|Metabolic networks | Nutrient signaling | Biochemical evolution | Synthetic and systems biology | Biochemical information transfer | Cell factories | Resource allocations | Economy of a cell |
"Do. Or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
"Around here we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious......and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney *********************************************************************************************** Welcome to our lab at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC inStem), Bangalore.
Research statement: The goal of our research is to identify the rules, chemical logic and organizational principles of metabolic networks in cells. Cellular systems are messy, with complex interactions among molecules, and in changing environments, making metabolism appear complex. Extracting insights from this complexity presents a serious challenge. Using simple biochemical reconstitutions, and model cellular systems to strip away non-essential bits, we identify key constraints in metabolism and flux regulation, and uncover fundamental organizational principles of cellular metabolic networks. We also build quantitative frameworks to understand resource allocation and metabolic exchange strategies within and between cells - first delineating metabolic constraints, and then imposing/modulating eukaryotic signaling systems that control metabolic outputs.
Our broader goal is to understand how cells are built up, based on the constraints and rules imposed by metabolism.
We apply our fundamental research discoveries are in extreme biology, and synthetic/systems approaches to metabolically engineer cell factories for precision bio-manufacturing applicable to regenerative biology, food and nutraceuticals, and environmental biotechnology (see research or publications).
Research themes include: (i) Organization of cellular metabolic networks and metabolic signaling in space and over time, (ii) How metabolic processes are or can be partitioned between the cytosol and mitochondria - and how mitochondria control coordinated metabolic outputs, (iii) Quantitative analyses of 'metabolic efficiency,' and engineering metabolic processes in cells, (iv) Quantitative understanding of metabolite exchange, cell specialization and division of labor in cell groups & clusters.
Our questions are at the level of the cell, and individual projects will leverage or utilize the cellular system best suited to the basic biological question. Model systems in the lab include S. cerevisiae (yeast), other yeasts, mammalian cells, and basal metazoans.
Training: We are passionate about training the next generation of scientists. Past members have gone on to successful careers in research, teaching, industry, policy and entrepreneurship (see people). The lab pursues cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, chemistry and engineering. We want to hear from prospective students & postdocs.
Training philosophy: we strive to create a lab environment where group members take full ownership of their projects, constructively help and work with each other. When they complete their term in the lab, they are prepared to join what ever job market they choose. The time in the lab is meant to facilitate that path.
Values: We are committed to openscience, preprint our studies, our papers are open access and shared. All strains, reagents and methods are available upon request (see here for more on how to request). We emphasize quality, reproducible research to advance science, and benefit society. Our lab is inclusive and collaborative, with researchers from diverse backgrounds and career destinations.
Collaborations with industry: We collaborate with industry with our expertise in systems and synthetic biology, metabolic microbial (yeasts) engineering, food microbiology, mass spectrometry based metabolomics, and cellular research. Collaborations/partnerships include strategic consulting as well as research collaborations. Our approach is consultative and customizable. Please read more about all we have to offer here.
Funding and support: We gratefully acknowledge the support of theDBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance senior fellowship, from BRIC inStem, Dept. of Biotechnology, the S. Ramachandran National Bioscience Career Development Award (NBIOS) from the Dept. of Biotechnology, an EMBO global/young investigator award, and grants from the Dept. of Biotechnology. Past support includes -the DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance intermediate fellowship, Dept. of Biotechnology Centre of Exellence grant, and the Dept. of Science and Technology- SERB (now ANRF).
Other: I wrote a science column (archive) (note: this does not reflect the views of my employer) on the scientific method, history of science, and the process of discovery. In addition, here are some of my other articles in the mainstream media: 1) On Scaling Indian science 2) On Effectively starting up a new lab (in the Wellcome Trust -DBT IA newsletter) 3) "Who moved my science", a science policy discussion on the Pragati podcast
Contact us email: [email protected] office phone: +91-80-23666580 Office address Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC inStem) GKVK post, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065 India Google map