Research: Metabolomics for healthcare
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Biomarker discovery for type 2 diabetes and complications
A major research thrust in our lab is the discovery of metabolite biomarkers associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its long-term complications, particularly diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and cardiovascular comorbidities.
Using untargeted LC-MS and GC-MS profiling of blood and plasma from well-characterized patient cohorts, we identify metabolic alterations associated with disease severity and progression. Our studies have revealed specific amino acids, organic acids, lipid species, and uremic toxins that show statistically significant changes in individuals progressing from diabetes to overt nephropathy. We combine univariate and multivariate statistical models with pathway enrichment and clustering analyses to uncover dysregulated pathways, especially those related to mitochondrial metabolism, urea cycle, and branched-chain amino acid catabolism. These findings have potential utility in risk prediction, patient stratification, and understanding pathophysiology in Indian populations.
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Metabolism and adaption in endurance exercise
A major research thrust in our lab is the discovery of metabolite biomarkers associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its long-term complications, particularly diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and cardiovascular comorbidities.
In parallel, we investigate systemic metabolic responses to endurance exercise and marathon running. These analyses provide insights into energy substrate utilization, redox balance, and stress adaptation during prolonged physical exertion and subsequent recovery. By comparing pre- and post-race metabolite profiles, we uncover shifts in central carbon metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, ketogenesis, and purine metabolism. Our long-term goal is to use such insights to better understand metabolic flexibility, resilience, and training adaptation in athletes, as well as in individuals with metabolic disorders.
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Method Development and Data Analysis
A critical enabler of our work is the development of robust, high-throughput workflows for untargeted and targeted metabolomics. We have established validated LC-MS and GC-MS methods for quantitative analysis of key metabolite classes across a range of biospecimens, including plasma, serum, urine, whole blood, and dried blood spots (DBS). These capabilities also support the development of a multiplexed LC/MS-MS method that facilitates quantification of a wide metabolite panel from DBS samples for screening genetic and metabolic diseases in newborns.
Method development is complemented by an AI-based data analytics workflow MSOne (developed by our home-grown startup Clarity Bio Systems) that enables automated peak processing, compound annotation, and statistical modeling. This platform allows us to derive reliable and interpretable biological insights from complex HRMS datasets. We also work on developing software tools that can help simplify and automate metabolomics workflows, including noise reduction and dilution integrity assessment.
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Address
Department of Chemical Engineering,
IIT Bombay
Contact
Lab: +91 22 25767232
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