Addressing STIL as major driver of drug resistance in colorectal cancer, independent of Shh pathway.
Indian Council of Medical Research [ICMR]
Research Summary
The rising incidence and a younger predisposition towards colorectal cancers in Indian Population necessitate understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the origin and progression of this largely preventable lifestyle related disease. With this objective our team has focused on two aspects; one includes, in understanding the hierarchical organization of colorectal tumors. The main emphasis is on unraveling the niche required for maintaining a cancer stem cell like state. The other work we are into involves in studying the molecular cross talks between signaling pathways pertinent for tumorogenesis and drug resistance. Using in vitro models, clinical specimens and orthotopic model systems we aim to understand the role of stemness regulating genes such as FoxM1, its intercations with Cell cycle proteins, and drug resistance initiating genes like ABCG2, MRP1 in tumor progression and relapse in Post chemo RT clinical colorectal samples which we acquire from the Regional Cancer Centre Trivandrum. Similarly, we are studying the FoxM1 isoform specific regulation of CDK1 gene expression in invitro models. The strength of our study lies in translating the molecular findings towards clinical scenario. A young team with a big dream keeps us going in our pursuit of Science.
Ongoing Research Programs
- NIR dyes and PDT, application in cancer therapeutics and Imaging
- FOXM1 in Redox homeostasis , drug resistance and cancer stem cell heterogeneity
- Interactions of FOXM1 and cdk1 in cell cycle and cancer progression
- Identification of Colon and Endometrial Tumor progenitor cells and elucidation of the molecular pathways post chemo RT in clinical scenario
Completed Research Programs
- IL-6 activated STAT-3 gene silencing by small interfering RNA: a therapeutic approach to breast cancer
- Study on chemosensitizing properties of Indirubin, a CDK inhibitor in CML- Blast Crisis cells
- Investigation of functional role of cyclin dependant kinase subunit 1 (cks1) in tumor initiation and progression
Current Research Grants
-
2025 2022
Previous/ Completed Research Grants
-
DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL NIR ABSORBING SENSITIZERS AND THEIR NANOCONJUGATES FOR THE MULTIMODAL CANCER IMAGING AND THERAPY (Multi institutional RGCB, NIIST, CSIR-NEIST)
2017-2020MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF DRUG RESISTANCE IN COLORECTAL CANCER: TUMOR STEM LIKE CELLS AS UNIQUE TARGETS IN RESIDUAL DISEASE (COLLABORATIVE)-DBT
Department of Biotechnology [DBT] 2013-2016TRANSCRIPTIONAL AND TRANSLATIONAL PROFILING IF DRUG RESISTANT GENES FOLLOWINGTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION IN COLORECTAL CANCER: A REGIONAL STUDY.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2013-2016FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF FORK HEAD BOX PROTEIN, FOXM1B IN CDK1 TURNOVER-A MOLECULAR ANALYSIS
Department of Science & Technology [DST] 2013-2016INDIRUBIN A CDK INHIBITOR, TO ENHANCE CYTOTOXICITY AND APOPTOSIS IN CML-BLAST CRISIS CELSS- A PRECLINICAL EVALUATION
Indian Council of Medical Research [ICMR] 2010-2013IL-6 ACTIVATED STAT-3 GENE SILENCING BY SMALL INTERFERING RNA: A THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO BREAST CANCER
DAE/BRNS 2009-2012DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL BIODEGRADABLE DRUG RELEASING POLYMER SYSTEMS FOR CANCER THERAPY
Department of Biotechnology [DBT] 2008-2011PEROXISOMAL PROLIFERATOR ACTIVATED RECEPTOR? (PPAR?), A TUMOR PROMOTER OR TUMOR INHIBITOR IN BREAST CANCER?
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research [CSIR] 2008-2011TUMOR PRIMORDIAL CELLS IN COLORECTALCANCER: IMPLICATIONS FOR SURGICAL MARGINS AND MINIMAL RESIDUAL DISEASE ((Multicentric Project)
Department of Biotechnology [DBT] 2008-2011DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES OF NOVEL SENSITIZERS FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (Multicentric Project )
Department of Science & Technology [DST] 2006-2009PROSPECTIVE IDENTIFICATION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TUMOR PROGENITOR CELLS IN BREAST CANCERS (Multicentric Project)
Department of Biotechnology [DBT] 2006-2009
Collaborations
-
Collaborators National & International
1. Dr. Suresh Rayala, Associate Professor, Dept. Of Biotechnology,IIT Chennai
2. Dr.D. Ramaiah, Scientist EII , NIIST Tvpm
3. Dr. Srinivas , NIISER Bhuvaneswar, Orrisa
4. Dr. Vinod Kumar , G. Scientist, Chemical Biology, RGCB
5. Dr. Ajaikumar Kunnumakkara, Associate Professor, IIT Guwahati
6. Dr. Chandramohan, K, Associate Professor, Surgical Oncology,Regional Cancer Centre, Tvpm
7. Dr. Jem Prabhakar , Associate Professor, Surgical Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Tvpm
8. Dr. Kalesh, MCH, Surgeon,Medical College, Tvpm
9. Dr Alan Prem Kumar, Research Assistant Professsor, Dept of Pharmacology, NUS, SINGAPORE
10. Dr. Vinay Tergoankar, Senior Principal Investigator, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, SINGAPORE
