CSIR IN THE SERVICE OF THE NATION

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL BIOLOGY

Starting off from a small house in central Kolkata more than 70 years ago, the Indian
Institute of Chemical Biology has grown into a national institute tackling global disease
problems as well as foraying into frontier biological research. Equipped with
sophisticated state-of-the-art technologies, IICB is today poised to make an impact in
understanding the chemistry of life.

WHETHER it is the much acclaimed ASMON—a herbal composition for bronchial Asthma,
a diagnostic technology to detect alpha-fetoprotein (a protein associated with pregnancy and
embryo), diagnostic kits for Kala Azar and leukemia, or a herbal composition for chronic
myeloid leukemia (CML), the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata has been at the
forefront of tackling diseases at the national level. The spin-offs of the research in its labs
hold great potential to impact the health scenario of the nation in a major way.
The IICB is a premier laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
(CSIR) in the area of biological sciences and organic chemistry. Its forte has been world class
research in areas such as drug development, cell biology, molecular and human genetics,
infectious diseases and several others.
History
IICB had a modest beginning when in 1935 it was established as the Indian Institute of
Medical Research operating from a small house in central Kolkata. The vision of the founder,
Dr J.C. Ray, was to solve the pressing health problems of the country. Over the years the
Institute went through several name changes. In 1956 it was renamed the Indian Institute for
Biochemistry & Experimental Medicine and included under the aegis of the CSIR. In 1965 its
name was once again altered to Indian Institute of Experimental Medicine and finally in 1982
it was christened the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology.
IICB today is engaged in research on diseases of national importance and biological
problems of global interest, employing sophisticated state-of-the-art technology in keeping
with the rapid and unprecedented momentum that life science research has gained globally
over the last 50 years. The Institute enjoys expertise in a variety of areas including chemistry,
biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, neurobiology and immunology which
promotes productive interdisciplinary interaction.
IICB is one of the major laboratories in India which initiated, right from its inception,
multidisciplinary concerted efforts for conducting basic research on infectious diseases,
specifically Leishmaniasis (Kalazar) and Cholera, along with the development of
technologies for the diagnosis, immunoprophylaxis (vaccination against infection), and
chemotherapy of diseases.
A neurobiology group is involved in research on the development of the vertebrate
brain and also the genesis of human movement disorders. Bioactive substances from natural
sources and chemically synthesized new molecules are being explored as potential drugs.
Other areas being actively pursued are gastric hyperacidity and ulcer, development of
targeted drug delivery systems, reproductive biology, protein chemistry and enzymology.

Research Impact
IICB has been engaged in quality research in biological sciences and organic chemistry
placing it among the top research institutions in the world in this area. Apart from the actual
products that have rolled out from the precincts of the Institute, its claim to fame are also the
increasing number of publications in high and very high impact international journals,
significant number of international patents granted in countries like USA, European Union,
Japan, China, Canada, Great Britain, Germany etc and tie-ups with major Indian and
multinational industries.
Some of the major ongoing works are:

Chemical Research
Research here aims at the study of chemical and biological problems through an integrated
effort entailing discovery of new molecules from plants, development of synthetic strategies
for complex molecules, studies on nanoscopic materials and reactions in organized media,
and biophysical study of the interaction of biological macromolecules. Alongside, the
department has also entered into active collaboration with industrial and institutional partners
for the development of drugs and other important biomolecules.
Research is also on to develop strategies for the synthesis of chiral cyclic ethers,
amines and RNA analogs from carbohydrate derivatives; synthesize heterocyclic compounds
for screening biological activities; develop and commercialize herbal medicines and other
bioactive molecules; design and synthesize medium ring heterocycles as potential anti-cancer
and antimicrobial agents; develop methodologies for the synthesis of anti-leishmanial and
anti-encephalitis compounds based on quinolines; study stabilized nanoparticles and
nanofibers, and isolate and characterize bioactive substances from medicinal plants etc.

Cell Biology & Physiology

Scientists in this area deal with neurological diseases, reproductive physiology and control of
reproduction, cardiac hypertrophy, diabetes and some metabolic and parasitic diseases.
Efforts are on to understand the basis of narcotic addiction to develop an anti-
addictive drug. Studies are also aimed at finding the molecular basis of neurodegeneration
and development of strategies for neuroprotection, and also stem cells in corneal implantation
and in neurodegenerative diseases.
The Institute is also investigating mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction by thyroid
hormone, molecular mechanism of insulin resistance and defect in insulin signaling in type 2
diabetes, and the genetic basis of hypothyroid induced reproductive disorders.
In reproductive biology, the biochemical basis of sperm motility and its function
activities and development of a conceptual contraceptive with anti-HIV hallmark is being
worked on.
The causes, manifestation and management of anemia during Kalazar and analysis of
microbial population are also being investigated.

