The research focus is primarily on human embryonic stem cells and use them as a) tools for basic research; b) in vitro model for screening of ‘lead' molecules for developmental toxicity and c) cell-based therapies for various age related disorders. The group is also interested in cryopreservation of ovarian and testicular tissue biopsies for fertility conservation. This would ensure achievement of biological parenthood in individuals with gonadal insufficiency especially cancer survivors. Studies on germ cell maturation in vitro and transplantation studies are ongoing in animal models.

The department takes pride in having derived human embryonic stem cell lines on human feeder layers (click here for details). We have also established IVF programs in non-human primates and sheep. We are equipped with state-of-art infrastructure for cell culture, live cell imaging, spindle viewing in oocytes and micromanipulation of gametes.

We aim to generate autologous human embryonic stem cell lines by somatic cell nuclear transfer and parthenogenesis (click here for details). These procedures have been standardized using sheep eggs (click here for details). Studies have also been initiated for lineage specific differentiation of in-house derived embryonic stem cell lines into cardiomyocytes and insulin producing cells.

We have recently detected putative ‘stem’ cells and neo-oogenesis in vitro in adult rabbit, sheep, monkey and human ovaries.