Chandigarh: Experts at the PGI human brain bank have started extracting DNA from preserved brain tissue. The purpose is to figure out why our brains age and how we can stop them from “breaking down” as we get older. Sample collection is not limited to the elderly. Over the last five years, the bank has been collecting samples of people in various age groups.Prof Nandita Kakkar, who is leading the ICMR-funded project, explains that by studying the DNA in these samples, her team hopes to identify the biological triggers that cause the brain to age. By analysing DNA and RNA (a nucleic acid present in all living cells that has structural similarities to DNA) isolated from high-quality specimens, researchers hope to gain insights into conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. “The goal is to develop strategies that could mitigate or even prevent these degenerative conditions from an early age,” said Prof Kakkar.The brain bank has established mechanisms through which any eligible researcher may access the DNA samples. “The extracted DNA and tissue samples are available to external researchers. Anyone working on such an area can take DNA from us,” said Prof Kakkar.Till date, 210 samples have been archived, including 160 perinatal/neonatal brains and 50 adult brains. High-quality DNA and RNA have been successfully isolated and preserved at −80 degrees Celsius from 60 cases. In addition to autopsy specimens, the bank also stores fresh frozen human brain tumour samples. “This is the only brain bank currently available in North India. It became operational in 2024,” said Prof Kakkar.The repository includes brain sections ranging from children to the elderly, allowing researchers to study the organ’s evolution and decay across different life stages. The bank is currently located in the department of histopathology, but it’s getting a major upgrade soon. The operation is moving to the newly opened Advanced Neuroscience Centre. The area where the bank is located also houses a museum. While we might not have a “cure” for ageing just yet, scientists at PGI are attempting to work on these lines. MSID:: 130534846 413 |
