Objective
To nurture innovative research ideas that could have an early and measurable IMPACT on the health of people with diabetes and related complications.
Scope
The scope of funding includes, but not limited to, the following areas:
- Diagnostic innovations in diabetology
- Therapeutic innovations in diabetology
- Technology-based diabetes solutions
- Glucose Sensor development projects
- Building evidence around sustainable nutrition
- Scientific evidence for traditional interventions
Focus Area
Disease Mechanism
- Genetic and Epigenetic regulations
- Metabolic, Biochemical, and Signalling Pathways in Diabetes Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
- Tissue Injury, Repair and Regeneration
- Biomarker Discovery
- Reprogramming of Cells to Produce Insulin
- Tissue Injury, Repair and Regeneration/Concept of Artificial pancreas
- Novel mechanism in pathophysiology
Disease Prevention
- Preventing or Delaying Type 2 Diabetes and related complications
- Dietary and Lifestyle Management including Yoga and Meditation
- Newer preventive strategies.
Disease Diagnosis and Monitoring
- New methods and/or Sensors in early detection and monitoring Diabetes
- Cutting-edge Diagnostic/Monitoring systems/Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
Disease Management
- Remission of Diabetes
- Concept of Artificial pancreas
- Therapeutic Strategies to improve glycemic status
- Dietary Interventions and Lifestyle Management including Yoga and Meditation
- Nano-technology based or alternative modes of drug Delivery
- Advancing Clinical Care of People with Diabetes- Psycho-social measures to Improve Quality of Life OR Traditional/Ayurveda Therapies that hold promise for Diabetes Management OR Alternative Strategies
- Other emerging and novel therapies
Other related areas-
- Diabetes and other conditions like Pregnancy/Cancer/Obesity/Dyslipidaemia/CVD
- Epidemiological/Community Interventions to benefit Marginalised Persons
- Type 1 Diabetes, Monogenic Diabetes and Diabetes in Young
- Exocrine Pancreatopathy and Related Diabetes
Application of Technology in prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and management of Diabetes and related disorders.
Projects Funded
3D Bio-Printed Gel-Encapsulated Stem Cells for Type 1 Diabetes Beta Cell Therapy
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has granted a financial support amounting to Rs 38,98,000/- to Dr. Gopinath Packirisamy for his project titled "Advancement of 3D Bio-Printed Gel-Encapsulated Stem Cells for Beta Cell Replacement Therapy in Type I Diabetes Mellitus."
Dr. Gopinath Packirisamy holds the position of Professor and Head at the Centre for Nanotechnology within the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Roorkee, located in Uttarakhand, India. His impressive academic record includes the authorship of over 150 publications in esteemed journals, numerous book chapters, and several patents registered under his name.
The primary objective of his project is to develop a biocompatible scaffold, a 3D-printed gel infused with IS drugs, designed to sustain the islet cells for extended durations, thereby enhancing the prospects of successful beta cell replacement therapy.
Cystatin C Aptamer Rapid Assay for Diabetic Retinopathy Evaluation
The Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has granted financial support of Rs 59,05,000/- for an innovative project titled "Development of a Rapid Cystatin C Aptamer-Based Assay for the Evaluation of Diabetic Retinopathy," led by Dr. Krishnakumar Subramanian.
Dr. Krishnakumar S, an accomplished researcher with more than 20 years of experience, is MD in Pathology and a Fellowship holder in Ophthalmic Pathology from the Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California. He serves as Senior Consultant and the HOD- L&T Ocular Pathology and also holds the position of Deputy Director at the Vision Research Foundation, Chennai. His expertise lies at the intersection of Ophthalmology and Pathology. Dr. Krishnakumar has also undertaken two research fellowships, one in Cancer Nanotechnology at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and another in Ocular Drug Delivery at the University of Nebraska, both supported by the DBT (Department of Biotechnology) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). Furthermore, he serves as an Institute Ethics Member at IIT Madras. He has authores more than 43 publications in good impact journals and have conducted several GOI funded research projects.
