We are delighted to share that Dr. Poulomi Banerjee, Principal Scientist at SKAN Research Trust, has been invited to speak at ICTN 2026 – International Conference on Translational Neuroscience, taking place at CUSAT, Kochi, from 14–16 September 2026.
Link to the conference website:
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
OPEN Autism: A Concept to Explore Neurobiology
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)—a pivotal contributor of aging and related disorders. Authors – Ankita Dhenge, Rohan Kulkarni.
Journal – Annals of Translational Medicine
Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in organ and tissue function, increasing the risk of chronic diseases and mortality. Among the emerging hallmarks of aging, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has gained considerable attention as a key age-associated condition linked to cardiovascular, neurological, and other inflammatory disorders.
In this comprehensive review, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic changes in the hematopoietic system that drive age-related clonal expansion and the development of CHIP. We further examine the growing evidence connecting CHIP with diverse disease states, summarize the current diagnostic approaches and management strategies, and highlight the global landscape of CHIP research.
As CHIP-centered research continues to evolve, a deeper understanding of its biology and clinical implications may pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing CHIP progression and mitigating the burden of age-related diseases.
View Publication (Publication Date – 11th May 2026)
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
Factors that can influence the Autism – Multilayer architecture for LMIC
We proposed a framework to low-middle income countries to integrating obstetric, placental, epigenetic, and neurodevelopmental (OPEN) to get better insights in understand ASD risk and enable early detection. We identify that autism may be influenced not only by genetics but also by prenatal and placental factors, which can shape early brain development.
View Publication (Publication Date – 11th May 2026)
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
Insights into m6A methylation in Autism
Our work integrates recent advances in epitranscriptomics and discusses how m6A RNA methylation may contribute to ASD development, neurodevelopmental alterations, synaptic dysfunction, and behavioral manifestations. Importantly, highlight the role of m6A methylation in synaptic enrichment of high-risk autism genes.
View Publication (Publication Date – 20th March 2026)
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
Invited Talk & Best Oral Presentation Award
Dr. Venkata Ram Gannavarapu from
SKAN Research Trust delivered an invited talk titled
“Developing an Advanced Gut-on-Chip Model Enabling Epithelial–Fibroblast Interaction”
at the Emerging Analytical Professionals Conference, held in
Kettering, UK, from 8–10 May.
He won the Best Oral Presentation Award, sponsored by
Resolian UK.
He is currently working on a collaborative research project with the
Quadram Institute, UK.
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
IIT Roorkee Inaugurates Ashok Soota Molecular Medicine Facility at BSBE to Advance Translational Biomedical Research
State-of-the-art facility to strengthen molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, and translational research
Industry-supported initiative reinforces academia–industry collaboration in life sciences
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand and SKAN Bangalore | 17 March 2026 – The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) inaugurated the Ashok Soota Molecular Medicine Facility at the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (BSBE), marking a significant step in strengthening advanced biomedical research infrastructure aligned with national healthcare priorities and global scientific advancements.
The facility was inaugurated by Shri Ashok Soota, a distinguished Alumnus of IIT Roorkee in the presence of Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, along with faculty members, researchers, and industry representatives.
Established as a state-of-the-art, integrated platform, the Ashok Soota Molecular Medicine Facility is designed to support drug discovery, biomolecular research, and the development of next-generation diagnostic tools. The facility enables researchers to move from decoding disease mechanisms and identifying biomolecular targets to experimental validation of lead molecules and assay development. By integrating expertise in protein science, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, biophysics, analytical profiling, and advanced imaging, the facility will support high-impact research across critical disease domains, including cancer, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, and infectious diseases.
The facility houses advanced instrumentation supporting end-to-end workflows in molecular characterization and translational research, including Automated Protein Purification Systems (AKTA and Biorad/AKTA), HPLC and UPLC systems, GC-MS, Iso-Thermal Calorimeter (ITC), Flow Cytometer, Upright Confocal Microscope, Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Protein Crystallization Robot, CD Spectrometer, High Pressure Homogenizer/Cell Disruptor, and other high-precision analytical platforms. This comprehensive infrastructure significantly strengthens IIT Roorkee’s capability in molecular diagnostics, structural validation, biomolecular interaction studies, and advanced assay development.
