History:
Set up as a semi-autonomous center with the Biochemistry Division of the then-Regional Research Laboratory (since renamed the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology) on 1 April 1977 in Hyderabad. In 1981-1982, it became a full-fledge national laboratory, and in 1987, it was donated to the nation by then-Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Ghandi. In 1986, a Bioinformatics Center was established by the Department of Biology, Government of India, with the goal of setting up a national network that could provide biological information by accessing several scientific databases from India and abroad.

Activities:
A Confocal Microscopy Automated DNA Sequencer is available, as are a digital imaging facility and an interactive graphics molecular modeling facility.

Research is divided into three categories: high-quality basic research in frontier areas of modern biology, research relevant to societal needs, and application-oriented research with a focus on commercialization. Much of this research is done within the following areas: biomedicine and diagnostics, evolution and development, gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, host-parasite interactions, membrane biology, protein structure, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and theoretical biology.

Major research discoveries have been made at the center, including the following:

• A Unique RNase from Cobra Snake Venom: RNase is a cutting enzyme, which has specificity towards cytidylic acid and was isolated, purified and characterized from cobra venom. The enzyme has the potential to be used as a tool for sequencing RNAs and in their structural studies.
• A Gene Delivery System: In collaboration with the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), the center successfully designed a formulation for efficient delivery of DNA into cells. This patented formulation, based on novel chemistry and DNA condensation processes, has demonstrated higher transfection efficiency when compared to commercial formulations.
• Microbes from Antarctica, Biodiversity and Cold Adaptation: Scientists identified a number of cold-loving bacteria and yeasts, hitherto unknown from Antarctica. The cold-loving bacteria adapt to low temperature by modulating membrane fluidity through the regulation of fatty acid synthesis. A few cold-active and heat-labile enzymes from these microorganisms have been characterized for the first time.
• Genetics of Osmo-regulation: The E. coli gene ProU was discovered, its genetic organization deciphered, and its role in osmo-regulation established. Functions of several other similar genes have also been established. As an offshoot, this work has led to the development of genetically engineered polypeptide products.
• How the Protein Folds: Scientists have isolated the protein RNase-A under a certain set of conditions in an active state of partial folding, the state known as "molten globule," for the first time. Failure of protein folding is known to lead to diseases. The idea stemmed from the knowledge that an eye lens protein (a crystalline) assists in protein folding and assembling, an action similar to that of molecular chaperones. These studies have relevance in the treatment of eye diseases and cataracts.
• Peptides to Fight Bacterial Invasion: Scientists have designed peptides consisting of 11-15 amino acid residues, which possess selective antibacterial activity. Understanding of structure-function relationship in antibacterial and membrane-active peptide toxins could be used in therapies in such a way that resistance would not be developed against these molecules.
• Protein from Seminal Plasma Plays Multi-functional role: A protein, seminal plasmin, was discovered and found to be a potent antimicrobial agent, as well as anti-HIV agent. It lyses dividing cells and shows inhibitory properties toward a number of other biological enzymes and functions, such as RNA-polymerases, reverse transcriptases, sperm motility, and in vitro fertilizing ability of spermatozoa.
• Regulation of Cell Division: A new model explaining the non-phenomenology of regulation of cell division.
• A New Universal Probe for DNA Fingerprinting: Developed a new probe derived from the Indian banded krait. This probe is being used for forensic investigations, paternity determination and seed stock verifications.
• Molecular Basis of Sex Determination: Isolation of the highly conserved sex chromosome-specific satellite DNA "Bkm" from the female Indian branded krait has aided in the understanding of the molecular basis of sex determination.
• Sex Reversal: Studies on sex determination revealed a unique case of sex reversal of an XXY female. An individual having the chromosomal constitution 47 XXY but a female phenotype has been reported for the first time.
• Limb Growth in Fruit-flies: It has been shown for the first time in CCMB that organizing centers of limbs are subjected to regulation by the genes, which are involved in the positioning of the organs in the body of the fruit-fly. Scientists also cloned a new gene, which regulates growth during the wing and limb development.

In January 2003, the center asked Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, during a visit to Hyderabad, if Iran would loan it a pair of Asiatic cheetahs to clone. The project is an effort by the center to reintroduce the cheetah to India after it became extinct due to over-hunting during British rule.

Collaboration between the center and universities within India is carried out. The center trains doctoral students from the Jawaharlal Nehru University. It also has an active post-doctoral research program that is sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

There have been numerous collaborations between the center and private industry. It played a key role in the development of the country's first recombinant DNA-based hepatitis B vaccine for human use by Shantha Biotechnics (P) Ltd.; created RNasin, an enzyme inhibitor that has been successfully transferred to M/s Bangalore Genei
(P) Ltd.; has helped M/s EID Parry Ltd., Chennai, by developing a protocol for standardization of PCR-based markers to distinguish the parental and hybrid seed varieties of rice; and has undertaken a collaborative research project with M/s Dabur Research Foundation and the IICT to develop a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer. In addition, a collaborative research program is underway with M/s Biological Evans Ltd. It has begun working with Satyam Computer Services Ltd. in an effort to identify business opportunities in the global marketplace for IT-enabled services in bioinformatics and other related fields.

The center also collaborates with international agencies such as the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (UK), the Volkswagen Foundation (Germany), the India Japan Science Council and the University of Ryukyus, Okinawa (Japan), the National Institutes of Health (USA), and the Center Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the Pasteur Institute (France).

The center has taken steps towards research in new areas such as gene therapy, drug delivery systems, and the human genome using advanced DNA technologies. It has plans to acquire "DNA Chip Technology" and an advanced version of an NMR imaging facility in order to study the images of experimental animals without having to kill them.

Key Sources: Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, <http://www.ccmb.res.in>; "Eco Queez," Environment Education Unit, <http://www.cseindia.org/html/eyou/envedu/ecoquiz_may2002.htm>; CCMB's Objectives, <http://www.andhratoday.com/science/object.htm>; Satyam Computer Services Ltd., <http://www.satyam.com/mediaroom/pr2jan01.html>; "India, Out of Cheetahs, Seek to Clone," New York Times, 31 January 2003, <http://www.mumbai-central.com/nukkad/feb2003/msg00094.html>.

	Updated September 2003