The objective of this CDRC-funded project is to develop a rapid assay based on Cystatin C aptamers, capable of accurately quantifying Cystatin C levels in serum samples obtained from diabetic patients, both those with and without retinopathy. This innovative approach aims to provide a reliable tool for assessing diabetic retinopathy, a significant complication of diabetes.
MicroRNAs expression study for Osteoclastogenesis and Inflammation in Diabetic Charcot Neuro-arthropathy
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has awarded financial support of Rs 53,98,800/- for the project ““Differential Expression of Circulating Monocyte and Exosomal MicroRNAs for Osteoclastogenesis and Inflammation in Diabetic Charcot Neuro-arthropathy: A Case-Control study”to Dr Ashu Rastogi.
Dr. Ashu Rastogi is a prominent researcher and clinician at PGIMER, Chandigarh. He specializes in diabetes-related complications, particularly cardiovascular and foot issues. His extensive research output, comprising 85 peer-reviewed papers with over 500 citations, underscores his significant contributions to the field. In addition, his work also addresses obesity and Charcot neuro-arthropathy of the foot.
Pharmacogenomics study of antidiabetic medication response in Indian T2DM patients
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has awarded financial support of Rs. 44,88,000/- for carrying out a pharmacogenomics research project entitled “Evaluation of effect of genetic polymorphism on antidiabetic medication in Indian patients with Type 2 Diabetes for development of a pharmacogenomic test for T2DM patients” to Dr. Yashwant Govind Chavan.
Dr. Yashwant Chavan is Technical Director at geneOmbio Technologies Pvt Ltd, Pune, a Biotechnology laboratory working in the domain of Contract Research and Molecular Diagnostics. Dr Yashwant has several publications in international journals and more than 200 GenBank nucleotide submissions to his credit. He has more than 15 years of experience of working on Pharmacogenomic assessment of various drugs and has led the molecular research in several clinical studies involving SNP genotyping.
This sponsored study would involve genetic assessment and evaluation of pharmacogenetic associations of variants in genes responsible for efficacy of antidiabetic medication.
Small ncRNAs: Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Distinguishing Diabetic Kidney Disease
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has approved financial support of Rs 51,83,000/- for the project “Utility of small non-coding-RNA as non-invasive diagnostic biomarker to differentiate Diabetic kidney disease from non-diabetic kidney disease: A genomic approach” to Dr Sujoy Ghosh.
Dr Sujoy Ghosh Professor, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research Kolkata and Executive Editor of well reputed journal of ESI- IJEM and others. Dr. Sujoy Ghosh, with over 15 years of experience, has made significant contributions to the field of research. He has authored numerous books and articles, earning recognition and multiple awards for academic excellence at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and postdoctoral levels.
The project aims to identify small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) as noninvasive diagnostic marker to differentiate DKD and NDKD.
RAAMDA: Transforming Gut Microbiota and Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has awarded financial support of Rs 37,14,00/- for the project “Transformative gut microbial and metabolic changes induced by “RAgi-AMla-DAhi: RAAMDA as a traditional nutritional intervention in Type 2 Diabetes: An RCT using Omics approach” To Dr Vageesh Ayyar.
Dr. Vageesh Ayyar S is a professor of Endocrinologist at St. John's Medical College Bangalore and has an experience of 23 years in this field. His research interests are Metabolism, Medical Education. He is a member of USA endocrine society, Endocrine Society of India and MNAMS (Membership of the National Academy). He has authored several research papers in reputed journals.
Dr. Vageesh Ayyar S is a highly experienced endocrinologist and a Professor at St. John's Medical College in Bangalore with 23 years of experience in the field and his research interests include metabolism and medical education. He is a member of reputed societies like the USA Endocrine Society, Endocrine Society of India, and MNAMS. Dr. Ayyar has authored numerous research papers in esteemed journals, contributing significantly to the field of endocrinology.
The project focus on a traditional nutritional intervention combining Ragi, Amla, and Dahi, in inducing transformative gut microbial and metabolic changes. This holistic approach lights a promising path for managing Type 2 Diabetes.