“The Ashok Soota Molecular Medicine Facility significantly augments IIT Roorkee’s research ecosystem in biosciences and bioengineering. The integration of advanced infrastructure with interdisciplinary expertise will accelerate translational research and contribute meaningfully to national priorities in healthcare innovation, precision medicine, and scientific self-reliance.” — Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee
“The establishment of this facility underscores the importance of building strong research ecosystems that translate scientific discovery into societal impact. India possesses immense scientific talent, and it is equally critical to provide world-class infrastructure and collaborative platforms to enable innovation at scale. I am proud to see IIT Roorkee strengthening its capabilities in molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, and drug discovery, contributing to healthcare solutions of both national and global relevance.” — Shri Ashok Soota, Distinguished Alumnus, IIT Roorkee
“This facility will serve as a collaborative research platform for faculty, scholars, and industry partners. It enhances our shared research infrastructure and strengthens IIT Roorkee’s capacity to undertake globally competitive, interdisciplinary research in molecular medicine and translational biosciences.” — Prof. Pravindra Kumar, Head, Institute Instrumentation Center and Ashok Soota Institute Chair Professor
With this initiative, IIT Roorkee continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering industry collaboration, and contributing to innovation-driven solutions in areas of strategic importance to national and global healthcare systems.
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About IIT Roorkee
IIT Roorkee is an institute of national importance imparting higher education in engineering, sciences, management, architecture and planning, and humanities and social sciences. Since its establishment in 1847, the Institute has played a vital role in providing the country with technical human resources and know-how.
Website: https://www.iitr.ac.in/
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For Media Queries on IIT Roorkee, please contact:
Sonika Srivastava || sonika.dsric@iitr.ac.in || 8879335408 || WhatsApp@8879335408
About Ashok Soota
Ashok Soota is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, institution builder and author. He is Chairman of Happiest Minds, Happiest Health and SKAN.
Ashok’s philanthropic institutions are Ashirvadam (2011) and SKAN (2021). The mission of SKAN is “Transforming The Future of Medicine. Impacting Millions of Lives”.
Happiest Health is a knowledge, diagnostic, healthcare and wellness enterprise. Happiest Health’s unique business model is aimed at reforming and reimagining the healthcare sector.
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
SKAN Research Trust Secures Two Major Government Recognitions: Research Association for Scientific Research – Sec 35(1) and Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO)
Bengaluru, December 10, 2024: SKAN Research Trust (SKAN), promoted by Indian entrepreneur Ashok Soota, announced that it is accorded two significant recognitions from the Government of India – Research Association for Scientific Research under Section 35(1)(ii) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). These recognitions underscore the cutting-edge medical research, philanthropic vision, and governance model of SKAN, India’s fastest-growing medical research organization.
In a Gazette notification dated November 25, 2024, the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, approved SKAN for five years under the category of ‘Research Association for Scientific Research’ for purposes of section 35(1)(ii) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The approval came after a year of rigorous vetting by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on all aspects of SKAN, from the quality of its scientific output to a detailed scrutiny of its operations and research laboratories. The approval will enable SKAN to avail of tax benefits for scientific research activities, and it is expected to increase donations and grants to fund SKAN’s research.
This milestone achievement follows another significant landmark when the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, recognized SKAN as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). The SIRO recognition is an acknowledgment of the multiple patents and research papers published by SKAN scientists, which range from the use of AI in disease management and bioinformatics to large community studies that aid public health.
The SIRO designation will boost SKAN’s research, as it receives customs duty exemptions on the purchase of research equipment and consumables.
