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Clinical Group Endophenotype Group Genetics and Stem Cell Group Molecular disturbances involving multiple genes contribute to the complexity of psychiatric disorders, requiring a focus on cellular and molecular changes. Advances in stem cell technology allow us to investigate specific molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders and offer insights into genetic variations and their effects on neuronal functioning in neural cell models using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This offers potential for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. How We Work Together Dr Biju Viswanath Lead Investigator, Bipolar Disorder Cohort Dr. Meera Purushottam Senior Scientific Officer, Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Suhas Ganesh Clinician Scientist, MQ: Transforming Mental Health Fellow, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Reeteka Sud Lab Senior Scientist, Department of Psychiatry Facilities ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai High-Content Imaging System Molecular Devices Zeiss Microscope Centrifuge Novo Light Microscope Incubator Incubator Storage 4C Fridge Light Microscope Imaging System Centrifuge ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai High-Content Imaging System Molecular Devices Zeiss Microscope Centrifuge Novo Light Microscope Incubator Incubator Storage 4C Fridge Light Microscope Imaging System Centrifuge ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai High-Content Imaging System Molecular Devices Zeiss Microscope Centrifuge Novo Light Microscope Incubator Incubator Storage 4C Fridge Light Microscope Imaging System Centrifuge ImageXpress Confocal HT.ai High-Content Imaging System Molecular Devices Zeiss Microscope Centrifuge Novo Light Microscope Incubator Incubator Storage 4C Fridge Light Microscope Imaging System Centrifuge Affiliated Labs and Centre Molecular Genetics Laboratory (MGL) Bhalla Lab Padinjat Lab ADBS Data Centre Featured Publications Prasad G, P. et al. (2025b) “Unstable FGF14 GAA repeat expansions in Indian ataxia patients: a broader phenotype and involvement of modifier loci?,” Journal of Human Genetics, pp. 1–7. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s10038-025-01390-6 . Parthaje, S. et al. (2025) “CAG Repeat Instability and Region-Specific Gene Expression Changes in the SCA12 Brain,” The Cerebellum, 24(3), p. 60. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12311-025-01808-z . Karunakaran, K.B., Jain, S., Widera, D. et al. Spatial and functional profiles distinguish target sets of Parkinson’s disease and antipsychotic drugs with different clinical effects. Transl Psychiatry 15, 124 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03351-1 Cabrera-Mendoza, B. et al. (2025) “Equitable Collaboration Between LMIC and HIC Researchers, Part I: A Preliminary Framework for Capacity Building in Psychiatric Genetics Research,” American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics, n/a(n/a), p. e33042. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.33042 . Phalnikar, K. et al. (2024) “Altered neuroepithelial morphogenesis and migration defects in iPSC-derived cerebral organoids and 2D neural stem cells in familial bipolar disorder,” Oxford Open Neuroscience, 3, p. kvae007. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/oons/kvae007 . Vinod, P. et al. (2024) “Does Apolipoprotein E polymorphism play a role in familial Alzheimer’s Dementia,” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 20(S1), p. e087257. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.087257 .

Newsletter Issue 1 | July 2026 Click the image to flip through the newsletter, or download the PDF here

