Date:29/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/29/stories/2008092954970600.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

CCMB working on new method to identify cancerous cells

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: Scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) are working on a new method of identifying cancerous cells by trying to compare the proteins and their functions in normal cells with those in the cancerous cells.

The research work in the recently established ‘Proteomics’ facility would help scientists develop diagnostic kits and also design drugs that stop protein malfunctions, N. Jagannadha Rao, a scientist involved in the research said.

The Proteomics facility was established under the CSIR’s New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) scheme. The CCMB is using the X-Ray Crystallography which projects the three dimensional structure of a protein or amino acids, which is helpful in designing drugs.

The centre is also in the process of establishing two world-class medical biotechnology facilities, a Clinical Research Facility (CRF) for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and a National Bio-safety Level 4 Containment Facility (NBCF).