Our Lab
Molecular Biology Laboratory is a research laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, where young and enthusiastic researchers work together to uncover the complexities of molecular biology and translate scientific discoveries into meaningful applications.
The scintillating journey of this laboratory began in 1994 under the leadership of Professor Haseena Khan, with the vision of pioneering molecular biology research in Bangladesh. The laboratory initially focused on nodule bacteria and gradually expanded its research into plant molecular biology. In 1999, the laboratory embarked on the Jute Genome Project, marking an important milestone in its journey. Early research focused on understanding the genetic diversity and molecular characteristics of jute through techniques such as RAPD and RFLP analysis. Over the years, this foundation evolved into broader research on jute genetics, genomics, fiber biogenesis, stress tolerance, molecular markers, and plant–microbe interactions. Beyond jute, the laboratory has contributed to understanding the genomics and transcriptomics of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), the national fish of Bangladesh, using next-generation sequencing and computational biology.
A new dimension was added to the laboratory's research in 2013 with the joining of Professor Mohammad Riazul Islam, who laid the groundwork for systematic identification and characterization of jute endophytic microorganisms. Since then, the laboratory has extensively explored the microbial world associated with jute, uncovering beneficial bacteria and fungi with promising applications in agriculture, biotechnology, natural product discovery, and crop improvement.
Today, the Molecular Biology Lab continues this legacy through an interdisciplinary research program encompassing microbial biotechnology, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. Our research includes the development of customized microbial consortia for faster and improved jute retting, microbial bioformulations for sustainable agriculture, and the discovery and characterization of novel microbial metabolites and antibiotics such as homicorcin. We are also developing bacteriophage-based approaches for controlling foodborne pathogens, while investigating antimicrobial resistance and microbial evolution through genomic and metagenomic approaches.
With a strong foundation built over three decades, we continue to pursue one central goal: to transform biological knowledge into innovative, sustainable, and locally relevant solutions for Bangladesh and beyond.
