ashithasnm09@gmail.com Back Back to People Page Back Co-Investigator Team, Lab Team Dr Ashitha S N M Assistant Professor, DST INSPIRE Faculty Fellow, Department of Psychiatry

Google Scholar venkat.nimhans@yahoo.com , gvs@nimhans.ac.in Back Back to People Page Back Investigator Team Schizophrenia Dr Venkatasubramanian G Professor, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Venkatasubramanian Ganesan (Venkat) is a Professor of Psychiatry & Consultant Psychiatrist at Schizophrenia Clinic & The Metabolic Clinic in Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore. He co-ordinates the InSTAR Program for Schizophrenia (www.instar-program.org ) as well as the WISER Neuromodulation Program (www.wiser-program.org ) at NIMHANS. His areas of research interest include: Clinical Neurobiology & Metabolic Abnormalities in Schizophrenia, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Psychiatry, and Brain Imaging in Psychiatry. He heads the Translational Psychiatry Laboratory at the Neurobiology Research Centre, NIMHANS

arushisingh2707@gmail.com Back Back to People Page Back Clinical Team Dr Arushi Singh Clinical Post Doctoral Fellow (Equivalent to Senior Resident, Psychiatry)

A cookbook, a photocopy of a recipe from the book and a tad bit of scribbling, highlighting and overwriting on this recipe. Ring a bell? All this could be akin to the workings of the holy grail of life aka DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid). The code for human evolution and physiology, DNA has been ‘encoded’ by eons of evolution, and has to be decoded by each cell in the body. When a chef gets an order, let’s say pasta, he refers to the cookbook (DNA). But, for ease of use, rather than carrying around the whole book around the kitchen all the time, the chef transcribes only the pasta recipe to a piece of paper (RNA - RiboNucleic Acid). But according to the customer’s demand, for someone with a liking to the spicy edge (the environment), the chef adds a little seasoning or some extra sauce to make it spicy. Voila! The spicy pasta (protein), to please the customer, is ready ! A biologist from Indiana University, James Watson, and a physicist, at the Cavendish Lab in Cambridge, Francis Crick were working on the structure of DNA with the aid of research findings of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. On Saturday, February 28, 1953 it is reported that Crick came into the Eagle, a Cambridge pub, and announced to everyone there that they had ‘found the secret of life’. In 1953 they proposed the double helix model of DNA . In April of 1953 the Watson and Crick paper appeared in the journal Nature. April 25th 2003 was declared as DNA Day to celebrate the completion of the human genome project and the 50th anniversary of the description of DNA. People have always known that many illnesses (and traits such as physical appearance and even behaviour)  ‘run in the family’, and psychiatric illnesses are no exception. Our DNA is like a long diary of human history, passed down from one generation to another, containing many fascinating stories of all our ancestors, with each new generation adding its bit. Scientists uncover these stories by making sense of small differences in our DNA. Studying human DNA and genetics help scientists better understand where humans came from as a species, and also understand the genetic basis of diseases, to list a few. While many genetic disorders are not treatable, by the methods available at present, early diagnosis helps improve the quality of life, and even extend it. Genetic studies locating thousands of new genes related to different psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, movement disorders etc. gives scientists new avenues to look for novel medications and other treatments. Dadaji: So what are you doing in the lab, Genie beta? Dr. Genevago: These days I am helping with a research article on genetic variants in mental illness. Dadaji: Oho… can you tell me what that means in English? Dr. Genevago: Haha, sorry Dadaji! So, it’s like this: all cells in our bodies have DNA. Any time that cells divide, all of the DNA needs to be copied, to be divided equally among newly created cells. As it happens, Nature is not a perfectionist when it comes to copying DNA, so changes get made. This is what I meant by ‘variants’. Most of these are harmless and we never even know they are there. But some of them can spell trouble! How exactly some of these variants relate to mental illnesses is what I am studying in the lab. Dadaji: So what have you learnt so far? Dr. Genevago: We are trying to piece together how these changes in the DNA link to one or the other kind of mental illnesses! Dadaji: Sounds challenging! Dr. Genevago: Very! It’s like a million-piece jigsaw! We started with genes where we found variants, the bad ones, in people with mental illness. We found  28 such genes. Of these 7 are entirely new, meaning no one ever knew that these are connected to mental illness! Dadaji: That sounds exciting! So where does that lead you? Dr. Genevago: Well, now we have new leads to follow. We first checked what the proteins (that these 28 genes code for) do and if there are any functions in common among them. Some of these proteins do seem to be working together, in what’s known as a ‘pathway’. Next is to do experiments to see how these variants in DNA might change the functions of the proteins and/or pathways. Dadaji: And how do you go from that to a mental illness? Dr. Genevago: That’s the million dollar question! We use a very popular technology called ‘disease in a dish’, where we take blood cells from patients with different kinds of mental illnesses and turn them into stem cells. These in turn are used in a lab to study how the brain develops and works. We can study many processes and  pathways, or even compare them with cells of others who do not have  illness! That could  tell us about what’s different  in brain cells of patients with psychiatric disease – something that we would never otherwise know. Read More: Exome hits demystified: The next frontier Dadaji: Let me just sanitise my hands beta, wait a minute. Dr. Genevago: What? That’s literally the 100th time you are sanitising your hands today! Dadaji: