, autophagy, and cardiovascular regeneration. ARI scientists have shown that autophagy is not induced in response to starvation. Unlike in most other types of cells, germline cells appear protected from nutrient deprivation’s harmful effects. ARI scientists have discovered molecules required in the neurons which control the development of the ovaries. Another significant contribution by this group is the deciphered role of molecular players involved in the regeneration of the heart and skeletal system using zebrafish as a model organism. Developmental biology group also offers various services ranging from supply of model organisms, toxicity, and pharmacological studies.
Drosophila adult brain showing insulin- producing cells