Dr Sangeeta Nath’s laboratory at MIRM, MAHE Bengaluru examines how brain-supporting cells withstand toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Bengaluru, September 29, 2026: Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), a constituent unit of Manipal academy of higher education (MAHE) an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, has marked a significant research achievement, with Associate Professor Dr Sangeeta Nath from the MAHE Bengaluru campus receiving the AORP 2025–2026 Award for Outstanding Research Publication in Medical & Life Sciences.
Presented by the Vision Group on Science and Technology (VGST), Government of Karnataka, the award recognises outstanding research contributions and excellence in scientific publication.
“Dr Sangeeta Nath’s work reflects the importance of sustained fundamental research in addressing complex neurological disorders. This recognition highlights the scientific rigour and relevance of the research being undertaken at MIRM, MAHE Bengaluru. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of cellular responses associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and could inform future therapeutic research,” said Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru.
Dr Nath’s research examines how astrocytes, brain cells that support neurons, survive toxic protein aggregates that can damage or kill neurons. These aggregates include amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein, which are closely associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Research from Dr Nath’s laboratory has shown that these protein aggregates can spread directly between cells through thin connections known as tunnelling nanotubes. These nanotubes also transport cellular components such as mitochondria and lysosomes.
The research further indicates that cells reorganise their actin cytoskeleton, the structural framework that helps cells maintain their shape, when forming these nanotubes. The nanotubes may function as cellular shock absorbers by reducing the mechanical and chemical stress caused by toxic aggregates, thereby helping astrocytes survive.
“Since establishing my independent laboratory in May 2019, I have been investigating why astrocytes can survive toxic protein aggregates that often kill neurons. Our findings indicate that tunnelling nanotubes may reduce the stress caused by these aggregates and help astrocytes survive. Understanding this protective mechanism could reveal new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases,” said Dr Nath.
Healthy neurons depend on the continued functioning of glial cells such as astrocytes. A better understanding of how astrocytes withstand cellular stress could therefore support the identification of new avenues for research into neurodegenerative disorders.
The laboratory’s findings have been reported in scientific journals including BBA Molecular Basis of Disease, Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, iScience and Cell & Bioscience. The research has examined the cell-to-cell transfer of toxic protein aggregates, cytoskeletal reorganisation and the protective role of tunnelling nanotubes.
The AORP 2025–2026 Award recognises Dr Nath’s contribution to medical and life sciences research and underscores the relevance of fundamental cellular research to the continuing search for therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases.