Our lab at Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bangalore, studies how RNA form relates to RNA function in microbes, especially in the context of sensing, cell-signaling and gene regulation. Learning from natural RNA sensors and RNA protein regulatory systems, we engineer nucleic-acid based tools for therapeutics and diagnostics.
We are working to develop Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target mRNAs that play direct/indirect roles in antimicrobial resistance and virulence in bacteria. Our current efforts are centered on ESKAPE pathogens.
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We study how stand‐alone RNA machines such as riboswitches and ribozymes organize to attain the chemical complexity required to sense diverse molecules and to perform specific chemistry leading to biological function.
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Structures within coding and noncoding RNAs often interact with specific protein partners to create signal integrating hubs that control gene expression. Using bioinformatics, biochemistry and structural probing methods we study these regulatory mechanisms in bacteria.
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We are interested in the design and engineering of synthetic RNA switches. Currently we are focusing on the Toehold family of switches as a means to develop sensitive viral/microbial diagnostics.
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We are deeply grateful to our past and current funders:
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