Central Government Departments

 

Indian Vaccines Corporation Limited, Gurgaon Department of Bio-Technology

The Indian Vaccines Corporation Limited (IVCOL) was incorporated as a joint venture company in March 1989 to undertake research and development and manufacture of viral vaccines. Due to problems arising out of change in product mix and technology transfer the company is on hold since February, 1992.

The decision of the Cabinet to restructure IVCOL and to utilize the assets created has been substantially implemented. The National Brain Research Centre has been established on the premises. The pattern of shareholding in the Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (IPCL), one of the promoters of IVCOL, has changed with the acquisition of controlling shares of IPCL by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). The new management of IPCL has submitted a proposal for acquisition of controlling shares of IVCOL and revival of the company. The proposal has been considered and is being submitted to the competent authority for its decision shortly. It is expected that within the next few months IVCOL will be restructured and revived.

 

Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Limited Bulandshahar Department of Bio-Technology

Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation Limited, (BIBCOL) was incorporated in March 1989 as a Public Sector company at Village Chola, Distt. Bulandshahar, U.P., to manufacture Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and other immunobiologicals. It is a highly modern manufacturing facility which follows Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as specified by WHO and US Federal Standards.

The company has been formulating Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) from imported bulk since January 1996 and about 700 million doses have been supplied to the National Immunization Programme. This includes OPV supplied through UNICEF. The company is making profit in its current operations for last few years. As a result of this it has been possible to achieve a one-time settlement with the financial institutions and banks. It has paid Rs.28.54 crores to financial institutions and banks under the said settlement. The company’s net worth has become positive and, therefore, it has been discharged from the purview of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provision) Act, 1985 in August 2002. Process of obtaining cabinet approval for financial restructuring of the company to give effect to one time settlement with Banks and Financial Institutions is at advanced stage.

During the year 2002-03 the company is expected to formulate 125 million doses of OPV from imported bulk and supply the same to the National Immunization Programme.

 

National Centre For Cell Sciences, Pune Department of Bio-Technology

The National Centre for Cell Sciences, Pune (NCCS) was established as a national repository of animal cell culture. It also has the mandate to conduct manpower development programmes in animal tissue culture, to extend infrastructural facilities to researchers and institutions in biochemical sciences, and to conduct state-of-the-art R&D in allied areas.

Cell Repository : This Facility is providing hundreds of cell cultures and different cell lines to several research institutions in the country. The culture collection has increased to 1127 cultures derived from 25 different species, including hybridomas.

Research : The institute at present is doing basic research in the area of cryopreservation technology for bone marrow, bio-equivalent skin for transplantaion in burns, nevi and vitiligo cases, development of cell cultures from commercially important invertebrates and vertebrates, endemic and non-endemic sera for IgG4 antibodies of Setaria digitata antigen, identification of melanoma oncogenes, epithelial- mesenchyumal transition, in vitro studies on molecular and cellular interaction lipopolysaccharide with human intestinal mesenchymal cells, study of haemozoin and the effect of protein alteration on the fetuses whose mother faced a low protein diet throughout gestation.

Major leads towards development of product/process :

i. Cryopreservation of bone marrow to enable setting up of stem cell banks

ii. Cultured fetal hepatocytes for preparation of bio-artificial liver support device in case of acute and chronic liver failure.

The institute continues to create a scientific base and focusses its activities on pursuit of fundamental research and solutions derived for tangible public utility. The centre has made very good progress in basic research in providing services to the scientific community.

 

National Brain Research Centre, New Delhi Department of Bio-Technology

The field of neurosciences is developing rapidly all over the world. The need to look at the totality of the area in terms of the functioning of the brain at the molecular, cellular, genetic and behavioural levels to address major neurological diseases has been fully recognized.

The Department established a dedicated centre for Brain Research, named as National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) on the 14th November, 1997. This centre is didecated to provide infrastructural facilities and a coordinated multidisciplinary team to work at the frontiers of neuroscience research and network the existing groups and whenever required create satellite units to catalyze the overall growth of this discipline in the country .This system of networking will create and encourage local talent and by a judicious exchange of workers between the peripheral centres and the core centre. Besides research, the centre provides a national level nucleus for comprehensive training and teaching in diverse fields of neurosciences.

Mandate

i. To consolidate, network and undertake basic research of a high calibre in neurosciences and function oriented activities;

ii. To encourage and augment effective linkages between various scientific and research agencies/laboratories and other organizations working in the field of brain research;

iii. To serve as a national apex centre for brain research and to provide consultancy services to other institutions, agencies and industries;

iv. To carry out research related to function of brain in diseased and normal conditions;

v. To establish linkages with recognized national and/or international universities and research institutions of higher learning in fields relevant to objectives of the centre;

vi. To establish one or more satellite centres covering different regions of country for efficient achievement of the objectives of the main centre;

vii. To collect, publish and disseminate information on aspects relevant to neurosciences to the scientific community;

viii. To promote neurosciences research at different centres in the country and encourage scientist from universities, research institutions and industry for undertaking research.

 

National Centre for Plant Genome Research New Delhi Department of Bio-Technology

The National Centre for Plant Genome Research has been established by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of India’s independence as well as birth anniversary of Prof. (Dr.) J.C. Bose. The formal announcement was made on November 30th 1997.

The establishment of the Centre followed several years of intensive research on various facets of both fundamental as well as applied aspects of plant molecular biology, under the auspices of the DBT-sponsored Centre for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB) in the School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Consequently the research projects of four principal investigators who initiated the CPMB constitute the ongoing research programme of the Centre. With the identification of chickpea (Cicero arietinum) as a mandate crop of the Centre to pursue genomic studies, the focus of the research is slowly shifting to chickpea genomics. The programme at the moment is being implemented from the CPMB building and is expected to continue there till the NCPGR has its own research labs.

The term genome refers to an organism’s complete set of genes and genomics refers to a scientific discipline of mapping, sequencing and analyzing genomes. Genomic research seeks to understand how genes and genomes are structured, how they have evolved and how they function? Application of genomics to study the crop species offers special opportunities for innovative approaches for combining information on DNA sequences with their function. The knowledge of plant genomes is required to accelerate the process of plant improvement, greater assurance of food security, extended uses of plant products and to enhance the utility and value of crop plants beyond traditional uses.

Understanding the genetic composition of plants and the function of their genes will greatly accelerate traditional approaches to plant improvement by breeding. The National Centre for Plant Genome Research (though formally registered with the Registrar of Societies, Delhi on July 16, 1998), started functioning with skeleton administrative and secretarial staff consisting of five members with effect from April 1998. The Centre has also taken on its roll nineteen scientific and technical staff inclusive of seven scientists from the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB) established by the Department of Biotechnology, which has been integrated into the NCPGR w. e. f 1.4.1998 in consonance with Clause XXII of the Memorandum of Association of the Centre. As the Center’s own buildings are yet to come up, it has initiated its research activities from the buildings of the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology on the JNU Campus. The Camp Office of the Centre has been located in the International Guest House on the JNU Campus.

The Centre has been allocated 15 acres of land by the Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi on its campus for location of the National Centre for Plant Genome Research. The construction of building has been in progress.

Ph.D. PROGRAMME

The Ph. D. Programme of the Centre was launched in the academic year 2001-2002. This is a long term training programme of the Institute leading to Ph. D. degree of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi in addition of short term training programmes that the Institute organizes periodically for which the scientists of the other institutes are eligible. The scholars are admitted to this programme on the basis of a national level competitive examination and interviews from amongst a large number of applicants all over the country. The Centre has admitted a total of 16 students in the last two years of its Ph. D. programme. The selected scholars are required to do first course work for a period of six months, which is followed by research work on different areas of Plant Genomics in various laboratories.

 

National Institute Of Immunology New Delhi Department of Bio-Technology

The National Institute of Immunology (NII) has the mandate to undertake, aid, promote, guide and coordinate research of high calibre in basic and applied immunology. The institute continues to create a scientific base and focusses its activities in the pursuit of fundamental research, and solutions derived for tangible public utility with pragmatic entrepreneurial partnership.

i. To undertake, aid, promote, guide and coordinate research of high calibre in basic and applied immunology.

ii. To carry out reserearch for development of new vaccines and immunological reagents for communicable diseases.

iii. To develop immunological approaches for regulation of male and female fertility.

iv. To interact with industry for manufacture of vaccines and immunological reagents

v. To organize postgraduate courses, workshops, seminars, symposia and training programmes of a specialized nature in the field of immunology, vaccine development and related areas

vi. To organize training programmes for technicians in immunological methods and related techniques

vii. To establish affiliation with recognized universities and instituteions of higher learning for the purpose of enabling research scholars to register for postgraduate degrees

viii. To serve as a National Reference Centre for immunology and to provide consultancy services to medical and veterinary institutions, publich health agencies and industries in the country

ix. To provide and promote effective linkages on a continuing basis between various scientific and research agencies/laboratories and toehr organizations working in the country in the field of immunology, vaccine development and related areas

x. To collaborate with foreign research institutions, laboratories and other international organizations in fields relevant to the objectives mentioned above

The institute during its formative years was a recipient of UNDP grants to develop immunodiagnostic kits relevant to tropical climates. This led to the development of diagnostic kits for the detection of pregnancy, typhoid, hepatitis B and amoebiasis. The institute has so far developed, validated and technololgy transfered to the industry, the following diagnostic kits: two kits for pregnancy, one each for typhoid, hepatitis B, amoebic liver abscess and intestinal amoebiasis. Product stabilization, quality assurance and packaging facilities, have been established. The institute has produced the technology for seed culture for the leprosy vaccine based on Mycobacterium. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- based DNA probes have been designed for tuberculosis and for transfusion jaundice-causing hepatitis B virus.

The Institute has developed an ELISA test to detect the presence of HIV- 1 and HIV-2 Antibodies in serum with high specificity to the local strains. The test is designed for use by AIDS surveillance centres and blood banks and will be a suitable substitute for improved kits. The Institute has major projects on developing immunological contraceptives like the birth control B-hCG based contraceptive vaccine, universally-effective epitope- based vaccines, strategies to optimize vaccine design, production, formulation and delivery, and the optimization of recombinant expression systems for the production of immunogens, the leprosy vaccine using Mycobacterium, applications in reproductive biology such as pregnancy detection and embryo sexing in animals of agricultural interest, in vitro fertilization, establishment of techniques for embryo preservation, induced breeding and related areas.