I was wondering if I have that illness called OCD. You watch that show right, The Big Bang Theory? I remember seeing a character named Sheldon behaving the same way. Even I like colour coding stuff and having a strict bathroom schedule, just like him! And we even know how strict many families are about maintaining cleanliness! Dr. Genevago: You mean Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Oh, don’t worry Dadaji, I’m pretty sure you don’t have it. Organising your stuff or meticulously planning anything doesn’t necessarily mean you have that OCD; it just means you are an organised person! People with OCD have thoughts that become impossible to control, and they are forced to do things over and over again, like a mechanical clockwork toy. They have no control over this, and that makes them very anxious! But you seem to be quite relaxed about your organising skills! Dadaji: So, is this just stubborn behaviour or ..? Dr. Genevago: No, no! Research actually suggests that OCD sufferers’ brains are wired to behave in a particular fashion. In fact, in our lab we recently found out that cells from patients with OCD show reduced capacity to divide and form new cells! This may be because of some sort of damage to the DNA, or some sort of visible changes in the brain cells affecting their function. Maybe one day this could answer the question of how OCD is caused! Of course, it also opens the door to another mystery. If every cell in the body bears a trace of the mental illness that a person has, how subtle and gossamer-like this would be, so that even a slight change traps the person in a web of illness. Read More: Cell cycle abnormality is a cellular phenotype in OCD Dadaji: You seem to be working a lot these days, beta. Don’t you get stressed? Dr. Genevago: I like the work I do, and I know when I need to take a break so that I can relax! But that reminds me, the impact of stress in children is another topic of research in our lab. Dadaji: Oh, but how can you possibly pinpoint what effect something intangible, like stress, can have on the DNA? Dr. Genevago: DNA doesn’t always work on its own to bring about changes within our body. It is like the notes of music; these two are fixed but every musician plays them a bit differently. And a single false note by anyone in the orchestra spoils the whole symphony! Similarly, each person’s DNA ‘expresses’ itself differently, and as harmoniously as it can,  depending on the environment (physical, social and psychological). The environment thus plays a very important role in controlling the DNA, and helping or harming the workings of our body. Children from different parts of our country face different kinds of stress,  and these could have consequences far  into the future. This is known as epigenetics and this is what we try to understand in our lab! Read More: Influence of early adversity on cortisol reactivity, SLC6A4 methylation and externalizing behavior in children of alcoholics Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalizing Disorders and Addictions (cVEDA): A developmental cohort study protocol Devdas singing off key after returning with a new refill: “Hey, sheeshe se sheesha takraaye, jo bhi ho anjaam.. chalak chalak! Dost: Bhai, take it easy! You have been drinking too much! Devdas: Just let me be. Haven’t you seen what every thwarted hero does? Start the music, we need to dance! That’s all I can do right now.. Dost: Ok, if you insist! Try dancing to this - Music plays…..Devdas tries to stand up but staggers and falls in a heap Devdas: What just happened? My feet are not listening to me anymore! Dost: Right now it’s just your brain; if you go on like this your liver is gone too! Devdas: Yeah, but I will stop one day. It will all go away and pass like a bad dream…. Dost: No my friend, it doesn’t work that way. Not if you keep up the levels of drinking you are at. My friends who have been researching this very thing tell me that their work has shown that drinking too much, for too long,  leaves a lasting bad mark on the DNA, the stuff of life! The blueprint that tells our cells what to do. This same DNA is there in your brain cells and your liver cells. Believe me , things may  never be the same again!. These  marks are not stains that can be washed away. They are here to stay. For a while. So listen up! Read More: Changes in DNA methylation persist over time in males with severe alcohol use disorder—A longitudinal follow-up study Genetics and Epigenetics of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH2) in Alcohol Related Liver Disease We hope you have learnt something new and interesting this ‘World DNA Day’ about the workings of the human brain. If you found our work interesting, we welcome you to explore our website or visit our lab to learn more! Creators: Meghana J, Anushka Banerjee, Aarathi Rajesh, Shatabdi Pal, Reeteka Sud, Meera Purushottam, Sanjeev Jain

On March 30th, we celebrated World Bipolar Day at the NIMHANS Centre for Well-Being with an exciting event, attended by people from all over the city. Our event explored the overlap between science and art. A merge of two distinct worlds, where facts blend with imagination to explore the human experience. Where scientific inquiry informs artistic expression, not only illuminating our world but also advancing understanding and awareness of mental health. Ever wondered why this particular date? March 30th marks the birthday of the legendary artist Vincent van Gogh, who is believed to have struggled with mental health throughout his lifetime. Drawing this connection between creativity and mental health is crucial. Van Gogh's masterpieces aren't just brushstrokes on canvas; they are windows into the complex interplay between brilliance and turmoil. Our event was not conceived just to raise awareness; fostering understanding and empathy were also our goals. We attempted to achieve this by offering participants an understanding of the life of someone with an severe mental health disorder diagnosis. One of the featured activities was a zine-making workshop. Picture this: participants diving headfirst into the world of DIY publishing, crafting zines that depicted their perceptions of bipolar disorder. But here's the