- Anoop, B. S., Puthumana, J., Vazhappilly, C. G., Kombiyil, S., Philip, R., Abdulaziz, A., & Singh, I. S. B. (2021). Immortalization of shrimp lymphoid cells by hybridizing with the continuous cell line Sf9 leading to the development of ‘PmLyO-Sf9’. Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 113, 196-207.
- Balakrishnan, S., Singh, I. S., & Puthumana, J. (2022). Status in molluscan cell line development in last one decade (2010–2020): impediments and way forward. Cytotechnology, 1-25.
- Bhaskaran Sathyabhama, A., Puthumana, J., Sukumaran, V., Vazhappilly, C. G., Kombiyil, S., Philip, R., & Singh, I. S. B. (2021). A Novel Approach of Transducing Recombinant Baculovirus into Primary Lymphoid Cells of Penaeus monodon for Developing Continuous Cell Line. Marine Biotechnology, 23(4), 517-528.
- Jayesh, P., Jose, S., Philip, R., & Bright Singh, I. S. (2013). A novel medium for the development of in vitro cell culture system from Penaeus monodon. Cytotechnology, 65(3), 307-322.
- Jayesh, P., Philip, R., & Singh, I. S. (2015). Multifactorial interaction of growth factors on Penaeus monodon lymphoid cells and the impact of IGFs in DNA synthesis and metabolic activity in vitro. Cytotechnology, 67(3), 559-571.
- Jayesh, P., Seena, J., & Singh, I. S. (2012). Establishment of shrimp cell lines: perception and orientation. Indian Journal of Virology, 23(2), 244-251.
- Jayesh, P., Vrinda, S., Priyaja, P., Philip, R., & Singh, I. S. (2016). Impaired telomerase activity hinders proliferation and in vitro transformation of Penaeus monodon lymphoid cells. Cytotechnology, 68(4), 1301-1314.
- Jose, S., Jayesh, P., Mohandas, A., Philip, R., & Singh, I. B. (2011). Application of primary haemocyte culture of Penaeus monodon in the assessment of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of heavy metals and pesticides. Marine Environmental Research, 71(3), 169-177.
- Jose, S., Jayesh, P., Sudheer, N.S., Poulose, G., Mohandas, A., Philip, R., Bright Singh, I.S., 2012. Lymphoid organ cell culture system from Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) as a platform for white spot syndrome virus and shrimp immune-related gene expression. J. Fish Dis. 35, 321–334. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2761.2012.01348.x
- Jose, S., Mohandas, A., Philip, R., & Singh, I. B. (2010). Primary hemocyte culture of Penaeus monodon as an in vitro model for white spot syndrome virus titration, viral and immune related gene expression and cytotoxicity assays. Journal of invertebrate pathology, 105(3), 312-321.
- Puthumana, J., Jose, S., Philip, R., & Singh, I. B. (2015). Cellular and molecular markers in monitoring the fate of lymphoid cell culture from Penaeus monodon Fabricius (1798). Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 47(2), 893-901.
- Puthumana, J., Philip, R., & Bright Singh, I. S. (2016). Transgene expression in Penaeus monodon cells: evaluation of recombinant baculoviral vectors with shrimp specific hybrid promoters. Cytotechnology, 68(4), 1147-1159.
- Puthumana, J., Prabhakaran, P., Philip, R., & Singh, I. B. (2015). Attempts on producing lymphoid cell line from Penaeus monodon by induction with SV40-T and 12S EIA oncogenes. Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 47(2), 655-663.
- Sathyabhama, A. B., Puthumana, J., Kombiyil, S., Philip, R., & Singh, I. S. B. (2021). ‘PmLyO-Sf9-WSSV complex’could be a platform for elucidating the mechanism of viral entry, cellular apoptosis and replication impediments. Virology, 553, 102-110.
Cell culture and cell lines have assumed an important role in studying physiological, pathophysiological, and differentiation processes of specific cells. It allows the examination of stepwise alterations in the structure, biology, and genetic makeup of the cell under controlled environments.
