Utkal University

About the Centre of Excellence

The Centre of Excellence in “Integrated Omics and Computational Biology” established in 2018, in Utkal University, under the World Bank program for Odisha Higher Education Program for Excellence and Equity (WB-OHEPEE), envisages developing a state-of-the-art infrastructure in Genomics, Proteomics and Epigenomics for interdisciplinary research on above cutting edge areas of life sciences. P.G. Departments of Biotechnology, Botany, chemistry and Zoology of Utkal University are the participating Departments of the CoE-IOCB. Besides, there are inter institutional research collaboration with various Institutes.

The research activities of CoE-IOCB follow 03 broad themes.

Theme 1: Exploration of bio-resources and bio-prospecting of mangroves from Odisha coast and its application for crop yield

Genomics and transcriptomic studies of salt, submergence, high CO2 adaptive and high UV light tolerant cyanobacteria, plants and their adaptation in photosynthetic systems. Development of Gene bank for nitrogen fixing bacteria, and salt stress tolerant mycorrhiza using tools of bioinformatics. Impact of climatic extremes (climatic hazards) like flood, cyclone, saline inundation on cropping pattern and crop productivity.

Theme 2: Integrated OMICS and computational approaches for understanding the disease process associated with neuro-degeneration and Diabetes

Understanding the molecular basis of Neurodegenerative Disorders with special emphasis on Alzheimer’s, age related neurodegeneration, drugs/endocrine disruptions-mediated neuroplasticity and important metabolic disorder like Diabetes, using the integrated approach of OMIC sciences and computational biology for the development of suitable and strategic therapeutic intervention. We also intend to study the impact of potential environmental toxicants/drugs and other epigenetic factors in regulating the neuronal plasticity.

Theme 3: Translational Research in Cell and Regenerative Biology

Study of genetic and epigenetic factors modulating regeneration in model animals. Understanding the plasticity of stem cells involved in regeneration. Bioinformatics approach to
understand the evolutionary loss of regenerating abilities and tracing the network of signaling pathway of regeneration through bioinformatics approach.

Sustainability of the programme:

The centre of excellence in life science Utkal University envisages its sustainability beyond the five years of financial support through the following fund generating avenues: (1) funding through extramural research support, (2) starting of incubation centers, (3) consultancy and contract research services and (4) resource generation through skill development programme.

Societal relevance of the programme:

Afforestation through in situ nursery generation, promotional social forestry in Gram Panchayat level, ecotourism and sustainable development for Self Help Groups. Awareness camps on mental health and safety of elderly by active involvement of Doctors, Government Officials and social workers. The centre will develop a network among organizations working on regeneration, organ transplantation and stem cell research, imparting skill to stakeholders through study materials, virtual tutorial, workshops and dedicated training programmes.

Organizational Set up

Coordinator
Prof. Jagneshwar Dandapat, P.G. Department of Biotechnology

Co-coordinator
Dr. Gunanidhi Sahoo, P.G. Department of Zoology

Mentor
Prof. Siba Prasad Adhikary, Former Vice Chancellor, Fakir Mohan University

Distinguished Visiting Faculty
Padmashree Prof. G. Padmanabhan, Former Director, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

Research Staffs

Post Doctoral Fellow

Dr. Sudipta Kumar Das

Research Assistant

Mr. Atala Bihari Jena
Mr. Bikash Das

Awards/Recognitions

1. One of the research staffs Mr. Atala Bihari Jena received Research Excellence Award for the year 2021 from Institute of Scholar, 2nd Cross, 7th Block Sir M V Layout, Muddhinapalya Bengaluru-560091, Karnataka, India for his outstanding achievements in the field of life sciences.

2. One of the research staffs Mr. Atala Bihari Jena received Best research awards for the year 2021 from Science father, International Research Awards on Science, Health and Engineering

Workshop/Seminar details

1. Invited talk by Dr. Nisha Patro, Scientist & Faculty, School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior (M.P.) on 20th September 2019.

