Our lab’s primary focus is to understand the core biochemistry of proteins, which are the most crucial macromolecules for any biological system. A major fraction of all proteins function as enzymes for a myriad of specific substrate-product conversion. Among these enzymes, proteases are critical for protein degradation in all living organisms. At ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, we are specifically interested in finding new drug targets for important vector-borne diseases (malaria & dengue) with particular focus on proteases, central to their biology.

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As proteins are quite specific in their biochemical interactions, it is imperative to explore their specificity and the vast potential to alter their unique specificities via enzyme engineering. We are also currently exploring various engineering strategies in crucial enzymes of the parasites and dengue virus by altering their substrate-specificities. Proteins also serve as excellent diagnostic tools for vector-borne diseases- therefore, our lab is also investigating crucial proteins of malaria parasite and dengue virus as attractive diagnostic targets.