With the deepening of economic globalization, people’s demand for aquatic products is gradually increasing. Aquaculture practitioners began to pursue high yield and high income, but the emergence of this large-scale and high-density farming technology will inevitably accelerate the transmission and spread of diseases in water. In order to better this problem, cellular models are needed for studying fish growth, disease, reproduction, genetics, and biotechnology.
A cell line, in simple terms, refers to a defined population of cells capable of proliferating indefinitely in vitro. The path toward developing a cell line starts with the development of primary cell culture, which is derived from a specific tissue of the donor animal. Many factors come into consideration while choosing the donor animal such as age, health condition, etc. The type of tissue chosen depends on the application intended for the developed cell line. For example, hemocyte culture can be used for applications in immunology. Other critical factors are the inherent ability of the cells to proliferate (hemocytes and heart cells have limited capacity for proliferation whereas stem cells and germ cells have good proliferation capacity), and lesser chances of contamination by bacteria, fungi, etc. in the primary cell culture (gills being in continuous contact with the external environment have more chances to harbour bacteria and fungi, whereas internal organs tend to more aseptic in nature).
The cell culture medium in which cells are cultured should be able to provide all the necessary factors required by the cells to survive, proliferate, and carry out metabolic activities. Therefore, the development/optimization of organism/tissue-specific cell culture medium is itself a research area of importance. The cell culture conditions provided in vitro such as pH, temperature, etc. should be as close as possible to the physiological conditions.
Certain cell culture systems undergo spontaneous immortalization in vitro leading to the development of a continuous/immortal cell line. Carcinogenic primary cell cultures also often develop into continuous cell lines. Immortalization can also be induced in cell culture systems by way of transfecting the cells with viral oncogenes or by developing hybrid cells (fusion of primary cells with those from a continuous cell line).
Aquatic animal health and disease management are now studied from a variety of angles, such as environmental protection and pollution control, human health and epidemiology, site selection and culture technologies, monitoring and sanitation of aquaculture facilities, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of cultured species, avoidance of nutritional diseases, prevention of epidemics of mortality in culture facilities, formulation and implementation of regulatory measures, and more. Aquatic farm animals, in contrast to terrestrial farm animals, require greater care to monitor their health because they live in a complex and dynamic habitat and are not easily visible except under tank holding settings.
Aquatic animal health management is one of the core research themes of the centre. The research team focusing on bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan and metazoan parasitic diseases of finfish and shellfishes and it’s epidemiology, pathology, host-pathogen interaction, immunology, development of management measures for the control of diseases such as vaccine development, probiotics, bioremediation, prophylactic measures etc. the team working on the development of novel diagnostic tools for the detection and identification of pathogens.
Prof. I. S. Bright Singh demonstrating the dissection and anatomy of a diseased fish
Research scholars involved in the disease surveillance program
Inspecting a diseased shrimp
PmLyOSf9 cell lines
Cytopathic effect of IHHNV infection in PmLyO-Sf9 cells
Cytopathic effect of IHHNV infection in PmLyO-Sf9 cells
Band containing IHHNV virions (open arrow) in a sucrose gradient.
Recent Updates
- Immortalization of shrimp lymphoid cells by hybridizing with the continuous cell line Sf9 leading to the development of ‘PmLyO-Sf9 ’
- A Novel Approach of Transducing Recombinant Baculovirus into Primary Lymphoid Cells of Penaeus monodon for Developing Continuous Cell Line
- A novel medium for the development of in vitro cell culture system from Penaeus monodon
Research Projects
- Cell and developmental biology of Marine organisms funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India
- Immortalization of lymphoid cell culture from Penaeus monodon by transduction with oncogenes, ectopic expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase using shrimp specific expression vectors and hybridization with established cell lines funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India.
- Identification and removal of blocks on in vitro transformation and establishment of cell lines from Penaeus monodon funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India.
- Development of cell culture systems from penaeid prawns for the isolation of White Spot Virus funded by Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India.
