Microbiomes - Host physiology - Function
Home page for Shantanu Shukla's lab at MRDG, IISc, Bangalore, India
Welcome to Shantanu Shukla's lab at the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at the Indian Institute of Science
The lab studies host-microbiome interactions. We use diverse multi-omic approaches including genomics and metagenomics, to elucidate the impact of the microbiome on host nutritional physiology, development, reproduction, behaviour and function. Our primary focus is on insects – an extraordinarily successful group of organisms that show complex and intricate associations with microorganisms. We aim to leverage insect-microbiome interactions to develop novel biotechnological applications in health and agriculture.
Lab news
Bulletin board for lab announcements and happenings
2025
Our new paper on the endosymbionts of the lac insect is published in PNAS. We report a new species of a fungal symbiont in the insect that is transmitted through the oocytes, and with a role in synthesizing the insect pigment. Genome sequencing of the insect and its two endosymbionts reveals role of the symbiont in host nutrition. Read more about it here.
Findings from our lac insect paper are covered by the Times of India, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, The Microbiologist, and Research Matters.
Shantanu invited to speak at the Chemical Ecology program on insect-plant-microbe interactions, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, India.
Shantanu invited to give a lead talk at the Second International Conference on Biological Control organized by the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, India.
2024
Rajameenakshi bags two gold medals at the IICM meet at IISER-Kolkata!
Hema joins the group as a PhD student.
Shantanu moderates a webinar on “Gut Microbiome as a regulator of Health and Aging” as part of the Longevity India initiative.
Shantanu invited to speak at the International Conference of Entomology 2024
Seema joins the lab as a joint PhD student.
Akash completes his Master’s in life sciences.
Aranya completes his Master’s thesis, soon to join the University of Texas at Austin.
Aug’23- Rajameenakshi joins the lab as a PhD student. Welcome!
Jan’23- Agna and Adhya join the lab for their MSc and BE projects. Welcome to the lab.
Jan’23- And here it is already… Make way for 2023! A happy new year to you all !!
Dec’22- Sourajyoti joins the lab as a PhD student. Welcome!
Nov’22 – The lab co-organizes the first edition of the Microbe Matters conference at IISc. Two wonderful days of fascinating talks on Microbiology!
Aug’22 – Ojaswini joins the lab as a Project Associate, Akash joins the lab for his MSc project.
July’22 – Shantanu invited to present at the International Union for the Study of Social Insects Congress, San Diego, and at the International Congress of Entolomogy, Helsinki
June’22 – Asha joins the lab as a Project Associate
April’22 – Shantanu appointed as Head, Max Planck Partner Group
Nov’21 – Shantanu awarded the SRG Grant from the Department of Science and Technology
July’21 – Nikhil and Vaishally join the lab as Ph.D. students. Welcome!
March’21 – Shantanu awarded the Ramalingaswami Fellowship