Research Projects

Objective: Using sigF mutant model identify the set of genes that are differentially expressed at different stages of biofilm development; Identify the factors responsible for biofilm maturation and inducing biofilm dispersion in M. tuberculosis; Identify the common bacterial players involved in dispersion under different conditions; Development of recombinant mycobacterial strains as model for biofilm mediated screening; Compare virulence of dispersed bacilli to planktonic bacilli; Delineate a strategy to induce concomitant biofilm dispersion and anti-mycobacterial treatment; Gene expression and metabolite profiling of persister cells; Identification of core metabolic enzymes in persistence and development of recombinants; Delineation of host immune response to infection by recombinant and wild-type Mtb; Development of in silica model, screening of inhibitor libraries, identification of new scaffolds and rationalized screening; Structural studies and Functional characterization of c-di-NMP metabolizing enzymes, Mtb persistence target identified by TB consortium.