The list of participants is appended as Annexure.

Transcription

1 APPENDIX 3 MINUTES OF THE 20 TH MEETING OF RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD ON 16 TH FEBRUARY 2015 AT SERIBIOTECH RESEARCH LABORATORY, KODATHI, BANGALORE The 20 th meeting of the Research Advisory Committee [RAC] of Seribiotech Research Laboratory, Kodathi, Bangalore was convened on 16 th February 2015 at the institute under the Chairmanship of Prof. H.S. Savithri, IISc Bangalore. The Committee reviewed new project proposals/concepts, outcome of concluded projects and progress of ongoing projects. At the outset, Dr.Kanika Trivedy Director I/C, SBRL Kodathi welcomed the Chairperson, s, Invitee from IISc Bangalore and other participants for the meeting. She thanked the Committee and Invitee for accepting the invitation and making it possible to participate in the meeting to offer valuable guidance and for better interaction. Initiating the meeting, Dr. Trivedy gave a brief presentation of the highlights of R&D achievements and other activities under the institute. The list of participants is appended as Annexure. Subsequently review and discussions were taken up as per agenda items. The Item-wise suggestions and decisions taken are as indicated below: ITEM NO.I - Confirmation of the minutes of last RAC meeting held on 22 nd April 2014 Since no comments were received on the minutes of last RAC meeting held on 22 nd April 2014, the same was confirmed. ITEM NO. II - Follow-up action on decisions taken during the last RAC meeting Dr.A.K.Awasthi, Scientist-D, SBRL presented the follow-up action taken against decisions of 19 th RAC meeting. After due deliberations, the following suggestions emanated: A brainstorming meeting can be convened with support from DBT, Govt. of India with special reference to Translational Research programs.

2 The lack of scientific capacity building for taking up research projects in the field of silk biomaterial will be solved as recruitment of new scientists is proposed to be finalized by May 2015 Collaborative research projects in the field of silk biomaterial may be taken up with ICMR to avoid medico legal problems ITEM NO.III - Approval of new research projects/concepts A total of 10 new projects and four new concepts presented by the respective Principal Investigators were critically reviewed by the Committee. The project/concept-wise decisions are as indicated below: NEW PROJECTS FOR APPROVAL SILKWORM GENOMICS 1. Whole Genome Sequencing and functional genomics of Golden Silk Moth Antheraea assamensis [in collaboration with IISc, Bangalore, IIT, Guwahati, CDFD, Hyderabad, CMERTI, Ladoigarh] [3 years] Observations/Suggestions Highly divergent muga silkworm samples should be taken up for the study for comparison. Third generation sequencing may be opted for better assembly and annotation. Male and female silkworms may be separately taken up for whole genome sequencing. Since the project has been approved by CSB in principle, work may be initiated and generate data on homozygosity using SSR primers. New projects should be refereed before placing before RAC. However, as RAC is convened only once a year, new project proposals along with referees comments should be sent to the RAC Chairperson and s by mail for approval. DECISION OF RAC APPROVED. The project may be submitted to CSB after obtaining referees comments ACTION: Dr.A.K.Awasthi 2

3 2. Validation of the DNA markers in silkworm breed developed by introgression of DNA markers associated with NPV resistance using Marker Assisted Selection Breeding and large scale field trial of the breed [in collaboration with CSR&Tis Mysore, Berhampore and Pampore - for DBT funding] [3 years]. Observations/Suggestions The data on performance of MASN lines at laboratory and field level should be incorporated in the project. In case of financial support from CSB referees comments should be obtained and submitted for approval of RAC. In case of extramural funding it can be submitted to the funding agency directly. DECISION OF RAC APPROVED. The project may be submitted to CSB after incorporation of aforesaid suggestions and obtaining referees comments. ACTION: Dr.A.K.Awasthi 3. Multi-location trials and Field evaluation of Long duration line of Bombyx mori Nistari: A Line developed for long larval duration to increase silk output by directional selection [in collaboration with CSR&TI Berhampore] [2 years] Since Nistari breed is being phased out and heritability for long larval duration is very less with influence by high temperature. Small scale trials can be carried out in all the seasons for one year at CSRTI Berhampore as a pilot project along with its technoeconomic feasibility. If successful, full-fledged project can be taken up and the concept can also be tested in other breeds. DECISION OF RAC APPROVED as pilot project to be taken up at CSR&TI Berhampore. ACTION: DR.A.R.Pradeep 3

