CCMB: Illuminating Life's Molecules
A premier Indian institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of cellular and molecular biology through cutting-edge research and innovation.
Discover CCMB ๐ Explore Research ๐งชDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
About CCMB
The Institution
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is an autonomous, government-funded research establishment in Hyderabad, India. It operates under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is recognized as a "Centre of Excellence" by UNESCO's Global Molecular and Cell Biology Network.
Motto & Affiliation
CCMB's guiding principle is "Dedicated to the Nation". As an autonomous body under the CSIR, it plays a pivotal role in India's scientific landscape, fostering advancements in life sciences.
Location & Campus
Situated in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, the main campus is located on Uppal Road. The urban campus spans 6 acres (24,000 m2), providing a dedicated space for research and development.
History
Genesis and Growth
CCMB was established on April 1, 1977, initially as a semi-autonomous centre. Its nucleus was formed from the Biochemistry Division of the Regional Research Laboratory (now IICT). Dr. P. M. Bhargava spearheaded its creation, following the CSIR's approval in 1976 to establish a centre focused on frontier areas of modern biology.
Leadership Legacy
Former Directors
CCMB has been guided by distinguished leaders throughout its history. The following table outlines the tenure of its former directors:
Pioneering Research
Core Areas
CCMB's research endeavors are categorized into three primary streams: high-quality basic research in modern biology, research addressing societal needs, and application-oriented research for commercialization. Key areas include:
- Evolution & Development
- Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
- Host-Parasite Interactions
- Membrane Biology
- Protein Structure
- Stem Cell Biology
- Neurobiology
- Bioinformatics
- Functional Genomics
- Ecology and Ecosystems
Innovation Hub (iHUB)
The Medical Biotechnology Complex, also known as the Innovation Hub (iHUB), facilitates molecular diagnostic tests for genetic disorders and wildlife forensics. It hosts the Atal Incubation Centre-CCMB (AIC-CCMB), supporting early-stage life science startups in areas like drug discovery, vaccine development, and diagnostics. It also houses a Meity Startup Hub initiative for big data in life sciences.
Specialized Annexes
LaCONES
The Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) is dedicated to conserving India's wildlife using modern biological techniques and assisted reproductive technologies. It collaborates with government departments to combat wildlife crime, identify animal product sources, and study stress in wild animals. It also houses the National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank.
Medical Biotechnology Complex
This complex focuses on molecular diagnostics for numerous genetic disorders and wildlife forensics. It also serves as the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC-CCMB), fostering startups in various life science domains. The initiative is supported by NITI Aayog and the Atal Innovation Mission.
Global Partnerships
International Reach
CCMB actively engages in international collaborations, receiving funding and participating in joint projects with leading global institutions. These include:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
- Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Cambridge University (UK)
- India-Japan Science Council, University of Ryukyus (Japan)
- Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Pasteur Institute (France)
- Volkswagen Foundation (Germany)
National Network
Domestically, CCMB collaborates with premier research institutes and universities across India, fostering a robust scientific ecosystem. Notable national partners include:
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem)
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research
- University of Hyderabad
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat
Technological Milestones
Key Innovations
CCMB has achieved significant technological breakthroughs, positioning India at the forefront of biological sciences:
- Developed India's first DNA Fingerprinting Technology, enabling its use in the judicial system.
- Created universal primer technology for identifying animal species from products.
- Discovered a heart disease mutation prevalent in the Indian population.
- Developed India's first genetically engineered gene knockout mouse.
- Successfully demonstrated artificial insemination in spotted deer.
- Established a systematic screening program for anti-cancer drugs.
- Uncovered unique insights into Indian population genomics and Andaman tribes' origins.
- Commercialized recombinant DNA technology-based diagnostic kits for ophthalmic infections.
- Developed pest-resistant Samba Mahsuri rice strains.
- Discovered native bacteria (Indibacter alkaliphilus) for industrial biotechnology.
- Identified the functionality of microsatellites in non-coding DNA.
- Discovered the CPA1 gene linked to chronic pancreatitis.
Societal Impact
Nurturing Talent and Institutions
CCMB has been instrumental in shaping India's scientific workforce and institutions:
- Its PhD alumni form a significant part of Indian academia and the life science industry.
- CCMB scientists have founded and led numerous research and educational institutes, including the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), InStem, IISERs, and LV Prasad Eye Institute.
- CCMB incubated Shantha Biotechnics Ltd., India's first biotech company, aiding in the development of an affordable Hepatitis-B vaccine.
Justice and Public Welfare
The institute's technologies have had profound societal implications:
- DNA fingerprinting has been crucial in solving high-profile criminal cases and identifying victims of disasters (e.g., Singapore Airlines plane crash).
- Genetic disorder testing services are provided at nominal rates to benefit patients in India and neighboring countries.
- The elite rice varieties project aims to support farmers with improved crop yields and disease resistance.
- CCMB actively trains forest and judiciary officials in DNA fingerprinting technologies.
- The institute played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a testing center and in researching SARS-CoV-2 biology.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Centre For Cellular And Molecular Biology" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- The worst luck in the world? รขยย Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
- CCMB implements artificial insemination in deer รขยย India รขยย DNA
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional scientific advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding cellular and molecular biology, biotechnology, or related scientific fields. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified experts for specific research or application needs. Never disregard professional advice because of information found on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.