@ IMPACT Lab

Lactobacillus based sustained delivery of indole to counter Type 2 diabetes mellitus through regulation of the AhR signaling pathway:

In my third year, I undertook the program Opportunities for Undergraduate Research (OUR) in Dr. Jugal Kishore Das' Immune Modulation and Programming for Autoimmunity and Cancer Therapeutics (IMPACT) Lab. My project was to engineer Lactobacillus strains to constitutively produce a tryptophan metabolite - Indole, which increases the activity and functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs cells) in the host through AhR signaling pathway. We looked to counter inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes using a probiotic approach. The engineered lactobacillus will then be administered to B6.Cg-Lepob/J (ob/ob) type 2 diabetic mice models. We will then check for its body weight, blood glucose level and molecular aspects of T regulatory cell population etc. to evaluate the effect of indole and reduced inflammation on its metabolism.

When Dr. Jugal began setting up his laboratory at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence in March 2024, I had the opportunity to assist in building it from the ground up. Together with a small group of undergraduates, I helped establish and optimize molecular techniques, from ELISA and PCR to gel electrophoresis and primary cell culture. My project work began eventually and there were some initial difficulties in the cloning process. Gradually we proceeded by troubleshooting at every step.

I had the opportunity to present my results in the 11th OUR Conference that was conducted in September 2025. I am continuing my thesis here at the IMPACT lab, building up on the cloning process and particularly focusing on CD4+ T cell differentiation. Through this entire project, though I have learnt flow cytometry, mice handling & dissection and molecular biology, cell culture techniques; the most important attributes are patience and resilience. We have performed troubleshooting at each and every step of the cloning process and that has taught me the art of trying in the right direction with every failure.

With an extremely supportive, collaborative and highly intellectual environment at the IMPACT Lab, I aim to learn further and hone my technical and practical knowledge relevant to immunology.

My side quest was to build a lab website, you can take a look at: https://www.jk-impactlab.in/