4 4. Characterization of Vitellogenin Receptor (VgR) from Muga Silkworm, Antheraea assamensis and Evaluation of VgR Expression Levels in Different Races of Bombyx mori [3 years] [with CMER&TI Lahdoigarh] The project may be split up into two - one on Characterization of VgR of muga silkworm and the other on Evaluation of expression levels of VgR in B.mori races. DECISION OF RAC - APPROVED. The project may be revised as suggested and submitted to CSB alongwith referees comments. ACTION: DR.G.Ravikumar 5. Development of transgenic silkworm for the overexpression of vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor genes for enhanced egg production in Bombyx mori [DST-JSPS funding - with NIAS Japan] [3 years] The objectives of the project should not clash with those of the other projects DECISION OF RAC - APPROVED. The project may be taken up after approval from funding agency. ACTION: DR.G.Ravikumar 6. Development of Transgenic Silkworms for the Overexpression of Disease-Resistant Genes for Enhanced Immunity [with IISC Bangalore] Targeting antibacterial proteins of B.mori would be better than those of Drosophila Over expressing Relish may cause problems which need to be looked into DECISION OF RAC - Approved. Full-fledged project along with referees comments may be submitted to CSB after incorporation of modifications suggested ACTION: DR.G.Ravikumar 4

5 MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 7. Unravelling de novo whole genome sequencing and transcriptome analysis of pathogens associated with tiger band disease in Oak tasar silkworm Antheraea proylei through Next Generation Sequencing [NGS] technologies [3 years] Transcriptome analysis and development of breeds need not be taken up The objective may be restricted to whole genome sequencing of the pathogen DECISION OF RAC APPROVED. The project may be modified as suggested and circulated among RAC members for approval along with referees comments ACTION: DR.B.Surendranath 8. Molecular characterization of Antheraea assamensis cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus [with CMER&TI Lahdoigarh] [3 years] Ensure that the project objectives have not been targeted in other projects at CMER&TI Lahdoigarh DECISION OF RAC APPROVED. The project may be submitted to CSB alongwith referees comments ACTION: Mr.S.Ramesh Kumar BIOMATERIAL 8. Development of Fibroin Fusion Silk with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties Feasibility of over expression of the fusion protein for commercial purpose may be studied. DECISION OF RAC APPROVED. The project may be submitted to CSB alongwith referees comments. ACTION: DR.G.Ravikumar 5

6 TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY 1. Multiplex PCR technique Transfer of Technology The technique may be taken up as a program under transfer of technology. DECISION OF RAC Approved. Detailed program may be prepared with other CSB institutes and submitted to CSB ACTION: DR.G.Ravikumar MULBERRY GENOMICS 9. Improvement of stress adaptive traits in mulberry (Morus spp.) to mitigate the impact of combined drought and heat stress [3 years] The control sampling and criteria for selection of genes as well as validation of genes are not clear. Variations in stress and drought tolerance depend on environmental influence. PI is advised to modify the project indicating clearly the methodology for selection of control and treated samples, criteria for selection and validation of genes for drought and heat stress. DECISION OF RAC - NOT APPROVED in the present form. The project may be modified as per suggestions and submitted along with referees comments to RAC for approval ACTION: DR.M.Venkateswarlu NEW CONCEPTS FOR APPROVAL SILKWORM GENOMICS 1. Molecular ID for commercially important strains of silkworm Bombyx mori [with IISc Bangalore] Silver staining being an old technique may not yield faster and precise results though it is economic. In general 1000 SSR markers may give unique markers in the system. 6

7 Genotyping through SNPs or RAD sequencing is faster and more reliable method and same may be attempted here too. DECISION OF RAC Approved. Full-fledged project may be prepared and submitted to CSB with referees comments for approval ACTION: DR.A.K.Awasthi PROTEOMICS 3. Functional genomics and proteome variations in association with larval growth and silk production in the silkworm Bombyx mori [for DBT funding] Revise the project including the objective to undertake QTL mapping using high and low productive bivoltine races. DECISION OF RAC - Approved. Full-fledged project may be submitted to DBT for funding after incorporation of modifications suggested. ACTION: DR.A.R.Pradeep CONCLUDED PROJECTS Two projects were concluded and outcome of the same was presented by the respective Principal Investigators. The decisions on review of the same are as below: MULBERRY GENOMICS 1. PIG-3465: Isolation and characterization of Microsatellites in mulberry (Morus spp.) genome (Nov.11- Oct.14) Only part of the targeted objectives have been achieved The PI may take up the remaining objectives as a new project and place before the RAC along with referees comments DECISION OF RAC The PI is advised to prepare Final project report including action plan for utilization of the project outcome immediately and submit to CSB ACTION: DR.M.Venkateswarlu 7

