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Time of India
09-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
CSIR-CCMB scientists uncover how protein flexibility enables multitasking in plants
1 2 Hyderabad: New research from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has revealed that proteins do not always rely on a fixed three-dimensional shape to perform their functions. Instead, their structures can be flexible, enabling them to carry out multiple roles. This insight reshapes our understanding of protein dynamics in biological study provides a plausible explanation for how plants fine-tune RNA processing without expanding their protein repertoire, particularly in the absence of adaptive immunity. These findings could pave the way for advances in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology by assisting scientists in designing proteins capable of multitasking more to a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, two structurally identical plant proteins exhibit varied substrate specificity due to differences in flexibility. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list One of the proteins, being more flexible, can bind to a broader range of substrate RNA molecules by dynamically rearranging itself to accommodate the shapes of its molecular partners without compromising stability, which is crucial for gene artwork illustrates the various structures the RNA-binding protein (shown as the largest structure in the left corner) can interact with. Using a powerful technique called nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, combined with sophisticated computational methods, scientists identified tiny populations, just 1%, of protein structures that temporarily switch into different shapes. These rare transitions are essential for recognising diverse RNA forms and help explain how plants manage complex gene regulation using fewer Mandar V Deshmukh, lead author of the study, said, "What we have shown is that a protein's ability to change shape, even slightly, can be just as important as its structure." He added, "By capturing the fleeting, dynamic states of these proteins, we've demonstrated that their capacity to transiently rearrange their structure by flexing and adjusting during interaction gives them a functional advantage in complex cellular environments. This enables organisms to regulate genes efficiently under varying conditions. It could transform how we think about developing new medicines or enhancing plant traits."The study also highlights how subtle changes in a protein's sequence, within just a few non-active site amino acid residues, can lead to significant functional differences. This underscores the importance of studying both structure and dynamics, particularly for proteins that are potential drug targets."Our results reveal nature's originality in designing a unique approach to grant promiscuity to a few proteins," said Debadutta Patra and Jaydeep Paul, joint first authors of the study.
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Future on show at startup conclave in Telangana
HYDERABAD: A buzz of excitement and innovation filled the air as the 'Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025' opened its doors to entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. With over 60 stalls exhibiting cutting-edge ideas and sustainable solutions, the event offered a glimpse into a future shaped by India's emerging innovators. The two-day conclave began at Zaheer Memorial School Grounds in the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT). It is jointly organised by CSIR-IICT, CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), and CSIR–National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI). Centred on the theme 'Catalysing Innovation, Connecting Ecosystems', the event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to share insights, network, and explore collaboration opportunities. Among the agricultural innovations was a stall featuring various rice varieties. Of note was Improved Samba Mahsuri (RP Bio-226), a high-yielding, bacterial blight-resistant and diabetic-friendly variety. It retains the grain quality of traditional Samba Mahsuri, offering major benefits to farmers. Dr Raju Madanala, Senior Technical Officer (Plant Sciences) at CSIR-CCMB, told TNIE, 'Improved Samba Mahsuri has so far been cultivated across 22,000 hectares in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.' In the health-tech space, the Mini DNA Lab drew attention. The compact device, priced around Rs 2 lakh, can detect early-stage diseases and possible drug reactions, marking a step forward in accessible, personalised healthcare. Water sustainability solutions also stood out. Meghdoot, a device that extracts potable water from atmospheric moisture, attracted considerable interest. 'This year's Budget allocated Rs 13,000 crore to CSIR' Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and CSIR Vice-President Dr Jitendra Singh said, 'From just 50 startups in 2014, India now has nearly 10,000 startups.' He urged the youth to channel their passion and creativity into building startups as a service to society. He noted that this year's Union Budget allocated Rs 13,000 crore to CSIR—over 230% more than the previous year—and encouraged youth to shed the belief that one must be a scientist to start a business. Later, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and technology transfers were signed between companies and the three CSIR host institutes in the minister's presence. Addressing the gathering, MP Eatala Rajender said, 'The central government is supporting startups financially to help them succeed. Hyderabad startups can benefit from scientific expertise and government initiatives.' Before speaking at the event, Jitendra Singh interacted with startups and researchers, showcasing their technologies and products.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Synergy among CSIR institutes will spur growth: Min
Hyderabad: There needs to be greater synergy among the three Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) institutes — CCMB, NGRI, and IICT — for better growth in the science and tech start-up sector, said Union minister of state for science and technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, at Start-up Conclave 2025 at Zaheer Memorial School grounds, IICT Campus, Habsiguda. "This synergy among these three institutes will lead to the integration of brains and resources, and Hyderabad is blessed to create this ecosystem. We also completed a 'one-week lab campaign' to showcase the technological breakthroughs and innovations to society," Dr Singh said. The two-day conclave, jointly organised by the three institutes, aims at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in India's research and technology ecosystem in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call of " Start-up India , Stand-up India." Reflecting on the theme 'Catalysing Innovation, Connecting Ecosystems,' the minister noted that from a mere 50 start-ups in 2014, India now boasts nearly 10,000, with around 3,000 young entrepreneurs benefiting from the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir. "The myth that you need to be a scientist or a doctorate to begin a start-up needs to be debunked. The first service you can do for society is to channel your passion and creativity into building a start-up," Dr Singh said. Noting that the start-up conclave has brought multiple stakeholders onto a common platform, the minister said, "While most of our labs have been doing wonderful work, people were hardly aware. Farmers were never allowed to enter these labs. This conclave has brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to share insights, network, and explore collaboration opportunities. Biotech needs to be integrated for BioE3 - environment, economy, and employment." CCMB director Dr Vinay Nandicoori remarked, "The conclave is a reflection of the ongoing collaborations between industry and academia in Hyderabad. And this will only become more vibrant in the coming years."
