DRILS Biotechnology Junior Research Fellow Post Available

APPLICATION FOR JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW IN SERB FUNDED PROJECT FOR 3-YEARS PROJECT TITLE: Design Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Hybrid Incretins to Ameliorate Type 2 Diabetes.

FUNDING AGENCY: DST/ SERB (Junior Research Fellow: temporary position co-terminous with the project) POSITION: Junior Research Fellow: - Qualified and interested candidates may send their Curriculum Vitae by email to hr@drils.org on or before 7th June 2019 with “SERB Incretin Project” as the subject line of the email.

- There will be two rounds of interview.

- Shortlisted candidates will be first interviewed through Skype/telecon followed by a personal interview at Dr.Reddy’s Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

EMOLUMENTS AND DURATION Rs. 25,000 plus 30% HRA (total Rs. 32,500) per month for the first two years and Rs. 28,000 plus 30% HRA (total Rs. 36,400) per month for the 3rd year.

Project duration: The duration of the fellowship is 2 years 6 months. However, the performance of the candidate will be rigorously reviewed every 6 months and the fellowship will be renewed only upon satisfactory performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES: - Literature search.

- Design, plan and execute experiments under the supervision of the scientist.

- Provide scientific support to the scientist in research activities.

- Book keeping and maintenance of stocks and consumables.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: A) Academic Qualifications: 1) Post-graduate degree in Biotechnology or any other related branch of Basic Sciences from a recognized university/institute with CSIR NET qualification.

OR Graduate degree in a Professional course from a recognized university/institute with CSIR NET qualification OR Post-graduate degree in a Professional course such as MTech, MPharm, MVSc. etc

2) Candidate should demonstrate consistent academic record of minimum 60% aggregate in all qualifying examinations.

3) The candidate should be motivated and committed. .

Project Summary: Incretins, secreted from entero-endocrine cells have been well documented for their insulinotropic action on pancreatic beta cells and reduction of adiposity. Although currently marketed Glucagon-Like Peptide 1(GLP-1) analogues, Exenatide and Liraglutide provide glycemic benefits and contribute to reduction in body-weight gain, there are scope of improvement for long term glycemic control and reduction of adiposity as desired by patients as well as physicians. Different Gastrointestinal peptides has been reported for their antihyperglycemic function, amongst them Glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1 analogue has reached therapeutic milestones whereas Glucose dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and oxyntomodulin could not achieve therapeutic potential either due to lack of desirable efficacy or several adverse effects .Report from our laboratory have shown that co-treatment with GLP1and GIP blocks internalization of the former which is translated to enhanced 1st phase of insulin secretion in diabetic patients, however co-treatment has limitations as Glucose dependent insulinotropic peptide Receptor (GIPR)has been reported to have pro-obesity effects.

A uni-molecular dual incretin (Twincretins) synthesized and assessed by DiMarchi and Tschop has reported better metabolic benefits in rodents, non-human primates and humans in comparison to Liraglutide providing a proof of concept for the mono-therapeutic approach to attain better metabolic benefits. The approach has been extended to design monomeric peptide triagonist (agonist of GLP-1R, GIPR and glucagon receptor) which has been reported to reduce body weight, enhance glycemic control and reverse hepatic steatosis in relevant rodent models.

In the present study we intend to assess novel hybrid peptides which would activate GLP-1R and GIPR but would antagonize glucagon receptor. The proposed paradigm differs from the published approach as the new peptide would serve as agonist for GLP-1R and GIPR but would antagonize Glucagon receptor so as to attain better metabolic control. In vivo efficacy of the novel peptides will be assessed for glycemic control, reduction in body weight gain and cumulative food intake in rodent model. The project intends to furnish preclinical evaluation of novel, single molecule-multifunctional modulators of incretin receptors and glucagon receptor to preserve glucose homeostasis as well as correct obesity.