Molecular & Human Genetics

The Institute has been actively working on understanding the molecular genetic basis of
diseases common in Indian populations, human genetic disorders, gene expression and
function in pathogenic microorganisms, and developing transgenic plants with improved
characteristics. Recently, in a major breakthrough, a group of researchers succeeded in
identifying a large protein complex that could help correct respiratory defects due to
mitochondrial mutations that occur in certain human genetic disorders.
Among some other studies that are being carried out at the Institute are understanding
the molecular basis of head and neck cancer (HNSCC) and identify the genes involved;
understanding the molecular genetics of Haemophilia, Glaucoma, Wilson disease etc to
assess the health effects, genetic damage and genetic variants in populations exposed to
arsenic through drinking water in West Bengal; test the antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic
effects of black tea, polyphenols etc; identify Vibrio cholerae genes and their role in
pathogenesis; identify, isolate and modify genes from non-host plants involved in self-
defence mechanisms against pests, and transfer them as bio-pesticides into host plants.

Infectious Diseases & Immunology

Infectious diseases continue to be a serious health problem throughout the globe. The
situation is further complicated by the emergence of drug-resistant newer clones. IICB is
conducting various research programmes on Leishmania donovani, the causative agent for
visceral leishmaniasis, and major enteropathogens like Vibrio cholerae and Shigella spp.,
which are major health concerns in India. The Institute has already undertaken intervention
strategies for controlling the diseases caused by these human pathogens. The strategies
include: prevention of host-parasite interaction; identifying new trans-membrane proteins
specific for drug development against the parasite; developing therapeutic agents derived
from indigenous plants; structure-function relationship of important enzymes; programmed
cell death in Leishmania; development of vaccines and diagnostics; genetic study of V.
cholerae and comparative gene study of Shigella species.

Drug Development Diagnostics & Biotechnology

Scientists at IICB are passionate about improving health and quality of life, as also promoting
future economic growth through innovation in biotechnology. The focus of research is to
promote development of new products, processes and technologies of commercial and
industrial importance through application of basic biological research. This includes
investigation of medicinal plants for anti-neoplastic, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, anti-
inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-leishmania agents; isolation of bioactive compounds from
plant, microbe, animal or venom; establishing the mechanism of gastric ulceration; tissue
targeted drug delivery; analysis and evaluation of herbal medicines; biochemistry of
mushroom and yeast and plant gene manipulation for improved pharmaceuticals.

Structural Biology & Bio-Informatics

Structure-function analysis of various biological macromolecules using multi-pronged
approaches involving modern biological, chemical and physical technologies is being
undertaken at the Institute. The focus of research is in the following areas: Molecules of
therapeutic interest against various diseases, e.g. leishmania, cholera, cancer, diabetes;
Studies on protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions applying modern
sophisticated technologies like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass-spectrometry;
Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) and 3D-QSAR; and Development of
software for prediction, modification and analysis of macromolecular structures and for
elucidating their interactions with bio-active molecules.

Facilities

IICB offers in-house technical support and service to scientists and research workers in
various aspects of instrumentation. The Institute possesses many sophisticated scientific
instruments such as Electron Microscope, Mass Spetrophotometers, NMR 300 & 600 MHz,
UV/IR Spectro Photometers, Ultra Centrifuges, Super Speed Refrigerated Centrifuges etc.
IICB has a long tradition of basic and applied research on pathogenic protozoan and
bacterial diseases. The Institute has installed a BSL-3 laboratory for safe handling, storage
and research on organisms of highly infectious diseases. Apart from fundamental research,
the BSL-3 facility will serve as a kind of surveillance center for selected pathogens. The
center will generate database for molecular detection of these highly infectious agents of
national importance, and serve as a storehouse of DNA probes and antibodies for accurate
detection and also experimental unit for assay and analysis of clinical samples. Development
of skilled manpower and arrangement of training programs will also be taken into
consideration in the future.
IICB also possesses a modern animal house where breeding facilities with
maintenance of quality experimental animals like mice, rats, rabbits, hamsters are available.
The IICB also has a well-stocked library with significant collections and facilities and
services such as reading room, on-line and off-line literature search, information services
through CD-ROM database (ADONIS), lending facility, reference and referral services,
reprographic and resource sharing, and on-line availability of High Impact Factor journals
through the CSIR E-Journals Consortium.

Industry-Institute Tie-Up
Although the strength of IICB has always been basic biomedical research, during the last
decade emphasis is being given on goal oriented research directed towards commercial
exploitability. Efforts are now on to convert the knowledge gained over the years through
high quality basic research into wealth.
The Institute is continuously building synergy with industries and successfully
converting knowledge into wealth. Its scientists have managed to sustain high level of
interaction with the industry and earn a considerable amount of resources both human and
financial. A number of products or processes have already been accepted by industries for
marketing, among which are products like ASMON—a herbal composition for bronchial
Asthma, a diagnostic technology to detect alpha-fetoprotein (a protein associated with
pregnancy and embryo), and a diagnostic kit for Kala Azar etc.. A diagnostic kit for leukemia
(ALL), a herbal composition for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and a herbal composition
for prostate problems would be launched in the near future.

