Souvik Mukherjee

Biography

The major research goal of our lab is to characterise the genomic and metagenomic factors that contributes to the predisposition and progression of chronic, inflammatory diseases in Humans. Besides this, we are also interested in studying the population genetics and molecular evolution of host-pathogen interacting genes, particularly the Innate Immune system to identify definite natural selection signatures acting on these genes across Human populations. Both the wet and dry lab investigations are majorly carried out in the premises of the BioMedical Genomics Unit (BMGU) of NIBMG in Kolkata which maintains a state of the art molecular biology lab with Thermal Cyclers (PCR machines), Gel Electrophoresis and Imaging Systems (Gel Doc) along with Microbial culture and Microbiome DNA isolation facilities using Biosafety Level 2 and Laminar airflow cabinets respectively. BMGU also harbours a Genome Wide Genotyping (iSCAN) platform for GWAS, Transcriptomic and Epigenetic studies and a Genetic Analyser for performing Sanger Sequencing.

Research Interest

Genomic characterisation of Skin surface Microbiome across different skin types in Humans (Extramurally Funded by Unilever Research R&D) The skin is a natural habitat for trillions of micro-organisms collectively termed as the skin microbiome. Potential challenges in skin microbiome research are mostly related to its impact in skin health and disease. In this study our major objective is to assess the importance of the skin microbiome with respect to skin health and integrity by evaluating the temporal variation and change in oilyness and dryness across different skin types in humans. In this regard, we are studying the skin metagenomics of both the healthy individuals and those affected by a common dry skin disorder, Atopic Dermatitis, in India. Metagenomic Characterisation of the Cutaneous Microbiome Associated with Major Immunogenetic Subtypes of Psoriasis in India (Extramurally funded by DST Fast Track Young Scientist Scheme) The project aims to identify specific microbiome signatures in the skin of Psoriasis affected patients with and without genetic predisposition, differential disease severity and other clinical factors. The microbiome patterns thus identified will serve as an important addition to the already known factors for Psoriasis susceptibility. This will serve as the basis for undertaking a longitudinal study to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and episodic relapses that are the major hurdles in the treatment of Psoriasis. Diabetic Foot Ulcer Microbiome: Contribution in Biofilm formation, Antibiotic Resistance and Wound healing (Extramurally funded by West Bengal-DBT) Diabetes mellitus is a major and rapidly increasing health problem worldwide. Foot disorders, including Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) are a major source of morbidity and a leading cause of hospitalization for persons with diabetes. Targeting microbial populations to promote healing and deter infection-related complications might be a novel treatment option. In this study our major objective is to determine the microbiome profiles in both superficial and chronic DFUs associated with biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance and wound healing and comparison between culturable and non-culturable bacterial populations.