The department focuses on development of microbicides and evaluation of markers for infertility. We have made significant progress in identification and preclinical evaluation of antimicrobial peptides from natural sources as microbicides. Some of them have shown anti-HIV activity. The contraceptive potential of antimicrobial peptides like nisin and magainin has been demonstrated in animal models. The department has identified fertility associated sperm antigen 57 and integrin α v ß 3 on peripheral blood lymphocytes as markers for male infertility and endometrial receptivity respectively. We have developed the resazurin reduction test, which is cost-effective, simple and reliable, for assessing sperm potential. We have shown the involvement of c-kit and oct-4 genes in spermatogenesis. The department is also engaged in germ cell transplantation and development of transgenics / knockout animal models of infertility.