The institute also carries out basic research in the area of immunology. NII has filed several Indian and foreign patents. It maintains eight international patents. NII has succeeded in developing a repository of high quality immunological reagents, restriction enzymes and plasmids. The institute is a collaborating centre for the national mission project on cattle herd improvement through embryo transfer technology. The institute has initiated a project to establish the technology for generating transgenic animals.

 

The Institute of Life Sciences Bhuvaneswar Department of Bio-Technology

The Institute of Life Sciences started a decade back. It was, undeniably, a farsighted initiative by the Govt. of Orissa, Department of Science and Technology. Life Sciences had already gathered enough momentum to leap into the twenty-first century as the major field of investigation among various branches of Sciences. It was indeed the ripe time to start in Orissa a center conducting studies into the advanced aspects of bio-sciences. The Institute is ready to face the new millenium with all its hopes and expectations, challenges and opportunities. Life Science is expected to contribute tremendously in the new millenium towards alleviating human suffering and ameliorating the quality of human life. And, appropriately enough, the Institute of Life Sciences has adapted these challenges as its goal, as its opportunities. The Institute has embarked molecular biology and the bio-technological researches related to Agriculture, Health and Environment.

Objectives

i. To conduct basic and applied research in frontier areas of Life Science.

ii. To promote interaction among scientist, conduct interdisciplinary research and collaborate with teaching and research institute.

iii. To provide except advice to various agencies application of the new finding

iv. To hold conferences, symposia, workshop etc.

v. To provide advance training to post M.Sc. Students leading to M.phil and Ph.D degree.

 

Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, Manipur Department of Bio-Technology

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at Imphal, Manipur as an autonomous Institute of the DBT during its meeting held on 16th January, 2001. The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) has been registered as a Society under the Manipur Societies Registration Act, 1989 (Manipur Act (1) of 1990) on 26th April, 2001.

Mission

Bioresources development and their sustainable use through biotechnological interventions for the socio-economic growth of the region.

Goal

Scientific management of bioresources in the Indian region falling under Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.

Objectives

a. To set up the state-of-the-art biotechnology research facilities at Imphal which is at the centre of the Indo-Burmese biodiversity hotspot for sustainable development of bioresources using tools of modern biology.

b. To study and document the unique biodiversity of bio-geographic junction of the Indian and oriental landmasses.

c. To undertake capacity building (human resource development).

d. To collaborate with other institutions/ organizations/ universities nationally and internationally in furthering research pursuits in bioresources.

e. To develop biotechnological interventions for sustainable development and utilization of bioresources.

f. To generate technological packages for employment generation and economic progress of the region.

Activities proposed for realisation of the objectives

i. Genetic improvement/ upgrading, multiplication and natural products chemistry of medicinal and aromatic plants. Development of suitable in vitro screening tests for bio-active molecules using mammalian cell-lines.

ii.Seri-biotechnology and insect-bioresources, germplasm collection, assessment of genetic diversity, genetic enhancement and conservation.

iii. Assessment of diversity in aquatic flora and fauna, genetic improvement of selected species leading to product development including aquaculture.

iv. Assessment of diversity in all groups of microbes (bacteria & fungi), particularly those relating to agriculture, forestry and industry and genetic improvement.

v. Establishment of database on bioresources.

vi. Technology packages leading to the development of products and processes applicable to enhance the productivity in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, aquaculture. Use of technology packages for income/ employment generation in rural sector.

vii. Assessment of land use patterns, development of ecologically sound rehabilitation packages for maintenance of soil development, fertility, prevention of erosion and regeneration of degraded hill ecosystems and other wastelands.

 

Centre For DNA Fingerprinting And Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad Department of Bio-Technology

The human genome project has clearly underlined the universality of life in the form of a common heritage that is DNA, with every other person being 99.9% identical to the other. Also the surge of information in the post genomic scenario has tremendous applications in healthcare apart from sociological implications. Comparative genomics approaches are being used to address not just the issues of relatedness between the living forms but also more complex issues such as those that are responsible for putting the human race above all other living forms. Also, the Human genome sequence information is likely to change the way medicine is practiced. We are witnessing the emergence of the discipline of predictive medicine where medical intervention can be planned even before the disease sets in. Predisposition to a disease, a direct reflection of the genes we carry, will take a centre-stage and is likely to play a major role in the development of appropriate prophylactic measures. As opposed to the conventional generic drugs, where a single drug is marketed for the entire population, the concept of tailor-made drugs based on genetic profile of an individual or, a genetically defined population would emerge. Apart from these, there are many other applications pertaining to the genome sequence utilization for drug discovery and molecular medicine. Microbial genome programs have widened our perspectives on preventive medicine and infectious disease management through molecular diagnosis, epidemiology and vaccine development.

The Hyderabad based Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) has a mandate to translate the fruits of modern biology to benefit society and, this is clearly visible. This institute is an autonomous centre of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and is engaged in providing services and carrying out research in the frontline areas of modern biology. The major service components of CDFD involve DNA fingerprinting, diagnostics, genome analysis and bioinformatics. Basic research in overlapping frontier areas of modern biology, especially in the post genomic scenario, is an integral component of this institute.

The DNA fingerprinting service, given the fact that it has been shown to bring about dramatic increase in the conviction rate, will continue to be in much demand. With the crime burden on the society increasing, more and more requests for DNA fingerprinting are naturally anticipated. For example, starting from just a few cases of DNA fingerprinting per month, CDFD is now handling similar number of cases every day. CDFD has recently automated and computerized all the case work with plans for the development of complete databases vis-à-vis the appropriateness of a given probe for the Indian population. CDFD has signed MOUs and is working very closely with State/Central Forensic Science laboratories to popularize this technology for the benefit of the society. To ensure proper quality control and quality assurance, CDFD has taken pro-active measures which also involve setting up a National level Statutory Body. It is also set towards establishing a Disaster Management Cell and development of several new DNA based services in the areas of seed authentication, certification of genetically modified foods (GM foods) and wildlife and animal identification.

In the diagnostics area, CDFD has increased the range of services provided, encompassing cytogenetic, biochemical and molecular diagnosis. The diagnostics laboratory at CDFD runs a new-born screening programme with a mission to prevent the development of genetic disabilities through early intervention and treatment. This screening program was initiated in October, 1999 and is designed to provide high quality clinical testing for ante-natal detection and diagnosis of metabolic disorders pre-symptomatically. Under this program, which is partly funded by Dr Reddy’s Foundation for Human and Social Development, we have selected four major hospitals located in the city of Hyderabad to screen every child born at these hospitals. Screening of more than 5000 new-borns has revealed that congenital hypothyroidism is very frequent (one in 650) and which, if not treated, would lead to severe mental retardation. Given the burden of infectious diseases, in our country, CDFD is now moving into diagnosis and identification of microbial pathogens, particularly focussing on, to begin with, tuberculosis.

Complete sequence of the human genome and information from other sources, such as expression data from microarrays, have produced enormous information base for researchers. The marriage between biology and computer science known as bioinformatics is an attempt to make sense of this colossal amount of data and extract the useful information out of it. The Bioinformatics Facility at CDFD is ranked as one of the top centres of its kind in India, which is evident from the recognition given to it by the European Molecular Biology Network (EMBNet). CDFD has been designated as the Indian node for the European Molecular Biology Network and is the only node, other than one in China, outside Europe. It has got an unusually large number of software and databases for genome analysis with browsable databases at its website. This includes an indigenously developed database known as the Database of Structural Motifs in Proteins (DSMP). Analysis of the data contained in DSMP will enable the investigator to arrive at an educated guess about the likely structure and therefore function of his protein. It is therefore, no wonder that the CDFD website is visited approximately once every minute.

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National Jai Vigyan S&T Mission Department of Bio-Technology

Biotechnological approaches for herbal product development: An improved polyherbal formulation (BHU-x) has been developed at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi that has been effective in preventing the process of atherosclerosis when tested in White Carneo pigeons and albino rabbits. It not only prevents atheroma formation but also stabilizes already formed atheroma. The technology has been transferred to an industry, Surya Pharamceuticals, Varanasi for further research and product development.

Further Studies on an immunomodulatory compound (NII-70) isolated from Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) for its application in ex-vivo propagation of bone marrow cells carried out at NII, New Delhi. Efforts are in progress to transfer the technology to an industry.

Coffee Improvement: Under the coffee network project very promising leads have been obtained. Molecular characterization of coffee germplasm made available by CCRI, is being done at CCMB, Hyderabad. All the species available in India were selected for molecular characterization using various DNA typing approaches. Also, parents and F1 mother plants were identified and crossed to develop suitable segregating mapping populations. DNA fingerprinting analysis to assess the intra-population and inter-specific genetic variability using RAPD and ISSR markers revealed low genetic variability in the founder germplasm of four of the exotic Coffea species. Analysis of different species that are available in India revealed the genetic affinities between them and validated the placement of four endemic species under Paracoffea. Studies on Coffea genome have been taken up and 0.64 MB (0.042%) of the C. arabica genome has been sequenced. A Web-enabled database has been prepared.

In addition to the 30 microsatellite markers developed earlier, 50 additional markers were developed during the year and these have been validated. Primer pairs have been designed and synthesized for another set of 60 potential HDT clones. 80 markers have been used for parental survey of 11 elite genotypes. Studies are also continuing at MKU, Madurai and CCRI, Mysore on transformation of Coffea arabica– ‘Kent’ and ‘Cauvery’ cultivars for leaf rust resistance. An Agrobacterium binary vector with rice chitinase and tobacco glucanase was constructed. The ‘Robusta’ is also being transformed to regulate caffine biosynthesis. At SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai, N7 methyl transferase genes were isolated from ‘Robusta’ tissue using RT-PCR technologies and cloned using a topocloning reactor. Attempts are being made to sub-clone it into Agrobacterium vector for transformation. At CFTRI, Mysore the construct PSAT 202 containing PCR fragment from clone CS2B corresponding to 358 bp product, cloned in antisense orientation. With respect to CaMV355 promote in the reactor PcaMBA 1301, was used in transformation studies using embryos as explants. Thirty putative transformed plants surviving on selection media have been taken up for further studies.

