Research Grant for Celiac Disease
Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has been awarded a research grant of Rs 25 lakh by the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation and Technology (HSCSIT). The funding is for a three-year project titled “Screening Prolidase as Biomarker and Salivary Microbiome Therapeutics for Celiac Disease.” The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease, a growing public health concern in North India.
Project Leadership and Objectives
The project will be led by Prof Amita Suneja Dang of the Centre for Medical Biotechnology. Co-principal investigators include Prof Pooja Suneja, Head of the Department of Microbiology at MDU, and Dr Praveen Malhotra, Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at PGIMS-Rohtak. According to Pankaj Nain, public relations officer of the university, the project seeks to address critical gaps in detection and management of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten-containing foods such as wheat. Experts consider North India a ‘celiac belt’ due to high wheat consumption and increasing disease incidence.
Focus on Biomarker and Microbiome
Researchers will investigate the role of prolidase as a potential biomarker for early, less invasive diagnosis. They will also study genetic variations in the PEPD gene linked to disease susceptibility. A key focus is the analysis of the salivary microbiome to identify naturally occurring bacteria capable of breaking down gluten. Prof Dang stated that the study aims to advance understanding of the disease and explore innovative approaches to improve both diagnosis and patient care.
Potential for Probiotic Therapies
Nain added that the findings could lead to the development of novel probiotic-based therapeutic strategies, offering hope to patients who currently have no treatment option other than a lifelong gluten-free diet. The project underscores MDU’s commitment to interdisciplinary and socially relevant research.
University Recognition
Vice-Chancellor Prof Milap Punia termed the grant a significant achievement for the university and a recognition of its growing research capabilities. He said, “This project reflects MDU’s commitment to addressing real-world health challenges through interdisciplinary and socially relevant research. The outcomes have the potential to benefit a large number of patients and contribute meaningfully to the field of medical biotechnology.” The PRO claimed that the grant strengthened MDU’s expanding research portfolio and underscored its increasing contribution to health and biomedical sciences at the national level.
