Yeasts and Patent Depositary

Expertise:

Antimicrobial peptides from prokaryotic diversity existing in complex ecosystems.

Profile:

Microorganisms existing in complex environments often require capability to produce antimicrobial compounds as a competitive advantage. Therefore, our laboratory focused on isolation and characterization of novel antimicrobial peptides including different types of bacteriocins from microbial diversity of complex ecosystems. We are also characterizing their biosynthetic gene clusters using whole genome sequence analysis approach for their heterologous expression. To this effect, we have characterized few antimicrobial peptides from members of the genera like Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Bacillus Clostridium, Lactobacillus etc. The crystal structure analysis of a Brevibacillus sp. strain GI-9 from our lab revealed for the first time it as a defensin analogue of prokaryotes.

Major Publications

• Baindara, P., Gautam, A. Raghava, G.P.S., and Korpole, S. (2017). Anticancer properties of a defensin like class IId bacteriocin laterosporulin10. Sci. Rep. 7:46541.
• Nallabelli, N., Patil., P. P., Pal, V. K., Singh, N., Jain, A., Patil, P. B., Grover, V., and Korpole, S. (2016). Biochemical and genome sequence analyses of Megasphaera sp. strain DISK18 from dental plaque of a healthy individual reveals commensal lifestyle. Sci. Rep. 6:33665.
• Baindara, P., Singh, N., Ranjan, M., Nallabelli, N., Chaudhry, V., Pathania, G.L., Sharma, N., Kumar, A., Patil, P. B., and Korpole, S. (2016). Laterosporulin10: a novel defensin like class IId bacteriocin from Brevibacillus sp. strain SKDU10 with inhibitory activity against microbial pathogens. Microbiol, 162; 1286-1299.
• Baindara, P., Chaudhry, V., Mittal, G., Liao, L. M., Matos, C. O., Khatri, N., Franco, O. L., Patil, P. B., and Korpole, S. (2016). Characterization of the antimicrobial peptide Penisin, a class Ia novel lantibiotic from Paenibacillus sp. strain A3. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 60(1) 580-591.
• Singh, P. K., Solanki, V., Sharma, S., Thakur, K. G., Krishnan, B., and Korpole, S. (2015). Intra-molecular Disulfide-stapled structure of Laterosporulin, a class IId bacteriocin, conceals human defensin-like structural module. FEBS Journal (Cover page article) 282: 203-214.

: Head.mtcc@imtech.res.in : 01726665705

: Akumar@imtech.res.in : 01726665729

Senior Scientist: Bacteria/ Phototrophic bacteria

: Apinnaka@imtech.res.in : 01726665728

Senior Scientist 

: Venkat@imtech.res.in : 01722880749

Scientist: Extremophiles & Human Microbiome

Present group members:

Ashish Verma: SRF

Yash Pal: SRF

Pooja Yadav: JRF

Poonam Kumari: SRF

Joyashree Das: JRF

Praveen Kumar: JRF

Past group Members

Anup Kumar Jha: Project Assistant

Shivasundharam: Project-JRF

: Kmurthi@imtech.res.in : 0172666748

Senior Scientist

Expertise

Microbial diversity, Whole genome sequencing and genotyping, Genetic engineering, Drug discovery

Profile

Dr. Nithya Vadakedath is a molecular microbiologist. Her research interest is to study bacterial diversity and identify their functionality via (meta-) genome analyses as well as to develop rational, directed screening techniques to discover novel microbial species and metabolites with application potentials. Her focus is also on the application of emerging synthetic biology and genetic engineering approaches to produce new complex and high-value-added compounds for the pharmaceutical sector. She is involved in projects related to human microbiota and its functional role in health and diseases, and bioremediation of hazardous chemicals by microbes and understand how they adapt to these environments and metabolize the toxic chemicals using omics-based approaches.

Publications

1. Ebenezer TE, Zoltner M, Burrell A, Nenarokova A, Vanclová AMGN, Prasad B, Soukal P, Santana-Molina C, O’Neill E, Nankissoor NN, Nithya V, Daiker V, et al. (2019). Transcriptome, proteome and draft genome of Euglena gracilis. BMC Biol, 17:11.

2. Nithya V, Halami PM (2019). Characterization and mode of action of a potent bio-preservative from food-grade Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2016. Prep Biochem Biotechnol, 49(4):334-343.

3. Prasad B, Lein W, General T, Lindenberger CP, Buchholz R, Nithya V (2019). Stable nuclear transformation of rhodophyte species Porphyridium purpureum: advanced molecular tools and an optimized method. Photosynth Res, 140(2):173-188.

4. Nithya V, Prakash M, Halami PM (2018) Utilization of industrial waste for production of bio-preservative from Bacillus licheniformis Me1 and its application in milk and milk-based food products. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins, 10(2):228-235.