Clinical Group Genetics and Stem Cell Group Endophenotype Group Endophenotypes are measurable and heritable traits or behaviors linked to a disorder, that sit between the genetic factors and the observable symptoms of the condition. Psychiatric disorders are increasingly viewed as neurodevelopmental disorders, which are influenced by genetic, epigenetic & environmental factors. These clues offer insights into genetic underpinnings of these disorders. Utilising endophenotypes derived from various assessments like neuroimaging can enhance the reliability of research on brain function. Dr. John P. John Professor, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Venkatasubramanian Ganesan Professor, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Jitender Saini Professor, Department of Neuro Imaging & Interventional Radiology Dr Bharath Holla Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Dr. Sreeraj V S Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Affiliated Labs and Centre ADBS Neuroimaging Centre (ANC) Centre for Brain Mapping (CBM) Translational Psychiatry Lab (TransPsych) Multi-modal Brain Imaging Analysis Lab (MBIAL) Facilities Eye Tracking Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) MRI Scanner Philips Ingenia 3.0T CX MRI EEG Featured Publications Parekh P, Vivek Bhalerao G; ADBS consortium, John JP, Venkatasubramanian G. Sample size requirement for achieving multisite harmonization using structural brain MRI features. Neuroimage. 2022;264:119768. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119768 Lakkireddy SP, Balachander S, Dayalamurthy P, et al. Neurocognition and its association with adverse childhood experiences and familial risk of mental illness. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2022;119:110620. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110620 Bhalerao GV, Parekh P, Saini J, Venkatasubramanian G, John JP; ADBS consortium. Systematic evaluation of the impact of defacing on quality and volumetric assessments on T1-weighted MR-images. J Neuroradiol. 2022;49(3):250-257. doi:10.1016/j.neurad.2021.03.001 Parekh P, Bhalerao GV, Rao R, et al. Protocol for magnetic resonance imaging acquisition, quality assurance, and quality check for the Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain disorders using Stem cells. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2021;30(3):e1871. doi:10.1002/mpr.1871 Holla B, Dayal P, Das A, et al. Transdiagnostic neurocognitive endophenotypes in major psychiatric illness. medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). February 2020. doi:10.1101/2020.02.14.20022863

Participate in Our Research Be a part of our groundbreaking research initiatives by volunteering! You can explore the dedicated pages for each research group to learn more about the innovative studies our scientists are conducting. Our research delves into understanding the complexities behind severe psychiatric illnesses. Our studies may involve - non-invasive methods like EEG recordings, where sensors are placed on the scalp to capture brainwave activity MRI brain scans simple measurements of button-press responses or eye movements blood sample which will be used for genetic and stem cell studies For more information, please read the “Information & Consent Forms” (links to the PDF documents in various languages are given below) If you are eager to participate as a research volunteer, you can register by filling out the form below . Once registered, we will reach out to you when a suitable study becomes available. Your involvement plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the human brain, and we welcome you to be a part of our exciting journey in pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Information and Consent Forms (PDF) Control (Unaffected Persons) Patient Relatives English Kannada Hindi Tamil Telugu Malayalam English Kannada Hindi Tamil Telugu Malayalam English Kannada Hindi Tamil Telugu Malayalam

About Us Through deep interrogation of brain networks via brain imaging and clinical electrophysiology as well as sub-cellular networks using molecular and cellular analysis, we aim to move towards a better mechanistic understanding of these disorders. These findings should lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with psychiatric disorders as well as fundamental new insights into the function of the human brain. Changes in the structure and function of the brain that result in mental illness are poorly understood. Neither do we know why some individuals are more prone to developing mental illness than others. Studying these underlying changes in the brain will likely lead to better methods to diagnose and treat mental illness. Our Objecti ves Investigate Psychiatric Disorders & Establish Databases Establish and investigate a large cohort of families with severe psychiatric illnesses & healthy controls Establish an informative, digital database of research outcomes alongside a repository of biological samples Research Focus Understand the causes, connections and courses of severe psychiatric illnesses Explore potential interventions and treatments Advanced Techniques Employ advanced techniques in imaging, genetics, and stem cell biology towards understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these disorders Open Source and Collaboration Commit to openness and collaboration by making the database and repository open-source Emphasise public engagement and community outreach Nodal Centres Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is a world-renowned, multi-disciplinary centre for patient care, academics and cutting-edge research in the field of mental health and neuroscience. With its history dating back to 1847, the Central Government recognized its eminent academic position, growth and contributions, and declared it a ‘Deemed University’ in 1994. In 2012, NIMHANS was conferred the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance’. National Centre for Biological Sciences The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), located in Bangalore, is part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Established in 1992, It is a premier research institute with research interests of faculty members lying in the frontier areas of biology, and the science at NCBS (a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) uses experimental and computational approaches in the study of molecules, cells and organisms. Funding Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies , led by Rohini Nilekani, is a catalyst for positive social change in India. With a focus on education, water conservation, healthcare, and social justice, the foundation collaborates with diverse stakeholders to implement innovative solutions. Prioritising community empowerment and amplifying marginalised voices, it strategically invests for lasting impact. Board of Advisors Prof Mriganka Sur Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, USA Prof Matcheri Keshavan Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, USA Prof Mani Ramaswami Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland Prof PSVN Sharma Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India

