Human Genetics Centre at Gujarat university is striving for excellence

Under the dynamic and able guidance of Dr Parimal Trivedi, vice-chancellor of Gujarat University, the Department of Zoology has set up a Human Genetics Centre (HGC) to encourage talented students to undertake research and teaching in the field. At the same time, the HGC, which is equipped with clinical facilities, is also helping society by providing diagnostic evaluation services for endocrinological, reproductive and genetic disorders prevailing in the population.

The HGC is well-equipped with the latest equipment and infrastructure necessary for biomedical research. The department has the sophisticated equipments like the electron microscope, CASA system, HPLC, gamma counters, semi-automated Karyotyping system (IKAROS), thermal cycler and specialised equipment for various techniques of hormone assays, chromosomal analysis, tissue culture, semenology, etc.

Further, routine clinical biochemical, histo-pathological, microbiological and immunological studies, etc., is also undertaken in addition to the services provided by its clinic facility which is funded by the UGC-DST and the Govt. of Gujarat. The clinic has three doctors who assist in the examination of patients.

Academic Front:
Self-financed MSc courses offered:
1. Biomedical Technology
In view of the increasing demand for personnel with specialised training in Biomedical Technology, Gujarat University took a step towards meeting this demand in 1999 when it introduced an M.Sc. course in Biomedical Technology. The course has been offered each year from 1999 till date. Several batches consisting of 40 students each have been trained. Of the successful students, a large number have already obtained jobs and are employed. The course has gained popularity in both India and abroad. Most of the students get job offers mainly from the US, UK, Canada, and some other foreign countries besides invitation for higher studies.
The M.Sc. in Biomedical Technology course thus will open up avenues for those who want to do research and receive training and employment in the field of clinical genetics, embryology, molecular biology and related subjects. Trained personnel will have an opportunity to work in the above mentioned fields both in India and abroad.
This course is taught by visiting faculty including cytogeniticists, eminent scientists, and doctors, and the highly experienced teaching staff of the School of Sciences.

2. Human Genetics
After completion of the human genome project, it became important to understand genetic diseases at molecular and gene levels. A great deal of interest has been created in the development of Medical Biotechnology and Recombinant DNA technology which are today necessary for the betterment of society. Hence, genetics has great potential to generate job opportunities, including opening avenues for self-employment and for conducted research in the field of biomedical sciences that will be of assistance to the common man. Hence, from 2007, the Department of Zoology felt the need to extend another two-year self-financed course in Human Genetics at Gujarat University. Admissions are open for NRIs also.
This course is one of the subjects that deal with the genetic bases of health problems prevailing in a population. The course reveals the genetic basis of health problems in a population, develops genodiagnostics, and encourages studies to find ways for their prevention in this post-human genomic era.
II Basic Science - Zoology
In addition to studies in human genetics, the parent subject, Zoology, is also taught in the department. The Department of Zoology is recognised both at national and international levels for its teaching and research. We also offer M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees for students who are interested in higher studies. In addition to this, the HGC is at the forefront in conducting training programmes, national and international conferences in different fields of biomedical sciences.
Recently, under the able guidance of the Vice-Chancellor, the Human Genetic Centre of the Zoology Department organised an International Conference in Biomedical and Genomic Research with the support of CSIR, ICMR, GSBTM, UGC, etc. The conference attracted attention of experts both in India and abroad. Scientists, doctors and students participated in this conference from all corners of the world. Among the eminent scientists who participated in the conference are Dr. Sen Pathak (Texas), Dr. Radhakrishna (Switzerland), Dr. Arti Sharma (US), Dr. Sangam Mehta (Canada), and P. Shah (Denmark); the participating scientists discussed various problems related to cancer, thalassemia, infertility, AIDS, etc.

Research Front:
Human Genetic Disorders
Clinic facilities established in 1974 have been contributing to the study of cytogenetic and endocrinological disorders that affect the population. Three doctors - a paediatrician, a gynaecologist and a sonologist - give their services to the examination of patients referred to the clinic by doctors from all parts of Gujarat and neighbouring states.
The HGC offers academic courses and undertakes research in human health focusing on human genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, ambiguous genitalia, bad obsteratic history, etc. and studies them through cytogenetic screening while Y-chromosome related male infertility is studied through molecular genetics. The HGC has now come up with a Genetic Diagnostic Centre - the first in western India - dedicated to extending research in the above-mentioned areas of human genetics. In association with the GSBTM, the HGC is working to establish state-of-the-art facilities in this area, and will include facilities for study of several other disorders such as thallasaemia, muscular dystrophy, G6PD, etc. which are common in Gujarat.
Fluoride Research
Fluorides are groundwater contaminants that are found in high levels in some parts of Gujarat. The general population is exposed to fluoride-poisoning through drinking water and it lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis and soft-tissue fluorosis. Intense research is undertaken in the Department to study toxic effects of fluoride on vital and reproductive organs and its amelioration through various antioxidants such as vitamins, protein-rich diet, herbal products, melatonin and their combinations.
Genotoxicity of fluoride is also being studied in the population living in endemic areas. A more important aspect of this is that pregnant women living in these areas are prone to deliver mentally-retarded children suffering from Down syndrome. This needs to be further studied in addition to other studies in our ongoing projects. The manner in which fluorides act on cells of the body, particularly of the thyroid, pineal gland, brain etc., is also studied. Results of these studies would be of assistance to persons who are suffering from fluorosis in these areas. Further, de-fluoridation techniques are also being encouraged in addition to provision of canal water to the living population in the areas where fluoride poisoning is endemic.
Toxicity Studies
Numerous heavy metals are found in the earth crust and are trace elements in biological systems. These heavy metals are used in different chemical, alloy, and in processing industries where the human population is exposed to high levels of ions of the metals. There are around three million workers engaged in the welding profession in India. These workers are occupationally exposed to metal ions such as nickel, chromium, mercury, cadmium, lead etc. through welding fumes. These heavy metals cause severe damage to at the cellular and genetic level and, therefore, pose a serious health hazard. The Department has undertaken extensive research in heavy metal toxicity in vitro and in vivo, and has studied different aspects of toxicity mechanism. Mitigating power of various antioxidants of herbal origin and vitamins are examined against these heavy metals.
Other Studies
The Department is involved in other thrust areas relevant to welfare of society such as aflatoxicosis, cancer, malaria etc. Research is underway to identify potent anti-malarial and anti-carcinogenic drugs of herbal origin. Thus the Department is progressing towards innovation in teaching and becoming a centre of excellence for
quality education.