- Development of primary cell cultures and cell lines from fresh water fishes to isolate viruses associated with EUS funded by State Committee on Science, Technology & Environment, Govt. of Kerala
Research Publications
- Anoop B.S. Establishment of Shrimp- Insect Hybrid Cell Line PmLyO –Sf 9 and Development of Transduction Based Oncogenic Induction for Shrimp Cell Immortalisation. view
- Jayesh P. 2013. Development of lymphoid cell culture system from Penaeus monodon and molecular approaches for its transformation. view view
- Seena Jose. 2009. Cell Culture Systems from Penaeus monodon: Development and Application. view
- Sunil Kumar G. 2000. Development of Cell Culture Systems from Selected Species of Fish and Prawns. view view
Thrust Areas
- Development of cell culture systems from freshwater and marine fish.
- Development of cell culture systems from freshwater and marine invertebrates.
- Use of CRISPR /cas9 technology for genome editing.
- Transgenic experiments in cell culture systems.
Collaborating Institutes
C Abdul Hakeem College Bharathidasan UniversityOur Team
Prof. I. S. Bright Singh
Dr. Jayesh Puthumana
Soumya Balakrishnan
Sreevidya C. P.
Dr. K. S. Prasanna, is a dedicated academic and researcher contributing to the intersection of veterinary pathology and aquaculture. Her work focuses on understanding and managing diseases in aquatic species, with a goal to enhance the health and sustainability of aquaculture systems.
Dr. Basdeo Kushwaha, Principal Scientist and In-Charge of the National Repository of Fish Cell Lines (NRFC) at ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, is a renowned expert in fish cell culture, aquatic animal health, and biotechnology. His pioneering work in developing and maintaining fish cell lines has greatly contributed to the study of aquatic animal diseases, toxicology, and fish genetics, playing a vital role in the sustainable development of aquaculture.
Dr. Preena P.G., Senior Lecturer at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in aquatic animal health and sustainable aquaculture practices. With extensive expertise in fish immunology, disease management, and microbiology, Dr. Preena has made significant contributions to advancing health management strategies for aquaculture species, particularly in addressing the challenges of emerging pathogens.
Dr. T. V. Anilkumar, Scientist G and Head of the Division of Experimental Pathology at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, is a distinguished researcher known for his interdisciplinary contributions. With expertise in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, Dr. Anilkumar’s work has extended to developing sustainable solutions for aquaculture, particularly in the areas of health management and biomaterials for aquatic applications.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Khan, a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Kashmir, is a prominent researcher in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. With a strong focus on aquatic biodiversity, fish health, and sustainable aquaculture practices, he has made significant contributions to the development of aquaculture in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions. His work emphasizes the sustainable management of aquatic resources and the conservation of endemic fish species while enhancing the productivity of aquaculture systems.
Dr. Subhendu Kumar Otta, Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biotechnology. With extensive experience in disease diagnosis, pathogen characterization, and health management, he has made significant contributions to enhancing the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture systems, particularly in brackishwater environments.
Prof. Felix Sugantham is a distinguished academic and researcher known for his significant contributions to aquaculture and fisheries science. With expertise in aquaculture management, aquatic animal health, and sustainable farming practices, he has been a driving force in advancing aquaculture technologies and practices that support productivity and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Thitiwan Patanasatienkul, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health, with significant contributions to global aquaculture. Her work focuses on advancing health management practices, disease prevention, and biosecurity in aquaculture systems to support sustainable production and trade in aquatic products.
Dr. P. Jayagopal, Deputy Director at the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), is a respected figure in aquaculture and seafood export development. With extensive experience in aquaculture management and policy implementation, he has made significant contributions to promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and enhancing India’s seafood export potential. His expertise spans areas such as aquaculture certification, disease management, and capacity building for stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain.
Dr. Vasant Kripa is the former Member Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) in Chennai, India, and a highly respected scientist in marine biology, coastal aquaculture, and environmental management. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kripa has been instrumental in developing policies and practices that promote sustainable and responsible coastal aquaculture in India. Her work has focused on balancing the growth of aquaculture with environmental conservation, ensuring that coastal ecosystems remain resilient and productive.
