Dr. Venugopal. P.N.

Academic Qualification:

Awarded Ph.D. degree from the University of Mysore, Mysore, on the topic “Molecular Appraisal of P4H Genes with Handigodu Syndrome and its Health Care in Karnataka, India”. February 2012

Graduated with a Master of Science in Anthropology (Specialization in Physical / Biological Anthropology) at the University of Mysore, Mysore, India.

Current Affiliation:

Working as Assistant Anthropologist (Physical Anthropology Division) at Anthropological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Mysore.

Research Experience 

Awards / Honors:

 “Young Scientist Award” from Indian Society of Human Genetics (ISHG) in International Symposium on Developmental & Complex Disorders and 38th Annual Conference at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP held from 9th to 11th December 2012.

“Young Scientist Award” from Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of Uttarakhand at 10th Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Congress held on 10th-12th February 2016.

Bhagwan Buddha Fellowship National Award-2016 from Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi at 32nd National Conference, Delhi held on 11th-12th December 2016.

Project work Involved 

 “Anemia Controlled Program in School Children of Selected District in Karnataka” Sponsored by the Department of AYUSH, Government of Karnataka. 

“Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis of Handigodu Syndrome in Karnataka, South India” as JRF and SRF at Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India, Mysore.

“DNA Polymorphism of Contemporary Indian Population: Phylogeny and Disease” as Research Associate and Assistant Anthropologist at Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India, NWRC, Dehradun and Head Office, Kolkata.

“Bio-Cultural Diversity, Environment and Sustainable Development” as Research Associate at Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India, NWRC, Dehradun.

“Community Health, Disease and Genetic Structure of Indian Population” as Assistant Anthropologist at Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India, Head Office, Kolkata.

“Ethnographic Study among Denotified, Nomadic and Seminomadic, Communities in India” as Assistant Anthropologist at Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India, Head Office, Kolkata.

“General Health, Hygiene and Nutritional Anthropometric Study among Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities” as Assistant Anthropologist at Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India, Head Office, Kolkata.

“Gut Microbial Genomic Study among the PVTGs of India” as Assistant Anthropologist at Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India, SRC, Mysore.

Workshop and Training undergone in India and Abroad:

Participated in the International Training “Forensic Archaeological Training, Scientific Analysis Procedures, and DNA Sampling Procedures”, organized by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (​DPAA), Department of Defense, United States of America at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, USA from 4-8, Feb 2019

Participated in the International level hands-on training course cum workshop on “Advanced Techniques in Genomics of Type 2 Diabetes” organized by Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India & University of Minnesota, USA at Chennai, from 18th to 23rd Feb 2010.

Participated in the International level workshop on “Genetic Epidemiological Methods for Dissection of Complex Human Traits” organized by TCG-Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Centre for Population Genomics (CpG) Kolkata, India & University of Pittsburgh, USA, at Kolkata, from 23rd Feb to 28th Feb 2009.

Participated in the International level hands-on training course and workshop on Genetic Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Organized by the International School of Anthropology, Anthropological Survey of India & Southwest Foundation of Biomedical Research, San Antonio, USA, at Mysore, from 2nd April to 21st April 2007.

Publications: 

Book Publications:

“Genomic Diversity in People of India: Focus on mtDNA and Y-Chromosome polymorphism” 2021 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. Singapore.

Publications in pre-review Journals and Edited volumes:

1. Assessment of thinness based on BMI and MUAC among the adult Jaunsari: A tribal community of Uttarakhand, India. Human Biology and Public Health. 2022; (3): 1-9

2. Draft of the Policies for Great Andamanese and Sentinelese. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India (SAGE Publications). 2020; 69(1):165-176.

3. Genetic Architecture of Southeast-coastal Indian tribal populations: A Y-chromosomal phylogenetic analysis. Egypt J Forensic Sci. 2019; 9, 30.

4. Genetic Diversity and Affinity among Five Tibeto-Burman Tribal Populations of Northern India: A Study on Eight Alu Markers. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India (SAGE Publications). 2019; 68 (1): 41-55.

5. A Comparative Study of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (Ace) Gene Polymorphism of Eastern Indian Bengali and Western Indian Mewari Type 2 Diabetes Patients in India. Journal of Harmonized Research in Applied Science. 2015; 3(1): 01-09.

6. Colostrum Avoidance and Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers of Khos Tribal Community of Uttarakhand: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India (SAGE Publications). 2018;67(1):45-55.

7. MTNR1B gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes: A pilot study in South Indians. Gene, 2015; 566(2):189-93.

8. A Study among the Lodhas of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India (SAGE Publications), 2018;67(2):267-273.