5. Prasad B, Nithya V, Jeong HJ, General T, Man-Gi Cho, Lein W (2014) Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of haptophytes (Isochrysis species). J Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 98(20):8629-8639.

Link to publication list:

https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?hl=en&user=v4KV1_sAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&gmla=AJsN-F4PfDMEJp0ttjFHNLtDMfX6IxDxc0phDc2FDEkdatLgrmsDZ-Wukfyh1FSzI2229T_Fofb2-0aiPmoPOppoalxSUrc94w

: Nithya@imtech.res.in : 01726665747

Scientist: Fungal Section

Dr. Bandarupalli Devadatha

Expertise:

Fungal Classification and Systematics, Fungal Diversity, Fungal Bioprospecting, Phylogenetic analysis and Thraustochytrids.

Profile:

Fungi, despite their wide-ranging impact on health and ecosystems, remain understudied compared to other microorganisms. The vast fungal kingdom holds immense diversity, but only a tiny fraction has been identified. Out of the estimated 2.2–3.8 million possible fungal species, a mere 151,381 have undergone comprehensive characterization. This limited knowledge hampers the discovery and exploitation of fungi's economic potential. The multifaceted nature of fungi, encompassing both advantageous and detrimental aspects, contributes to their captivating nature. Our lab focuses on discovering novel fungal species in various habitats to understand their ecological roles and aid conservation. We also engage in fungal bioprospecting, meticulously evaluating antimicrobial compounds, fatty acids, and fungal enzymes to harness their potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

Major Publications

Devadatha, B., Jones, E. G., Wanasinghe, D. N., Bahkali, A. H., & Hyde, K. D. (2023). Characterization of novel estuarine Ascomycota based on taxonomic and phylogenetic evaluation. Botanica Marina, vol. 66, no. 4, 281-300. https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2022-0085.

Devadatha, B., Jones, E. B. G., Pang, K. L., Abdel-Wahab, M. A., Hyde, K. D., Sakayaroj, J.,Bahkali, A.H., Calabon, M.S., Sarma, V.V., Sutreong, S. & Zhang, S. N. (2021). Occurrence and geographical distribution of mangrove fungi. Fungal Diversity, 106, 137-227.

Devadatha, B, Sarma, V. V, Ariyawansa, H. A, & Jones, EBG (2018). Deniquelata vittalii sp nov., a novel Indian saprobic marine fungus on Suaeda monoica and two new records of marine fungi from Muthupet mangroves, East coast of India. Mycosphere, 9(3), 565-582. Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/9/3/8

Devadatha, B., Sarma, V. V., Jeewon, R., Wanasinghe, D. N., Hyde, K. D., & Gareth Jones, E. B. (2018). Thyridariella, a novel marine fungal genus from India: morphological characterization and phylogeny inferred from multigene DNA sequence analyses. Mycological progress, 17, 791-804.

 Parasuraman, P., Devadatha, B., Sarma, V. V., Ranganathan, S., Ampasala, D. R., & Siddhardha, B. (2020). Anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm activities of Blastobotrys parvus PPR3 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Microbial Pathogenesis, 138, 103811.

Awards:

Honored with the esteemed Dr. M.J Thirumalachar Young Scientist Award for delivering the Best Oral Presentation, bestowed by the Mycological Society of India during the 44th MSI meet at the University of Jammu.

Link to complete publications:

https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=CSWNiWcAAAAJ&hl=en

: Devadatha@imtech.res.in : 01722880746

Profile:

  The continuous increase in the multidrug resistance of clinical pathogens is recognized as a major public health threat. However, there is limited knowledge of the pathogenesis at the cellular and molecular levels of clinical bacterial strains. Subsequently, treating such infections is becoming more difficult for both hospitals and governments. Therefore, understanding such bacterial pathogenesis is necessary to develop more effective antibiotic treatments. Our research group is interested in finding the molecular and biochemical mechanisms contributing to bacterial resistance. In addition, we are also exploring the “Host-Pathogen” interactions via post-translational modifications, which could help to develop intervention strategies and provide insights into disease progression.

Google Scholar:  https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=kFlnEE4AAAAJ&hl=en

 Major Publications

1.      Nagamalleswari, E., Rao, S., Vasu, K. & Nagaraja, V. Restriction endonuclease triggered bacterial apoptosis as a long-term survival mechanism. Nucleic Acids Res 45, 8423-8434, (2017). 

2.      Vasu, K.; Nagamalleswari, E.; Zahran, M.; Imhof, P.; Xu, S.-y.; Zhu, Z.; Chan, S.-H.; Nagaraja, V., Increasing cleavage specificity and activity of restriction endonuclease KpnI. Nucleic Acids Res, 41 (21), 9812-9824 (2013). 