“These various approvals have come in a short span of three years since SKAN commenced operations. The recognition will establish SKAN’s reputation as a prestigious medical research institution and enable us to plan our growth with confidence.” — Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Managing Trustee, SKAN
“The SIRO recognition is an important milestone for SKAN. This will enable SKAN to develop major research programs and encourage our researchers to plan for mid and long term projects.” — Dr. Yogesh Shouche, Director, SKAN
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust that leverages transformational technologies to develop new therapies for ageing and neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes remission and lifestyle related disorders. SKAN applies its expertise in gut microbiome, genomics, stem cells, molecular biology, biomarkers, immunotherapies, nutrition, and alternate therapies to uncover kinder and gentler treatment protocols for ailments. Bioinformatics at SKAN vigorously pursues artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technologies to predict, pre-empt, diagnose, treat, and facilitate remission of medical disorders. The Mission statement of SKAN is “Transform the future of medicine. Impacting millions of lives”.
MAHE Signs MOU with SKAN and Happiest Health for Academics, Research and Consultancy
Manipal and Bengaluru, 20 August 2024: SKAN Research Trust (SKAN), promoted by Indian entrepreneur Ashok Soota, today announced that Happiest Health and SKAN have signed an MOU with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for academics, research and consultancy.
The projects for joint collaborative research will include microbiome studies, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics. MAHE will use its vast experience to provide consultancy to facilitate the setting up of various healthcare practices for Happiest Health.
“We are delighted that Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has agreed to sign an agreement covering R&D and Academic collaboration with SKAN and also an agreement to provide consultancy to Happiest Health for various healthcare practices. MAHE is a powerhouse with vast years of experience in academics, research, and multiple healthcare practices. We look forward to advancing the frontiers of science through collaborative research with them.” — Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Managing Trustee, SKAN
“This partnership aligns with our vision of fostering innovation and cutting-edge research. At MAHE, we have always emphasized the importance of advancing healthcare through rigorous academic inquiry and pioneering research. With our strong foundation in research, particularly in areas like molecular biology, biotechnology, and clinical research, we are excited to collaborate with SKAN and Happiest Health. This partnership not only enhances our capabilities but also allows us to contribute significantly to impactful research in emerging fields like microbiome studies and stem cell therapies, areas where MAHE has been actively involved. We look forward to leveraging our strengths to drive innovations that will transform healthcare practices.” — Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education
“This MOU marks a significant step in our journey of collaborative research and academic excellence. MAHE has a rich history of academic rigor and innovation, and we are proud of our strong research culture, which has produced significant contributions to healthcare and science. Our expertise in microbiome studies, combined with our interdisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art facilities, positions us well to partner with SKAN and Happiest Health in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. We are confident that this collaboration will lead to meaningful advancements, not only in healthcare but also in the way research is conducted, ultimately benefiting society at large.” — Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education
“We will quickly begin dialogue with MAHE to define specific research projects. SKAN would like to expand its expertise in gut microbiome to cover other human microbiome components.” — Dr. Yogesh Shouche, Director, SKAN
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust that leverages transformational technologies to develop new therapies for ageing and neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes remission and lifestyle related disorders. SKAN applies its expertise in gut microbiome, genomics, stem cells, molecular biology, biomarkers, immunotherapies, nutrition, and alternate therapies to uncover kinder and gentler treatment protocols for ailments. Bioinformatics at SKAN vigorously pursues artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technologies to predict, pre-empt, diagnose, treat, and facilitate remission of medical disorders. The Mission statement of SKAN is “Transform the future of medicine. Impacting millions of lives”.
About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.
Dr. Yogesh Shouche is Appointed as Director of SKAN
Bengaluru, 14 August 2024: SKAN Research Trust (SKAN), promoted by Indian entrepreneur Ashok Soota, announced Dr. Yogesh Shouche’s appointment as Director. Dr. Shouche is a well-known expert in microbiome. He has been associated with SKAN for the last two years in different capacities and has been instrumental in building a great team of scientists and developing a culture of collaboration in research. In his new role, Dr. Shouche will further enhance and guide efforts to achieve SKAN’s mission: “TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE. IMPACTING MILLIONS OF LIVES.”
