CENTRE FOR PLANT GENOME RESEARCH

CENTRE FOR PLANT GENOME RESEARCH 

About: The Centre for Plant Genome Research is an interdisciplinary research facility established on the campus of Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (VIPER). The centre is dedicated to exploring genetic variation within and between plant species through the comparative study of chloroplast and nuclear DNA. Its core mission is to:

• Identify and preserve medicinal, endangered, and stress-resistant plant species

• Understand evolutionary relationships through phylogenetic analysis

• Investigate the genetic basis of secondary metabolite production

• Predict protein profiles, analyse mutations, and contribute to crop improvement through genetic fortification - enhancing yield, nutrition, and resilience.

Activities:

• Extraction and Sequencing of Plant DNA
• Isolation of chloroplast or whole-genome DNA followed by high-quality sequencing.
• Computational DNA Analysis
• Use of advanced bioinformatics tools such as OGDRAW, CHLOROBOX, and READ2TREE for genome annotation, visualization, and evolutionary mapping.
• Discordance and Evolutionary Analysis. Comparative studies between genera and species to identify evolutionary discordance and validate taxonomic classifications.
• International Collaboration and Active partnership with Saga University, Japan, involving joint research initiatives and the organization of collaborative workshops and training programs.

Measurable outcomes:

a) Workshops organized:

1. A comprehensive Two-Week International Workshop on “DNA Sequence Analysis” from 18th to 21st Dec 2024 &26th - 30th Dec2024. 
2. One-Day International Symposium on "Frontiers in Plant Genomics: DNA Sequence Analysis & Student Career Pathways in Japan" on December 30, 2024.

b) Extramural grants: 

1. “Development of a nutraceutical formulation with immunity & energy boosters along with anti-oxidant property” consultancy project from Mandapeta Dental Clinic, Mandapeta, Andhra Pradesh.
2. “Characterization of ayurvedic medicinal plants through chloroplast genome sequencing” research grant from Japan Science and Technology, Japan.
3. “Biodegradable ink for 3D printing of dental models” research grant from Dr. NTR University, Andhra Pradesh.