Research area
The laboratory has two main research groups: The
Rotavirus Molecular Epidemiology Group and The Microbial Bioremediation
Group.
Group 1: Molecular Epidemiology of
Rotavirus
The primary interest of the laboratory is to study the genome characterization of group A rotavirus strains (RVA) in the North-eastern region. Diarrhoeal episodes remain the second most important cause of child mortality in India. A recent finding highlights the need to conduct surveillance to better understand strain diversity at a regional scale for the improved efficacy of vaccine. The genome diversity of RVA strains in the region remains largely unknown. The host-pathogen interaction is complex and the viruses have evolved a unique strategy of survival within the hostile environment of the host. North-East India has a rich repository of traditional herbal based bio-cultural knowledge and is one of the hotspots of the twelve mega-biodiversity centers in the world. The genome diversity of RVA strains in the region is being undertaken in the laboratory. In our laboratory, we are currently interested in identifying the medicinal plants for their anti-viral activity. We are also interested in studying the role of cellular proteins that are important for pathogenesis during rotavirus replication. In silico mapping of B- and T-cell epitopes of rotavirus proteins are also being investigated in the laboratory.
Group 2: Development of Biological Catalyst for Bioremediation
The second aspect of research focuses on understanding the microbial population dynamics in long term crude oil contaminated environment. We are interested in identifying the potential biosurfactant producing and hydrocarbon / sulfur degrading bacteria and their mechanism of biodegradation. This study would help us to develop biological catalyst for possible application in microbial enhanced oil recovery and bioremediation.
Nima D. Namsa
Assistant Professor
Room No. 205
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBBT)
School of Sciences
Tezpur University (A Central University), Napaam 784 028, Tezpur, Assam
Contact: +91 3712 267007; Ext. 5419.
E-mail: namsa@tezu.ernet.in