Research
Ongoing Projects
1. Development of medical devices for cosmetology and regenerative medicine.
Medical devices that aid in cosmetology surgeries and regenerative therapies are much needed. Prototype development for such devices was funded by BIRAC, Delhi under the BIG scheme. We have point-of-care products that are biocompatible, sterile and easy-to-use. Pilot studies and market-ready product development is underway.
More details coming soon.
2. Profilin regulates breast cancer progression.
Profilins are actin-modulating proteins regulating many intracellular functions based on their multiple and diverse ligand interactions. They have been implicated to play a role in many pathological conditions such as allergies, cardiovascular diseases, muscular atrophy, diabetes, dementia and cancer. Post-translational modifications of profilin 1 can alter its properties and subsequently its function in a cell. In a recent study, we identify increased expression of profilin 1 in human breast cancer patients from Indian population and also demonstrated the importance of phosphorylation of profilin 1 at serine 137 (S137) residue in breast cancer progression. Phosphoprofilin (pS137) enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation in breast adenocarcinoma cells, MCF7 (Rizwani, W et al, PLOS ONE Aug2014). However, its effect on the formation of primary tumors and progression of tumorigenesis/metastasis needs to be determined. Our current studies are focused towards this investigation (funded by DST, Delhi).
3. Factors influencing molecular changes in cervical cancer progression and scope for developing novel screening methods.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly occurring cancer in women and the eighth most commonly occurring cancer overall. There were over 500,000 new cases in 2018. In India, cervical cancer deaths stand second in cancer-related deaths in women. Every year, an estimated 60,000 deaths occur due to cervical cancer. Regular screenings and HPV vaccinations can significantly reduce mortality. HPV infections may be the primary cause but other factors are required for the cancer to develop. Cigarette smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) can increase the possibility of cancer progression. Our recent studies demonstrate modulations in many proteins due to CS exposure. Could these molecules become good screening agents for cervical cancer needs to be investigated?
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