Physical and chemical biology LABoratory [PCBL]

Main focus of our group is developing and/or applying continuum theory (mechanics and thermodynamics) based models and perform experiments to elucidate the role of cell membrane and its mechanical properties in various cell-biological processes. The group also carries out research in contact mechanics of thin structures and rapid flow of granular materials. 

Our research aims to understand the interaction of living systems with their environment. Specifically, we are studying the process of "mechanosensing" by which living cells sense and respond to the external mechanical stimuli at different length scales.  

We integrate the aspects of chemical synthesis, enzymology, metabolomics, and proteomics to study the chemical biology of natural products. We aim to capitalize on our findings to develop novel natural product-based therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases. We are also interested in deciphering the role of various protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) in physiological and pathological conditions using the chemical biology toolbox.