Center for Cognitive Science

CENTRE FOR COGNITIVE SCIENCE

About: The Centre for Cognitive Sciences is an interdisciplinary research Centre in the campus of Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (VIPER). The aim of the centre is to bridge the gap between neuro-science and life science research and understand of new moiety the pharmacological action as memory learning and enhancer. The focus of the research Centre will be to create and screen new compounds that are purpose-built to interrupt specific memory learning processes or neuro behavior activity while avoiding harm to normal body functions. We at CCS working on various disciplines like Behavioral parameters, biochemical parameters, and Neuro biology to understand the current global state of neurodegenerative disorders and pharmacological screening of neuroprotective and memory enhancing molecules. The Cognitive Science and Research laboratory is playing a transformative role in the field of neuro-science research. The Centre has well sophisticated Stereotaxic facility and various in-vivo models to analyze behavioral parameters along with Co-ralyzer and Hematology Analyzer.

Activities: 

1. Implantation of cannulas, electrodes, or microinjection systems into specific brain regions of rodents or other animals.Lesion studies to examine the role of particular brain areas in behavior or cognition. Deep brain stimulation or drug infusion to study neurophysiological outcomes.

2. Behavioral Neuroscience with In-Vivo Models for Cognitive testing using maze tasks (e.g., Morris Water Maze, Radial Arm Maze) to study learning, memory, spatial cognition. Anxiety/depression models using Elevated Plus Maze, Forced Swim Test, Open Field Test. Motor behaviour and coordination: Rotarod, Grip Strength Meter.

3. Administering pharmacological agents or natural compounds and observing behavioral and physiological outcomes. Time-course studies involving acute vs chronic administration and post-treatment behavioral testing.

4. Monitoring oxygen, CO₂ levels, pH, and metabolite concentrations using co-ralyzer useful in stress physiology, neuroinflammation models, and systemic monitoring after interventions.

5. Complete blood count (CBC) analysis to study immune responses, systemic inflammation, or toxicity using hematology analyzer, often combined with behavioral studies to understand neuroimmune interactions.

Measurable outcomes:

a) Publications: 

1. Vamshi, G., D. S. N. B. K., P., Sampath, A., Dammalli, M., Kumar, P., B.S., Ramesh A, Narala, V. R. (2023). Possible cerebroprotective effect of citronellal: molecular docking, MD simulation and in vivo investigations. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 42(3), 1208–1219. DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2220025

2. Alluri R, Kilari EK, Pasala PK, Kopalli SR, Koppula S. Repurposing Diltiazem for Its Neuroprotective Anti-Dementia Role against Intra-Cerebroventricular Streptozotocin-Induced Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease-Type Rat Model. Life (Basel). 2023 Aug 4;13(8):1688. doi: 10.3390/life13081688. 

3. Faysal, M., Khan, J., Zehravi, M. et al. Neuropharmacological potential of honokiol and its derivatives from Chinese herb Magnolia species: understandings from therapeutic viewpoint. ChinMed 18, 154 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-023-00846-1

4. Koppula S, Alluri R, Kopalli SR. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia activation and ameliorates neuroinflammation-mediated behavioral deficits in mice. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2024; 14(1): 28-39.

5. G. Suchitra, Sajeeda Niketh, Tanmay Ghosh, Anil Kumar, T. P. Rao, Vishal Pathak, Sushil Giri, Rajashekar Perusomula and E. Keshamma (2024) Targeting tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer’s disease: Exploring novel DYRK1A and CLK1kinase inhibitors via structure-based virtual screening. Biochem. Cell. Arch. 24, 645-651. DOI: 10.51470/bca.2024.24.1.645

b) Patents (Both granted and published)

1. Advanced neurodegenerative disease treatments using peptides thereof (Application number: 202441102383)

c) Extramural grants received: 

1. “Pre-Clinical Investigation and Design of Real Time fetal Monitoring device using Non-Invasive method” from JNTUH

2. “Evaluation of skin sensitivity test for two products” consultancy project from Sanmed Health Care Pvt. Ltd.

3. “Formulation and characterization of hyaluronan functionalized transethosomal gels for the targeted drug delivery, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation studies” consultancy project from BVRIT-Narsapur.