“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Yogesh is promoted to the role of DIRECTOR, SKAN. Yogesh is the fulcrum and pillar for all SKAN’s activities. Yogesh is widely respected as the leading expert on the gut-microbiome in India and abroad. He has conceptualized many of the research projects we are doing. He has been a magnet for the talent we have brought into SKAN and will continue to expand.” — Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Managing Trustee, SKAN
“I am honoured to accept the responsibility given by SKAN and the faith reposed in me. I value this opportunity and would work towards making SKAN a world-class place for deep science with a strong focus on societal needs. With the SKAN team I will work to build and nurture new talent and capabilities in the organization to change millions of lives through our research.” — Dr. Yogesh Shouche, Director, SKAN
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust that leverages transformational technologies to develop new therapies for ageing and neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes remission and lifestyle related disorders. SKAN applies its expertise in gut microbiome, genomics, stem cells, molecular biology, biomarkers, immunotherapies, nutrition, and alternate therapies to uncover kinder and gentler treatment protocols for ailments. Bioinformatics at SKAN vigorously pursues artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technologies to predict, pre-empt, diagnose, treat, and facilitate remission of medical disorders. The Mission statement of SKAN is “Transform the future of medicine. Impacting millions of lives”.
SKAN, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and University of Newcastle to study early stem cell mutations in rare blood disorder
Cambridge, Newcastle and Bengaluru, 25 June 2024: SKAN Research Trust (SKAN), promoted by Indian entrepreneur Ashok Soota, today announced a joint research project with the UK-based Wellcome Sanger Institute (Sanger Institute) and University of Newcastle (Newcastle), to study early somatic mutations in blood stem cells that researchers believe drive several cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. The research collaboration will extend cutting-edge stem cell genomic analysis to cancer subtypes such as Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), an immune cell disorder that largely afflicts children aged between 0 to 15 years.
The research project titled “Deciphering the Origins of Langerhan Cell Histiocytosis and Related Histiocytic Neoplasms” will be led by Dr Jyoti Nangalia, Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute. The study will examine the timestamp of the genetic mutations that drives LCH and the presentation of its clinical symptoms.
Researchers will work with leading LCH treating research centres worldwide to cover LCH driven by different genetic mutations with SKAN specifically creating a large cohort of Indian children for the study. The study comes at a time when researchers are still grappling with understanding how some genetic mutations that drive LCH result in lesions appearing in different parts of the body at different times. Researchers hope that the study will pave the way for better understanding the disease’s progression and possible early interventionist strategies for its management.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the Sanger Institute and University of Newcastle in a project which gives us dual benefits: understanding the mutation of stem cells and an insight into LCH, an underfunded cancer. The research is expected to develop valuable clinical tests that will aid doctors understand what to expect of each patient.” — Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Managing Trustee, SKAN
“These disorders are an enigma and they are likely to have a unique genomic origin. Whilst we are aware that specific mutations are able to drive the disorders, we do not understand how such events result in a multitude of tissues being affected at different times in life, nor why clinical disease often follows distinct patterns across different patients. We hope that our genomics research at the Sanger Institute will shed light on the origin and trajectory of these diseases to help patients in the future.” — Dr Jyoti Nangalia, Group Leader at the Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute and Wellcome Sanger Institute
Newcastle University and its Principal Investigator, Prof. Matthew Collin, who have played a major role in establishing diagnostic and blood monitoring pipelines for LCH, (now adopted by the UK NHS Genomic Medicine Services), will also be part of this collaboration.
