Research



Research Highlights
 
Technology Development
 

DNA fingerprinting of coffee germplasm for conservation, management and development of molecular map 
CCMB, in collaboration with the Central Coffee Research Institute, Chikmagalur, has initiated studies for the molecular characterization of the coffee germplasm with an objective to develop molecular (DNA) markers based coffee breeding programme. A simple working protocol was developed at the CCMB to extract high molecular weight genomic DNA from leaf samples; the experimental conditions are being worked out to remove the co-precipitating inhibitors to make the DNA amenable for restriction digestion and PCR-based analysis. 

Gene delivery and drug delivery systems 
CCMB has developed several cationic lipid formulations for efficient gene delivery. Further, new lipids with several hydroxyl moieties in the head group were synthesized. These molecules were as efficient as the dihydroxy analogue in all the cell lines tested. At lower charge ratios the cationic lipids enhance the transcription of DNA. Based on these studies, CCMB has submitted 2 US patents for novel gene delivery processes. In studies towards the directed evolution of lipases, after two rounds of mutagenesis and screening cycles, CCMB has isolated a mutant lipase, which is 6 times more active than the wild type at 55° C and submitted for a US patent.

Mutagenesis mechanisms in bacteria
Mutations that lead to increased frequency of precise excision of transposon Tn10 were classified into two categories, depending on whether they did or did not also increase precise excision frequency of the mini-Tn10 derivatives. Mutations in uvrD were shown to be incompatible with lon because of chronic SOS induction, and the hypothesis has been advanced that the latter results because of a need for the UvrD helicase in unwinding secondary structures on the lagging strand immediately behind the progressing replication fork. CCMB has applied for a US patent (A process for identifying mutagens and antimutagens) based on these studies.