Research Interests
The team works on exploring marine compounds as specific cancer targets. Particularly to mention, Bis(palmitoleic acid) ester from a deep sea snail, Conus sp., acts as a Cannabinoid Receptor-agonist and inhibits ovarian cancer progression. Other targets include AR modulators, MMP-2/9 and CAIX inhibitors. We have purified the active compounds and the structure with spectroscopy details are available in the public domain: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/source/23890.
Current research: Gram-scale synthesis of the compounds for better understanding of bioactivities.
We also work in the area of hexadecane bioremediation, particularly, using a new bacterium, Pseudomonas guguanensis which produces an unusual monorhamnolipid (1500-Da). It utilized hexadecane to 75%, ex-situ. Whole genome has been sequenced and Rhamnosyltransferase genes were identified for the first time.
Current work: 1. homologous and heterologous cloning of rhl genes; 2. MMP2/9 inhibition in ovarian cancers
Funding details: The lab is funded by TNSCST-DST, MoES, SERB, SRIHER-GATE and fellowships through CSIR-SRF and ICSSR-SRF and PG Students’ project through TNSCST schemes.
Novel anticancer compounds and bioemulsifiers isolated from marine sources:
All these bioactive marine compounds are submitted at the PubChem NIH database with complete spectral and structural information, which is available at:
Elizabeth’s Lab, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) (DU) – PubChem Data Source: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/source/23890
BSc Zoology
MSc Marine Biology
PhD Marine Biology
Bacteria from the river were isolated and specifically explored for heavy metals degradation. We found a handful of bacteria that do the job and remove 50% of these metals. Notable bacteria isolated: Bacillus licheniformis and Brevebacterium brevis.
Project fellow trained and Ph. D awarded; 1 nos;
Outcomes of the projects:
Publications:
1. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, (2013) 171:1968–1985,
2. Phytoparasitica, (2011) 39: 2, 121-127, 4. Phytotherapy Research. 2015, 29(4):554-60.
Book Chapter: Krishnan. Mary Elizabeth Gnanambal et al., Heavy metal tolerance exhibited by bacterial strains sourced from Adyar river, in: A. K. Sarma et al (Eds), Urban ecology, water quality and climate change, Water Science and Technology Library 84, Springer International Publishing AG, 2018, pp. 215-226, (ISBN No: 978-3-319-74494-0)
Marine compounds as specific molecular targets in inhibiting cancer cell progression-
Outcomes of the project: Totally 8 organic, lipophilic compouds are isoalted from marine snails and seagrasses. Molecular targets identified for these compounds, specifically for ovarian and lung cancers: Cannabinoid type 1 Receptor (CB1), Androgen Receptor modulators, Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP 2/9), Carbonic Anhydrases IX. Process patents published: 2 nos; Grant: 1, Compound structure submission at PubChem: 3 nos;
Ph. Ds trained: 2 nos;
Publications:
1. Scientific Reports volume 11, Article number: 11451 (2021),
2. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14(3), 25,
3. Phytomedicine, 61 (2019) 152858,
4. Life Sciences, 2016, 148: 229-240,
5. Molecules 2024, 29, 1737, 6.
6. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 2024 (Accepted)
Exploration of heterogenous baterial population along South east coast of India for hydrocarbon degrading potential was carried out. Outcomes of the project: Hexadecane degradation using a new isolate, Pseudomonas guguanensis, a bacterium known to produce a high molecular weight bioemulsifier (1500 Da). This is an unusual monorhamnolipid that reduces hexadecane to 75%, in ex-situ model system was discovered. WGS was done for the bacterium for the first time and identification of Rhamnosyltransferase (rhl) genes for cloning purposes.
Process patents published: 1 nos;
Compound structure submission at PubChem: 1 nos;
Ph. Ds trained: 1 nos;
Publications:
1. Publication award from SRIHER for the research paper, Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2016, 121 (6), 1592–1602
2. Research Ambassador of SRIHER awarded on 2017
3. 10 Years service award in SRIHER on 2019
4. Publication award from SRIHER for Q1 publication, Scientific Reports volume 11, Article number: 11451 (2021)
5. “Scientists as Change Makers” Award in 2022 by Rishs International School, Chennai
6. Dr.Sergio G.Litewka Patent Award in 2023 for securing an Indian Patent- Grant No: 415042
7. Other sources of financial Support for my Ph. Ds: CSIR-SRF fellowship under Transdisciplinary Research (TDR) ICSSR-SRF fellowship under Environmental Sciences (EVS)
8. PG students’ project fellowships through TNSCST student project fellowship awards
9. Best Faculty- level presentation at SRIHER Science Day 2025 under “innovation” category
