Our research deciphers the molecular and structural basis of bacterial signaling networks, with particular emphasis on second messengers such as c-di-GMP, (p)ppGpp, and c-di-AMP. These molecules act as master regulators of biofilm formation, stress responses, virulence, persistence, and cell cycle control in major pathogens, including ESKAPE organisms.

We employ an integrated structural biology approach, combining X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) with mass spectrometry–based proteomics, biochemical and biophysical assays, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal how signaling proteins function at atomic resolution. Our previous work has uncovered novel second-messenger effector proteins, new mechanisms of bacterial cell cycle regulation, and direct cross-talk between global signaling pathways.

We are anticipating targeting bacterial survival and adaptation pathways rather than viability alone, our lab aims to identify non-traditional drug targets and contribute to the development of next-generation antimicrobial strategies.

How do blood vessels adapt to physiological demands, and how does their dysfunction actively drive diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegeneration? The Integrative Vascular Biology and Metabolism Lab addresses these questions using multidisciplinary approaches spanning molecular biology, in vivo models, and systems-level analysis. We view the vasculature not as a passive conduit, but as a dynamic, metabolically active interface where endothelial cells integrate mechanical and biochemical signals to govern tissue homeostasis.

Our research focuses on how endothelial cells are reprogrammed under pathological stress. We investigate how disturbed blood flow and disease-associated signals rewire endothelial metabolism and signaling, triggering inflammation, vascular remodeling, and barrier breakdown. In parallel, we examine how endothelial cells orchestrate vascular–immune crosstalk, acting as key regulators of systemic inflammation and disease progression.

By linking these processes across cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration, we aim to uncover fundamental principles of vascular dysfunction and identify actionable targets to restore vascular integrity and intercept disease at its earliest stages.

Inflammation is the body’s response to harmful stimuli such as damaged cells, pathogens, or environmental stress. It activates the immune system to eliminate the source of injury and initiate tissue repair, thereby restoring normal function. While inflammation is essential for protection and healing, prolonged or dysregulated inflammatory responses can lead to chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer.

Our laboratory aims to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate inflammation and maintain cellular homeostasis during inflammatory and infectious diseases. By studying how immune and non-immune cells coordinate these responses, we seek to identify key pathways that can be targeted to control excessive inflammation and promote tissue repair.

Cancer is a complex disease that tricks us through its diversity. Every tumor is different, with its own set of mutations and characteristics. That's why a single treatment doesn't work for everyone. This is where our lab comes in.

We use modern scientific tools to study cancer at multiple levels—through genomic sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics. By combining data from these different approaches, we build a comprehensive picture of how cancer works. This helps us discover new biomarkers and identify therapeutic targets.

Our Goal: To turn this knowledge into practical solutions for patients. We aim to develop new diagnostic tests, create targeted therapies, and design personalized treatment plans. By understanding what makes each cancer unique, we can develop better strategies to fight it.

Integrated Biophotonics Lab (IBL) led by Dr. Surya Pratap Singh has a major focus on utilizing interdisciplinary approaches to answer some of the critical questions in the field of disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring. 

The IBL’s research sits at the intersection of physics, biology, chemistry and data science with a primary research focus on developing non-invasive, label-free, high resolution optical techniques for 

• Rapid identification of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) using heavy water labelling. 

• Single-Cell Metabolomics for visualizing de novo synthesis of metabolites through stable isotope labelling. 

• Raman hyperspectral imaging to visualize single and chemically heterogeneous microplastics from environmental sources.

• Integrating multivariate unmixing algorithms and deep learning to process complex hyperspectral datasets for better spatial mapping of cellular components.

We study how the brain responds to stress and why some people develop depression, dementia, or other brain disorders upon exposure to chronic stress. We are especially interested in understanding how early-life adversity, stressful experiences and stress hormones affect long-term mental health and makes us vulnerable to various neurodegenerative disorders.

One of our key research areas focuses on astrocytes—a type of brain cell that was once thought to be just a “support cell,” but is now known to play a critical role in brain function, mood, memory, and neurodegenerative diseases like Stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

We use a combination of molecular biology, cell biology, behavioral and computational techniques to understand how brain cells grow, communicate, and survive under stress. Our goal is to discover the biological mechanisms that make the brain vulnerable to diseases—and importantly, to find ways to prevent these conditions before they begin.