Research
Network-wide research themes and centre-specific ongoing projects advancing our understanding of the human brain.
The Brain Bank India network enables a diverse range of research programmes across its three centres. Below are the key thematic areas supported by our biobanking infrastructure.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Research into Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, CJD, and other dementia-related conditions using Indian brain specimens. Creating the first spatial transcriptomic atlas of brain ageing in Indian populations.
Neuro-infections
Neuropathological evaluation of HIV dementia, tuberculosis meningitis, Rabies, fungal infections, and their pathogenesis in the Indian context. Proteomics and genomics for biomarker discovery.
Cerebrovascular Disease
Transcriptomic profiling of haemorrhagic stroke, pathobiology of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and molecular markers related to ferroptosis-mediated cell death.
Molecular Biology & Genomics
Development of cDNA libraries in normal and neurodegenerative brains; DNA banking for genetically transmitted neurological diseases; RNA and DNA integrity studies across varying post-mortem intervals.
Stem Cell Biology
Mapping the resting stem cell pool at different ages, studying response to head injury, and identifying tumour stem cells in human brain tumours.
Tissue Quality & Methodology
Standardising methods for assessing tissue quality across varying post-mortem intervals (1 to >30 hours) in tropical conditions — critically relevant for biobanking in India.
Education & Training
Training MD Pathology residents in brain autopsy, dissection, histopathological assessment and tissue storage. Developing teaching sets and Brain Museum exhibits for medical education.
Centre-Specific Research
For detailed ongoing projects, publications, and education programmes at each centre, visit the respective centre sites.