Workshop on “Molecular Biology Techniques & Stem Cells in Human Health and Disease” organized at Amity
Noida: Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR) started a five day hands on Workshop on “Molecular Biology Techniques & Stem Cells in Human Health and Disease” at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida Campus.
The aim of the workshop is to provide platform to Students, Researchers and Professionals of Life Sciences, Biotechnology and all allied Biomedical Sciences to learn the basic techniques in Biotechnology and Stem Cells. The five day workshop offers an opportunity to expand the research knowledge and enhance the research capabilities of participants through hands on practical training & tutorials, Lectures by Scientists and Interaction with panel of expert scientists & clinicians.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard University; Dr. Ravi Mehrotra, Director at the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research; Dr. Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Group; Dr. W Selvamurthy, President, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation and Prof. (Dr.) B.C Das Chairman & Chair Professor AIMMSCR.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Ashok K Chauhan said that the techniques of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research have revolutionized the understanding of human diseases and their pathologies. He stressed that these developments have made unprecedented contributions in designing novel molecular tools for effective diagnosis and treatment of human diseases; therefore, it is essential to master these techniques for understanding the human disease pathogenesis at molecular level with a special emphasis on cancer.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard University lauded the research work conducted by Amity that resulted in frugal innovations which are aimed towards the benefit of mankind and society, at large. He emphasized that Biology is dominating the Century and shared the three important technologies that has shaped the study in molecular biology namely, Cloning, CRISPR- CAS9 technology and Stem Cells. Dr. Seyed apprised about the Adult Stem Cells which are body’s toolbox that helps in healing of wounds. He averred that scientists and physicians are working towards being able to treat patients with their own stem cells or with banked donor stem cells that match them genetically; however, there are various challenges to be addressed before the full therapeutic potential of adult stem cells can be realized.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ravi Mehrotra, Director at the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research said that Stem Cells is an emerging area of science which has tremendous application in modern biology and medicine. He mentioned that stem cell research has opened up a new direction in bringing about revolution in the field of detection, prevention, prognostication and treatment of various chronic and untreatable diseases including genetic diseases and cancer. Dr. Mehtrotra pointed out that that one of the major challenge faced by this domain is availability of human resource, as there is an extreme paucity of expertise and manpower in this field. Hence, it is necessary to conduct such workshops to provide updated knowledge on the subject to the students, researchers and even industry professionals.
The workshop is being attended by 16 participants from various institutions and organizations across India including Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata; GGV Central University, Bilaspur; Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi; School of Biotechnology, BHU, Varanasi; Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Noida and Aarogyam Hospital amongst others.
During the five day workshop, participants would be provided with training and practicals on various topics including DNA, RNA & Protein Extraction and Quantification, Agarose & Protein Gel Electrophoresis, DNA and RNA PCR , Real-Time PCR , miRNA Isolation and qRT-PCR, Western Blotting and Band Shift Assay , Cell Survival (MTT) Assay, Wound Healing and Migration Assay, Tissue Culture Techniques, Stem Cell Identification and Isolation by FACS, Stem Cell Culture & Characterization and Cell Cycle Analysis by Flow Cytometry.