Metabolic impact of local healthy moderate Carbohydrate Diet and Exercise in Type 2 Diabetes
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has approved financial support of Rs 29,78,856/- for the project “Effect of local healthy moderate carbohydrate diet with defined exercise on metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus” to Dr Mayura Kale in collaboration with Dr. Vedavati, Chellaram Diabetes Institute.
Dr. Mayura Kale, a Diabetology post-graduate and D.N.B. holder, has made notable contributions to diabetes research. She has presented scientific papers and posters at various state, national, and international conferences and delivered impactful lectures on diabetes. Her involvement as a brand ambassador for RSSDI and Rotary's Defeat Diabetes Campaign highlights her dedication to the cause. Dr. Kale is also a trainer for the National Diabetes Education Programme. She has conducted educational and awareness lectures at prestigious institutions of Aurangabad, FM and regional TV channels. Dr. Kale's current project, funded by CDRC, focuses on assessing the impact of a locally sourced, healthy, and moderate carbohydrate diet on glycemic and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Modelling Mitochondrial Network in Pancreatic Beta Cells
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has awarded Financial support of Rs. 23,41,840/- for carrying out a research project entitled “Modelling mitochondrial network in pancreatic β-cells for better therapeutic design” to Dr. Jitin Singla.
Dr. Jitin Singla is a young dynamic researcher presently working as Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India. He did his B.Tech from IIT Roorkee and M.S Computer Science (High Performance Computing and Simulation), Ph.D. (Computational Biology and Bioinformatics) and Postdoc from the University of Southern California, USA. He has several publications in international journals to his credit. He has an interest in Computational analysis of Cryo-electron tomograms and Soft X-ray tomograms, Applied Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Image Segmentation, ArtScience, Computational Cell Structural Biology.
The research on computational analysis of soft-X-ray tomograms and cryo-electron tomograms- modelling will help in screening drug effects on cellular ultrastructure, and ultimately provide insights into designing better drugs for recovering diseased β-cells in diabetic patients.
Implant for Drug Delivery in Diabetic Retinopathy
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has awarded Financial support of Rs. 39,68,000/- for carrying out a research project entitled “Soft hydrogel lens as non-invasive ocular implant for image assisted in vivo drug delivery in diabetic retinopathy” to Dr. Mayank Goswami.
Dr. Mayank Goswami is another young active researcher working as an Assistant Professor, Divyadrishti Imaging Lab, Physics Dept. at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India. He has more than 6 years of experience in the field of ocular imaging. He has several publications to his credit. He worked on the application of imaging technology in disease diagnosis or drug delivery.
The synthesis and utilization of hydrogel-based contact lenses as drug delivery carriers will be a significant research outcome.
Enriched Nano-nutrition in Diabetes
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has awarded Financial support of Rs. 27,38,000/- for carrying out a nutrition research project with a translational potential entitled “Polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched nano-formulation for diabetes: In vivo efficacy and bioavailability studies” to Dr. Anand Zanwar.
Dr. Anand A. Zanwar, is a young and brilliant researcher working as a Scientist, Centre for Innovation in Nutrition Health Disease, IRSHA, BVDU, Pune. His primary area of interest is therapeutic innovations and disease management with the application of Nano-technology-based or alternative modes of drug delivery. He has more than 9 years of experience. He has been awarded with Early Career Research Award from DST-SERB, New Delhi and received a research grant. He has authored several research papers and chapters in the book.
Synergize Growth Factor- Stem Cell Combination Therapy
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has approved Financial support of Rs. 59,08,000/- for carrying out a research project entitled “Evaluation of growth factors and stem cell combination, novel formulation synergize to accelerate wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer models” to Dr. P.B Raghavendra.
Dr. P B Raghavendra, is working as a Scientist – National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), DBT-Govt. of India. He is interested in unravelling cellular/molecular or genetic mechanisms underlying in the healthy and disease aiming for translational approaches. His major area of research interests includes Human Disease Models (Genetic & Infectious Models), Simulation Studies (Modeling & Immuno-informatics), Stem Cell / CAR-T Cell Translational Therapies. Disease Biology and Translational Applications.