Mirror Sites: High congestion on the information highways impedes effective access to the major public domain servers. One solution to this problem is to establish ‘mirror sites’ at different locations of the world, which are exact replicas of the original sites. This enables scientists of the region to access these sites instead of the original URL. Under the National Jai Vigyan Science & Technology Mission, the department has established six mirror sites. The Protein Data Bank is mirrored at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore [http://144.16.71.2/]; University of Pondicherry, Pondicherry [http://bicpu.pon.nic.in] and University of Pune, Pune [http://202.41.70.33]. The Genome Data Bank mirror also hosted at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore [http://144.16.71.10]. The Databases of European Bioinformatics Institute has been mirrored at the University of Pune [http://202.41.70.80/]. The other specialized mirrors include the Structure Classification of Proteins Database (SCOP) at the University of Pondicherry [http://bicpu.pon.nic.in/scop]. Plant Genome databases at JNU, New Delhi [ http://202.41.10.34] The Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh maintains a mirror for the Public Domain Resources in Biology at http://www.imtech.res.in/pdrb and the EMBNet has established its India Node at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad [http://salarjung.embnet.org.in]

New Generation Vaccines: The main objective of this mission has been to develop candidate vaccines for cholera, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis, malaria and HIV infections using novel strategies i.e. recombinant proteins, DNA vaccines with special focus on:

the study of the efficacy of DNA, recombinant/peptide vaccines for cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis (JE) and rabies (for animals and humans);

to design, develop and produce preventive/therapeutic DNA candidate vaccine(s) for HIV infection. The encouraging results would be taken up to generate pre-clinical data and to initiate clinical trials.

The projects have been defined under three categories: Category A included phase I & II clinical trials of an indigenously-developed live oral recombinant cholera vaccine based on VA1.3 strain of V.cholerae; its genetic stability and upscaling; generation of pre-clinical and efficacy data for DNA rabies vaccines for animal use. Category B included study of immunogenicity and efficacy of tissue culture-propagated JE vaccine, generation of preclinical data on DNA vaccines for JE virus; production and generation of pre-clinical data on clinical grade recombinant malaria vaccinogens and phase I clinical trials of the synthetic peptide malaria vaccine. Category C included development of multi-component DNA vaccine technologies utilizing isolates of HIV-1 subtype C with or without IL2/IL12; and develop and evaluate candidate DNA vaccine for protection against tuberculosis.

Category A – Cholera – An indigenous recombinant oral vaccine based on VA1.3 strain on V. cholerae has been developed through a multicentric approach. The vaccine was tested for its safety in Phase – I clinical trials and was found to be safe. The extended Phase-I/Phase-IIa clinical trial recently completed by SAS, Kolkata and SGPGIMS, Lucknow has shown good immunological response. So far, about 100 volunteers in the age of 20-30 years have been inducted in the Phase IIa trials. Data from volunteers showed 8-fold rise in 42% of the cases; 2-fold rise in 33% and no rise in 25%. In addition, preparation around Kolkata for Phase-III clinical trial has been initiated in terms of determining the base-line antibody levels in local population. Concurrently, IMTECH, Chandigarh is making attempts to scale up of VA1.3 strain of Vibrio cholerae in LB medium. After several attempts using a semi-synthetic medium, a healthy growth of V.cholerae VA1.3, has been obtained. The cells were found to be both physiologically and genetically stable. Negotiations with industries are going on for fine-tuning, upscaling and, finally commercialization, if trials are successful.

Category A – DNA rabies vaccine – The production of plasmid DNA from shake cultures was carried out at IISc, Bangalore. More than 1 gram of plasmid DNA has been prepared and used for testing the potency of rabies DNA vaccine and a novel combination in mice, dogs and monkeys. M/s Indian Immunologicals (IIL) has constructed a new facility for the GMP-production of recombinant plasmids as well as recombinant proteins. R&D on commercial production of rabies DNA vaccine in fermentor and standardization of large scale downstream processing technology has been completed at by IISc, Bangalore. A peripheral rabies virus challenge model has been developed and the potency of rabies DNA vaccine and the combination rabies have been tested. Studies on protective efficacy of pCMVRab and its variants, in Swiss mice showed that PCMVRab was the best DNA vaccine candidate. The combination of DNA and vero cell rabies vaccines in dogs and cattle yielded 100% of animals developing desired level of neutralizing antibodies. This combination is being upscaled and is likely to be available soon in the market to control rabies in dogs. IISc and IIL have also standardized the protocols for large-scale plasmid preparation and purification protocols.

Category B – Japanese encephalitis – Upscaling the JE virus culture techniques using the large volume spinner flask at NII, New Delhi resulted in collection of about 200 ml of virus containing culture supernatant. The virus has been formaline inactivated and immunogenecity in animals has been completed. A candidate DNA vaccine for JE virus has also been developed by NII. The animals given DNA by direct intra-muscular injection, or through gene gun developed immune responses comparable with commercial Nakayama strain based vaccine. Mice immunized with the plasmid DNA or the commercially available vaccine, were challenged with the lethal dose of JEV through intra-cerebral route. Over 50% protection was observed in plasmid DNA immunized mice. It was significantly lower compared to over 90% protection provided by the commercial vaccine. The formulation is being improved.

Category B – Malaria recombinant vaccine – The malaria vaccine development programme at ICGEB, New Delhi has focused on developing recombinant sub-unit blood stage vaccine molecules (Plasmodium falciparum and P.vivax), namely, Pf MSP-119 and PvMSP-119 : merosoite surface protein-1 (MSP – 1) and a 195 KD protein. Recombinant Pf F2 and PvRII in their native conformations have been produced. rPfMSP-119 and rPvMSP-119 in E.coli system have produced and the final yields of the purified products were 10 mg/L and 5 mg/L, respectively. The recombinant proteins (PfMSP-119) recognized more than 90% of the malaria endemic sera. Immunogenecity studies in mice and rabbits producing high antibody titres indicate high immunogenic nature of recombinant protein. PvMSP - 119 was also found to be highly reactive to P.vivax patient sera. Scale up studies indicated yield of rPf MSP-1 19 to be 5 fold more by fermentation as compared to shake flask and the yield was 50 mg/L. Production and characterisation of recombinant PvRII and PfF2 have been accomplished including the scale up process parameters. A GLP facility has been set up. The recombinant molecules produced under GLP will be utilized for pre-clinical evaluation. The production of these molecules under GMP facility at Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad is underway. This would provide GMP grade material for Phase-I/II volunteer trials. Preparation of field trial site for the malaria vaccines is in progress in the hyper endemic and low endemic areas of Sundergarh district of Orissa by MRC, Delhi. The high incidence study areas constitute a set of 8 villages in the forest area where Anopheles fluviatilis is the major vector. The low incidence study area consists of 5 villages in the plain area and A. culifacies has been found to be major vector. The demographic information has been generated. Regular surveys and mass blood surveys have been conducted. Study areas have been found to be suitable for the future clinical trials.

Category C – Tuberculosis – A group at IISc, Bangalore has generated recombinant forms of two promising candidate T-cell antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis i.e. ARR65, ARR213; purified the proteins and determined the T-cell response in PBMC cell from human volunteers. 26 tuberculosis patients and 14 healthy contacts have been screened for T cell response using purified proteins. The group has also attempted to use the highly attenuated pox virus MVA (Modified Vaccinia Ankara) for generating the pox virus recombinants expressing two genes. Challenge experiments are being conducted on guinea pigs using DNA constructs in combination with pox virus recombinants and soluble proteins using intramuscular and intradermal immunization. The results have been found to be encouraging.

A group at University of Delhi has been working on the recombinant BCG approach for the development of a vaccine against tuberculosis by overexpressing six antigens of M.tuberculosis namely Antigen 85A, Antigen 85B, Antigen 85C, 19 kDa antigen, model and protective efficacy in a guinea pig model. The DNA vaccine approach for the development of a TB vaccine by using three M. tuberculosis antigens namely α-crystallin, superioxide dismutase (SOD) and ESAT-6. has also been pursued. They are also developing and evaluating candidate DNA vaccines against tuberculosis. The evaluation of recombinant BCG candidate vaccines expressing M.tuberculosis antigens has been completed. The studies have revealed that recombinant BCGs over expressing either ESAT-6 or antigen 85C conferred better protection to animals as compared to the protection imparted by BCG. Three proteins i.e. ESAT-6, α-crystalline homologue and superoxide dismutase in E. coli have been cloned and expressed. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to express these in eukaryotic system. Antibodies have been raised against these three recombinant proteins in rabbits and their immuno reactivity have been assessed.

Category C – Prophylactic anti-HIV/AIDS vaccine – At AIIMS, New Delhi, a clone of gag protease for HIV subtype C isolate has been expressed in mammalian expression vector, pJW4304. Cloning of interleukine-2 genes from murine and human resulted in two types of recombinant constructs, viz., sense (pJWm1L2/lg; right orientation) and antisense (pJW Revm 1L2/lg; reverse orientation). Cloning of human IL-2 gene from pVRC 2000 hull-1/lg is in progress. Studies on in vitro expression of clonal genes have been accomplished. Immunogenecity studies showed that the mice immunized with env/gene constructs induced a very good clade specific as well as low level of cross clade cellular immune response. Immunisation of animals with gag protease gene elicited gag specific CTL after single dose. However, the best response was observed with prime-boost strategy. Evaluations of these constructs in monkeys have been initiated. So far all the immunized primates developed antibodies. The CTL/Th1 response are being studied.

