Research focus

Leukemia Biology, Bioinformatics, Medical Education

Research publications (complete citations)

Research Focus of the Lab/ Key Areas: Adipocyte Biology, Insulin Resistance, Obesity & metabolic syndrome

Projects & Funding: ICMR Extramural and AIIMS Intramural Grants

List of Lab members:

1. Mr Blessed Raj (PhD Scholar):

Mr Blessed Raj has done MSc in Medical Biochemistry from JIPMER Puducherry and got registered as PhD scholar at AIIMS in Nov 2020. His proposed work is to elucidate the role of ECM-Adipocyte communication in obesity induced adipose tissue dysfunctions

2. Dr Astha Sachan (Senior Resident):

Has done MD Thesis under my supervision titled, “Study of ECM Remodeling in adipose tissue dysfunctions in obesity” and presently working in ongoing lab projects.

She has won Mrs. Dwarka Prasad Trust Travel Grant in 2019 to present her work at 15th Asia Pacific Federation for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (APFCB) Congress; Jaipur in Nov 2019

Also won best oral paper award in AMBION 2020: National Postgraduate Update cum CME, Chandigarh, November, 2020 (Online Presentation)

3. Dr Kuntal Chakraborty (Final year MD Student):

Thesis title “A prospective study of changes in human Gut Microbiota (GM) and its association with insulin sensitivity in obese individuals undergoing Bariatric Surgery”

He has been awarded ICMR financial support for his MD thesis (Dec 2020)

4. Dr Prachi Priyadarshini (Final year MD student):

Thesis title “Study of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and its isoforms, in Obesity and their association with insulin sensitivity”

5.Dr Khushboo Sharma (Second year MD student):

Thesis titled “Assessment of Amphiregulin and CRISPLD1 as visceral adipose tissue derived modulators of cardiovascular health in obesity”

Research Work: - Laboratory of Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy

The immune system can be likened to a sophisticated army, equipped with various tools and mechanisms to protect the body from infections and cancers. However, during tumor development, cancer cells release substances that suppress the immune system, allowing the tumor to grow and spread. To combat this, researchers are focusing on developing immunotherapies that enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer. These immunotherapies target specific pathways involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. By discovering and studying the effects of natural compounds and plant extracts, scientists hope to develop safe and effective treatments for cancer that can be used in combination with existing therapies. The goal is to improve cancer management, early detection, and targeted drug delivery to prevent the progression of the disease. Our research lab utilizes advanced molecular & immunological techniques.

Extramural and Intramural Project:-

• Elucidating the targeted, therapeutic role of docetaxel-loaded-HSP70 peptide complex in PDX Mouse Models. (PI, Ongoing, ICMR)
• Role of M1 macrophage on DNA methylation and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway analysis in tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells in Breast cancer.(PI, Ongoing, AIIMS)
• Development of anti-proliferative agent form boerhaabia diffusa and citrullus colocynthis plant extract in human bladder cancer. (PI, Ongoing, AIIMS)
• Role of Macrophage in the regulation of Bone and Blood forming stem cell and progenitor cells migration and development. (PI, Completed, DBT)
• Evaluation of tumor-derived exosomes in blood during pre and post treatment of pancreatic cancer patients(PI, Completed, AIIMS)
• Development of targeted drug delivery using liposomes/nanoparticles on cancer stem cell using herbal plant extract and hsp70- tumor antigen and to evaluate its anti-tumor function. (PI,SERB, Completed)
• To emphasis the role of macrophage phenotype on mesenchymal stem cell in breast cancer. (Completed, AIIMS)
• To study the role of β-defensin on stem cells, cancer stem cells remodelling and its associated microenvironments(AIIMS, Completed)

Group members:-

• PhD thesis: completed-2; ongoing-1
• MD Thesis: Completed-1; ongoing-1
• Post Doc Fellow-1,
• Research Scientist: 1 (an ICMRfunded project)
• TARE, SERB, New Delhi—Dr. Qulsum Akhtar.
• Project Staff: 2

Current lab members: Miss Anita (CSIR-JRF); Rupinder Kaur (CSIR-SRF, NET), Dr. Sreekar; Dr. Neha Singh; Dr. Soni Kumari (Research Scientist-II); Ankit Kumar; and Bharta Sinha (DEO, AIIMS, New Delhi).

• Miss Anita 

Anita submitted her thesis in the year 2024. Her title of thesis is to elucidate the immunomodulatory and anti-tumor role of m1 macrophage on bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells: implications in breast cancer. Anita has been qualified CSIR-JRF and currently working as a research scientist in the Dept. of Pharmacology at AIIMS, New Delhi.

• Rupinder Kaur

ORCID: 0000-0002-0158-8307

Rupinder Kaur, a 4th year Ph.D. student (2020-present) and CSIR-SRF (Direct) fellow, delves into the fascinating world of cancer-immunology. Her research focuses on unraveling the immunomodulatory effects of tumor-derived exosomes on Gamma-Delta T cells. By exploring this intricate interaction, she aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Rupinder's work primarily consists of the analysis of differential micro-RNA cargo in extracellular vesicles in peripheral blood of cancer patients. She is also working on elucidating the mysteries of the change in polarity of gamma delta T cells under the effect of tumor derived extracellular vesicles. She completed her Master in Biochemistry in 2019 from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

Thesis Title: “To study the immunomodulatory effect of tumor derived exosomes in Gamma-Delta T cells.”

