Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is a premier research institute located in Hyderabad. It was established in 1977 as a semi-autonomous institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The primary focus of CCMB is to conduct high-quality research in the fields of modern biology, with an emphasis on cellular and molecular biology. The institute has made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge and has played a crucial role in the development of biotechnology in India.
History
The idea of establishing a centre for advanced research in cellular and molecular biology was conceived by Dr. Pushpa Mittra Bhargava, a renowned Indian scientist and the founder-director of CCMB. The centre was formally inaugurated on April 26, 1977, by the then Prime Minister of India, Morarji Desai. Since its inception, CCMB has grown into a leading research institute in the country, with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly qualified and dedicated scientists.
Research Areas
CCMB conducts research in various areas of modern biology, with a focus on understanding the fundamental processes of life at the cellular and molecular level. Some of the major research areas at CCMB include:
- Genome Organization and Regulation
- Developmental Biology
- Structural Biology
- Infectious Diseases
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Conservation Biology
- Neurobiology
- Cancer Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Achievements and Contributions
CCMB has made several significant contributions to the field of modern biology and has played a key role in the advancement of scientific research in India. Some of the notable achievements and contributions of CCMB include:
- Development of the first indigenous DNA fingerprinting kit in India
- Identification of the genetic basis of several rare genetic disorders
- Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of bacterial and viral infections
- Development of transgenic crops with improved yield and stress tolerance
- Conservation of endangered species through genetic studies and captive breeding programs
- Development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer and other diseases
- Establishment of the first gene bank for endangered species in India
- Sequencing of the genome of the Indian Cobra and other important species
Education and Training
CCMB is also actively involved in education and training in the field of modern biology. The institute offers doctoral and postdoctoral programs in various areas of cellular and molecular biology. CCMB also conducts several short-term training programs and workshops for students, researchers, and industry professionals.
Collaborations and Partnerships
CCMB has several collaborations and partnerships with leading research institutes and universities in India and abroad. These collaborations enable the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, and facilitate the conduct of cutting-edge research in various areas of modern biology.
Some of the major collaborations and partnerships of CCMB include:
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
- National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru
- University of Hyderabad
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi
- Emory University, USA
- University of Cambridge, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Germany
- RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Japan
The CCMB has made significant contributions to the field of modern biology.