8 MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2. ARP 3473: Molecular characterization of the flacherie causing virus in Bombyx mori with specific reference to RdRp (RNA Dependent RNA polymerase) gene and the regulatory elements in the viral genome (Jan.12 Dec.14) Since the primers did not amplify from total RNA, partially purified virus should have been targeted for RNA extraction. The project report should reflect the reason for not achieving the expected outcome DECISION OF RAC The PI is advised to prepare and submit Final Project Report as suggested ACTION: Mr.S.Ramesh Kumar PROGRESS OF ONGOING PROJECTS The progress of eight ongoing projects was presented by the respective Principal Investigators. All the projects are as per schedule. Project-wise decisions/suggestions of the RAC are as indicated below: SILKWORM GENOMICS 1. AIT 3468 (DBT) - Development of RNA interference (RNAi) based nuclear polyhedrosis virus resistance transgenic silk moth DBT [(Jointly with CDFD, Hyderabad, APSSRDI, Hindupur) (Under Center of excellence on Genetics and Genomics of Silk moth to CDFD Hyderabad-Phase II)]. Sept.11- Aug.16 The PI, Dr.A.K.Awasthi, Scientist-D presented the progress of the project and the Committee advised to include the statistically analyzed rearing performance data of transgenic lines along with benchmark data in future presentations for a correct picture of the performance of newly developed NPV tolerant transgenic silkworm lines. ACTION: DR.A.K.Awasthi 2. AIT 3494 [DBT] - Host- parasite interaction: Transcriptome responses to parasitism in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Jan.13 to Jan.16 8

9 The PI, Dr.A.R.Pradeep, Scientist-D presented the progress of work and the Committee observed it to be as per schedule. 3. AIB Identification of autumn specific silkworm breeds/ hybrids suitable for sub-tropical zones of North and North West India Nov.13 Oct.15 Dr.K.M.Ponnuvel, Scientist-D and Co-Investigator of the project presented the progress of work and the Committee observed that the progress with respect to milestones allotted to SBRL are as per schedule. 4. ARP 3518: Expression profiling of genes associated with resistance to Beauvaria bassiana in Bombyx mori strains Oct.2014 Sep The PI, Dr.Geetha N.Murthy, Scientist-D presented a brief outline of the project objectives and present status of the recently initiated project. The Committee observed that the project is as per schedule. MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 5. ARP 3489: Isolation and molecular characterization of major pathogens associated with flacherie disease in Antheraea mylitta Oct.12- Sept.15 The PI, Dr.B.Surendranath, Scientist-D presented the progress of the project and the Committee observed that it is as per schedule. However, the PI was advised to modify the project title and objectives by additionally including bacteriosis disease. Ratification should be obtained from CSB for the revisions carried out under intimation to CTR&TI, Ranchi. 6. ARP Development of immuno molecular techniques for early diagnosis of major infectious pathogens of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Feb.14-Jan.16) The PI, Dr.B.Surendranath, Scientist-D presented the progress of the project and the Committee observed that it is as per schedule. 9

10 The Committee suggested to be clear about the number of proteins targeted for development of protein based diagnostic tool. ACTION: DR.B.Surendranath 7. ARP Molecular characterization of Indian isolate(s) of Densovirus (DNV) and viral resistance gene in the host, silkworm Bombyx mori (In collaboration with University of Tokyo, University of Ryukuys and NIAS, Japan). Jun.14 May 16 The PI, Dr.K.M.Ponnuvel, Scientist-D presented progress of the above project and the Committee observed it to be as per schedule. 8. ARP Therapeutic control of Microsporidiosis in the silkworm through characterization of Methionine Amino peptides enzyme genes (MetAP2) in Nosema bombycis (Collaborative project with CSRTI, Mysore) Jan.12 Mar.15 Dr.K.M.Ponnuvel, Scientist-D and Co-Investigator presented progress of the above project and the Committee observed that the progress with respect to milestones allotted to SBRL are as per schedule. After presentation of the projects, the Chairperson invited comments from the RAC s/invitee. In general, the work carried out at SBRL and the interactions that took place during the RAC was appreciated. The Directors of CSB R&D institutes opined that, the meeting provided an opportunity to get firsthand information on the work carried out at SBRL as well as the extent of collaboration required by the institutes with SBRL. Dr.Upendra Nongthomba, IISc Bangalore opined that, young faculty and freedom of work are required along with research staff. He suggested concluding projects with logical end since no extension is possible. He also opined that, the institute working environment is in need of a facelift with facilities like living in campus and transportation to attract research staff and students. 10