The project is focused on Stem Cell therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers and is a multi-centric project where the Principal Investigator is Dr. P B Raghavendra, Scientist – NIBMG, DBT-Govt. of India, Kalyani, West Bengal. His collaborators/co-investigators are Dr. S Chitra, Associate. Professor – Department of Endocrinology- MSRMCH. Dr. V Kalaivani Associate. Professor-Dept. of Surgery- MSRMCH., Bangalore.
Genetic Risk Score for Diabetes Subtyping
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has awarded Financial support of Rs. 62,80,000/- for carrying out a genetic research project entitled “Generation of a Genetic Risk Score to discriminate between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Indians” to Dr. G.R Chandak.
Dr. Giriraj Ratan Chandak is a Chief Scientist & Group Leader, Genomic Research on Complex Diseases (GRC) Group at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. His group is interested in understanding the genetic basis of complex disorders like type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic pancreatitis and their interaction with various environmental factors (epigenetic basis). He works on OMICs' approach to understand the gene-gene and gene-nutrient interaction in modulating the clinical course of complex diseases.
The study aimed to develop an India-specific GRS that will facilitate proper discrimination of type 1 diabetes patients from type 2 diabetes patients. This may set the stage towards developing a model where GRS and
other risk factors may be included to achieve a robust and 100% correct diagnosis.
Glycated Insulin for Better Diagnosis
Chellaram Diabetes Research Centre has approved Financial support of Rs.32,48,000/- for carrying out a research project entitled “Assessment of glycated insulin as a potential marker for early diagnosis of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction to Dr. M.J Kulkarni.
Dr. Mahesh J Kulkarni is a Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.
Dr. Mahesh Kulkarni has contributed significantly to the understanding of protein glycation in diabetes. He has been working in the area of protein glycation in diabetes by using mass spectrometry-based proteomics approaches. He has established a targeted mass spectrometric approach for the glycated peptides of albumin and quantified them in prediabetes. Dr. Kulkarni has guided 15 Ph.D. students hitherto and has published about 89 articles in reputed journals like Molecular Cellular Proteomics, Journal of Proteome Research, Proteomics, etc. He has led several important projects as a Principal Investigator in the last five years and was able to get the funds to the tune of 100 lakh INR .
This project aims to develop an absolute quantification method for glycated insulin and other modified forms of insulin using mass spectrometry, for the diagnosis of beta-cell dysfunction.
Research on human pancreas in diabetes
Dr. Suresh Chari is a world-renowned expert in pancreatic diseases with over 250 publications to his name. He is currently Professor of Medicine at the Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston and is the President Elect of the International Association of Pancreatology. He is currently undertaking ground-breaking research into the onset of diabetes as an early marker of pancreatic cancer.
Chellaram Foundation has donated US$100,000 for carrying out a research led by Dr Chari entitled “Investigations of the human pancreas in Diabetes Mellitus associated with type 2 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer”.
Oracle Cancer Trust – Research For Neck Cancer
Oracle Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading national charity funding head and neck cancer research. In the past ten years, Oracle has invested significant resources in world-class research programmes discovering new and improved treatments with fewer immediate and long-term side effects for patients suffering from head and neck cancer.
Chellaram Foundation has signed an MOU with Oracle Cancer Trust to fund a research grant of GBP 145,000 for improving the treatment of neck cancer.
Study of Diabetes in India
Chellaram Foundation provided grant of Rs. 32 Lacs to Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India for their research program.
Diabetes UK – Novel therapy for improved wound healing
Chellaram Foundation and Diabetes UK have combined forces to fund Professor Mirela Delibegovic and the University of Aberdeen for research on a novel therapy for improved wound healing in diabetes. The research will be conducted over a two-year period. Chellaram Foundation will contribute a total of GBP 121,000 towards the research.