Considering the present and future HIV/AIDS scenario in the country, the Department is also negotiating with US laboratories towards the development of HIV/AIDS vaccine for India, particularly, for subtype ‘C’. A proposal is under active consideration under the INDO-US Vaccine Action Programme from GeoVax/Emory Vaccine Centre, USA. The vaccine involves priming with a multivalent DNA vaccine followed by a MVA boost. The experimental evidence indicates that it induces a broad long lasting immune responses in monkeys and all the animals were protected against AIDS following challenge with virulent SHIV. In this proposal, the concerned scientists from ICGEB, New Delhi and Emory University, USA, would be involved towards design and construction of this vaccine in India along with the involvement of an Indian industry. After mandatory regulatory clearances, it is proposed to conduct Phase-I/II clinical trials in human volunteers in India.

 

Biotechnology For Societal Development of Bio-Technology Department

The Biotechnology based programme for society has three components specifically aimed at Women, SC/ST population and the rural community. More than 53,000 families have been benefited so far. The programme has had a far reaching impact on the target population as it is primarily aimed at economic empowerment of the community through the application of biotechnology. The major areas through which DBT supports the beneficiaries are biopesticides, biofrtilizer application; organic farming, cultivation of mushrooms, medicinal and aromatic plants, sericulture, processed food, floriculture etc. In addition, the programme has also rendered health counseling services particularly to people afflicted with genetic disorders, about 19,000 people have benefited through counseling. The Department also has undertaken special programmes for the relief of earthquake victims at Latur, Uttarkashi and Bhuj. These programmes have received wide appreciation.

Women Biotechnology

Programme for Rural Areas

SC/ST Population

Women Biotechnology

1. Main thrust of activities

i. To develop, promote and use biotechnological processes and tools for entrepreneurship development and provide employment opportunities to women.

ii. To set up integrated facilities for economic empowerment of urban as well as rural women. Such a facility - Golden Jubilee Biotechnology Women’s Park aims to establish linkages between research institutions and industrial units has been set up. The Park will also scale up the basic technologies for commercial utilization, and impart training in relevant areas to develop a pool of skilled and well trained women. The Park will evolve cooperation among women entrepreneurs and the corporate sector for joint marketing strategies.

iii. To support R&D projects specifically addressing the problems of women or for developing technology packages relevant to them.

2. Achievements

During this period, 48 projects were supported in 21 States and Union Territories. These projects have benefited over 18,000 women through training in various areas such as food processing, sericulture, mushroom cultivation, micropropagation of orchids and other ornamental plants, biofertilizer production, goat and poultry rearing, fish farming, rabbit rearing for quality wool production and establishment of nurseries of medicinal and aromatic plants as well as formulation of certain herbal products. Many more families are benefited indirectly through awareness on genetic disorders and counseling. Women trained for entrepreneurship on floriculture, vermicomposting, fruit processing, food technology, poultry rearing have set up their own units and are earning upto Rs. 3,000 p.m by selling their products.

Awareness of genetic disorders and counseling

The project aimed to know the spectrum of genetic disorders of congenital malformations prevalent in the area and to educate women about the causative factors of infant mortality. In addition, families of six villages in vicinity of Lucknow were educated on various genetic disorders through expert lectures, poster display, training of village level health workers, doctors’ visit and their meetings with various women groups. Blood samples of around 6,000 families collected, screened for various genetic disorders especially for thalacemia and the couples are being counseled.

Golden Jubliee Biotecnology Park for Women

The Park has been established as a part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of India’s Independence. The Park, a Joint Project with Tamil Nadu State Govt. aims to provide opportunities for professionally qualified women to take up a career of remunerative self-employment through environment-friendly biotechnological enterprises. This has been registered under the Societies Registration Act and has its own bye-laws and all the activities are managed by a Governing Body. The Park is located in Siruseri and spread over twenty acres of land. It has 20 industrial modules and 40 land modules for agro-biotechnology activities apart from centralized facilities for technology resourcing, training, testing and marketing. Out of the 20 pre-built industrial modules, 12 were allotted to women entrepreneurs on lease basis, for starting their production activities related to ornamental fish, herbal products, fortified salts and food products. Seven of them started production and commercialization of herbal cosmetics, biofertilizers and biopesticides, spices powders fortified with herbs & greens, essential oils. The park has raised a herbal garden as a live gene bank. A database was created to assist the prospective entrepreneurs to identify viable projects to be taken up at the Park.

Sixteen projects continuing from the previous years are being supported during the year 2002-03. Besides, one new project has been sponsored in poultry farming.

3. New initiatives for the 10th plan:

During the Tenth plan the priority will be:

i. To implement projects in Biotechnology areas for technical empowerment and economic benefit of women.

ii. To support R& D projects specifically for addressing the health and nutritional related problems of women

iii.To undertake projects for entrepreneurship development in biotechnology.

Programme for Rural Areas

To create awareness on biotechnology packages for income generation and better health care in rural areas and disseminate the use of biotechnological process and tools for creating new avenues of employment in rural areas, training and demonstration projects are being supported in various states. More than 25,000 rural people have been trained in various areas such as wasteland utilization, vermiculture and vermicomposting, food technology, sericulture, mushroom cultivation, floriculture, biofertilizer, aquafarming, poultry farming, rabbit rearing for quality wool production, medicinal & aromatic plant cultivation and formulation of herbal medicines.

Programmes were taken up for rehabilitation of earthquake victims of Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Uttaranchal and Bhuj area of Gujarat. Various organizations were supported to train the earthquake victims in different activities such as food processing, organic farming, cultivation of medicinal plants, aquaculture etc. The affected families were benefited and are now earning an additional income through the sales of their products. Other areas of organic farming, cultivation of tissue culture plants of horticulture and forestry, animal feed and healthcare, spirulina production were also supported to benefit several affected families.

A Model Biovillage Project was set up in Gujarat at Mocha. A drinking water plant was set up in Mocha village to make available 30,000 litre of drinking water per day. The project has created awareness among farmers to make use of their areas for self-employment. Based on the success seen, Gujarat Water Supply and Sewage Disposal Board has taken over R.O. plant to run and maintain it on long term basis. Demonstration plots were also set up for promoting the use of biopesticides and biofertilizer for cotton, groundnut and bajra.

Another Biovillage project was supported through S&T Council of M.P. to undertake activities such as sericulture, vermiculture, value added product development from natural fibres, Spirulina production, floriculture including floricraft, pisciculture and post harvest technology in 10 villages in 5 districts of the state. The biovillage project supported at Shahjahanpur is to train beneficiaries for sugarcane cultivation. A concept was developed to establish Rural Bioresource Complex (RBC) to demonstrate viable and ecologically compatible technologies to the rural people for adoption in a holistic and sustainable manner. In the first phase, the projects have been funded at four state agricultural universities (Marathwada Agricultural University, GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar). These projects

SC/ST Population

Main Thrust of Activities

To improve the socio-economic status of SC/ST community, demonstration and training projects were supported for skills development and income generation of SC/ST community. Various universities, public funded institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, NGOs, voluntary and non-governmental organizations were the part of the project implementation. Various projects have been supported on cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, mushroom and Spirulina cultivation, biological control of plant pests and diseases, vermiculture and vermicomposting, biofertilizers, aquaculture, floriculture, poultry farming, human healthcare etc.

Medicinal Plants

A project on strengthening health care practices and conservation of medicinal and nutritious plants was initiated at Herbal Folklore Research Centre, Tirupati for implementation in 100 villages of two mandals in Andhra Pradesh. Villages were surveyed in Chittoor district involving dalits and tribals and documented for establishment in the demonstration garden and for germplasm conservation for rare and endangered plants. Medicinal species that are in wider use for primary health care among the communities were identified and SHGs were trained on medicinal plant usage and cultivation.

Biofuels

A project was undertaken on cultivation of Jatropha in arid lands of Namakkal District in Tamil Nadu for production of biofuel and other products as an income generation activity for the scheduled caste population at Centre for Research in Social Sciences, Coimbatore. Training programme was conducted on cultivation, seed collection, nursery techniques and oil extraction processes. SHGs were formed and trained in nursery techniques and provided with the necessary inputs for seedling production. Vermicompost pit were also dug and earthworms were supplied to raise jatropha plantation along with intercrops such as black gram, green gram and cowpea.

Tissue Culture Vanilla

A project is being implemented on cultivation of tissue culture vanilla for improving the economy of the SC/ST populations by the Peermade Development Society, Idukki District, Kerala. Work has been initiated to produce disease-free, early flowering and high yielding vanilla crop through meristem culture. The plantlets have been harvested, hardened and transferred to green house for distribution amongst the SC/ST beneficiaries from seven selected villages of Idukki district. Training has been provided in agronomic practices for organic cultivation of vanilla using the freely available mulch in the vicinity.

Biofertilizer

A project on development and practice of vermiculture as an effective source of biofertilizer for improved agricultural productivity among the scheduled castes of Veerapandi Block of Salem district in Tamil Nadu was implemented at GRD Educational Trust, Coimbatore. Awareness programmes were conducted and more than 300 persons were trained in the techniques of vermicomposting. The fertilizer produced utilized as vermicompost as self sustained employment and income generation activity an in crop production

Biopesticides

A project on production and application of neem and other plant based biopesticides for insect control was implemented at Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai. Farmers were trained on preparation and application of neem, acorus and jatropha formulations for controlling agricultural pests. Awareness campaigns were conducted on efficacy of plant products for the control of both crop pests and storage pests. Training was organized for the benefit of village personnel and people were trained on the use of the production facility for biopesticides. The pesticide production facilities established were also handed over to the village panchayats for sustaining the project activity.

A project on agro-ecological conservation was implemented at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pravara Institute of Research and Education in Natural and Social Sciences (PIRENS), Babhaleshwar in Ahmadnagar District, Maharashtra. Bioagents for control of pests and diseases were produced and supplied to the beneficiaries for demonstration. SC/ST families were selected to undertake training, demonstration and trials of different biocontrol agents of pests and diseases (HaNPV, Noumuraea spp., Trichoderma spp., Paecillomyces spp. and Verticilium spp.) on various crops. The beneficiaries earned an average income of Rs. 2800/- per acre.