Contact Us Phone 080-26995791 Email cbm.nimhans@gmail.com Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message I want to subscribe to updates from CBM NIMHANS Send Thanks for submitting!

Facilities Clinical and Endophenotype Stem Cell Laboratory Molecular Genetics Laboratory Bioinformatics Stem Cell Laboratory Cell culture facility (80 m²) 1 A dedicated, sterile, air-flow controlled workspace for culture of primary and stem cells Biosafety Cabinets 4 Provide a sterile, air-flow controlled work environment for cell culture CO₂ Incubators 6 Provide a controlled environment to grow cells Fluorescence Microscopes 2 Used to visualise fluorescently labelled cells Phase-contrast Microscopes 2 Used to image live, unstained cells Neon Electroporator 1 Allows gene delivery via electroporation Amaxa Nucleofector 1 High-efficiency nucleic acid transfection Heated Incubators 3 Temperature-controlled storage/growth LN₂ Cryotanks 5 Long-term cryogenic cell storage Ultra-low Freezers (−80°C) 6 Biobanking at ultra-low temperatures −30°C Freezers 4 Medium-term sample storage Refrigerators 2 Sample and reagent storage High-content Imaging System 1 Automated, high-throughput cell imaging Autoclave 1 Equipment & media sterilization Spectrophotometer 1 Sample absorbance/concentration measurement Clinical and Endophenotype Facilities Eye Tracking Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Magnetic resonance imaging Philips Ingenia 3.0T CX MRI Electroencephalography

Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement At the Centre for Brain and Mind, NIMHANS (CBM-NIMHANS), Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) shapes how we think about research, communication, and public dialogue on mental illnesses. Our work is informed by the understanding that knowledge in this field is produced not only through laboratories, clinics, and publications, but also through lived experience, community interaction, and everyday encounters with care and stigma. What is PPIE? Patient and public involvement and engagement is a research practice where people with lived experience (PwLE) of health conditions (patients), their caregivers, members of the public and communities work together with scientists at every stage of research. Rather than research being done about people, it is done with and for them. Within the Indian context of mental illness - where silence, hierarchy, and unequal access continue to influence who is heard - PPIE offers ways to engage more inclusively. Who can be involved? You don’t need any research background to get involved, and it’s not just for people with a mental health condition. Caregivers, family members, and others in the community all have valuable perspectives to share. Persons with lived experience (PwLE) of a mental illness Family members of PwLE Caregivers of PwLE People from communities & organisations that support PwLE Who does PPIE benefit & how? Involving patients and the public in research has multiple benefits for both researchers and those involved - Better quality of research More relevant research goals Brings real-world perspective to theoretical problems Increases accessibility to researchers and their work Provides accountability to the public If you’re a member of the public interested in PPIE If you are a patient, caregiver, or member of the public who is interested in joining the CBM-NIMHANS PPIE community, fill out our registration form here . If you’re a researcher interested in PPIE To learn more about our PPIE work or to explore potential collaborations, please email us at cbm.nimhans@gmail.com Resources UK Standards for Public Involvement Read More Involving People Read More Patient & Public Involvement Resources - PenARC Read More PPIE Resources for Researchers - NIHR Newcastle Read More Learning for Involvement - NIHR Read More To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

