Events

September 11, 2024:  Deepa Subramanyam, National Centre for Cell Science

Title: Trafficking in development and disease - miXXing it up

Abstract: Cell fate determination in the early embryo and in embryonic stem cells are regulated by a number of mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that intracellular trafficking plays an important role in cell fate choice. Using high-throughput screening approaches, we identify a novel regulation of embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency by endocytic mechanisms, with changes in the levels of specific endocytic pathways altering cell fate. In addition to affecting cell fate choice, we also observe that endocytic pathways are altered during neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Together, our work demonstrates that intracellular trafficking pathways play an important role in regulating cell fate in development and disease.

Gender-based biases exist everywhere, and science is no exception.  We also conducted a study aimed to understand the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) researchers and stakeholders in India, and whether this was dependent on gender and/or caste. Our findings highlighted the importance of institutional and social support for mental well-being and scientific productivity among researchers, especially during the pandemic. It also showed the impact of disruptions in grant disbursals on research activities of scientists. Further, the gendered impact between these relationships was also noted, all of which hint at a need for structured reform within STEM.