Organic Farming/Vermicompost

A project on demonstration of vermicomposting for the benefit of SC/ST population in Washim district of Maharashtra was implemented by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Karda. Several units were established in the beneficiaries’ farms. Farmers were also trained on the demonstration units for imparting better understanding of the concept of organic farming and trials conducted on soybean, black gram, green gram and groundnut shown good yield. Vermicompost is being sold collectively with the marketing linkages. The project has convinced the farmers about the benefit of the vermicomposting and its use in organic crop production.

Silkworm Rearing

Mulberry Cultivation and Silkworm rearing are effective income and employment generation opportunities for the tribal population of Salem district in Tamil Nadu. Sericulture has great potential for improving the socio-economic status of the farmers, particularly marginal farmers and agricultural labourers and therefore, a demonstration on sericulture technology was taken up for the tribal population of Yercaud block, Salem district in Tamil Nadu. Beneficiaries were trained on aspects of cultivation and drip irrigation of mulberry, cocoon production, construction of rearing house and chawki rearing with the help of the Regional Sericulture Research Station in selected villages.

Aquaculture

A project on murrel (a freshwater fish) culture and seed production was undertaken at Centre For Aquaculture Research and Extension (CARE), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu. Murrel is known for low fat, few intramuscular spines and survival in oxygen-depleted waters and also fetches the highest price (about Rs. 200/kg) among the fresh water fishes. SC/ST youth were trained on identification of murrel species, sexual dimorphism, induced breeding technique, seed production and larviculture, live feed culture involving artemia and rotifers, monoculture and polyculture of murrel with catfish and disease management. Beneficiaries were trained on different fish farms and fish culture practices. Beneficiaries have adopted monoculture and polyculture practices and earned about Rs. 9000/- in seven months.

At Kalyani University, a project on integrated fish-duck farming was implemented for the benefit of SC/ST population. This was taken up to promote integrated fish culture with minimal cost of production through utilization and recycling of animal droppings by minimizing the use of supplementary feed and chemical fertilizers. Fishermen’s cooperative societies were formed and 400 families from Chandamari, Bhomra and Haringhata villages were trained on various aspects of duck-cum-fish culture and poultry-cum-fish culture.

A project was implemented on fish-duck integrated aquafarming and dissemination of organic recycling for the benefit of SC/ST and weaker section of Tarai region of Uttaranchal by G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar. Demonstrations were conducted on culture practices and stocking with fish fingerlings in different ratio and rearing them with ‘Khaki Campbell’ ducklings. Farmers were trained on various aspects of fish and duck husbandry.

At Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, a project on integration of fish, duck and horticulture farming was taken up in the village tanks of Chhattisgarh for improving fish production and poverty alleviation. An awareness programmes on integrated aquafarming were organized for selected tribal families and the training programmes were organized on pond preparation, selection of species, stocking of fish seed, harvesting and netting the pond. Integrated aquaculture for sustainable resource management undertaken in two villages viz. Mahim and Masvan in Palghar Taluka of Thane district in Maharashtra, technologies on integrated fish farming, nursery management, poultry management, growout technology of carps, ornamental fish culture, rearing of brooder freshwater prawn, spirulina culture, soil and water quality management, mushroom culture and vermicomposting were transferred to the people. Training manuals were prepared and distributed to the villagers.

Mushroom Cultivation

A project on mushroom cultivation was implemented at Madurai Kamaraj University for the unemployed SC/ST youths in Madurai and Virudhunagar Districts. A training programme was organized on cultivation of milk mushroom and oyster mushroom. Youths were trained on mushroom cultivation including hygiene and harvesting aspects and trainees have started culturing mushroom as an income generating activity. Some of the trainees have set-up their own mushroom production units and are earning regular income.

New Priorities

Programmes are being encouraged on activities, which have direct application to the society on their health care system, environment and sanitation and entrepreneurship development to extend more benefits through training and demonstration.

Biofarming aspects would be strengthened more to help in amelioration of economic conditions of the rural and SC/ST families engaged in agrifarming /horticulture.

Integrated programme on establishment of biocomplexes in various rural activities would be the priority focus on employment generation and reduction of migration to the cities and drudgery.

Awareness creation among the rural people would be encouraged to familiarize the farmers with recently patented herbal coating procedure for N and S fertilizers, which will help them in saving cost on farm inputs including chemical fertilizers and take necessary eco-friendly measures.

 

Areas of Research in Bio-Technology Department

The department continued to support research and development projects in priority areas. About 630 new proposals were processed during the year. The expertise of sixteen task forces in specialized areas of biotechnology was utilized for generating new ideas, evaluating new proposals to critically review and monitor ongoing projects as well as to suggest mid-course corrections wherever necessary. The department also organized a number of group discussions and brain storming sessions to facilitate exchange of ideas and generation and prioritization of emerging areas. During the year, special efforts were made to identify leads that could be transferred to user agencies and industry and indeed, a number of technologies were transferred. Following are the areas included in this category:

1. BASIC RESEARCH

2. AGRICULTURE

3. Crop Biotechnology

4. Biofertilizers

5. Biopesticides and Crop Management

6. Animal Biotechnology

7. Aquaculture

8. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY

9. Plant Tissue Culture

10. Bioprospecting and Molecular Taxonomy

11. Biofuels

12. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

13. MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

14. Vaccines

15. Diagnostics

16. Drug Development

17. HUMAN GENETICS AND GENOME ANALYSIS

18. SERI BIOTECHNOLOGY
STEM CELL
FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

 

Programme Support and Centre for Excellence

1. Major thrust

The Primary aim of this programme is to support various centres in the various areas of Biotechnology and under taking basic research in modern biology where the end user of the research outcome is the scientific community.

2. Achievements

Program Support in High Priority Areas in Biology at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Objectives

The program seeks to orchestrate the strengths of more than 50 faculty members and their research groups in the Division of Biological Sciences in the following three areas of national importance.

i. Infectious Diseases

ii. Drug and Molecular Design

iii. Gene Targetting, Genetic Disorders and Genetic Diversity

The overall approach is to do excellent fundamental research in these areas and to seek the applications of the results that flow from it.

The area-wise major scientific highlights are detailed below:

Drug and Molecular Design

Several crystal structures of key proteins and enzymes have been determined including the Rec A protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the DNA repair enzyme uracil DNA glycosylase from E.coli and triosephosphate isomerase from Plasmodium falciparum. A major program to elucidate the structures of lectins has yielded many important structural insights into carbohydrate-protein interactions and quaternary association. Structure-activity relationships for a number of potential drug targets, including DNA topoisomerases, gyrases and RNA polymerase subunits have been established. Considerable work on molecular modelling of protein-ligand interactions, specifically angigen-ligand, has been completed. A large amount of work on novel peptide structures has resulted in the characterization of several new conformational motifs. In the area of protein folding, both experimental and theoretical studies, on the relationships between structure and stability have been undertaken.

Infectious Disease Program

Immunodominant proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and their corresponding genes have been molecularly characterised. Two of these proteins elicits strong T cell responses in healthy contacts but not in the tuberculosis patients. These two are the lead antigens for developing as anti- tuberculosis candidate vaccines.

Extensive biochemical and molecular analysis on the uracil DNA glycolyse (UDG) enzyme from mycobacteria has led to the identification of UDG of mycobacteria as a target molecule for antitubercular drug(s).

The rabies DNA vaccine comprising of a plasmid encoding glycoprotein G of rabies virus induces humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in Bonnet monkeys and also offers protection against lethal intracerabral rabies virus challenge in mice.

A systematic study of the heme biosynthesis pathway in the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum has led to the discovery that the host enzyme d amino levulinate dehydrase is imported by the parasite to synthesis heme and therefore this discovery has led to the identification of a novel drug target.

Fodder crops like peanut (Arachis hypogea) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) have been successfully used to generate transgenic plants expressing the hemagglutin protein of rinderpest virus. The edible vaccine when administered orally to target animals elicited humoral and cell-mediated immune responses; therefore, this candidate edible vaccine could be considered for use in controlling rinderpest disease.

Using plant virus coat proteins capable of self-assembly, methods have been generated to make chimeric coat protein assemblies capable of harbouring foreign antigenic epitopes and display on their surfaces.

Gene Targeting, Genetic Disorders and Genetic Diversity

Mechanisms underlying the genetic recombination between paired DNA duplexes and chromosomes have been delineated using a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic model systems. Transgenic technology in mouse has been accomplished. This technology will be used in future to generate chimeric mice to study human genetic disorders. Two novel zinc fingers have been discovered in the mammalian spermatidal protein TP2, which recognizes human CpG islands in a zinc dependent manner. The peptide domain of the C-terminus of histone H1, that is responsible for DNA and chromatin condensation has been identified which is similar to HMG box domains present in several transcription factors. Techniques for in vivo gene delivery have been standardized. The genes for several enzymes involved in triglyceride biosynthesis have been demonstrated for the first time in a soluble cellular extract. The genes encoding tRNA in cucumber have been isolated and characterized. The genes responsible for flower development have been isolated and characterized in arabidopsis and rice. The genes encoding transforming growth factors from different species and the regulation of their expression has been studied in detail.

An extensive study on the heterozygosity in human populations practicing consanguinity has been undertaken and has yielded valuable results. The microsatellite sequences in anti Diacamma Ceylonense have been characterized. Using polymorphic markers the genetic relatedness within the colony and between colonies has been studied in great detail. The diversity of the bgl operon in different bacterial species has given valuable clues as to the mechanisms underlying their regulation of expression.

Publications 1998-2002

A total of 200 publications have been reported during this period as an out come of programme support during 9th Plan period.

3. Interaction with Industry

25 projects funded by industry have been taken up amounting to a total of Rs 915 lakhs

4. Technologies transferred to industry

i. Recombinant hepatitis vaccine —– Bharat Biotech, Biological E Ltd and Indian Immunologicals

ii. Peanut transformation

Patents

11 patents have been granted, 2 patents granted are in commercial use. 8 patents are international. 9 more patents have been filed.

5. New initiatives for the 10th Plan

Two projects have been initiated :

1.0 New Program Support in High Priority Areas of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

It has 2 sub programmes involving 40 faculty members and is monitored by high level Apex Committee.

