1. Design, Development, and Biological Assessment of Rabies Using
Heterocyclic Derivatives
Guide: Dr. Vrushali Patil
Student Name: Miss. Harshada Sawant (Ph.D. Student)
Funding Agency: Haffkine Institute
Duration: 2021 - 2026
Budget: 8 lakhs
Status: In progress
Abstract: Rabies is a zoonotic disease affecting both
humans and animals, caused by the RABV virus of the Lyssavirus genus,
transmitted via bites from infected mammals. Currently, vaccination is the
only preventive measure. This study aims to develop heterocyclic derivatives
and plant-based compounds to inhibit the interaction between the rabies
virus and drug moieties by targeting the ectodomain homo-trimeric spikes
responsible for viral fusion with host cells.
2. Synthesis of Octamer Peptide Using SPPS Technique
Team: Dr. Vrushali Patil, Dr. Ashish Asrondkar, Harshada
Sawant
Funding Agency: Haffkine Institute
Duration: 3 years
Status: In progress
Abstract: This project focuses on the synthesis of an
octamer peptide using the Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) technique.
SPPS allows sequential addition of amino acids to a chain anchored to an
insoluble resin using Fmoc chemistry. The synthesized peptide is purified
using HPLC and has potential applications in studying protein-protein
interactions, drug design, and biomarker development. This research
demonstrates the precision and versatility of SPPS in producing complex
peptides.
3. In Silico-Driven Design of Alpha-Bungarotoxin Peptide Analogues
Targeting Rabies Virus
Team: Dr. Ashish Asrondkar, Dr. Vrushali Patil, Harshada
Sawant
Funding Agency: Haffkine Institute
Duration: 3 years
Status: In progress
Abstract: This study designs peptide analogues based on
alpha-bungarotoxin (α-BGT) with potential antiviral activity against rabies
virus. Using in-silico techniques, molecular docking, and dynamic
simulations, peptides are optimized for stability, efficacy, and
specificity. Virtual screening shows some analogues strongly bind to the
viral glycoprotein, potentially inhibiting virus entry and propagation,
providing a novel approach for targeted antiviral therapy.
4. In Silico-Driven Design of Crotamines Peptide Analogues Targeting
Alzheimer’s Disease
Team: Dr. Vrushali Patil, Dr. Ashish Asrondkar, Harshada
Sawant
Funding Agency: Haffkine Institute
Duration: 3 years
Status: In progress
Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive
neurodegenerative disorder with amyloid-β plaques and tau tangles. This
study performs molecular docking of crotamine-derived peptides from snake
venom with APP and tau proteins using HADDOCK. About 55 peptide sequences
were analyzed, revealing favorable binding conformations. The research
highlights crotamine peptides as potential therapeutic agents for AD, with
further in-vitro and in-vivo validation required for efficacy and safety.
