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Dr. M. G. Madanan

Dr. M. G. Madanan

Biomedical Scientist | Scientist F
ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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Research Profile

Molecular Pathogenesis
Proteomics & Systems Biology
Diagnostics & Target Discovery
Translational Disease Research

Dr. M. G. Madanan is a biochemist and medical scientist whose research focuses on the molecular basis of infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on leptospirosis and other neglected and emerging infections. His research integrates biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, structural bioinformatics, and pathogen–host interaction studies to elucidate infection mechanisms and identify molecular targets for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Scientific Contributions

Molecular Pathogenesis & Protein–Host Interactions

Established the presence of leptospiral proteinases, demonstrating a membrane-associated 46-kDa gelatinase in pathogenic serovars. This foundational work evolved into characterizing leptospiral proteins involved in interactions with laminin, fibronectin, and collagen, providing vital insights into adhesion, invasion, and colonization.

Leptospiral Proteomics & Systems Biology

Using LC-MS/MS-based approaches, comparative proteomic analyses have identified pathogen-associated proteins. Studies under host-like physiological conditions have revealed dynamic changes in the outer membrane, protein export systems, and exoproteome, linking compartment-specific post-translational modifications to pathogenicity.

Diagnostics, Vaccines & Therapeutic Discovery

Evaluated conserved outer-membrane epitopes and secreted molecules for their diagnostic and immunological potential. Characterization of proteins with host-binding properties has provided key candidate molecules for diagnostic, vaccine, and therapeutic development.

Translational Infectious Disease Research

Applied computational target analysis and drug repurposing to demonstrate the activity of existing antimicrobial agents against multiple Leptospira serovars. Earlier research also identified a secreted 200-kDa glycoprotein with potential applications in the antigen-based diagnosis of filariasis.

Current Focus & Significance

Current research is centered on the molecular and environmental biology of Leptospira, emphasizing proteome-scale characterization, pathogen–host interactions, molecular determinants of host colonization, and immune modulation. An emerging area investigates environmental survival and persistence of Leptospira, alongside ecological factors enabling transmission from environmental reservoirs to humans and animals.

The research spans the continuum from fundamental molecular characterization to proteome-scale biology and translational medical research. Understanding how Leptospira survives and persists in environmental reservoirs, and how environmental exposure facilitates infection in humans and animals, is important for elucidating the transmission dynamics of leptospirosis and identifying opportunities for surveillance, prevention and control.