Molecular Biology Biotechnology

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY DIVISION

Objective: Assessment, characterization and documentation of fish genomic resources.

Thrust Areas:

• Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic studies of commercially important species
• Physical mapping of genes
• Genetic characterization and population genomics
• Reproductive biotechnology
• Fish cell biotechnology
• Development and maintenance of genomic resources and databases

Salient Achievements:

• Developed a non-invasive technique for rapid extraction of DNA from fish scales
• Generated DNA barcodes over 500 Indian fish species
• Generated chromosome profiles of over 70 fish species
• Physical mapping of rRNA genes in17 fish species using FISH
• Established National Repository of Fish Cell Line and maintaining 50 fish cell line in the NRFC
• Developed cell lines from 10 fish species
• Developed online databases, viz. Fish Karyome, Fish Barcode Information System, Fish Microsatellite and Fish Mitogenome
• Evaluated genotoxicity of aquatic pollutants using cytogenetic and molecular assays using in vivo and in vitro systems
• Gene expression profiling in fishes following heavy metal and pesticide exposure
• Generated protein profile in Labeo rohita
• Molecular modelling,and docking of virus and shrimp proteins involved in white spot disease and screening of potential inhibitors
• Gene expression profiling in fishes following heavy metal and pesticide exposure

Facilities available in the Division:

• High performance computing (HPC) system with CLC Bio and Discovery Studio software
• ABI sequencer 3500
• Fluorescent imaging system
• RT-PCR
• Capillary Electrophoresis system
• 2D-Electrophoresis system and Comet image analysis system.