“For patients with these disorders, it is tremendous that state-of-the-art approaches will be brought to bear on increasing our knowledge of how they arise. We are also very excited to extend the reach of research and training to new partners in other healthcare systems.” — Prof. Matthew Collin, Newcastle University
“This collaboration is another step in SKAN’s efforts to establish a robust inhouse stem cell research capability and comes on the back of its international collaboration with the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute.” — Mr Davis Karedan, Vice Chairman & Trustee, SKAN
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust that leverages transformational technologies to develop new therapies for ageing and neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes remission and lifestyle related disorders. SKAN applies its expertise in gut microbiome, genomics, stem cells, molecular biology, biomarkers, immunotherapies, nutrition, and alternate therapies to uncover kinder and gentler treatment protocols for ailments. Bioinformatics at SKAN vigorously pursues artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technologies to predict, pre-empt, diagnose, treat, and facilitate remission of medical disorders. The Mission statement of SKAN is “Transform the future of medicine. Impacting millions of lives”
About Wellcome Sanger Institute
Founded to sequence the human genome, the Sanger Institute is a biomedical research centre recognized globally for undertaking large scale genome science that forms the foundations of knowledge in biology and medicine. In order to deliver on its mission to “apply and explore genomic technologies at scale to advance the understanding of biology and improve health”, the Sanger Institute is committed to collaborating, leading, convening, engaging globally and providing world-class training to scientists and specialists in genomic research. The Sanger Institute strategically deploys its Wellcome core funding to enable faculty-driven genomic science, making discoveries not easily made elsewhere.
About University of Newcastle
As a member of the Russell Group, an association of 24 research-intensive institutions in the UK, Newcastle is delivering pioneering research that makes a positive impact in the world. From reversing Type 2 diabetes to protecting cultural property, Newcastle researchers are tackling international challenges to improve lives and influence policy around the world. Newcastle has one of the largest European Union research portfolios in the UK.
SKAN Research Trust and Quadram Institute Bioscience to Develop Novel Microbial Therapies
Bengaluru and London, June 13, 2023: SKAN Research Trust, promoted by Indian entrepreneur Mr. Ashok Soota, and UK-based Quadram Institute Bioscience today announced that they will apply the cutting-edge TraDIS-Xpress platform to study the action of traditional medical compounds on bacteria, thereby aiding in the reformulation and development of novel antibacterial regimens.
TraDIS-Xpress is Quadram’s proprietary genetic sequencing platform that is in the forefront of efforts to uncover new antimicrobial agents and develop better prebiotics and probiotics for health promotion.
The joint study titled “Application of TraDIS-Xpress in Microbiology for Healthy Living” will be led by Prof. Mark Webber and SKAN’s Deputy Director, Dr. Yogesh Shouche. The project is part of a larger Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between the two organizations that have ongoing international collaborations focused on gut health and developing gut microbial therapies to alleviate ageing and neurological diseases like Parkinsons.
An important aspect of the international collaboration is sharing the latest technologies in the study of the gut microbiome to augment Indian research capabilities. As part of this study, SKAN researchers will be trained on the TraDIS Xpress platform at the Quadram Institute in Norwich Research Park. This will facilitate the generation of data from large Indian cohorts that will aid in the development of India-specific therapies. Such data generation is also expected to hasten the TraDIS-Xpress platform’s development and amplify its applications’ scope.
“I’m excited to see the cutting-edge genomic technology and expertise we have here in Quadram supporting our valued partners at the SKAN Research Trust to benefit the health of the people of India, and also further our fundamental understanding of the links between microbes and human wellbeing.” — Prof. Ian Charles, Director, Quadram Institute Bioscience
“The research on novel microbial therapies raises our collaboration with QIB to a whole new level. We are grateful to Ian Charles for including SKAN as a partner in this transformational initiative.” — Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Managing Trustee, SKAN
“This project highlights the potential of the TraDIS Xpress platform for identifying and understanding the genetic basis behind bacteria’s enormous capacity to adapt for survival. I’m looking forward to helping our colleagues in India deploy it to support their research.” — Prof. Mark Webber, Group Leader, Quadram Institute Bioscience
“The three-year project will also study the mechanisms of drug resistance for key pathogens relevant to India and the action of selected food additives used in India on the growth of selected gut microbes.” — Dr. Yogesh Shouche, Deputy Director, SKAN
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust that leverages transformational technologies to develop new therapies for ageing and neurological ailments, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes remission and lifestyle related disorders. SKAN applies its expertise in gut microbiome, genomics, stem cells, molecular biology, biomarkers, immunotherapies, nutrition, and alternate therapies to uncover kinder and gentler treatment protocols for ailments. Bioinformatics at SKAN vigorously pursues artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technologies to predict, pre-empt, diagnose, treat, and facilitate remission of medical disorders. The Mission statement of SKAN is “Transform the future of medicine. Impacting millions of lives.”