2. Invited talk by Dr. Nibedita Lenka, Scientist-F, National Centre of Cell Science, Pune on 30th December 2019.

3. National Science Day Lecture – 2021, by Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee, Regional Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, on 28th February 2021.

4. International Webinar on “Multi-Omics approaches for sustainable Health & Agriculture”, on 21st December 2021.

Research Laboratory

Research Laboratory
Computational Biology Laboratory
Video Conference Room
Cell Culture Facility

Publication details

2022

1. Hota, J., Mahapatra, P.K. (2022). FGF2 and FGF10 expression patterns in the epidermis and mesenchyme during homeotic transformation of tail into hind limbs in frog tadpoles. Acta Histochemica, 124 (1), 151836. (I.F. 2.479)

2021

1. Jena, A. B., Kanungo, N., Nayak, V., Chainy, G., & Dandapat, J. (2021). Catechin and curcumin interact with S protein of SARS-CoV2 and ACE2 of human cell membrane: insights from computational studies. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 2043. (I.F. 4.379) 2. Jena, A. B., Samal, R. R., Kumari, K., Pradhan, J., Chainy, G., Subudhi, U., Pal, S., & Dandapat, J. (2021). The benzene metabolite p-benzoquinone inhibits the catalytic activity of bovine liver catalase: A biophysical study. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 167, 871–880. (I.F. 6.953)

2. Jena, A. B., Samal, R. R., Kumari, K., Pradhan, J., Chainy, G., Subudhi, U., Pal, S., & Dandapat, J. (2021). The benzene metabolite p-benzoquinone inhibits the catalytic activity of bovine liver catalase: A biophysical study. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 167, 871–880. (I.F. 6.953)

3. Rath, S., Perikala, V., Jena, A. B., & Dandapat, J. (2021). Factors regulating dynamics of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), the gateway of SARS-CoV-2: Epigenetic modifications and therapeutic interventions by epidrugs. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 143, 112095. (I.F. 6.529)

4. Dhali, S., Pradhan, M., Sahoo, R.K., Mohanty, S. & Pradhan, C. (2021). Alleviating Cr(VI) stress in horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum Var. Madhu) by native Cr-tolerant nodule endophytes isolated from contaminated site of Sukinda. Environmental Science & Pollution Research, 28, 31717-31730. (I.F. 4.223)

5. Keshari, N., Das, S.K. & Adhikary, S.P. (2021) Colonization and survival of a stress tolerant cyanobacterium on a heritage monument of Santiniketan, India. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 164, 105294. (I.F. – 4.320)

2020

1. Dey, A., Jali, P., Behera, A. K., Das, A. B., & Pradhan, C. (2020). A study on efficient microbial biodegradation of cellulose based jute composite. Polymer Composites, 41(4), 1428-1434. (I.F. 3.171)

2. Kullu, B., Patra, D. K., Acharya, S., Pradhan, C., & Patra, H. K. (2020). AM fungi mediated bioaccumulation of hexavalent chromium in Brachiaria mutica-a mycorrhizal phytoremediation approach. Chemosphere, 258, 127337. (I.F. 7.087)

3. Panda, A., Patra, D. K., Acharya, S., Pradhan, C., & Patra, H. K. (2020). Assessment of the phytoremediation potential of Zinnia elegans L. plant species for hexavalent chromium through pot experiment. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 20, 101042. (I.F. 5.263)

4. Acharya, S., Patra, D. K., Pradhan, C., & Mohapatra, P. K. (2020). Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidative properties of different extracts of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza L.(Mangrove). European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 36, 101140. (I.F. – 1.314)

5. Gantayat, S., Nayak, S. P., Badamali, S. K., Pradhan, C., & Das, A. B. (2020). Analysis on cytotoxicity and oxidative damage of iron nano-composite on Allium cepa L. root meristems. Cytologia, 85(4), 325-332. (I.F. 0.76)

2019

1. Jali, P., Acharya, S., Mahalik, G., Pradhan, C., & Das, A. B. (2019). Low dose cadmium (II) induced antifungal activity against blast disease in rice. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 108, 101422. (I.F. 2.747)