Environmental Genomics and Computational Biology
Applying Genomics to Combat Environmental Crises
Mission
Research for sustainability is the theme of the lab. We apply genomics and metagenomics to investigate environmental issues, understand marginalized ethnic people and their habitats as well as their food habits and livelihood patterns. Along with that we also collaborate with compatible research groups to understand drug repurposing and study complex pathogen genomes with the help of computational biology and bioinformatics tools.
Sneak Peak Into The Focus Areas
Sundarban Metagenomics
The Sundarban metagenome encompasses the diverse genetic material found in the Sundarbans’ unique ecosystem, the world’s largest mangrove forest spanning India and Bangladesh. This region’s metagenome includes mostly bacteria and also fungi, archaea, and viruses thriving in its saline, brackish waters, and muddy sediments. Analyzing the Sundarban metagenome provides insights into the microbial diversity, ecological functions, and adaptive mechanisms in this harsh environment. It reveals the potential for novel bioactive compounds, enzymes, and genes that can be harnessed for biotechnology, medicine, and environmental conservation. Understanding the metagenome is vital for preserving the Sundarbans’ biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change and human activities. Our lab has already reported both endophytic and rhizospheric metagenomes from several true mangroves and ferns.
Gut Microbiome and Tribal Nutrigenomics
Tribal nutrigenomics explores the interaction between diet, genes, and health within indigenous populations, emphasizing traditional foods’ impact on genetic expression. This field examines how ancestral diets shape the gut microbiome, the complex community of microorganisms in the digestive tract. Unique dietary practices of tribal communities, often rich in natural, unprocessed foods, influence the diversity and functionality of their gut microbiome. Studying these interactions can reveal insights into disease prevention, nutritional needs, and overall health optimization tailored to these populations, bridging ancestral wisdom with modern scientific understanding to promote well-being in tribal communities. Our work currently focuses to identify the GBP of representative members of three tribes of West Bengal (Savar, Mech and Bhutia) to generate an insight into their food habits and screen gut microbes which can be associated with undernourishment.
Genomics Guided Drug Screening
The wastewater resistome refers to the collection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) present in wastewater environments. These environments, often polluted with antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, serve as breeding grounds for resistant bacteria.
ARGs can be transferred among bacterial populations through horizontal gene transfer, exacerbating the spread of antibiotic resistance. Monitoring and mitigating the wastewater resistome is crucial to combat the global threat of antibiotic resistance, as it poses significant risks to public health by potentially reintroducing resistant bacteria into natural water systems and human communities. Our lab is mapping the spread of the resistome using a source – sink hypothesis and has already identified and sequenced the genomes of multidrug resistant strains of Shigella, E.coli and Stenotrophomonas sp. Apart from that we have started to explore therapeutic avenues against these bacteria by isolating drug like leads from herbal extracts.
COPD Microbiome
The COPD nasal metagenome comprises the genetic material of microbial communities in the nasal passages of individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This unique microbiome plays a crucial role in respiratory health, potentially influencing disease severity and progression. COPD alters the nasal microbiome, often leading to a reduction in microbial diversity and an increase in pathogenic species. Studying the nasal metagenome in COPD patients can reveal important microbial shifts and their links to inflammation, exacerbations, and overall lung function. These insights can help develop targeted therapies to restore microbial balance, improve respiratory health, and enhance the quality of life for COPD sufferers. This is a comparatively new project in the lab and we are currently at the nascent stage of this work.
Prospective Team Members
Candidates should be motivated, dedicated with excellent oratory and interpersonal skills. The most valued criteria is the ability to be selfless and work for the betterment of the team. We also encourage people with extracurricular skills and interest in sports.
How to get in touch?
Candidates interested in applying for Ph.D. and Postdoctoral positions are encouraged to contact me for preliminary inquiries. With their resume and a research statement (1page) highlighting their previous research experience, their motivation for pursuing this line of research and what they would like to do in the lab.