Why this programme

The CSIR-IGIB AIIMS Delhi Summer School aims to

ignite scientific curiosity among MBBS students
and provide them an opportunity to learn and
actively engage in ongoing research at the CSIR
Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology.
Design and Concept
One month Immersion Programme for Medical Students
• Too short a time to learn and implement a molecular/genomic study
• To provide a holistic introduction to the spectrum of methods and questions that
can be addressed
• To provide hands-on exposure to basic techniques and also data analysis

Discussions Lectures
Lab Rotations
Exposing students to a
Discussions on ongoing
Exposure to basic variety of programmes,
research studies,
molecular methods as providing an overview
typically involving
well as state of art of how the
genomics, informatics
approaches programmes at IGIB
approaches
are organised.
Lab rotations – exposing students to a
spectrum of methods basic > advanced
Duration
Lab Rotations
Basics of Molecular Biology 10 days
Students would participate in DNA isolation, Polymerase Chain reaction and have an opportunity to interact closely
with researchers performing whole genome sequencing and also understand the different steps from whole blood to
whole genomes.

Genome Editing and Genome Engineering 10 days

The rotation will involve theoretical and practical aspects of how genome editing is done using CRISPR Cas system
and the methodologies used for performing such experiments in the lab. Separate sessions on design of
experimental parameters for targeting a genetic locus, the delivery methods and analysis of editing outcomes will be
conducted. At the end of the rotation, the students should be able to design and conduct their own genome editing
experiments.

Genomic Data to Genetic Variants 10 days

Students would be introduced to the concept of genomic data analysis, formats, prerequisites and processes.
Students would put together a clinically annotated compendium of variants on a gene of their choice and build a
use-case for the annotated variants for clinical interpretations and also be able to understand the processes,
standards and caveats of clinical genomic data analysis and interpretation.
Lecture series
• Exposure to a variety of research
programmes at CSIR-IGIB

• Provide an overview of how the

programmes at IGIB are organised.

• Chance to interact with a number of

faculty working in diverse areas of
genomics/proteomics/informatics
and clinical applications
STUDENT
EXPERIENCES

17TH JUNE-16TH JULY

Arushi, 6th sem, MBBS

Manoj Pavan, 4th sem, MBBS
Rhytha Kasiraj, 4th sem, MBBS
Sree Laya, 4th sem, MBBS
Vishwas Kumar Anand, 4th sem, MBBS
Expectations
Gaining a deeper understanding of:
• Current application of genomics in medicine
• Ongoing research projects, and future directions
• Clinician researcher collaboration
• Possibilities for entering basic research as an MBBS student/clinician

Hands-on experience of:

• DNA Isolation, PCR and Gel electrophoresis
• Gene Editing
• Whole Exome Sequence analysis
Overview
• Lab Rotations
Basis of Molecular Biology
Dr. Sridhar Sivasubbu (17th - 28th June)
Genome Editing and Genome Engineering
Dr. Debojyoti Chakraborty (1st - 7th July)
Genomic Data to Genetic Variants
Dr. Vinod Scaria (8th - 16th July)

• Lecture series
Around 15 lectures
Lab Rotation 1
Lab techniques
• DNA isolation
• DNA quality check
Nano drop-spectrophotometer
Agarose gel electrophoresis
• Primer designing
• q PCR

Trained with standardized protocols.

Topics covered in Discussions

• Ongoing research in Primary Immunodeficiency, Cardiomyopathies utilizing

genomics
• Sanger and Next generation Sequencing
• Whole Exome sequencing techniques
• Introduction to Machine Learning
• Introduction to Block Chain Systems and applications
• GUaRDIAN, a collaborative research programme towards understanding the
genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying rare genetic disorders.
The story of the Nalband tribe!!
• The Nalband community, all Muslim, is about 5,000 strong,
and spreads across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and
Pakistan. The name literally translates to ‘makers of horse
shoes’.

• Cases of megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy.

• Eventually, the CSIR-IGIB team found it. Tucked away on
the MLC-1 gene on chromosome 21, the researchers
informally call it the “Agra” or “Nalband” mutation.

“In our conservative estimate, if you can prevent an infant with a rare genetic
disorder from being born [through prenatal screening], that’s ₹50-80 lakh

saved over a lifetime.”

Lab Rotation 2
Lab techniques
• In Vitro Cleavage (Gene Editing)
• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• In Vitro Cleavage of linearized plasmid DNA, using CRISPR Cas9
Topics covered in Discussions
• CRISPR-Cas9
• Single guide RNA designing
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
• Organoids
Lab Rotation 3
Informatics (Whole Exome analysis)
• FastQC
• Trimmomatic
• Reference genome alignment
• Variant calling
• Variant annotation and filtering
• IGV – Integrative Genomics Viewer
• ACMG guidelines for interpretation
of sequence variants
Lecture Series
15 lectures spread over a span of 1 month
Encompassing broad areas
Personal Genomics to Precision Medicine
Proteomics and Lipidomics
Genome Editing – Variants to organoids
IndiGen-Population Genomics
Model Systems (zebrafish)
Applying Genomics in Rare diseases
Personal experience
• Engaged in insightful discussions with scientists
• Gained an understanding of translation of basic research to the
clinics
• Discussed the process of finding a research question/topic
• Changed our perspective about medicine in the future- genomics
would be integral!!
• Encouraged to pursue ‘the road less travelled’
• Open learning atmosphere at CSIR-IGIB
• Scientists enthusiastic to teach, discuss and share experiences
 Thank you !

”I don't know anything,

but I do know that everything is interesting if you go into it deeply enough.”

–Richard Feynman