Dr. Sumithra T.G., Scientist at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is an expert in microbiology with over a decade of experience, specializing in fish health and marine pathogen research. Since 2016, she has focused on characterizing pathogens and developing aquatic health management strategies to enhance mariculture production. Her work includes detailed profiling of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens causing mortalities in cultured marine fishes, contributing valuable insights to the aquaculture sector through publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
Dr. Rohana Subasinghe is the Managing Director of FutureFish, a consultancy specializing in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and international fisheries, Dr. Subasinghe is a globally recognized expert dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support food security, environmental protection, and socioeconomic growth.
Padma Shri Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta is a globally renowned scientist celebrated for his transformative contributions to aquaculture and rural development. Often referred to as the “Father of Blue Revolution,” his pioneering work has revolutionized aquaculture practices, particularly in developing countries, by making fish farming accessible to resource-poor farmers. Dr. Gupta’s innovations in low-cost aquaculture technologies have significantly enhanced food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for millions.
Dr. Subhashini C.R., Director of Aristogene Biosciences, is a prominent figure in the field of biotechnology with significant contributions to aquaculture health management. With expertise in molecular diagnostics and aquatic disease research, she has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions to address health challenges in aquaculture systems. Her work focuses on creating advanced diagnostic tools and health management products that enhance the sustainability and productivity of the aquaculture industry.
Dr. Pawan Dhar, is a renowned expert in synthetic biology and systems biology, with emerging contributions to aquaculture biotechnology. With a diverse scientific background, Dr. Dhar’s work emphasizes leveraging synthetic biology to address challenges in sustainable aquaculture and aquatic resource management.
Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, is a distinguished scientist whose contributions have significantly advanced marine fisheries and aquaculture research in India. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Gopalakrishnan played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable marine resource management, species diversification, and the development of mariculture technologies. Under his leadership, ICAR-CMFRI made remarkable strides in areas such as open-sea cage farming, marine biodiversity conservation, and stock enhancement programs.
Dr. S. R. Krupesha Sharma, a Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is a distinguished expert in marine aquaculture and sustainable mariculture practices. With extensive experience in developing innovative technologies and farming systems, his work has significantly advanced India’s marine aquaculture sector, particularly in the production of high-value species. Dr. Sharma specializes in seed production, grow-out culture, and the development of sustainable farming methods for finfish, shellfish, and seaweed, contributing to enhanced productivity and profitability for coastal communities.
Dr. P.K. Patil, Principal Scientist in the Aquatic Animal Health and Environment Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA), is a leading expert in aquatic animal health and disease management. His work has significantly contributed to the sustainability and productivity of brackishwater aquaculture in India, focusing on health management strategies for farmed shrimp and fish species. Dr. Patil’s research addresses critical challenges such as disease outbreaks, biosecurity, and the environmental impact of aquaculture practices.
Dr. Prem Kumar, a Senior Scientist in the Finfish Culture Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), is recognized for his contributions to finfish aquaculture and sustainable fish farming practices. His research focuses on advancing breeding, seed production, and grow-out techniques for economically important finfish species, essential for enhancing fish farming efficiency and profitability. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in developing improved methods for breeding and rearing native fish species, supporting biodiversity conservation while boosting aquaculture productivity in India.
Dr. David Verner-Jeffreys is a Senior Scientist at WorldFish and an esteemed expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity. With a background in fish pathology and disease management, Dr. Verner-Jeffreys has dedicated his career to developing solutions that enhance disease prevention and sustainable health practices in aquaculture systems globally. His research focuses on combating infectious diseases that impact fish farming, particularly in developing countries, where aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods.
Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and environmental management in brackishwater aquaculture. With extensive experience in fish and shrimp health management, his work addresses critical challenges in disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity, contributing to the growth and resilience of India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector. By emphasizing biosecurity, environmental monitoring, and eco-friendly health management practices, Dr. Shekhar has contributed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shrimp and fish farming.