3.      Vasu, K., Nagamalleswari, E. & Nagaraja, V. Promiscuous restriction is a cellular defense strategy that confers fitness advantage to bacteria. Proc Natl Acad Sci, 109, E1287-E1293, (2012). 

4.      Nagamalleswari, E., Vasu, K. & Nagaraja, V. Ca²⁺ Binding to the ExDxD Motif Regulates the DNA Cleavage Specificity of a Promiscuous Endonuclease. Biochemistry 51, 8939-8949, (2012). 

5.      Salas-Lloret, D.; Jansen, N. S.; Nagamalleswari, E.; van der Meulen, C.; Gracheva, E.; de Ru, A. H.;  Otte, H. A. M.;  van Veelen, P. A.;  Pichler, A.;  Goedhart, J.;  Vertegaal, A. C. O.; González-Prieto, R., SUMO-activated target traps (SATTs) enable the identification of a comprehensive E3-specific SUMO proteome. Science Advances 9 (31), eadh2073 (2023)

: Enmalleswari@imtech.res.in : 01722880726

Principal Technical Officer

Fungi Section

(Molecular Characterization :  Fungi)

: Dhan@imtech.res.in : 01722880730

Senior Technical Officer-III (Bioinformatics/Data Center)

Publications: 

1. Selvaraj, Muthu Krishnan*. and Kaur, J*., 2026. Evaluating the evolutionary relationship of TATA binding protein (TBP) with various folding patterns of protein domains using support vector machine (SVM). Scientific Reports.

1. Vasudeva, Gunjan, Chandni Sidhu, Kalyan Vaid, Pragya Priyadarshini, Vanish Kumar, Muthu Krishnan, Balvinder Singh, and Anil Kumar Pinnaka. "Bioremediation of catecholic pollutants with novel oxygen-insensitive catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase and its potential in biomonitoring of catechol in wastewater." Environmental Pollution 367 (2025): 125613. 

1. Selvaraj, Muthu Krishnan*, and Jasmeet Kaur*. "Computational method for aromatase related proteins using machine learning approach." Plos one 18, no. 3 (2023): e0283567. 
2. 
   
3. Selvaraj, Muthu Krishnan, Anamika Thakur, Manoj Kumar, Anil Kumar Pinnaka, Chander Raman Suri, Busi Siddhardha*, and Senthil Prasad Elumalai*. "Ion-pumping microbial rhodopsin protein classification by machine learning approach." BMC Bioinformatics 24, no. 1 (2023): 29. 

1. Muthukrishnan, S*. "The evolutionary relationship of S15/NS1RNA binding domains with a similar protein domain pattern-A computational approach." Informatics in Medicine Unlocked (2021): 100611.
2. 
   
3. Muthukrishnan, S* and MunishPuri*.(2018). Harnessing the evolutionary information on Oxygen binding proteins through Support Vector Machines based module. BMC Research  Notes 11:290
4. Muthukrishnan, S. (2018). Using Chou's general PseAAC to analyze the evolutionary relationship of receptor associated proteins (RAP) with various folding patterns of protein domains. Journal of Theoretical Biology 445, 62-74. 
5. Muthukrishnan, S. (2016) Classify vertebrate hemoglobin proteins by incorporating the evolutionary information into the general PseAAC with the hybrid approach. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 409,  27-37.
6. MuthuKrishnan, S, Munish Puri, Kanak L. Dikshit, and Christophe Lefevre. (2016) “BacHbpred: Support Vector Machine Methods for the Prediction of Bacterial Hemoglobin-Like Proteins,” Advances in Bioinformatics, vol. 2016.
7. MuthuKrishnan, S, Puri, M*., & Lefevre, C. (2014). Support vector machine (SVM) based multiclass prediction with basic statistical analysis of plasminogen activators. BMC Research Notes, 7(1), 63.
8. Muthukrishnan, S., Puri, M*., & Lefevre, C. (2013). Analysis and Prediction of Major Blood Proteins Based on Their Amino Acid and Dipeptide Composition. International Journal of Bioinformatics Research, 5(1), 285-288.
9. Muthukrishnan, S., Aarti Garg, and G. P. S. Raghava. (2007). "Oxypred: Prediction and Classification of Oxygen-Binding Proteins." Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics 5.3: 250-252.

: Muthu.krishnan@csir.res.in : 01722880725

Senior Technical Officer,

 Bacteria division,

Characterization services

: Sumit@imtech.res.in : 0172880703

Senior Technical Officer

IDA- International Deposit Authority

Actinnomycetes

: Hariom.kushwaha@csir.res.in : 01722880736

Senior Technical Officer

: Amitk1984@imtech.res.in : 01722880736

: Girja@imtech.res.in : 01722880703

Senior Technician

Yeast Section

: Renu@imtech.res.in : 01722880732

: Kavita@imtech.res.in : 01726665151