Guest lecture on 21.10.2023

Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Title of the event: Guest Lecture “Medicines for Malaria: Targeting Host-Parasite Interactions”

Type of Event:           Lecture           

Date:               21.10.23                     

Venue:            Aditya Hall    

Name of Resource person (if any) with designation, address, email address & contact no.:

Name of the activity Coordinator: Dr. Sreemoyee Chatterjee

Name of Collaborating Agency (if any) with address & contact no.: NA

Objective of the workshop/seminar/activity:

1.Scientific interaction

2.Funding Opportunities

Summary/Description:Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology has organized an interactive session and guest lecture of   Prof. Shailja Singh, Special Center for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi on “Medicines for Malaria: Targeting Host-Parasite Interactions” for the Undergraduate, Postgraduate students and research scholars from the Faculty of Science. Prof. Shailja Singh is a trained molecular parasitologist with more than 20 years of research experience has received many awards for her research work i.e. Innovative Young Biotechnologists Award 2010, Senior Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award 2013, National Bio-Scientist Award 2018, Ghandhian Young Technology Innovation (GYTI) award 2018 by Honorable President of India. Her fundamental research on biology of human parasites has shown a great potential in translational research towards drug discovery and development. Recently her research work has shown a potential in improving the efficacy of an age-old antimalarial drug Artesunate. A nanomedicine-based Artesunate with surface coated iron oxide nanoparticles has enhanced anti-malarial potential in P. falciparum and its multidrug-resistant strain. Her PhD students with team has got Ghandhian Young technology Innovation (GYTI) award 2018 for this work. Her presentation covered her extensive research in the discovery and development of new drugs against growth and gametogenesis of the parasite and can be applied to assist our country’s malaria elimination efforts. This guest lecture was an enlightening experience, shedding light on the recent and upcoming approaches that can be helpful in curing the disease. This interaction session has paved the way for many females and influenced them to move ahead in the field of science.

Outcome of the activity/event/seminar/workshop: Participants were benefitted in variety of ways like:

1. New studies and ideas against the growth of parasites: There are two hosts required to complete the life cycle of malaria, i.e. humans and mosquitoes. Therefore, to stop the growth and spreading of the disease, the only way is to disturb the transmission cycle, which can be achieved either by disrupting it in human RBCs or in mosquitoes. The same can be achieved by recognizing the various pathways involved in the process. Her study involved the identification of different methods by which the parasite can be eliminated from the hosts in the immature stage and therefore breaking the cycle.
2. Interactive Q&A session: The lecture was followed by an engaging interactive session where the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on various aspects of “Medicines for Malaria: Targeting Host-Parasite Interactions”. Prof. Shailja Singh responses provided valuable insights into the subject matter.

The session was concluded with the interaction of faculties of the Departments of Biotechnology and Microbiology with the speaker.

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