twist – before putting pen to paper, they had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with individuals who have lived experience with the disorder, as well as with scientists and doctors. It was like watching perspectives evolve in real-time, from stereotypes to nuanced understandings. From the hesitant whispers of those sharing their stories for the first time to the enthusiastic debates sparked by the latest research findings, the room buzzed with authenticity and vulnerability. It was a safe space where stigma took a backseat, and genuine connections took center stage. We also showcased a diverse range of artwork, all centered around mental health and bipolar disorder. What made it truly special was the inclusion of pieces submitted by members of the general public, and by people with disabilities (divyangjan) at a workshop conducted by NIMHANS in association with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. It was a powerful reminder that creativity knows no bounds, even in the midst of mental health challenges. We received a staggering number of incredible submissions; a few stood out and were selected for recognition. Here are selected pieces - Vartika Arora I have based this artwork on my academic knowledge of Bipolar Disorder as well as the lived experiences of some people with this diagnosis. It tries to depict the emotional turmoil that they go through- From being unable to move and curled up in a fetal position, to feeling like the bright and colourful sky's the limit, these lows and highs are naturally very distressing for the person on this painful rollercoaster, especially because they can emerge unexpectedly. The muted blues and the bright warm tones have been used to depict the contrasting affective aspects of depression and mania respectively. The crests and troughs of the sea waves as well as the dark clouds symbolize the stormy, erratic and engulfing nature of these turbulences affecting different aspects of a person’s life. The figure in the center represents the desirable euthymic state (neutral mood) between depressive and manic episodes. Thoithoi Thoudam Personalities (oil on canvas, 51x51 cm) The art is about the different types of emotions and personalities that i felt and act in different situations. The figure is made to be seen as a single body yet two different being at the same time and I made it they way because i feel like a completely different person when I'm in a different situation and that makes me question whether if I'm being my true authentic self or not but also come to make peace with the idea I am all of that. It also represents the high and low points in my life. The yellow and green parts represent the good and bright times like the bright sun and fields outside and the blue and brown represent the sad and melancholy times in my life. Archisha Ganguly Eclipses of the Mind The painting becomes a realm of tumultuous emotions and contrasting hues, echoing the turbulent journey of bipolar disorder. The painting's central figure, depicted in a fragmented state, embodies the dualities of euphoria and despair that characterize the disorder. On one side, vibrant strokes of electric blue, fiery reds and earthy greens surge with an almost manic energy, symbolizing the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Swirls of chaotic patterns intertwine, reflecting the racing thoughts and heightened creativity often experienced during manic episodes. Contrastingly, the other side of the canvas is engulfed in somber shades of black and deep orange , representing the depths of depression. The figure slumps, burdened by the weight of their emotions, with shoulders hunched. Shadows loom ominously, mirroring the overwhelming sense of emptiness and despair that accompanies depressive episodes. The middle panel pays homage to Vincent Van Gogh, representing a sunrise painted in his characteristic style. "Eclipses of the Mind" invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of bipolar disorder, offering a visual narrative that captures both the struggles and the resilience of those living with the condition. It serves as a reminder that within the depths of darkness, there is always the possibility of finding light and redemption. Praggya Yaadav The painting shows the essence of bipolar disorder and its oscillating nature. On the left, vibrant colours depict happiness, uplifted by the presence of a butterfly that symbolizes transformation and hope. The right signifies the moments of despair, frustration, and hopelessness, portrayed through the melancholic hues. I aim to illustrate the turmoil that individuals often experience that pulls them into a vortex of darkness, similar to a tornado. I have also paid homage to Van Gogh's ‘The Starry Night’, depicting elements and colours that signify the relationship between these contrasting states of emotion. Similar to Van Gogh's, the starry night in my painting represents the in-between where the polar opposites merge, and show the delicate balance between light and darkness. Through this, I aim to convey the complexity of bipolar disorder, where moments of hope intertwine with doubts, signifying the emotions within. Ramya Pillutla Page 704 of 18396. The ups and downs of bipolar disorder feel like a never ending book, each page bringing something new. Page after page. Wonderful colours. Horror. One day your life is magical, the next day you don’t want to live. And you don’t know why. So you hang on, you seek help, you hope the page turning stops at some point, that you can close the book and live a normal life. Somehow, you hold on to hope. What choice do you have but to keep on keeping on? We couldn't have asked for a more engaged and compassionate community. Each conversation, each artwork, each shared moment was a testament to the power of human connection in breaking down barriers and building bridges. So, where do we go from here? Well, the journey doesn't end with World Bipolar Day. It's a stepping stone, a catalyst for continued dialogue and action. Whether it's advocating for better mental health resources, challenging stigma in our communities, or simply being there for someone who needs a listening ear, there's always more we can do.