Optimized laser speckle-based imaging system and methods for deep tissue cerebral blood flow imaging in small rodents.

Significance: The imaging of cerebral blood flow in small rodents is crucial for a better understanding of brain functions in healthy and diseased conditions. Existing methods often struggle to provide both superficial and deep tissue blood flow measurements in a non-invasive, flexible, and reliable manner, creating a need for an integrated platform that addresses these limitations.

Aim: We aim to design and develop a multi-modal laser speckle-based imaging platform and associated algorithms to image superficial and deep tissue cerebral blood flow in small rodents.

Knockout of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 receptor leads to morphological aberrations in rodent olfactory centers and dysfunctions associated with sense of smell.

Neuronal morphological characterization and behavioral phenotyping in mouse models help dissecting neural mechanisms of brain disorders. Olfactory dysfunctions and other cognitive problems were widely reported in asymptomatic carriers and symptomatic patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This led us to generate the knockout mouse model for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, one of the molecular factors mediating SARS-CoV-2 entry to the central nervous system, using CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing tools.

Multimodal learning of pheromone locations.

Memorizing pheromonal locations is critical for many mammalian species as it involves finding mates and avoiding competitors. In rodents, pheromonal information is perceived by the main and accessory olfactory systems. However, the role of somatosensation in context-dependent learning and memorizing of pheromone locations remains unexplored.

Promoter polymorphism MMP-1 (-1607 2G/1G) and MMP-3 (-1612 5A/6A) in development of HAND and modulation of pathogenesis of HAND.

The pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is modulated by host genetic susceptibility factors such as Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Promoter polymorphism of MMP-1 and MMP-3 may modify the expression of the gene. Hence, we evaluated the association of MMP-1-16072G/1G and MMP-3-1612 5A/6A polymorphisms with development of HAND and the modulation of pathogenesis of HAND.

Genetic variation of MMP-2(-735 C>T) and MMP-9(-1562 C>T) gene in risk of development of HAND and severity of HAND.

Background: Astrocytes are susceptible to HIV-1 infection. Neurocognitive dysfunction has also been associated with the toxicity of certain antiretroviral drugs. HIV-1 induced neurological toxicity has been associated with deficiency of matrix metalloproteinases.

Impact of variants of MMP-7(-181A>G) gene in susceptibility to the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder and its severity.

The HIV-1-induced neurological toxicity has been associated with the deficiency of matrix metalloproteinases. Tat protein of HIV up regulates MMP-7 release and activation, leading to neurotoxicity. The SNP -181A>G of MMP-7 is known to have functional effects on its promoter activity.

APOBEC3B deletion impacts on susceptibility to acquire HIV-1 and its advancement among individuals in western India.

APOBEC3B deletion polymorphism has been associated with risk of HIV-1 acquisition and its progression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of APOBEC3B ins/del polymorphism with risk of acquisition of HIV-1 and its progression. In the present case-control study, we enrolled a total of 150 HIV-infected individuals and 150 healthy controls.