11 With respect to field application, he suggested to take up projects for development of simple ELISA based kits for detection of pathogens. He emphasized on organizing more subject oriented lectures by exploring funding through various schemes available at different Academic institutions. Dr.K.P.Arun Kumar, CDFD Hyderabad reflected that, projects should have continuity and longer goals and each scientist should target one field level application. Since transgenics has lot of barriers in implementation, Marker Assisted Selection breeding should be taken up along with classical breeding. Brainstorming with other scientists and cross talk with other institutes is essential for better output. Capacity building of the scientists can be explored through training programmes for atleast 2-3 months per area at other institutes with specific facilities. Dr.S.Nirmal Kumar, Director CSR&TI Berhampore appreciated the hard work of the small group of scientists but emphasized to focus and converge outcomes by linking all studies to commercial application. He advised to carry out more field trials for ending up with commercial application of the project outcomes and also suggested to bring out a document on achievements of SBRL till date for better visibility of the institute performance for other institutes. Dr.K.Giridhar, Director CMER&TI Lahdoigarh was of the opinion that, the institute should focus on application oriented work. He informed his desire to try the effect of Fumigilin in controlling pebrine disease in Muga silkworm as has been found in B.mori. He invited the scientists of SBRL to visit CMERTI and have interaction with counterparts for better outcomes. Dr.Mir Nisar Ahmed, Scientist D, CSR&TI Pampore opined that, SBRL should take up collaborative work with CSR&TI Pampore on temperate commercial silkworm races and on the silkworm germplasm races maintained at the institute since till date no molecular data on these races are available. He suggested that, 11

12 SBRL could help in screening the germplasm races to check for duplication for cost effective conservation. Mr.M.M.Borpuzari, Director I/C CSGRC Hosur suggested that, as in case of mulberry where a core germplasm has been identified, SBRL could assist in developing a core silkworm germplasm to avoid maintenance of races in duplication in view of dwindling manpower and resources. He opined that, the institute has to be upgraded and new scientists have to be recruited. Dr.K.Vijayan, Scientist D, Central Silk Board, Bangalore suggested to aim at translational research. He informed that, after approval of project concept from CSB the full-fledged new projects can be sent to referees for placing before the RAC. He also informed that, now onwards CSB is approving appointment of JRFs for all projects. Prof.H.S.Savithri, IISc, Bangalore, Chairperson RAC informed that, there is phenomenal improvement in work and interaction which is a healthy sign. Technological improvement is very good and the group is moving in right direction. However, being a small group the visibility to out side community is lacking. She appreciated the interest shown by IISc scientists in collaborating with SBRL in selected areas of research which is a good sign. She was of the opinion that, the institute should have continuous and more interaction with scientists of other institutes for better awareness of work carried out in their institutes. SBRL should prioritize the projects to be taken up and invite expert scientists in each area for discussions. Only projects of extreme importance keeping both application and publication in mind should be formulated. She also informed that, in case of new project concepts approved by the RAC, the institute can circulate the fullfledged project proposals with referees comments among the RAC Chairperson and members by for approval instead of waiting for the next RAC so that work can be continuously carried out without any break. 12

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14 Annexure List of participants of the 20 th meeting of RAC of SBRL, Kodathi Bangalore held on 16 th February 2015 Prof. H.S.Savithri Dept. of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore Prof.P.H.Ramanjini Gowda Professor, Dept. of Biotechnology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Dr. Arunkumar K. P Staff Scientist & Group Head, Lab of Molecular Genetics Center for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics [CDFD] Bldg. 7, Gruhakalpa, / B, Nampally Hyderabad The Director (Tech), [represented by Dr.K.Vijayan, Scientist-D] Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India CSB Complex, BTM Layout, Madiwala, Bangalore Dr.V.Sivaprasad, Director Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India Srirampura, Manandavadi Road, Mysore CHAIRPERSON Dr.S.Nirmal Kumar Director Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. Berhampore

15 The Director [represented by Dr.Mir Nisar Ahmed, Scientist-D] Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India Gallandar Pampore (J&K) Dr.K.Giridhar Director Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India P.O. - Lahdoigarh Jorhat , Assam Shri M.Borpuzari Director I/C Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre P.B. 44, Thally Road, Hosur Tamil Nadu Dr. Upendra Nongthomba Asst. Professor Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore Invitee The following s/invitees sought leave of absence Prof. Usha Vijayaraghavan Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Biology Indian Institute of Science Bangalore Dr. R. Ashokan Principal Scientist Dept. of Biotechnology IIHR, Hesaraghatta Bangalore

16 Prof. H.E.Shashidhar Professor, Dept. of Biotechnology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore The Director Central Tasar Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India PO- Piska-Nagri Ranchi , Jharkhand The Director Andhra Pradesh State Sericulture Research & Development Institute Kotipi Road, Kirikera Post, Hindupur, Anantapur , Andhra Pradesh The Director Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed Organization Bilaspur Invitee Invitee Participants of SBRL Kodathi Bangalore Dr.Kanika Trivedy Director I/C -Convenor Scientist-D Dr.A.K.Awasthi Dr.M.Venkateswarlu Dr.Geetha N. Murthy Dr.B.Surendranath Dr.K.M.Ponnuvel Dr.G.Ravikumar Dr.A.R.Pradeep Scientist-C Shri S.Ramesh Kumar 16