About Quadram Institute Bioscience
Quadram Institute Bioscience is a UK national science capability, and its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food and its vision is focused on understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Interconnected research themes at the Quadram Institute on the Norwich Research Park, UK, deliver a pipeline of research in plants, microbiology, food, and health: microbes and food safety; the gut microbiome; and food innovation.
About TraDIS-Xpress
TraDIS-Xpress (transposon-directed insertion-site sequencing) is a high-resolution whole-genome assay that identifies which genes are likely to affect bacterial fitness in any given condition. This uses extremely dense, highly saturated mutant libraries to identify fitness differences at base pair resolution.
TraDIS-Xpress improves upon conventional transposon mutagenesis approaches through the use of outward-facing promoters. This allows the investigation of how gene expression, as well as gene deletion, affects bacterial fitness under a given growth condition. Additionally, it allows the investigation of essential genes that cannot be inactivated and therefore cannot be assayed by other approaches.
SKAN Research Trust and University of Cambridge to Collaborate in Stem Cell Studies
Cambridge and Bengaluru, September 6, 2023: SKAN Research Trust (SKAN), promoted by Indian entrepreneur Ashok Soota and the UK-based Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI), is all set to bring to India cutting-edge expertise in stem cell research through a series of partnership agreements that were concluded today (6 September 2023) in Cambridge.
In a century driven by biological advances, stem cells have offered researchers a unique opportunity to transform health through regenerative medicine. CSCI and SKAN will jointly undertake specific research projects in stem cells and use their findings to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
The agreements include the following:
- A comprehensive Partnership Agreement
- Consultancy and secondment frameworks for knowledge transfer and training from CSCI to SKAN
- A joint research Project Agreement to study “The genomic landscape of neurodegenerative diseases of ageing in an Indian cohort”
“I am hugely excited by SKAN’s vision and confident that this new partnership with the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute will help catalyse exciting progress in biomedical research both in India and Cambridge.” — Professor Bertie Göttgens, Director, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
“We are delighted to be collaborating with University of Cambridge in the field of stem cells which are powering the most exciting medical interventions. The collaboration will support SKAN in creating a world-class stem cell centre in Bangalore and the application of bioinformatics to leverage the power of this technology.” — Mr. Ashok Soota, Chairman & Managing Trustee, SKAN
The joint research, led by CSCI Principal Investigator Dr Jyoti Nangalia will study both normal brain tissue and neurological diseases to identify age-related genomic changes in the Indian population.
“I am looking forward to working with Ashok Soota and the SKAN team to support their vision to create a centre of research excellence in India. Together, we embark on a journey to unlock genomic insights into age-related brain diseases, addressing their growing burden in society with advanced DNA sequencing capabilities.” — Dr. Jyoti Nangalia, Group Leader, Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute and Wellcome Sanger Institute
Through multiple consultancy agreements, CSCI and SKAN have agreed to a three-year period of knowledge transfer. SKAN will upgrade its stem cell and bioinformatics capabilities including top-of-the-line sequencing technologies with concomitant cell culture methodologies. CSCI researchers will benefit by amplifying the scope of their research through Indian cohorts and studies.
About SKAN Research Trust
SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN’s areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.
About CSCI
The Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) is a world-leading centre for stem cell research with a mission to transform human health through a deep understanding of normal and pathological stem cell behaviour. Bringing together biological, clinical and physical scientists operating across a range of tissue types and at multiple scales, the Institute explores the commonalities and differences in stem cell biology in a cohesive and interdisciplinary manner. Located on a purpose-built facility on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and housing over 350 researchers, including clinician scientists, the Institute integrates with neighbouring disease-focused research institutes and serves as a hub for the wider stem cell community in Cambridge.
Website: https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk