Research & Development
Projects
Throughout the academic year, both UG and PG students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in compelling dissertation thesis projects within the dynamic fields of developmental biology, cell biology, and animal cell culture. These projects encompass cutting-edge areas, including the exploration of stem cells and CRISPR-based gene editing. Whether pursued individually or in collaborative groups, these projects span a flexible duration of 1-4 months.
comprehensive training
Participating students will receive comprehensive training in key research aspects, such as hypothesis formulation, experimental design and execution, meticulous data collection, thorough analysis, and effective presentation skills. Upon project completion, students are required to compile a detailed report summarizing their findings.
Product Development
CRISPR has emerged as a highly effective method for precise, site-directed genome editing. Our overarching goal is to harness the power of CRISPR-based technology for the development of ultra-sensitive, multiplex methods capable of detecting various disease-causing pathogens in low-volume samples with unparalleled precision and speed. Moreover, we aspire to pioneer the creation of CRISPR-based gene-edited cell lines or cell-derived products that boast exceptional therapeutic value. Through these innovative approaches, we aim to redefine the landscape of diagnostic and therapeutic solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of genomic medicine.
Selected publications of Dr. Kesavan
Innovations in CRISPR-Based Therapies
Gene and cell therapies have shown tremendous advancement in the last 5 years. Prominent examples include the successful use of CRISPR-edited stem cells for treating blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, and ongoing clinical trials for treating blindness.
Prospects for Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies in India
Stem cells offer a promising therapeutic strategy to not only treat several incurable diseases but also regenerate damaged tissues.
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Split Fluorescent Protein Tagging
Genetically encoded fluorescent tags such as green fluorescent protein fused to protein have revolutionized cell biology as they permit high-resolution protein imaging in live systems.
Cell-fate plasticity, adhesion and cell sorting complementarily establish a sharp midbrain-hindbrain boundary
The formation and maintenance of sharp boundaries between groups of cells play a vital role during embryonic development as they serve to compartmentalize cells with similar fates.
Targeted knock-in of CreERT2 in zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9
New genome-editing approaches, such as the CRISPR/Cas system, have opened up great opportunities to insert or delete genes at targeted loci and have revolutionized genetics in model organisms like the zebrafish.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Zebrafish Knock-in as a Novel Strategy to Study Midbrain-Hindbrain Boundary Development
The midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) acts as an organizer and controls the fate of neighboring cells to develop into either mesencephalic (midbrain) or metencephalic (hindbrain) cells by secreting signaling molecules like Wnt1 and Fgf8.
Cdc42-Mediated Tubulogenesis Controls Cell Specification
Understanding how cells polarize and coordinate tubulogenesis during organ formation is a central question in biology.