The leads obtained through basic research will be taken for translational activities towards:
– Improvement of livestock productivity and health
– Mass multiplication of elite genotypes
– Animal bioreactors for the production of bioactive molecules with pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and industrial value.
– Development of diagnostics and newer effective vaccines

Primary objective is to have a precise understanding of the structure, organization, function, expression and regulation of genes in livestock.

To develop annotated sequences of cattle, buffalo and poultry genomes, discover genes of interest for exploiting in targeted animal improvement.

The list of specializations within this area includes:

– Structural genomics
– Functional genomics
– Application genomics

Transgenics and Animal Biotech products

Transgenic farm animals are important in human medicine as sources of biologically important proteins, as donors in Xenotransplantation and also for research in cell and gene therapy.

The thrust will be on biopharming, development of designer livestock and livestock products
The key areas of focus will be:

– Production of pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules
– Safety and quality of transgenic livestock and livestock products
– Cost cutting technologies for large scale production of reproductive hormones

Reproductive Biotechnology

This group will focus on the application of biotechnology tools for rapid multiplication of genetically superior/ enhanced animals.
NIAB will set up collaborations for large scale application of reproductive technologies in the nationally managed dairy herd.

The list of specializations within this area includes:

– Animal cloning
– Stem cell research
– Safety and quality control standards for production of gametes and embryo
– Addressing infertility problems

Ongoing Research Projects:

Effect of kisspeptin on endocrine profile and follicular dynamics in buffaloes. PI: Dr. Sathya Velmurugan; Funding Agency: DBT; Collaborators: Dr. Arunakumari Gangineni, College of Veterinary Science, PVNR TVU, Dr. Madhuri Subbiah (NIAB) and Dr. T. Raghunandan (PVNR TVU).

– Bacterial Diseases
– Viral Diseases
– Protozoan Diseases

One of the major thrust areas will be on developing methods for livestock protection, other than through conventional vaccines.
Development of diagnostics for major animal diseases, especially through the use of recombinant proteins and quality control.

The key areas of focus will be:

– DNA vaccines
– Marker vaccines
– RNA therapeutics
– Nano diagnostics and medicines
– Novel adjuvants and antibodies
– Anti viral drugs

Ongoing Research Projects:

– A study to understand the genetic variations among the field isolates of porcine circo viruses from piggery farms in Mizoram, with ultimate aim to engineer an effective recombinant chimeric DIVA vaccine. PI: Dr. Madhuri Subbiah, Funding agency: DBT-NER Twinning program, Collaborator: Dr. Rajkhowa, CAU, Mizoram; Duration: 2016-2019.

– To develop novel therapeutics for brucellosis: Identification and characterization of host factors supporting Brucella replication. PI: Dr. Girish K Radhakrishnan, Funding agency: DBT; Duration: 2016-2019.

– Genome-wide association study for identification of novel loci associated with resistance to Theileriosis in India. PI: Dr. Paresh Sharma; Funding agency: DBT; Duration: 2016-2019.

– Identification of virulence factors associated with Theileria annulata infection in Indian Cattle. PI: Dr. Paresh Sharma; Funding agency: DBT; Duration: 2016-2019.

– Genotyping of Newcastle disease virus strains: Biological and Molecular Characterization. PI: Dr. Madhuri Subbiah, Funding agency: Globion Pvt Ltd, Duration: 2015 – 2017.

– Understanding the immune mechanism of host disease resistance and development of marker vaccines and DIVA tests for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). PI: Dr. Girish K Radhakrishnan; Funding Agency: DBT-BBSRC, Collaborating institutes: TANUVAS, IVRI and The Pirbright Institute, UK. Duration: 2015-2018.

– Elucidation of the role of non-structural (W) protein of avian paramyxoviruses. PI: Dr. Madhuri Subbiah, Funding agency: DBT, Duration: 2015 – 2018.

– Identification of proteins correlating with virulence/disease pathogenesis during Bovine Mastitis. PI: Dr. Paresh Sharma; Funding agency: DBT; Duration: 2015-2018.

– Characterization of transglycosylases associated with cell wall biogenesis in Vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. PI: Dr Vasundhra Bhandari; Funding agency: DST- INSPIRE; Duration: 2015-2020.

– Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Natural Compounds for Therapeutic use in Mastitis of Dairy Animal. PI: Dr. Paresh Sharma; Funding agency: NMPB; Collaborator: Prof. P. Reddanna, Univ. of Hyderabad; Duration: 2014-2017.

– To develop novel diagnostic assays for brucellosis: Identification and characterization of immunodominant antigens of Brucella. PI: Dr. Girish K Radhakrishnan, Funding from NIAB Core, Duration: 2014-2019.

– Role of gamma Delta T cells in inflammation. PI: Dr. Aparna Rachamallu; Funding agency: DST- WOS-A; Duration: 2014-2017.

– Molecular characterization of TIR domain-containing protein from Brucella. PI: Dr. Girish K Radhakrishnan, Funding from NIAB Core; Duration: 2014-2019.

– Establishment of Reverse genetics system for Newcastle disease virus strain Komarov. PI: Dr. Madhuri Subbiah, Funding form NIAB Core, Duration: 2014 – 2017.

– Characterization of cell cycle regulators associated with DNA replication machinery in Toxoplasma gondii”. PI: Dr. Abhijit S. Deshmukh; Funding agency: DST-INSPIRE, Duration: 2013-2018.