AIMM — Molecular Medicine

Adichunchanagiri Institute of Molecular Medicine

Pioneering molecular medicine research since 1998 — funded by the National Cancer Institute (NIH) under the RAPID program. From the discovery of Arishinin to international protein registration, AIMM drives drug discovery and genetic analysis at ACU.

1998
Established
₹2 Cr
Equipment
1
US Patent
10
PhD Scholars
Molecular medicine research at AIMM
About AIMM

Advancing Molecular Medicine Through Discovery

The Adichunchanagiri Institute of Molecular Medicine (AIMM) has been functioning alongside the AIMS Central Research Laboratory since 1998. From its inception, AIMM's research program has been centered around dietary antioxidants in the prevention of oxidative stress — a recognized etiological factor for diseases including cancer, arthritis, cataract, heart ailments, snake bite, malaria, and bacterial/fungal infections.

The institute was funded by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH-NCI) towards developing the Turmeric peptide as a possible cancer preventive biomolecule under the RAPID (Research And Prevention through Interdisciplinary Discovery) program — making AIMM one of a select few institutions worldwide to receive this prestigious research support.

AIMM holds a US Patent (US 8,389,677B2) for the discovery of Arishinin, a novel anti-inflammatory compound from Turmeric — the first international drug discovery from ACU.

AIMM research laboratory

Key Discoveries at AIMM

Four groundbreaking discoveries that have advanced molecular medicine, established international patents, and registered proteins in global databases.

Arishinin

US Patent US 8,389,677B2

A novel anti-inflammatory compound from Turmeric with a molecular weight of 8 kDa. This very potent antioxidant was developed under the NIH-NCI RAPID program as a cancer preventive biomolecule. Patented at the Chennai patent office (Indian patent) and awarded a US patent.

First International Drug Discovery from ACU

SCID Diagnosis

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

AIMM identified and characterized Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) cases through molecular diagnostics, contributing to early diagnosis protocols for this rare genetic disorder. A breakthrough in immunodeficiency detection methodology.

Molecular Diagnostics Breakthrough

PID-15

Primary Immunodeficiency Variant

Advanced understanding of immune system genetic disorders through molecular analysis at AIMM. PID-15 identification contributed to a deeper knowledge of primary immunodeficiency variants and their clinical significance.

Immunodeficiency Research

14 kDa Turmeric Protein

UniProt ID: P85278

A novel protein isolated from Turmeric, purified, sequenced, and registered in the international UniProt protein database — the first such registration by an Indian university. Among the top 2 entities in citation ranking among 2,000+ publications.

First Indian University UniProt Registration
AIMM Laboratory & Research
Equipment Inventory

State-of-the-Art Research Equipment

AIMM houses a comprehensive suite of advanced instruments for molecular biology, protein chemistry, cell culture, and drug discovery research.

Tecan Freedom EVO 150
Automated Liquid Handling · 2018
Automation
GE Healthcare AKTA Pure
Protein Purification System · 2018
Separation
Applied Biosystems 7500
Real-Time PCR System · 2018
Molecular Biology
Bio-Rad ChemiDoc XRS+
Gel & Blot Imaging · 2018
Imaging
Thermo NanoDrop OneC
Microvolume Spectrophotometer · 2018
Analysis
Beckman Coulter Optima XE
Ultracentrifuge · 2018
Separation
Eppendorf Mastercycler Nexus
Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler · 2018
Molecular Biology
Olympus CKX53
Inverted Fluorescence Microscope · 2018
Imaging
Thermo Forma -86°C
Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer · 2018
Storage
BD FACSCalibur
Flow Cytometry System · 2018
Analysis
Labconco Biological Safety Cabinet
Class II Biosafety Cabinet · 2018
Cell Culture
Biotek Synergy HTX
Multimode Plate Reader · 2018
Analysis
Thermo Sorvall ST 16R
Refrigerated Centrifuge · 2018
Separation
Grant SUB Aqua 26 Plus
Precision Water Bath · 2018
Cell Culture
Milli-Q IQ 7000
Ultrapure Water System · 2018
Cell Culture
Thermo TSX Series
Laboratory Refrigerator · 2018
Storage
NuAire Cell Counter
Automated Cell Counting · 2022
Cell Culture
Labindia UV-2600i
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer · 2018
Analysis

Additional equipment: BOD Incubator, Autoclave, Fume Hoods, Laminar Air Flow Cabinet, Ice Flaker, Deep Freezer, Biosafety Cabinet Class II, Liquid Storage Containers, and more.

Research Focus Areas

Synthesizing New Drug-Like Molecules

Currently, AIMM focuses on synthesis and development of new chemical entities and drug-like small molecules, targeting critical diseases through identification of lead molecules, screening hits, and optimization for affinity, selectivity, efficacy, metabolic stability, and bioavailability.

Cancer Drug Discovery

Developing anti-proliferative compounds and heterocyclic molecules targeting DNA repair proteins and cancer metastasis pathways.

Leishmaniasis Treatment

Developing new chemical entities for the treatment of Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions worldwide.

Diabetes Mechanisms

Identifying small molecules and biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes through advanced molecular analysis.

Immunodeficiency Diagnostics

Molecular diagnostics for immunodeficiency disorders including SCID and primary immunodeficiency variant characterization.

Protein Characterization

Proteomics research including protein isolation, purification, sequencing, and international database registration.

Natural Product Screening

Screening natural products and dietary compounds for therapeutic potential, continuing AIMM's legacy of turmeric-based discoveries.

Faculty Profile

Faculty & Research Scholars

AIMM is led by experienced principal investigators in molecular medicine, biochemistry and drug discovery, supported by Ph.D. scholars and research associates. Faculty profiles will be published shortly via the central FMS faculty directory.

Faculty profiles will be published soon.

Detailed AIMM faculty profiles, qualifications and research interests will be available here once integrated with the central Faculty Management System.

Facility Access & Booking

Use AIMM's Research Infrastructure

AIMM's advanced instruments (worth INR 2 Crore) are available to ACU faculty, Ph.D. scholars, approved external researchers, and industry partners through MoU agreements. Access is granted on a request-based model.

Equipment Access

Access AIMM's advanced instruments — from Tecan automation, real-time PCR, ÄKTA Pure protein purification, flow cytometry, and ultra-low temperature storage.

Joint Research Programs

Partner with AIMM faculty on joint research in cancer biology, immunology, drug discovery, natural product chemistry and protein characterization.

Doctoral Programs

Pursue your Ph.D. at AIMM with access to cutting-edge molecular medicine instruments and mentorship from experienced researchers.

Resources

AIMM Resources

Reports, brochures and documentation related to AIMM's research, equipment and collaborative programs. Resource downloads will be added here once finalised.

Resource library will be published shortly.

Brochures, instrument catalogues, publication lists and collaboration MoUs will be available here.

News & Events

News & Upcoming Events

Workshops, seminars, publications and announcements from AIMM. The events feed will be populated soon.

News & events will be updated regularly.

Check back for the latest workshops, seminars and research announcements from the Adichunchanagiri Institute of Molecular Medicine.

Collaborate with AIMM

Interested in molecular medicine research, facility access, or collaborative opportunities? Reach out to AIMM and begin your journey in drug discovery and molecular diagnostics.

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