India celebrates National Science Day on February 28 every year to commemorate the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman on the same day in 1928. Sir C.V. Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for this significant discovery.
Today, at Decode Age, we're excited to applaud the hard work of Indian scientists dedicated to understand the biological mechanisms of ageing. Check out this list for a quick peek at these scientists and the specific aspects of ageing they're exploring.
Dr. Swasti Raychaudhuri
Principal Scientist at CCMB Hyderabad
The process that keeps proteins in our cells in a healthy state is called protein homeostasis, and this process declines with age, resulting in the accumulation of damaged proteins in our cells, which is the root cause of many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Dr. Swasti and his team at CCMB Hyderabad are studying protein aggregation inside cells. They are interested in identifying the protein aggregates that form when cells are stressed under certain conditions. With this, they aim to understand the mechanisms in the cells that maintain a good balance of proteins.
Click here to know more about Dr. Swasti’s research interest
Dr. Deepak K Saini
Professor at IISc Bangalore
Inflammation is a natural and necessary response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, chronic low-grade inflammation, often referred to as 'inflammaging,' is a phenomenon associated with ageing.
Dr. Saini and his team at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore are conducting experiments to understand the relationship between ageing and inflammation.
They are specifically focusing on a class of receptors known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in ageing cells. By studying this class of receptors and how they function in ageing cells, they aim to unravel what leads to chronic inflammation as cells age.
Their research has identified molecules that:
- Regulate DNA damage
- Contribute to ageing
- Maintain aged cells
- Induce inflammation
Click here to know more about Dr. Deepak’s research interest
Dr. Manish Jaiswal
Principal investigator at TIFR Hyderabad
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cells. Every cell in our body needs a specific number of mitochondria to function properly. With age, this healthy pool of mitochondria gets affected, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, one of the hallmarks of ageing.
Dr. Manish and his lab at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Hyderabad are identifying genes that regulate the healthy pool of mitochondria in a cell by using the fruit fly as a model organism.
His experiments are developing an understanding of the physical and chemical factors that affect the formation of new mitochondria, their size, and what happens to them in stressful conditions.
Findings from his lab will help in developing interventions that can deal with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Click here to know more about Dr. Manish’s research interest
Dr. Ullas Kothur-Seetharam
Professor at TIFR
Sirtuin genes, like SIRT1, play a role in regulating cellular functions and promoting longevity by influencing factors such as DNA repair, stress resistance, and metabolism. Activation of sirtuins is associated with enhanced cellular health, potentially contributing to increased lifespan.
Dr. Ullas and his team are using flies, mice, and cell culture systems to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate sirtuin genes. They study these genes and their role in aging and age-related disorders like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
Click here to know more about Dr. Ullas’s research interest
Conclusion
Decode Age celebrates the scientists who guide our understanding of the world and propel us toward progress. The challenge of ageing is immense, but the determination of researchers worldwide offers hope for breakthrough solutions. As we commemorate National Science Day, let's salute these visionary scientists and researchers. Their dedication not only advances the boundaries of knowledge but also brings us closer to making longevity a reality for all.
Happy National Science Day! Let's continue to support and celebrate the scientific endeavors that promise a healthier, longer future for humanity.
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