our Research

The Gene and Protein Engineering Laboratory led by Nirmalya Ganguli focuses on developing next-generation biotechnological platforms for precision biotherapeutics, transgenic animal technology, genome engineering, and advanced cellular bioengineering. The lab integrates molecular biology, genome editing, reproductive biotechnology, and mammalian cell engineering to create scalable solutions for therapeutic protein production, functional genomics, and livestock biotechnology.

A major research thrust of the laboratory is the development of animal bioreactor systems for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins. The group has pioneered strategies for targeted expression of therapeutic proteins in mammary epithelial cells and milk-producing tissues using tissue-specific promoters, engineered delivery systems, and non-germline transgene integration approaches. Their work demonstrated mammary gland–specific production of recombinant proteins including human interferon-γ and recombinant bovine FSH, providing safer alternatives to conventional transgenic animal production systems.

The laboratory is also internationally recognized for its contributions to simplified and minimally invasive transgenesis technologies. It has developed testicular electroporation and hypotonic shock-mediated germ cell transgenesis methods for rapid generation of transgenic animals, significantly reducing the complexity associated with conventional embryo manipulation techniques. These approaches are being adapted for functional genomics, disease-model generation, and precision livestock improvement.

Another key area of focus is mammalian cell engineering for robust biotherapeutic production. The group has developed engineered goat mammary epithelial cell (GMEC) platforms, optimized secretion signal peptides, and advanced polymer-based transfection systems to improve recombinant protein expression and secretion. Their recent studies demonstrated that GMECs can outperform conventional CHO cells for production of specific recombinant proteins, highlighting the translational potential of species-specific mammary cell platforms for cost-effective biomanufacturing.

The lab is actively expanding into precision biotherapeutics and engineered exosome technologies, including development of fusion constructs for targeted loading of therapeutic proteins into exosomes. These platforms aim to support next-generation biologics, targeted delivery systems, and cell-free therapeutic modalities. In parallel, the group investigates reproductive and developmental biology, spermatogonial stem cell biology, promoter engineering, and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing for agricultural and biomedical applications.

Collectively, the laboratory’s research bridges fundamental biology and translational biotechnology, with long-term goals of developing indigenous biomanufacturing technologies, disease-resistant livestock, scalable therapeutic production systems, and precision-engineered biological platforms for healthcare and agriculture. The research portfolio includes multiple patents, high-impact peer-reviewed publications, engineered mammalian expression systems, and novel transgenic methodologies with strong translational and commercial potential.

For details, please select an option from the list below.