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Research

Research focuses and future perspectives of the PGIMER Human Brain Bank.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

  • Codon mutations in cases of CJD in Indian population and detection of these mutations in familial cases
  • Serological diagnostic test for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (14-3-3 test already developed and offered as a diagnostic test)

Stem Cell Biology

  • Mapping of resting stem cell pool in the human brain at different ages
  • Response of resting stem cells following head injury and their reparative potential
  • Identifying tumour stem cells in human brain tumours

Neuro-infections

  • Neuropathological evaluation of HIV dementia and its pathogenesis in the Indian context
  • Cytokine profile in neuro-infections, epilepsy and their influence on disease progression (in progress)
  • Proteomics/genomics of CNS infections to identify candidate biomarkers (in progress)
  • Establishment of registries and developing database of neuro-infections for policy planning

Molecular Biology

  • Initiation of molecular genetic studies in various forms of inborn errors of metabolic enzymes
  • Development of cDNA library in normal and neurodegenerative diseases
  • Development of a DNA bank as a research facility for genetically transmitted neurological diseases

Networking & Collaboration

  • Enrol and develop biobanks in the country by networking with likeminded medical colleagues
  • Popularise autopsy service as a vital teaching activity for medical students

Technology Development

  • Develop technology to retrieve brain tissue from frozen state for histological processing without freezing artefacts
  • Enable simultaneous pathomorphological and molecular biological studies from stored material
  • Correlate findings with MRI and molecular imaging in human brain

Education & Museum

  • Developing museum and teaching sets to provide material to medical colleges for undergraduate and postgraduate training (ongoing)
  • MRI imaging of human brain specimens collected at autopsy for neuroanatomical and pathological correlation

Request brain tissue for research

Submit project details, tissue requirements, ethics approvals, and supporting documents through the HBTR Researcher Portal.

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