We are investigating the mechanism and regulation of microtubule dynamics in neurodegeneration and cancer. Our Lab studies the effects of microtubule-targeted agents and microtubule-binding proteins on the dynamic instability parameters of microtubules. In addition, the modulations of microtubule-treadmilling, severing etc. are also being studied. Our current research focus is on the plus-end tracking proteins EB1, CLIP 170, and p150. Regulation of microtubule dynamics by G-proteins, by drugs like anti-conjugated maytansine analogs are under investigation.  We also work on the signaling pathways activated following the disruption of innate microtubule dynamics, and the mode of cell death that ensues, using  Video-enhanced Differential Interference Contrast microscopy, SiRNA mediated silencing of tubulin isotypes, , centromere dynamics, microtubule assembly dynamics, drug-microtubule interactions using radiolabeled drugs; spectrophotometer, spectrofluorometer, spectropolarimeter, TEM, Cryo-EM, confocal microscopy and FACS.

Research Outputs: One of the molecules we were investigating for its anti-cancer properties, ixabepilone, has been approved by US FDA and is marketed as Ixempra by BMS.

Antibodies, Cell / Tissue Culture, Cell Signaling Assays, Centrifugation, Chromatography, Cytology Staining, Data Processing, Electrophoresis, Flow Cytometry, NMR, RNAi & Gene Silencing Assays, Spectroscopy, CD, Spectroscopy, Fluorescence, Spectroscopy, FTIR, Spectroscopy, UV-VIS, Transduction

Basic Research, Biomedical Technology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Cancer, Cell Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacology, Toxicology