9. Anthropometric Characteristics and Nutritional Status of Adult Tharu: A Tribal Population of Uttarakhand, India. International Journal of Biological & Pharmaceutical Research. 2015; 6(9): 759-764.

10. Boundaries of Contagion: The Unheard Plight of Sex Workers in Karnataka. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India (SAGE Publications). 2020; 69(1):33-46.

11. An Epidemiological Investigation on Health Conditions of the Koraga PVTG of Dakshin Kannada district, Karnataka. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India (SAGE Publications). 2018; 67(2):275-281.

12. Distribution of Blood Groups among Jad Bhotia of Uttarakhand: A Transhumant Community of Tibetan Origin. Indian Journal of Genetics and Molecular Research. 2015; 4(1):47-52.

13. Body Mass Index and Chronic Energy Deficiency among Adults of Tharu Population, Uttarakhand, India. International Journal of Biomedical Research 2015; 6(07): 475-478. 

14. Genetic Determinants of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in South Indian Male Smokers. Plos One. 2014; 9(2): e89957.

15. Influence of Selected Demographic Variables: A Case Study on Spondyloepimetaphyseal Dysplasia Handigodu Type in Karnataka. Journal of Anthropological Survey of India. 2014; 63(1): 25-48.

16. An Epidemiology and Management of Urogenital Trauma: The 7-years’ Experience at West Bengal, India. (2014) International Journal of Public Health Research & Management, 2014; 1(2): 66-69.

17. Blood Pressure and Hypertension among Adult Savara Tribals of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India: A Public Health Concern, Afro Asian Journal of Anthropology and Social Policy. 2014; 5(1): 96-101.

18. Sex Chromatin Frequency Variation among Breast Cancer Patients and Normal Females of Two Reproductive Stages from Bengalee Hindu Females, Int J Biol Med Res. 2014; 5(3): 4150-4155.

19. Sexual Dimorphism in Blood Pressure and Hypertension among Adult Parengi Porjas of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Journal of Anthropology (Hindawi Publishing Corporation). (2014): 1-5.

20. A Study of the Basic and Derived Anthropometric Indices among the Healthy Adults of Raji Tribe of Uttarakhand, India, Afro Asian Journal of Anthropology and Social Policy. 2014; 5(1): 66-72.

21. Genetic Continuity of Anatomically Modern Humans between India and Island Southeast Asia ISEA: Last Glacial Dispersal of MtDNA Lineage N22. International Journal of Research in Advent Technology, 2013; 1(5):300-305.

22. Severity of Handigodu Syndrome and its Health Care Interventions: A Study. Man and Life, 2011; 37 (3&4):91-98.

23. MMP13 F 56 S mutation is not associated with Spondyloepimetaphyseal Dysplasia: Handigodu type. Biotechnol. Bioinf. Bioeng, 2011; 1(2):269-273.

24. Use of Various Bio-Fencing Plants to Cure Human Diseases by the Yrava Ethnic group of Coorg Dist, Karnataka- India. Afro Asian Journal of Anthropology and Social Policy,  2011; 2 (1):52-58. (2229-4414)

25. Updating Phylogeny of Mitochondrial DNA Macrohaplogroup M in India: Dispersal of Modern Human in South Asian Corridor. Plos One. 2009; 4(10): e7447.

26. Epidemiological study of Dental Fluorosis in selected villages of Tumkur district, Karnataka: Influence of selected demographic variables. Asian Journal of Development Matters, 2007; 1 (1); 71-77.

27. Invisible Domestic Violence: Time for Rethinking. The Indian Journal of Criminology & Criminalistics, 2011; Vol.XXXII (1): 1-9.

28. Poverty, Human Trafficking and Social Exclusion: Space for New Discourses. International Journal of Social and Economic Research, 2011; 1(1); 152-157.

29. Corporate-NGO Partnerships: A Marriage of Mis (Trust)?. GITAM Journal of Management, 2011; 8 (2); 157-137.

30. Native’s Ethno Veterinary Practices in Coorg District–Karnataka (India): Some Preliminary Observations. Africa Journal of Animal and Biomedical Sciences, 2009; 4 (2); 47-51.

31. Role of Indigenous Knowledge in the Forest Management of Betta Kuruba and Koraga Tribal Women of Karnataka (India): A Reconsideration. Man and Life, 2009; 35 (1-2); 59-64.

32. Influence of Shyness on Academic Achievement of Children and Adolescents: A Developmental Perspective of Age and Gender. Asian Journal of Development Matters, 2008; 2 (1); 50-54.

33. Rural Poverty and NGO’s: Issues and Prospective. Asia Pacific Review of Rural and Tribal Issues, 2007; 1 (1); 79-88.

34. Human Rights Approach for Disabled People: Issues and Prospects. South Asian Journal of Human Rights, 2008; 4 (1-2); 201-208.