Sub programme I : Basic Biology of Microbial Pathogens: (Convener: Prof M.S.Shaila )This programme seeks to extend and strengthen research on specific aspects of the biology of mycobacteria (M.tuberculosis and M. smegmatis), Plasmodium faciparum, human viruses (rotavirus, rabies, Japanese encephalitis (JEV), hepatitis A, DBA tumor viruses), PPRV and Candida albicans. The program also encompasses areas of immunology.

The focus of these programs is to address basic biological questions related to the survival of these organisms in human hosts and to examine issues related to host-pathogen interactions and to identify protein antigens, that are responsible for eliciting protective immune responses. These studies will form the basis for work that attempts to inhibit critical cellular processes in pathogens and to identify candidate vaccines. The proposed work also encompasses the use of recombinant viral proteins in developing a novel epitope presentation system in plants.

The anticipated outcomes include the identification and characterization of new drug target, specifically for tuberculosis and malaria and the development of candidate vaccines for rabies and Peste des petit ruminants virus.

Sub programme II: Molecular Diversity and Design: (Convener:Prof A. Surolia) This program seeks to build on the results obtained under the Drug and Molecular Design program supported during the period 1997-2002. The program is rooted in basic research and its main objectives are to explore molecular diversity generated by combinatorial approaches, natural libraries and by specific design strategies. It is proposed to develop peptide and aptamer libraries from phage pools and oligonucleotide libraries, respectively. A programme to exploit structural diversity in secondary metabolites, primarily peptides from fungal sources will be developed. The use of structural principles in molecular design will be extended for construction of peptidomimetics and model protein structures. A large component of the programme will probe structure-activity relationships in chosen systems, including the guanylcyclase receptor, gonadotropin releasing hormones, RNA polymerase, methyltransferases and lectins. The previous phase of the program support has resulted in a very large number of publications and special mention may be made of the initiatives in the plant lectin area. The area of structural biology and protein chemistry supported under this program has also led to several fruitful collaborations with industry.

2. Programme support for priority areas in Plant Biotechnology at University of Bangalore

Objective

This programme support started in April 2002 with the following objectives :

a. Collection and conservation of rare, endangered, endemic orchids of Wesern Ghats.

b. Rapid clonal multiplication of non-embryogenic and embryogenic propagules from selected target species of orchids

c. Indirect organogenesis using different explants.

d. Hardening of in vitro plants and their field establishment

e. Field genebank of rare, endangered and endemic medicinal plants and also selected high medicinal value target species

f. Seed genebank of selected target species

 

Facilities in Bio-Technology Department

1. Main thrust of activities

The overall objectives of this scheme is to promote establishment of repositories for conservation/preservation of living organisms including microbes both useful and harmful in agriculture, human health, animal husbandry and bioindustries as well as establish sophisticated biotech facilities for research, training, services including supply of reagents/ materials.

Achievements

National Facility For Marine Cyanobacteria, Bharatidasan University, Tiruchirapalli

Objectives

Survey of the entire coast line of India to understand the marine cyanobacterial biodiversity and establishment of a germplasm collection of marine cyanobacteria and basic for applied research.

Achievements

i. Extensive survey resulted in 120 species- 115 from Nicobar and 112 from Lakswadeep and their molecular and biochemical characterization

ii. Leads in terms of isolation of bioflocculant , alcohol dehydrogenase , anti-coagulant factor from some species of cyanobacteria

iii. Promising marine cyanobacteria for the declourization and degradation of the recalcitrant pigment melanoidin in molasses based distillery effluent and textile dye and biotransformation of nitrile to amide by nitralase activity has been identified

iv. 5 training workshops in cyanobacteriology.

v. MoU with M/S ABL Biotechnologies Ltd Chennai for transferring technologies on aquaculture feed and blue pigment for food industry

2. Tissue Culture & Cryopreservation Repository at NBPGR, New Dellhi

Objectives

This facility was launched to explore and develop modern techniques of tissue culture, cryopreservation and molecular biology for conservation and genetic characterization of those species difficult to conserve by conventional means.

Achievements

i. In vitro conservation of over 2 dozen crops (45 plant species) of both tropical and temperate nature:

ii. A total of 1107 accessions of various priority crops were maintained under short- to medium- term storage as in vitro cultures. and are sub cultured at 6-24 months intervals.

iii. In vitro exchange and multiplication services were rendered to several organizations and research workers on request basis.

iv. Germplasm of orthodox seed species was augmented in the cryobank following establishment of cryopreservation protocols.

3. Repository of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants at CIMAP, Lucknow

Objectives

Collection of germ plasm and extracts from different sources to develop a live bank of cultivars of medicinal and aromatic plants, biological activity testing of chemical constituents of medicinal and aromatic plants using microbes, insects and animal cell lines.

Achievements

i. A repository of 303 pure compounds and 461 plant extracts from more than 80 medicinal and aromatic plant species has been maintained in the repository to serve as a reference material.

ii. A marker 2-D fingerprint chromatograms of over 120 extracts of different plant materials have been generated using HPTLC and are maintained to serve as authentic reference of medicinal and aromatic plants.

iii. A wide variety of services ranging from the meeting the request for seeds, reference chemicals, analysis of chemicals and extracts, plant identification and technical information have been provided to benefit R&D laboratories.

4. Animal House Facility at CDRI, Lucknow and NIN , Hyderabad

Objectives

Breeding and supply of genetically standardized, health monitored and nutritionally sound laboratory animals required by this institute as well as other institutes/universities throughout the country.

Achievements

CDRI, Lucknow

i. Houses animals belonging to 25 different strains of 8 species of rodents, including 8 inbred strains of mice, 3 inbred strains of rat, two inbred strains of hamster, two strains of logomarphs and a strains of nude mice.

ii. Possesses SPF and complete germfree (gnotobiotic) rodent breeding nuclei and a facility for primate Behavior Studies and Primate Breeding.

iii. Tissue Culture Unit where human and animal cell lines are maintained and supplied. Enlarge out breeding colonies of present stock and establish new special strains. Develop animal stocks for experimentation, which can fulfill GLP standards. Increase stock of SPF and gnotobotic units. Develop human resource and provide consultancy in this area.

iv. A total number of 120000 laboratory animals were supplied for in house users and outside CPCSEA registered agencies/research institute for experimental use.

v. Information/consultancy on various aspects of husbandry nutrition, genetics, microbiology and regarding design and construction of animal house were provided to a number of scientists several animal users of this as well as different institutes

NIN, Hyderabad

i. A total number of more than 5 lakh animals supplied to different research institutions.

ii. A total of about 30,000 Kgs of animal feed for mice, rats, hamsters, guinea, pigs, rabbits and monkeys was supplied.

iii. The centre also provided technical consultancy on various aspects of laboratory animal care, breeding, nutrition, procumbent, animal experimental large and ethical aspects.

iv. Seven laboratory animal technician’s training course conducted and many persons were trained.

v. The molecular analysis of obese rat developed and bred has become interesting model for work on nutrition and diabetes . Patent has been filed for the same

5. Centre for Genetic Engineering and Strain Manipulation, MKU, Madurai

Objectives

The manipulation of bacterial genomes with a focus on strain improvement is the main objective of this national facility. The metabolic events targeted for improvement are enzyme production and secondary metabolic production. Streptomyces being a prolific producer of commercially useful antibiotics was chosen. The continued use of E.coli compelled the continuation of the genome analysis in this organism also. Leprosy being a major concern in India, the genome analysis is M. leprae, the causative organism of Leprosy and Immunology of Leprosy is also actively pursued.

Achievements

i. A chitinase overproducing mutant isolated in the center is developed for commercial production of adriamycin in chitin containing media, a cheaper alternative to conventional fermentation media. It was later shown that chitinase production in antibiotic producing S. peucetius is regulated by a two component regulatory system. A novel extracellular protein was also discovered binding daunorubicin

ii. Development and validation of an effective intergeneric conjugation system to insert foreign genes in a specific locus in Streptomyces producing adriamycin is completed.

iii. Discovered the condition under which the linear chromosome of Streptomyces converts itself into a circular chromosome. This conversion has profound effect on the stability of the Streptomyces strains.

iv. Developed a simple approach based on PCR to analyse the cytokine profiles in leprosy lesions. A sensitive approach was developed for mining expressed genes of M.leprae in infected biopsy samples. Comparative genomics of field isolated M.leprae was initiated.

v. Contract research projects with industry in health care enzymes, vaccines and skin genes

vi. Service faciltities included DNA sequencing, real –time PCR and proteomics

6. International Depository Authority at Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh

Objectives

Establishment of International Depository Authority Under Budapest treaty by upgrading the existing Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) Facility at Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh.

Achievements

i. The facility has been notified as International Depository Authority by WIPO on October 4, 2002 under Budapest Treaty. This is the first of its kind in India and is initiative by the Department for patent deposits of microorganisms

ii. Collection about four thousand cultures of actinomycetes, bacteria, fungai, plasmids, and yeasts.

iii. Supply of about four thousand microbial cultures to industries, academic and research institutions. Few cultures for also supplied to Nepal and Japan.

iv. Fifty isolates were identified.

v. MTCC catalogue of strains- 2000 has been published and made available on web site with ordering facilities

vi. Many unknown organisms have been identified by the facility and it has started freeze –drying services for Scientists and Industrial Houses

vii. At least 14 patent deposits are already made

7. Repository for Filarial Parasites and Reagents at MGIMS, Sevagram

Objectives

Maintenance of B. malayi filarial infection in rodents (Mastomys and jirds) and isolation and storage of different stages of B. malayi namely mf, mf, L3 & adult worms. Research, serum bank, and diagnosis is also part of the activity

Achievements

i. Brugia malayi infection is maintained in Swiss rats (Mastomys natelensis) and jirds (Marines unguiculatus) using Aedes aegypti mosquito (Liver pool black eye strains) as vector.

ii. W. bancrofti and B.malayi sera banks have been set up with collection of sera of different patient groups i.e., microfilaraemia, acute, chronic & occult filarial cases, endemic and non endemic normals) form different filarial endemic zones Viz: Vidharbha, Raipur, Calicut, Manglore, Bhubaneshwar and Rourkela.

iii. B.malayi parasites (mf and adults)/ filarial sera/ microfilarial antigens have been supplied to several raerchers

iv. ‘Seva Filachek’ immunoassays (for IgG & IC-Ag) were developed and found to be very helpful to detect filarial antibody and antigen for confirming and immunomonitoring of active infection in acute, chronic and occult filarial infections for appropriate period of DEC therapy for clinical relief and cure. Negotiation with industry for technology transfer is initiated.

v. A simple and inexpensive dot blot assay using 66 kDa B.malayi mf antigen has been developed for diagnosis of filarial infection in an endemic area .

vi. In vitro and in vivo screening systems for antifilarial drugs have been standardized.

vii. A patent application filed on ” Purified B.malayi microfilarial excretory-secretary and soluble glycoprateins (mf ES-12, mf S-33 & mf S-66) for diagnosis and monitoring of filarial infection and for morbidity control in clinical filariasis”

8. DNA sequencing facility at University of Delhi South Campus

Objectives: Services to scientists for DNA sequencing

Achievements: About 3000 samples have analysed

9. Drosophila Repository and Research facility at IIT, Kanpur

Objectives

To expand its current stock collection to further include the increasing number of novel transgenic stocks which are useful as tools for targetted gene expressions, generation of somatic clones etc.

