About Us
TREE (Toxicology, Reproduction, Endocrinology and Environment Biology lab) under the guidance of Dr. Parth Pandya, the team focuses on the core aspects of Toxicology, Reproductive Biology, Endocrinology and Environment Biology.
Toxicology and Environment Biology
Toxicological aspects of environmental contaminants (Metal ions, pesticides, etc.) contributing to environmental pollution and affecting non-target species are under investigation. Currently ongoing project funded by GSBTM on investigating the role of toxicants in the marine sentinel edible species, majorly focusing on microplastics and heavy metals. Lab also emphasises on the diversity of insect pests in different parts of Gujarat and finding the approaches for pest control in the agricultural field and stored grains.
Reproductive Biology
Kisspeptin is a pivotal hormone in the regulation of reproductive development and function. It orchestrates the release of downstream hormones that are integral to the secretion of reproductive hormones, essentially acting as a gateway for the proper functioning of the gonadal and reproductive hormonal axes and pre-dominantly pubertal onset. Hence, the lab focusses on studying the role in this aspect.
Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide that has a role in regulation of reproduction and its role as metastasis suppressor. The lab focusses on the studying the role of Kisspeptin drug as a therapeutic potential against reproductive cancers such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer and mechanistic insights of Kisspeptin regulation during the cancer progression and metastasis.
Endocrinology
Melatonin being a key neuropeptide regulating the circadian rhythm, holds an important role. Other than that, it also regulates other steroid hormone which regulate the normal functioning of body, Kisspeptin being one of the major hormones is influenced by the level of Melatonin, governing normal functions of body, hence we are trying to extrapolate it’s role in reproduction and other associated process. We are also trying to explore the crosstalk between Kisspeptin, Agrp, Npy, Pomc and Leptin.