Dr. K.V. Rajendran is a prominent aquaculture scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) in India, recognized for his expertise in fish health management and aquatic animal disease control. With a focus on advancing disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and sustainable health practices in aquaculture, Dr. Rajendran’s work has greatly contributed to improving the resilience and productivity of India’s aquaculture sector. His research addresses major challenges related to fish and shellfish health, particularly in diagnosing and managing viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases that impact farmed species.
Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan is a renowned scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, India, with expertise in fish health management, aquaculture biosecurity, and disease diagnostics. His work focuses on addressing challenges related to aquatic animal health, particularly in ensuring sustainable and safe practices in India’s aquaculture industry. Dr. Swaminathan is recognized for his contributions to the detection and control of fish and shellfish diseases, which are critical for enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
Dr. Neeraj Sood, a distinguished scientist at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in India, is recognized for his work in fish genetics, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His research focuses on the genetic characterization and conservation of fish biodiversity, which is critical for protecting valuable genetic resources and promoting sustainable aquaculture. By identifying and cataloging fish species and their genetic diversity, Dr. Sood has contributed to the preservation of native fish species, ensuring that these resources can support resilient and productive aquaculture systems in India.
Dr. B. Santhosh, a leading scientist at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is known for his impactful contributions to marine aquaculture and coastal fisheries development in India. His work focuses on advancing sustainable practices in mariculture, particularly in seed production, hatchery technology, and the cultivation of high-value marine species like finfish, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Dr. Santhosh’s research has played a critical role in supporting livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by promoting aquaculture as a viable and environmentally sustainable industry.
Dr. Victoria Alday-Sanz is a renowned aquaculture expert at National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) in Saudi Arabia, recognized globally for her work in shrimp health management, biosecurity, and sustainable aquaculture practices. With a background in veterinary science and extensive experience in aquatic animal health, Dr. Alday-Sanz has played a critical role in advancing shrimp farming practices to enhance productivity while maintaining rigorous biosecurity standards. Her work is instrumental in addressing major health challenges in shrimp aquaculture, particularly in the prevention and management of viral and bacterial diseases that can impact large-scale operations.
J.M.P.K. Jayasinghe is a distinguished figure in aquaculture, known for his contributions to sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in Asia. With a focus on innovative aquaculture technologies and resource management, he has dedicated his career to improving the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of aquaculture systems. Jayasinghe has been involved in developing best practices that help small-scale and commercial farmers enhance yields while minimizing the environmental impact, which is crucial for both economic growth and ecological health.
Dr. K.M. Shankar is the Vice Chairman of the Asian Fisheries Society, Indian Branch, and former Dean of the College of Fisheries in Mangalore, India. A highly respected figure in fish health management and aquaculture, Dr. Shankar has contributed significantly to advancing aquaculture science, particularly in aquatic animal health, biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries. His research focuses on pathogen detection, disease management, and biosecurity in aquaculture, addressing key challenges to improve productivity and sustainability in the industry.
Prof. Arun K. Dhar is a Professor and Director of the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, USA. An expert in aquaculture pathology and virology, Prof. Dhar is highly regarded for his research on diseases affecting shrimp and other aquatic species. His work focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing viral pathogens that pose significant threats to aquaculture industries globally.
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and food safety expert, known for his pioneering work in aquatic microbiology, aquaculture health, and public health. His research focuses on seafood safety and disease management in aquaculture, with significant contributions to understanding and controlling microbial pathogens, such as Vibrio species, which affect marine organisms. His work has helped develop diagnostic tools and strategies that promote sustainability in aquaculture and ensure safer seafood.
Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo is the Director-cum-ICAR National Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). A leading expert in fish health management and aquatic animal diseases, Dr. Sahoo’s work focuses on advancing disease control, immunology, and molecular biology in freshwater aquaculture. His research is pivotal in improving the health, resilience, and sustainability of India’s aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Eduardo Leano is the Director General of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), an intergovernmental organization focused on sustainable aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong background in aquatic animal health and pathology, Dr. Leano has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, improving disease management, and promoting biosecurity within the industry.