• Ankit Kumar

Myself, Ankit Kumar and I have done my B.Sc. in Zoology (Hons) from St. Xavier College Ranchi in 2018–21. and currently I have joined as M.Sc student and am working on a thesis titled "Differentially expressed exosomal miRNA derived from Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcionoma (PDAC)".

• Neha Singh

Qualification- PhD in Microbiology

ORCID-https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9802-0445

Current affiliation- Project Student, Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Project Title-Elucidating the targeted therapeutic role of docetaxel- loaded- HSP70 peptide complex in PDX mouse models.

Expertise- Expert in microbiology, medicinal plants, and cancer biology. Skilled in analyzing microbial interactions, identifying medicinal compounds in plants, and studying cancer cell signaling pathways. Proficient in microbiological techniques, plant extraction methods, and cancer cell culture assays. Experience in research, drug discovery, and contributing to advancements in medical science.

• Soni Kumari (Research Scientist II)

PhD in Biochemistry

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-9743-3202

I am currently working as a Research Scientist II on an ICMR-funded project titled “Elucidating the Therapeutic Role of Docetaxel-Loaded HSP Peptide Complex in PDX Mouse Model.”

• Dr. K. V. Sreekar ( MD student)

He has a strong interest in cancer and cancer immunology and is about to embark on research in breast cancer immunology. His focus will be on developing new methods to detect novel biomarkers that can aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. He has finished his M.B.B.S. from Dr. NTR university of health sciences, Andhra Pradesh.

Previous Student:-

Dr. Sonam Agarwal (ICMR- RA);Dr.. Khuswant Singh (CSIR-JRF); Dr. Kunal Kumar; Dr. Vijay Mohan (Post Doc Fellow); Pavit Singh (MBBS-STS student).

• Sonam Agarwal:- complete her work on “Detection of prostate cancer biomarker using sensitive and rapid lateral flow device with diagnostic and prognostic significance” (ICMR-RA)
• Khushwant Singh:- Submitted his thesis on Determining the immunomodulatory and antitumor function of hsp70 chemotherapeutic drug conjugates on cancer stem cells
• Marilyn Masih:-Completed her thesis on “Comparative analysis between different stage Cancer patients to discover Novel Blood – based biomarkers for detection of early stage breast cancer- A pilot study”
• Pavit Singh (MBBS-STS student) “To study the differential exosomal abundance in pancreatic cancer patients”

Research Experience:

Reviewer and Editorial Board Member:

• Frontiers in Oncology
• GENE
• Editorial board member Translational pathology and Laboratory medicine

• Editorial board member Clinical pathology and research Journal

   

Research focus of the lab:

We are a dedicated team of researchers focused on understanding the role of the R2TP complex in malignancy. The R2TP complex is a co-chaperone of Hsp90, involved in the assembly and stabilization of various macromolecular complexes in the cell. The interactions and collaborative functions of the R2TP complex with its clients remain poorly understood and unexplored. Our research delves into the molecular associations of the complex whilst cancer progression and how it can potentially be targeted for therapeutic interventions.

Additionally, we explore the functions of tumour suppressors, crucial proteins that play a pivotal role in preventing the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Understanding how these proteins operate and how they can be manipulated is a key aspect of our work.

Furthermore, our lab is also interested in the effects of genetic manipulation in mammalian inner ear cells. This area of research is important for understanding hearing loss and other inner ear disorders, and it has implications for the development of potential treatments.

We are committed to advancing knowledge in these areas and contributing to the development of novel strategies for treatment. To learn more about our ongoing projects and recent discoveries, please email

L to R: Ayesha, Pankaj, Hema, Dr Riyaz, Dhiraj and Mahaiwon

Present Lab members:

• Ms Mahaiwon Shadang, PhD student, SRF-CSIR

Mahaiwon is investigating the molecular associations and clinical significance of the R2TP complex in cervical cancer. She joined the lab in August 2017 and completed her M.Sc. Medical Biochemistry in AIIMS, New Delhi in 2019 with a thesis that analyses the expression of the R2TP complex in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma. She qualified for the CSIR NET JRF in 2017.

• Mr Dhiraj Kumar Singh, PhD Student, SRF-CSIR

Dhiraj started work at AIIMS as JRF in 2018 and enrolled as a PhD student in 2019. He studies the role of PIH1D1 (a subunit of the R2TP complex) in various phases of the cell cycle. He has completed his M.Sc. Bioinformatics from Jamia Millia Islamia University. He also qualified for the CSIR JRF in 2017 with AIR-63.

• Mr Pankaj Keshari, SRF

Pankaj’s work studies the trans-differentiation of inner ear supporting cells. This will provide insight into the development and function of supporting cells, leading to a better understanding of the biological roles these cells play.

• Hema Yadav, PhD student, JRF-DBT

Hema studies the role of the R2TP complex in the etiology of thyroid cancer. She completed her M.Sc. Medical Biochemistry in AIIMS, New Delhi in 2021. Her Master's thesis explored the role of B cells in a spectrum of Tuberculosis. She has qualified CSIR JRF and DBT JRF.

• Ayesha Rahman, PhD student, JRF-ICMR

Ayesha joined in October 2022 and works on “Effect of genetic manipulation in mammalian inner ear cells”. She completed her M.Sc. Biosciences from Jamia Millia Islamia University. She qualified ICMR JRF(AIR-51).

• Sipriha Saxena (MD Biochemistry) She joined in February 2024