A joint team of scientists from Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing, Mohali, Punjab and Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Manipur have identified a new gene that could be used to synthesise gamma-aminobutyrate, which is a high-value biomolecule with neuroprotective features.

The new gene was identified from samples of Kinema, a naturally fermented soybean food product found in Sikkim himalayan region of India.

The new gene was identified from samples of Kinema, a naturally fermented soybean food product found in Sikkim himalayan region of India.

The scientists have also developed a new method to synthesise gamma-aminobutyrate from Glutamate molecule using the new gene. Gamma-aminobutyrate is known to produces multiple neuroprotective effects, and over the years it has become a popular option for stress and pain management. It finds wide application in food and pharmaceutical industries. It can be used as a precursor molecule for synthesis of polymers like Nylon-4.

The scientists have filed a patent for their invention under Patent File No. 201911030305. The joint research team consisted of Dr. Sudhir P. Singh, Dr. Nitish Sharma, Dr. Amit K. Rai, and Dr. Dinabandhu Sahoo. India Science Wire