35. The Status De-notified tribes in Ekalavyanagar of Mysore city, Karnataka. In De-notified Tribes in India: A Relook. 2011; Ed, by Ramesh., Lap Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrucken, Germany; 336-356.

36. Indigenous Veterinary Practice: A Case Study of Malekudiya Tribal Group of Coorg district, Karnataka. In Contemporary Anthropology. 2011; Ed, by Nanjunda, D.C., Discovery Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi; 186-190.

37. Perception of Disease and Curative Measure: A Case Study of Koraga Tribe of Karnataka. In Contemporary Anthropology. 2011; Ed, by Nanjunda, D.C., Discovery Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi; 191-194.

38. Inclusive Growth in Karnataka: A Reconsideration on Issues and Prospects. In India Development: Issues and Prospective. 2011; Ed, by Sidde Gowda & Others, Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi; 160-172.

39. Epidemiological Investigation of Health Risks from Fluoride: A Case Study of Tumkur District, Karnataka. In Studies on Bio-Medical Anthropology: Profiles of Health Cultures. 2010; Ed. by Mutatkar R.K. & Others, Aryan Publisher, Aryan Books International, New Delhi. 219-225.

40. Tribes and Medicinal Plants an Indian Experience. In Rethinking Indigenous Knowledge: A New Deal for Rural India. 2008; Ed, by. Nanjunda, D.C., RBSA Publisher, Jaipur, India; 237-246.

41. Eco-Tourism Ultimate Oxygen of Rural India. In Rediscovering Rural Development: A Reflection on Potential and Prospectus. 2008Ed, by. Nanjunda, D.C., Sarup & Sons, New Delhi, India; 381-391.

42. Status of Scheduled Tribes: A case study of Karnataka (India). In Ignored Claims: A Focus on Tribal Education in India. 2008; Ed, by. Anjali Kurane. & Others, Kalpaz Publisher, New Delhi; 151-171.

Papers presented in Conferences/ Invited lectures: 

Delivered to more than 25 lecturers in Conferences/ Invited talks. 

Significant Scientific Contribution 

The project, “Genome Wide-linkage Analysis of Handigodu Syndrome in Karnataka” mainly emphasizes revealing genetic epidemiology and identifying the candidate gene/s responsible for Handigodu syndrome by using whole genome scanning analysis. In the said study, I selected 3 genes to be sequenced.  I sequenced exons, intron-exon boundaries (splicing site) and promoter regions in all three genes using 96 self-designed primers.  A total of 24 variations (20 mutations which are listed in the dbSNP, 3 novel mutations and a novel 39 bp deletion) are identified by DNA sequencing. Out of these, 7 mutations and a novel 39 bp deletion are found to be highly associated with Handigodu syndrome. The major contribution of the present study is the identification of a novel 39 base pair deletion. This novel deletion is not reported elsewhere in any of the literature cited in any of the genome and mutation databases. Further, I explored the genetic causes of the disease among affected populations of Karnataka. The results of my study provide an opportunity for prenatal and post-natal screening to avoid the ill effects of the Handigodu syndrome and thereby promote a healthy society for future generations.

Also, I am one of the key researchers in the National Project “DNA Polymorphism of Contemporary Indian Population: Phylogeny”. The main aim of the study is to trace out ancient successive human migrations and peopling of India and to understand variation in the Indian gene pool. For the said purpose, Uni-parental DNA markers mtDNA and Y-chromosome have been studied in 75 communities comprising 7807 samples across India. As a result, we identified about 61 maternal lineages and 35 paternal lineages in India and the major contribution of the present study was published in Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. Singapore in 2021 with the title “Genomic Diversity in People of India: Focus on mtDNA and Y-Chromosome polymorphism” .

Administrative Experience 

• As an Officer-In-Charge for the Physical/ Biological Anthropology division & DNA Laboratory at Head Office, Kolkata I handled the following responsibilities:

§  Formulating, implementing & supervising the projects related to Physical/ Biological Anthropology.

§  Co-ordinate, monitor and supervise the progress of the DNA laboratory work.

§  Scrutiny of research reports submitted by the research personnel from regional centers and brings about necessary modifications and improvements within the framework and prescribed norms.

§  Assisted competent authorities in corresponding research findings with the ministry/s concerned.

• Served as a Member Secretary to the Institutional Human Ethics Committee (IHEC) of the Anthropological Survey of India.

• Served as a Chairman for several committees constituted by the Anthropological Survey of India.

• Assist in the finalization of agenda notes and proceedings of the meetings, workshops seminars and conferences organized by AnSI.