In the News 2026-03-25 Nimhans unveils digital repository for mental health research Researchers and clinicians aim to study neuropsychiatric diseases in the Indian context to understand them for early intervention, progression, and underlying causes. Know more 2026-03-25 India’s first repository of major psychiatric disorders, CALM-Brain, launched in Bengaluru The database, built on Indian patient data, will be made open source, opening it up for clinicians and researchers aiming to study neuropsychiatric disorders Know more 2026-03-25 India's mental health database launched in Bengaluru to decode psychiatric disorders CALM-Brain, a first-of-its-kind, large-scale indigenous mental health research database released Wednesday Know more 2026-01-20 The Dichotomy of Science: “Mind the Gap” | India Alliance DBT Wellcome Science is often described as flowing from discovery to clinic. Biju Viswanath’s current ran the other way. Know more 2025-11-10 Awareness, not algorithms, must guide mental health: Neurologists at Manotsava in Bengaluru Know more 2025-04-05 Stabilizing DNA Repeats: New Study Shows Promising Path To Treat SCA12 The study findings suggest that protecting DNA from mutations in brain cells could offer a viable treatment strategy for SCA12. Know more 2025-04-02 Making research inclusive: Bringing patients and the public into the fold Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement is transforming research around the globe - will India chime in? Know more 2024-10-30 ADHD to anxiety—Bengaluru’s mental health festival destigmatises disorders, diseases The festival, Mannotsava, was co-hosted by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences. Know more 2024-10-10 Understanding Mental Health Across the Lifespan: A Conversation with Dr Biju Viswanath Do long working hours lead to mental illness, and if so, will it be untreatable? These are questions many of us grapple with while navigating workplace challenges. In this interview, Dr Biju Viswanath, a Clinical and Public Health Intermediate Fellow, addresses some related concerns. Know more Read More

Genetics and Stem Cell Group Endophenotype Group Clinical Group Psychiatric disorders commonly emerge in young adulthood and significantly impact career choices and lifespan. Early onset of symptoms, usually before age 24, underscores the need for comprehensive support and intervention. The absence of a clear link between genes and observable traits makes treatment plans more complex. The neuropsychiatric disorders we study often have origins in early development, necessitating a shift towards understanding developmental trajectories. How We Work Together Dr Y C Janardhan Reddy Lead Investigator, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Cohort Dr. Vivek Benegal Lead Investigator, Addiction Cohort Dr Biju Viswanath Lead Investigator, Bipolar Disorder Cohort Dr. PT Sivakumar Co-Investigator, Dementia Cohort Dr. Vijay Kumar K.G. Co-Investigator, Schizophrenia Cohort Dr Jayant Mahadevan Co-Investigator, Addiction Cohort Dr. Preethi V. Reddy Co-Investigator, Bipolar Disorder Cohort Dr. Lekhansh Shukla Co-Investigator, Addiction Cohort Dr. Srinivas Balachander Co-Investigator, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Cohort Dr Suhas Satish Co-Investigator, Schizophrenia Cohort Dr. Vijaykumar S Harbishettar Co-Investigator, Dementia Cohort Affiliated Labs & Centres Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS Schizophrenia & Metabolic Clinic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinic Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM) Geriatric Clinic Featured Publications Nayok, S.B. et al. (2025) “Gaze fixation stability is a transdiagnostic marker of major psychiatric disorders: A high-density family-based study.” medRxiv, p. 2025.06.23.25330103. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.23.25330103 . Durbagula, S. et al. (2024) “Genetic insights into male autism spectrum disorder in a small cohort of Indian simplex families: findings from whole exome sequencing,” General Psychiatry, 37(6), p. e101606. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2024-101606 . Muthukumaran, M. et al. (2024) “Shared deficits of education, marital and occupational functioning in unaffected siblings of multiple affected families with major psychiatric illness,” Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 101, p. 104216. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104216 . Lakkireddy SP, Balachander S, Dayalamurthy P, et al. Neurocognition and its association with adverse childhood experiences and familial risk of mental illness. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2022;119:110620. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110620 Vinod, P. et al. (2024) “Does Apolipoprotein E polymorphism play a role in familial Alzheimer’s Dementia,” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 20(S1), p. e087257. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.087257 .