Genomics and Biology of Neurological Diseases

Binukumar B.K

Scientist-F  |  Decision Unit 1: Genomics and Genome Biology
Professor  |  Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research

Portrait of Binukumar B.K

Binukumar B.K. is interested in elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurological disorders that impact movement, learning and memory. His lab takes a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the molecular, cellular and circuitry changes that form the basis of neurodegenerative disorders to develop strategies to delay or prevent the death of neurons.

Specific Interests

  • Modeling neurological disorders using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoid culture
  • Integrative analysis of Wilson's disease: Indian Collaborative Research Network on Wilson's Disease
  • Cross talk between differentially regulated protein kinases in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease

His lab initiated a program titled "Indian Collaborative Research Network on Wilson's Disease: Understanding molecular genetics towards better diagnosis and therapy" as a primary forum. A pilot network of over 35 clinicians from more than 20 centres across the country has been established. His lab has collected human blood samples from healthy individuals as well as patients with Wilson's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dystonia, and reprogrammed them into induced pluripotent stem cells. These are used along with genome-editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 to create isogenic cell lines and assess phenotypic consequences of disease-associated variants. These iPSCs are further differentiated into major brain cell types for diverse research applications. The lab has also identified neuronal pathways targeted in Type 2 Diabetes-related neurodegeneration.

Selected Publications

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