Achievements

The stock centre has now 130 stocks of deficiency kits, teaching stocks for basic genetics, stocks of chromosomal markers, and others and supplies to all Drosophila stock users of the country

10. Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre at Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh

Objectives

This facility is jointly funded by the Department and CSIR is one of the largest and most sophisticated centres for research in process development, process optimisation and scale up in the field of biochemical engineering. The centre is equipped with the latest fermentation technology backed by excellent analytical facilities.

Achievements

i. Successfully scaled up and demonstrated the technology for the production of urokinase, protease, amylase and streptokinase to M/s Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited, Ahmedabad.

ii. Production of Thraustochytrids (unicellular marine protist with high polyunsaturated fatty acid content) in laboratory and pilot scale (150 L) fermenters were carried out for National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.

iii. Fermentation runs is laboratory fermenter were carried out for production of a assigned by Atomic Energy Directorate (Mineral Division), Hyderabad was successfully completed.

iv. BGRPDC successfully negotiated the laboratory consultancy with one of leading company of Punjab i.e., Indian Acrylics Ltd.

v. The facility was also used for inhouse projects or further developments in streptokinase, hydantoinase production and for the production of phytase, lipase, naringinase and DNA polymerase.

11. National Facility for Stable Isotope Discrimination Studies at University of Agricultural Sciences, Banglore

Objectives

Funded jointly by with DST for quantification of water use efficiency of crops using the IRMS, development of a surrogate measure of T based on 18O enrichment in leaf water and biomass and establish the relationship with molecular markers for assited breeding for water stress/ drought

Achievements

i. A state of the Art Isotope Radio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) has been installed with all the elemental analysers, the system is the first of its kind of India and only facility available for high throughput analysis of stable radio isotope in biological use.

ii. Several genotypes and doubled haploid lines of rice were screened for the genetic variability in WUE and the associated physiological traits by gravimetric and carbon isotope discrimination approach.

iii. Genetic vairability of the rice genotypes was studied using RAPD profiles and the genetic distance was worked out from the resultant dendrograms. The dendrograms revealed three major clusters with one having three sub-cluster of genotypes.

12. FACS facility at CCMB, Hyderabad

The Department alongwith CSIR & DST will be taking up the project for establishment of the flowcytometry facility for developing new technologies in diverse areas of biotechnology such as molecular cytogenetics, stem cell research, agricultural biotechnology and design, screening and discovering anti-cancer drugs. The facility has been launched in October 2002 and is being used by institutions and scientists as per its mandate.

New initiatives for the 10th plan

The following facilities of 9th plan were taken over by the host Institutions

i. Tissue culture & cryopreservation repository at NBPGR, New Delhi

ii. Repository of medicinal and aromatic plants at CIMAP, Lucknow

iii. Biochemical engineering research and process development centre at Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh

New Facilities established

NMR facilitity at TIFR ,Mumbai

Objective

The facility has been jointly established by DAE, DBT, CSIR & DST during current financial year. The main aim of facility is provide service to scientists in universities and R&D Institutions undertaking projects in areas requiring access to high field NMR spectrometers. The facility has been funded in 2002-2003 with DBT one time contribution.

13. NMR facilities at IISc., Bangalore

The facility 700 MHz funded jointly with DST in 2002-2003

Biomedical Research Facility at SGPGI, Lucknow

The programme under consideration with an aim to strengthen research infrastructure at SGPGI for promoting basic medical biotechnology and to launch areas of research and technology development in the identified thrust areas with clear application potential.

New facilities under consideration

i. Establishment of transgenic green house facility at Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbtore (PI- Prof. P. Balasurbramanian, CPMB, TNAU, Coimbtore , , Period -one year).

ii. Establishment of 600 MHz NMR facility at IICB, Kolkata (PI: Prof. Samir Bhattacharya, Director, IICB, Kolkata, period-5 years)

iii. Financial support to Prof. S.P. Raychaudhary Drosophila Stock Centre at University of Calcutta (PI: Prof. R.N.Chatterjee, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, , period-3 years)

iv. Establishment of centre of excellence for drug discovery at CDRI, Lucknow - Period - five years, Dr. C.M.Gupta, CDRI, Lucknow)

v. Establishment of Transgenic Containment Testing Facilities and Evaluation of Transgenic Crops at UAS, Bangalore (PI: Prof. T.K.S.Gowda, Department of Biotechnology, UAS, Bangalore, cost Rs.79.10 lakhs, period-3 years)

 

Biotechnology Information System of Department of Bio-Technology

1. Main Thrust of Activity

Growth of biotechnology has accelerated particularly during the last decade due to path breaking advancements in biology and new technologies that produce large high quality data. One such advancement is the high through put full genome sequencing projects, including human genome, have produced very large data. The analysis of such large data and extraction of knowledge from this data is possible only with the help of new algorithms and compute intensive techniques. Thus biologists need to use almost every new technical development in information technology and computer sciences and intelligent application to solve complex biological problems leading the development of multi-disciplinary area called bioinformatics.

Bioinformatics has become a frontline applied science and is of vital importance to study new biology, which is widely recognized as the new scientific endeavor of the twenty-first century. The growth in full genomic sequencing, structural genomics, proteomics, micro-array etc. will be very slow without application of bioinformatics. In fact usefulness of these areas to solve complex biological problems will be limited without bioinformatics and thus very high importance to Bioinformatics.

India was the first country in the world to establish in 1987 a Biotechnology Information System (BTIS) network to create an infrastructure that enables it to harness, biotechnology through the application of Bioinformatics. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has taken up this infrastructure development project and created a distributed network at a very low cost. BTIS is today recognized as one of the major scientific network in the world dedicated to provide the-state-of-the-art infrastructure, education, manpower and tools in bioinformatics.

The principal aim of the bioinformatics programme is to ensure that India emerges as a key international player in the field of bioinformatics; enabling a greater access to wealth of information created during the post-genomic era and catalyse the country’s attainment of lead position in medical, agricultural, animal and environmental biotechnology. India should create a niche in Bioinformatics industry and would work to create bioinformatics industry with turnover of US$ 5 billion by the end of 10th Plan period. It was felt that these could be achieved through a focussed approach in terms of information acquisition, storage, retrieval and distribution. The following are the major thrusts of the programme.

i. To undertake advanced research in frontier areas of bioinformatics and computational biology.

ii. To develop world class human resource in bioinformatics

iii. To establish effective academia-industry interface

iv. To pursue and promote international cooperation with leading institutions, organizations and countries in the world.

v. To create world-class platforms for technology development, transfer and commercialisation.

2. Achievements

The bioinformatics programme during the period has made excellent progress in terms of disseminating the up to date information resources to the researchers and the development of various bioinformatic tools for biotechnology and molecular biology applications. 26 new bioinformatic centers were established as a part of BTISnet and with these the network went up to 61 centres spread all over the country. These centers are established at various Universities, ICAR, ICMR, CSIR, DBT, DST, DAE and other Central & State Govt. supported laboratories. These centres have been networked through satellite communication systems by installing the latest computer and communication infrastructure available in India. Two new Interactive computer graphics facilities were established one at Bose Institute, Kolkatta and the other at JNU, New Delhi to provide interactive molecular graphics support for the researchers. These centers are in addition to earlier established four centers of interactive graphics at University of Pune and Madurai, IISc, Bangalore, N.I.I. New Delhi. Mirror sites of several internationally recognized genomic databases such as EMBnet, PDB, GDB, EBI and Plant Genome databases were established in India under the National Jai Vigyan S & T mission.

One-year postgraduate diploma courses in Bioinformatics were implemented through MKU, University of Pune, Calcutta University, JNU and Pondicherry University. Thus five major reputed universities are running such long-term courses with the financial support from DBT. Over 150 training activities in bioinformatics were conducted to train the researchers to make use of bioinformatics resources for their research. In addition University of Pune has started M.Sc. Bioinformatics course from academic year 2002-2003 and admitted 20 students. High speed Local Area Network (LAN) was established in DBT connecting more than 150 nodes and providing full internet and other computational services to the entire Department.

The 16th International Conference of CODATA was organized in India made the Bioinformatics programme. To enhance awareness among the researchers about various training activities conducted by BTISnet centers, the Apex BTIC publishes Bioinformatics training Calendar every year. The services of both DBT & BTISnet are made available for the public by creating web sites on Internet. The scheme has made significant achievements through the sustained efforts of the DBT in close coordination with various organizations such as the NIC, DOE, DOT, ICAR, CSIR, UGC, MIT etc. A brief account of the important achievements is given below:

Emergence of a distributed network and database infrastructure in bioinformatics

To fulfill the growing need of modern biologists & biotechnology industry R & D, the BTISnet works as a distributed database and network organization to provide an integrated information resource on all aspects of Biotechnology. Molecular biology data such as Gene Bank, Nucleic Acids and Protein Sequences, etc., are accessible over the network from worldwide resources in molecular biology. Important amongst these resources are the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the National Agricultural Library (NAL), the ICGEB, Trieste Bioinformatics resources and several other resources on the INTERNET. The host institutes/ universities have also contributed significantly in the establishment of the Bioinformatics centres; many of them are operating from independent buildings accessible to a wide spread of users. The centres are equipped with sophisticated computers and communication infrastructures. More than 75% of the centres have absorbed the manpower positions sanctioned by DBT in order to retain the skilled personal on Bioinformatics.

