Molecular Neurobiology Lab 

Welcome to the Molecular Neurobiology Lab, led by Dr. Akash Gautam at the University of Hyderabad. Situated at the dynamic intersection of basic science and translational medicine, our lab is dedicated to decoding the intricate molecular underpinnings of learning, memory, and cognitive decline.

We bridge the gap between benchside discovery and clinical relevance by employing a powerful, multi-scale framework that integrates human samples with rodent model systems.

Our Core Research Focus

Our laboratory investigates the complex molecular mechanisms governing cognitive functions and neural plasticity, with a primary focus on:

• Unraveling Neurodegeneration: Investigating the cellular and molecular aetiologies driving neurodegenerative disorders and associated pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), pathological brain aging, cognitive stress, and dementia.

• Cognitive Enhancement & Therapeutics: Discovering novel therapeutic avenues to recover and enhance cognitive performance utilizing targeted drug treatments, bioactive herbal products, and advanced nanotechnology-driven delivery systems.

• Systems Biology & Multi-Omics: Applying advanced bioinformatics and multi-omics pipelines to map intricate molecular networks, signaling pathways, and gut-brain axis interactions during physiological and pathological cognition.

Methodological Approach & Models

To achieve our scientific goals, we employ a rigorous, combinatorial methodology that pairs sophisticated behavioral paradigms with cutting-edge molecular techniques:

• Behavioral & Functional Assays: High-resolution rodent behavioral profiling (including Morris water maze and spatial memory tasks).

• Biochemical & Molecular Profiling: High-throughput transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and targeted expression analyses of key synaptic plasticity proteins and epigenetic regulators.

• Translational Model Systems: Utilizing well-characterized rodent (mouse and rat) models. Because rodent genomes share over 95% homology with human genomes and exhibit striking physiological and neuroanatomical parallels, our genetic and molecular findings offer exceptional translational relevance to human neurological disorders.

Funding & Grants

Our research is made possible through the generous extramural support and competitive grants awarded by premier national funding agencies and institutional schemes:

• Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB) 

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) 

• Institution of Eminence (IoE) Grant, University of Hyderabad 

Join Us & Collaborate

For Prospective PhD Students & Researchers

Are you fascinated by how the brain encodes memory, adapts to stress, or degenerates in disease? We are always looking for passionate, curious, and motivated doctoral students, post-docs, and project fellows to join our vibrant research team. You will receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art neurobiology techniques, molecular assays, and behavioral neuroscience. If you want to build a rigorous foundation in neurobiology research, reach out to us with your CV and statement of interest.

For Clinicians & Scientific Collaborators

We actively foster interdisciplinary partnerships with clinicians, neurologists, pharmacologists, and computational scientists. Whether you are interested in multi-omics data integration, exploring novel neuro-therapeutics, or translating clinical insights into mechanistic rodent models, we welcome opportunities to collaborate and drive impactful discoveries in brain health.