Research Areas
Dr. Banerjee’s research focuses on elucidating the molecular basis of α-synuclein fibrillation and other amyloid proteins linked with human diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer, Type 2 diabetes and dialysis-related amyloidosis by integrating biochemical and biophysical approaches with novel nanotechnology platforms. Identifying the underlying mechanism of interactions between amyloid proteins and nanoprobes would aid in designing better therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. In this direction, her lab uses a library of highly sensitive functional nanoprobes to investigate the importance of surface charge and electrostatic interactions on the fibrillation kinetics of α-synuclein.
Protein misfolding diseases and nanotechnology approaches
Plant extracts and their role in α-synuclein aggregation pathway
Natural compounds are known to prevent the fibrillation and oligomerization of amyloid proteins. Banerjee’s lab is studying the neuroprotective role of plant extracts, flavonoids and other polyphenolics. Series of biochemical and biophysical studies including LC/MS in conjunction with UV, fluorescence, and SEM serve as important tools for the identification of active natural products present in plant extracts and provide insights on their mode of action as fibrillation inhibitors. Research in this direction is mainly geared for training undergraduate and graduate students with fundamental process of protein folding/misfolding, aggregation pathways and exposing them to the evolving field of biochemistry, biophysical chemistry and nanotechnology.
Investigation of viral tropism and fusion interactions
Another area of interest is in the investigation of viral tropism and viral protein fusion interactions of enveloped viruses. Influence of dynamic conformational changes triggered by low pH and other environmental factors on viral fusion is of particular interest. In this direction, her lab uses bio-inspired nanoprobes mimicking more realistic viral models. Reporter-viruses and virus-like particles play important roles in measuring such virus-mediated cell entry and binding. These studies are important in screening antiviral drug candidates.