Dissemination and usage of resources

BTIS resources are now being used by about 15,000 scientists areas the country. Mirror sites established by BTIS net are also accessed by users from outside countries. The services include analysis of biological data, bibliographic references to published literature in biotechnology (including patent data), software development for computationally intensive problems in biology such as molecular modeling, genome analysis, protein engineering for rational drug design, etc. A printed directory of resources available at each center is also produced each year. The same directory is made available on the web of DBT (BTIS).

A national Biotechnology server has been established with the domain address of www.btisnet.ac.in, that supports e-mail exchange by the scientific community in the country. DBT investigators’ mail server has been created as a part of BIOGRID to communicate transparently by the investigators. The e-mail address for this server is dbtinvestigators@dbt.gov.in.

Implementation of Biogrid of India

Research in biotechnology, which is highly knowledge and capital intensive, has generated a deluge of information in this decade. To make use of this information effectively there is a need for high speed and large bandwidth network. Towards this end, the Department has successfully established a high-speed and high-bandwidth network in the form of Virtual Public Network (VPN) named as BIOGRID INDIA. Eleven nodes have been established in the first phase, which are actively pursuing bioinformatics activities such as human resource development and R&D in bioinformatics besides, dissemination of biotechnology information to researchers in the country. The nodes are interconnected through 2mbps dedicated leased circuit line at each location and 4Mbps Internet bandwidth shared from the central server by all the nodes. The BIOGRID allows exchange of database & softwares which have been created/acquired by the individual centers/nodes of BTIS. This resource sharing helps in enhancing the value and usefulness of the BTIS, the only true resource sharing network in India.

The Department is also supporting long-term teaching programs on bioinformatics and BIOGRID will be useful in sharing teaching materials, to deliver lectures through video conferencing-virtual classrooms besides synergizing research in biotechnology and bioinformatics. In the second and third phase the remaining centres and DBT institutions are envisaged to be covered under the faster network. The mirror sites of internationally recognized genomic databases such as GDB, Protein Data Bank (PDB), Plant Genome Data Banks, Databases of European Bioinformatics institute (EBI) and public domain bioinformatics software packages are also available on the BIOGRID. The advantage of mirroring these databases in India is to provide unhindered mining of high quality data from well established primary and secondary information sources. Commercial softwares essential to carry out research & training in bioinformatics will also be made available through biogrid. The network will act as a knowledge pathway for discoveries in biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Development of databases/resource directories

More than 100 subject specific databases are currently available on the BTISnet. Each centre is responsible for developing a database in the identified thrust areas. Some of these efforts have received international recognition. For example, a major database on animal viruses developed by the center at University of Pune has been recognized by the Microbial Strain Data Network, CODATA, a Committee of International Council of Sciences on Data for science & technology and other international bodies.

Strengthening of biocomputing facilities

A national facility has been established at IIT Delhi towards the development of In-silico drug development by using bioinformatics applications. The Facility was dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble Minister for S&T Prof. Murli Manohar Joshi. During this occasion, software of gene to drug developed by IIT Delhi was released by Hon’ble MOS (S&T) Shri Bachi Singh Rawat. The facility is being networked through Biogrid India so as to use the compute power & softwares at IIT Delhi by the Biogrid nodes remotely.

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Human Resource Development Programmes of Department of Bio-Technology

1. Main thrust of activities

The major objective of the HRD programme is to generate adequate and trained human resource in the multi disciplinary and knowledge intensive field of biotechnology for meeting the requirement of research and industrial activities in the country. This programme aims at creating trained/skilled human resource in the different subject areas of biotechnology. The HRD programmes includes:

Post graduate teaching courses,

DBT-JRF (Ph.D.) Programme

Post doctoral fellowships programme,

Short term training courses,

Biotech. Industrial training programme,

Scholarships and awards (national bioscience award for career development, national women bioscientist award, biotechnology product, process development and commercialization award, distinguished biotechnologist award, biology scholarships), biotechnology overseas associateships,

Visiting scientists from abroad (VSAP) programme

Biotechnology popularization (seminars/symposia/ conferences/workshops, popular lecture series, biotechnology publication in english/hindi and local languages for awareness, biotechnology exhibitions, national science day celebration in universities/r&d institutions etc.),

Travel support for attending international seminar/symposia/workshop abroad etc.

Biotechnology plays an important role in the economic development of the country in all the sectors like medical, human health, animal health, pharmaceutical/new drugs, agriculture and environment etc. department of biotechnology has identified human resource development as an area of high priority during the 10th five year plan in order to generate trained/skilled human resource in this critical and high tech. area of biotechnology. This can be achieved through organizational and functional restructuring, integration and optimal utilization of the available resources, planned expansion of the HRD activities mentioned above. The HRD programme of the department of biotechnology has already made tremendous impact on the overall development of biotechnology in the country, which needs to expand keeping in view the latest trends in biotechnology worldwide. It is in this context that continuation of the ongoing programmes and initiation of new activities have been proposed.

An integrated Human Resource Development Programme is being implemented to generate adequate and appropriately trained personnel in the area of Biotechnology. Sustained efforts in generating trained human resource has given rich dividends in bringing excellence in this field and providing the skilled human resource for research for research and industry. The various schemes are :

Achievements

Post Graduate M. Sc./M. Tech. Teaching and Other Training programmes

This programme aims at creating trained human resource at the post-graduate level in general biotechnology, agriculture biotechnology, medical biotechnology, marine biotechnology, neurosciences, biochemical engineering and biotechnology. The following are the new post-graduate biotechnology teaching courses sponsored during 9th plan onwards:

i. 30 M. Sc. Courses in General Biotechnology.

ii. 7 M. Sc. Courses in Agriculture Biotechnology.

iii. 1 M.Sc Course in Medical Biotechnology

iv. 2 M. Sc. Courses in Marine Biotechnology.

v. 3 M. Sc. (3/2 years) Courses in Neurosciences.

vi. 1 M. Sc. Course in Industrial Biotechnology

vii. 6 M. Tech Courses In Biochemical Engineering, Bio-Process Technology And Bio-Technology.

viii. 1 M.Tech. Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

ix. 2 One-Year Post MD/MS Certificate Courses in Medical Biotechnology

x. 2 One-Year PG Diploma Courses

The intake of students in the postgraduate courses is around 950 per year. Students are admitted to different universities through an All India combined entrance examination, conducted by JNU, New Delhi and to IITs through GATE in Two-year/ 4-semester M. Tech. courses and through JEE in Five-year integrated M. Tech. Courses in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

In the two years of 10th Five Year Plan (2002-03 - 2003-04), 19 new PG Teaching courses have been supported to cater to the regional needs as well as gap areas in biotechnology.

As on 1/4/2004, 55 PG teaching courses are being supported on regular basis. 6 PG teaching courses/programmes have been taken over by the respective universities/institutions and 15 universities/centres have been considered for one time financial support under non-recurring (for equipments only) for strengthening their ongoing PG teaching courses.

Post Doctoral Fellowship Programme

DBT Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme is being implemented through I.I.Sc. Bangalore. The selected fellows can opt to work in universities and R&D institutions of their choice. Under this programme post doctoral fellowship of Rs. 11,000/- per month and contingency grant of Rs. 50,000/- PM per annum is provided for a period of 2 year.

During 9th Plan Post Doctoral Research and Training programme was implemented at 4 R&D institutions, there after from 1.4.2001, restructured DBT Post Doctoral Fellowship programme is being implemented to cover more R&D institutions/more specialized subject areas of biotechnology.

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Progressive Use of Official Language in the Department of Bio-Technology

Efforts are made to promote the use of Hindi in official work and in the implementation of the official language policy of the Government :

The quarterly meetings of the Official Language Implementation Committee are held regularly in DBT.

The Quarterly Progress Report regarding use of Hindi in the Department is sent to the Department of Official Language regularly.

Special efforts are made in the department to improve the position of training in Hindi(i.e. Probodh, Praveen and Pragya), Hindi typing and Hindi Stenography.

Hindi versions of Parliament Questions, Orders, Notifications, Letters, Standard Drafts, Cabinet Notes, MOU, Monthly Summary for the Cabinet, Audit objections, Annual Report,Performance Budget and Agenda Papers of Standing Committee and Consultative Committee meetings are provided.

 

Office Automation of Department of Bio-Technology

Computerization has been given priority and computers have been provided to almost all scientific personnel and other officers. In order to achieve higher functional efficiency, the Dept. has provided a modern electronic EPBAX spread across 3 floors of Block-2. Further, all support systems and facilities for photocopying, stenciling, dak distribution, telex, fax, provision of electronic typewriters, computers with dotmatrix/laser printers, paper shredders and other modern office aids have been maintained properly. Computerization in DBT is implemented by the Biotechnology Information Centre (BTIC) in coordination with the NIC cell.

 

Staff Welfare of Department of Bio-Technology

An Office Council in the Department is in existence as the machinery to secure prompt redressal of grievances of the staff. Decisions taken in the Council are implemented expeditiously to achieve greater efficiency and to promote a harmonious work culture. The Director (Adm.) functions as Welfare Officer to monitor the welfare activities of the Department. An Advisory committee has also been set up to look after various cultural and sports activities in the Department.

 

Grievance Machinery of Department of Bio-Technology

A grievance machinery has been set up to redress the grievances both from the Public as well as the staff. A Grievance Cell is functioning in the department. Time limits for redressal of staff/public grievances have also been adopted and are being observed scrupulously. Reports are regularly sent on NIC Network as well as under the 20 Point Programme to the nodal Departments viz. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, New Delhi.

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