Partners of Growth
• Angiogen Pharmaceuticals, Australia
• Merial SAS, Lyon, France
• Albert David Ltd., Kolkata
• Biotech Consortium (I) Ltd., New Delhi
• Chatterjee Management Services (P) Ltd., Kolkata
• Coir House, Kochi
• Dabur Research Foundation, Ghaziabad
• Dey’s Medical Stores (Mfg.) Ltd., Kolkata
• East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd., Kolkata
• Nicholas Piramal India Ltd., Mumbai
• Santha Biotech, Hyderabad
• Zyphyr Biomedical, Goa
• Qualpro Diagnostics, Goa

Accolades
A steady number of quality publications are the hallmark of the Institute's progress in
research. The average number of publications in reputed journals, mostly international, every
year during the last five years is around 100. The Institute has also been granted on an
average 12 patents every year, mostly abroad, during the last five years.
IICB is recognized as a centre of excellence for biomedical research activities,
infrastructure, facilities and services. The work of IICB has always been recognized through
prestigious national and international awards to its scientists such as the Padma Bhushan, SS
Bhatnagar award, Watumull Memorial award, Ranbaxy award, JC Bose award, FICCI award,
Homi Bhaba award, PB Ramarao award, CSIR Technology award, and CSIR Young Scientist
to name a few.

Future Programmes
IICB has several research programs planned in the coming years with a major thrust on
applied research. Some of these projects are:
• Evaluation and correction of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease;
• Development of diagnostics and target-based molecular medicines against allergy,
bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ;
• Identification of novel targets and development of target based molecular medicine;
• Biological and chemical transformation of plant compounds for production of value
added products of therapeutic/ aroma value;
• Exploitation of India’s rich microbial diversity nanomateials and nano-devices in
health and disease;
• Zero emission research initiative for the leather processing sector and
• Research on highly infectious pathogens of national relevance.

A Proteomic Research Centre is being set up at a separate campus in Kolkata with the
objective of creating an integrated state-of-the-art infrastructure for advanced research on
protein and proteomics. This national facility has been sanctioned as a joint venture between
CSIR and DST. Core research activities at the Center will be focused on identification of drug
targets, engineering therapeutic proteins, new drug development etc. Services will be
provided to research laboratories, universities, pharmaceutical and biotechnological
industries, etc. It will be perhaps the first complete facility in the country to study different
aspects of proteins and proteome.
-------------------
For further information contact: Prof. Siddhartha Roy, Director, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology
(IICB), CSIR, 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, West Bengal
Tel. No.: 033 2413 1157 / 033 2473 5368; Fax: 033 2473 5197
Email: director@iicb.res.in; Webpage: www.iicb.res.in

BOX 1
Research/Training Programmes Offered

1. PhD Program: Candidates qualified in national level tests can join the institute for their
PhD in their area of interest. Fresh engineering and medical graduates and M. Pharm.
candidates are also eligible for pursuing a research career here. IICB holds an
examination/interview for selection of research fellows to work in grant-in-aid projects and
research schemes. A large number of distinguished scientists both from India and abroad
visit, deliver lectures and hold discussions with the research groups.
At a given period not fewer than 180 doctoral students are working for their PhD
program, and an average of 25 students receive their degrees.

2. Summer Training/Project Work/Dissertation Work: IICB imparts training in state-of-

the-art techniques to summer students from different universities and Institutes. The duration
of this training program/project work is three to six months during March and August .Under
this program the Institute conducts training of short duration in various disciplines with
emphasis on practical R&D aspects in a particular discipline.
 IICB Leadership

Professor Siddhartha Roy, a student of

Presidency College, Calcutta, obtained
his Ph.D. degree from University of
Delaware, USA in 1980. During 1980-82,
he worked as a Research Associate in
Brandeis University, Massachusetts,
USA. After a few years of Post-doctoral
Research as Visiting Associate of
National Institute of Health, USA, he
came back to India and joined Bose
Institute, Kolkata, as a Faculty Member
in 1986. He became Professor of Biophysics Department of the same Institute in 1999.
He also continued as Visiting Scientist in NIH, USA during 1996-98. Prof. Roy then
moved over to Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, as Director of the
Institute in 2004. He received some distinguished international awards like
Meritorious Service Award (1986), USA; IUBMB Woods-Whelan Fellowship, 1990,
USA; and national awards like Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1999) and was
elected Member of the Guha Research Conference (1996). He was also honoured
with FNA (2005), FASc (1996), J C Bose Fellowship (2007) and Tata Innovation
Fellowship (2007).
He has about 98 (ninety eight) publications in peer reviewed journals with an
average impact factor of 4.4. The research interests of Prof. Siddhartha Roy are in the
field of Transcription, Protein Nucleic acid Interaction, Drug Discovery and
Spectroscopy of Biomolecules.