The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is focusing on translational research, seeking better compounds and drugs from traditional Indian systems of medicines for major deceases including cancer (mainly cervical cancer), tuberculosis and epilepsy.

The institute, which has six highly focused research departments working on medical biotechnology and development of transgenic plants, namely molecular medicine, molecular endocrinology and reproduction, molecular microbiology, cancer biology, neurobiology and plant molecular biology, owns a laboratory complex of 1,10,000 sq.ft located at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The centre has a regional facility for genetic fingerprinting, which provides a battery of molecular diagnostics for genetic and infectious disease, besides provides DNA analysis services for forensic and criminal investigations, paternity disputes, identification of wildlife remains, authentication of plants and seeds, besides a battery of molecular diagnostics for genetic and infectious disease.

The RGCB is conducting bioprospecting programme of clinically active molecules and nutraceuticals in search for and validation of compounds and drugs used in Indian systems of medicines. Studies are being conducted on anti-cancer and anti-viral, anti-tuberculosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, neuroprotective, chemopreventive molecules and nutritional supplements.

The centre conducts studies to understand the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induced by phytochemicals of Indian origin known to act as anti cancer agents and the molecular changes in cervical cancer, an important public health problem for adult women in India. The centre is conducting research on Curcumin (Diferuloyl methane), the yellow pigment in turmeric (Curcuma longa), a potent chemopreventive agent, which can eliminate preneoplastic or cancer cells and also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

“As one sixth of global population is affected by cervical cancer, the centre is in a venture to develop a safe and effective Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) vaccine for the disease,” said officials. RGCB has recently made a foray into DNA analysis of wildlife through DNA printing, for handling wildlife crimes. The centre also provides laboratory and infrastructure services to other academic institutions including universities and research institutions.