We are excited to share our new publication in the Journal of Cell Science, which reveals the presence of a subpopulation of P-bodies (PBs) and Stress Granules (SGs) at the ER-mitochondria contact sites (ERMCSs).

The parasites that cause leishmaniasis promote their own survival in the human host by manipulating a cellular process called ‘autophagy’ in cells of the host’s immune system, called macrophages. Dr. Shailza Singh and her student AT BRIC - National Centre for Cell Science developed mathematical models to simulate autophagy modulation in response to the parasite, and investigate how this influences their survival. The main findings of this research work are summarized below.

Researchers at BRIC - National Centre for Cell Science have shown that HuD becomes a master regulator of nerve cell apoptosis by regulating Msi2 levels in the cell. The study offers insights into the molecular players and pathways involved, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for addressing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Fat Genes, Fat Wallets: Study from BRIC-NIBMG, in collaboration with JNU, discovers how Genetics and socio-demography matters in childhood obesity

Tumour suppressor p53 is the most well-known molecule which prevents cancer. We now show that apart from its very well characterized transactivation function, p53 can also cause repression of its target genes by directly recruiting the DREAM complex to its target promoters. This work from the lab of Dr. Sagar Sengupta (BRIC NIBMG), published in The EMBO Journal, opens up an area of research where newer targets of p53 can be explored to prevent carcinogenesis.

A new publication from the laboratory of Dr T R Santhoshkumar (Scientist, BRIC-RGCB) appeared in the journal "Free Radical Biology and Medicine" and the title of the manuscript is "HYPOXIA INDUCED MITOPHAGY GENERATES REVERSIBLE METABOLIC AND REDOX HETEROGENEITY WITH TRANSIENT CELL DEATH SWITCH DRIVING TUMORIGENESIS".

A new publication from the laboratory of Dr Dileep Vasudevan (Scientist, BRIC-RGCB) appeared in the journal "Journal of Biological Chemistry" and the title of the manuscript is "Structure-function studies of a nucleoplasmin isoform from Plasmodium falciparum".

A new publication from the laboratory of Dr Rakesh S. Laishram (Scientist, BRIC-RGCB) appeared in the journal "Redox Biology" and the title of the manuscript is "Cleavage site heterogeneity at the pre-mRNA 3′-untranslated region regulates gene expression in oxidative stress response".

Research by the group of Dr. Sagar Sengupta (BRIC-NIBMG and BRIC-NII) has discovered a phosphorylated 20-mer peptide which can dissociate inactive ATM dimers into active monomers and thereby act as an ATM agonist. This ATM agonist can be used to activate DNA damage response and thereby act as a bulwark against the initiation of cancer.

iBRIC -inStem study revealed Poly-A Binding Protein PABP2 regulates stem cell differentiation after injury in Planaria