Neuro Epigenetics and Neurobiology Lab (Mo.9130005947)

Key research interests:
1. Epigenetic basis of the reward memory and consolidation
2. Epigenetics of oxidative homeostasis in the brain: Its relevance with the traumatic brain injury
3. Neuroepigenetic relevance of gut-microbiome-brain axis

Research Group:

PhD Students:

1. Ms. Nagalakshmi Balasubramanian (UGC-SRF): Mitoepigenetics

2. Ms. Priyanka Chavan (UGC-JRF): Reward memory formation and consolidation

Project Assistant:

1. Ms. Kiran Landage (SERB project): Mitoepigenetics of mild trauma

Group Description: Chromatin remodeling is sculpted by many intricate processes, collectively known as epigenetic mechanisms, such as post-translational modifications (PTMs) and DNA methylation/demethylation. Neurons, being the post-mitotic cells, possibility of accumulation of such epigenetic alterations during its rather long life span are intense. Our laboratory focuses on three different aspects with common interest in understanding the neuroepigenetic basis of neurobiology. In one of the project, our lab is investigating epigenetic regulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and energy metabolism in the brain. Secondly, our lab is interested in elucidating the neural underpinnings of reward memories. Gut microbiome exert profound impact on neural function; does gut microbiome contribute to chromatin architecture in specific areas of the brain, is the question our lab is trying to address.

Publications:

Book chapters:

1. Sagarkar S et al., (2016) Epigenetics and alcohol use disorders. Academic Press, Cambridge.

2. Nagalakshmi B et al., Epigenetic Mechanisms of traumatic brain injuries. Academic Press, Cambridge Prominent research papers in last five years:

1. Sakharkar AJ et al., (2019) Neuropharmacology (In Press).

2. Balasubramanian N et al., (2019) Neuroscience Research (In Press).

3. Matharu D et al., (2019) Journal of Biosciences (In Press).

4. Sagarkar S et al., (2019) Brain Research 1711:183-192.

5. Singh O et al., (2019) J Comp Neurol. 527(6):1070-1101

6. Borkar C et al., Neuroscience 375:94-107.

7. Somalwar AR et al., (2018) Behav Brain Res. 348:9-21.

8. Choudhary AG et al., (2017) Brain Structure and Function 223:1313-1328.

9. Sagarkar S et al., (2017) Neurobiology of Disease 106:101-109.

10. Sagarkar S et al., (2017) Neurogastroenterology and Motility 29:e13074.

11. Sakharkar AJ et al., (2016) Brain Structure and Function 221:4691-4703.

For Complete List of Publications and other details, please visit the following link

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Sakharkar+A

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amul_Sakharkar