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