A Molecular Cancer Biologist by training from The George Washington University, Washington D.C, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, USA, I am a biomedical scientist and Principal Investigator specializing in translational oncology, molecular genetics, and cellular signaling. My research centers on understanding how cancer cells perceive, process, and adapt to physical and biochemical cues in their microenvironment. By investigating ECM remodelling, EMT plasticity and mechanotransduction—the biomechanical pathways driving tumor progression—and dissecting complex protein kinase signaling networks (including PKD2 pathways), my laboratory seeks to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in aggressive malignancies, such as high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Bridging fundamental biochemistry with translational cancer pharmacology, our group integrates synthetic biomaterials, molecular biology, and high-throughput drug screening pipelines to translate bench side discoveries into targeted cancer therapeutics.
I love and live by Research:
- Global Research Footprint: 15+ years of experience in cutting-edge biomedical research experience across premiere institutions in USA and India including University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, USA and Banaras Hindu University, India
- Extramural Funding: Secured over ₹1.55 Crores in competitive research grants as Principal Investigator (PI) from elite national bodies (DBT, ICMR, UP-CST)
- Research Outputs: 33 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals including Molecular Cancer Research, Journal of Biological Chemistry and BBA-Reviews on Cancer
- Corresponding Author: 18 with 12 Q1 publications as corresponding author
- Q1 Publications: 16
- Citation Metrics: Citations: 1014+ | h-index: 19 | i10-index: 22
- Book Chapter published: 4
- Intellectual Property: 1 Patent filed (Provisional, 2024) for target-driven nano-formulated therapeutics
I am an academician too:
- Successfully supervised 2 PhDs (Degrees Awarded) with 5 ongoing and mentored over 13 UG/PG dissertations
- Program Leader, B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry, 2021-2024 Batch, M.Sc. (Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology and Molecular Cancer Biology) 2025-2027 and 2026-2028batches
- Member of several institutional committees including Research Advisory Committee, Student Admission Board, University Anti-Ragging Squad and Alumni Relations Committee
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Research Interests:
Cancer Cell Signalling | Molecular Oncology | Protein Kinase D Biology in Cancer | Extracellular Matrix in Cancer | Cancer Pharmacology | Cancer Metabolism | Cancer Therapeutics | Targeted Drug Delivery | Epithelial Ovarian Cancer | Castration-resistant Metastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Cancer Cell Signalling | Molecular Oncology | Protein Kinase D Biology in Cancer | Extracellular Matrix in Cancer | Cancer Pharmacology | Cancer Metabolism | Cancer Therapeutics | Targeted Drug Delivery | Epithelial Ovarian Cancer | Castration-resistant Metastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma
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Research Vision:
To decipher the molecular mechanisms governing tumour progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in ovarian and prostate cancers through integrative approaches involving signalling biology, extracellular matrix remodelling, and tumour microenvironment interactions, and to translate these discoveries into innovative therapeutic interventions via biochemical and multi-omics approaches.
To decipher the molecular mechanisms governing tumour progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in ovarian and prostate cancers through integrative approaches involving signalling biology, extracellular matrix remodelling, and tumour microenvironment interactions, and to translate these discoveries into innovative therapeutic interventions via biochemical and multi-omics approaches.
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Research Programmes:
Theme 1: Targeting the PKD/LAMA5 Signaling Axis in Refractory Ovarian Cancers: Expanding upon current DBT/UP-CST funded frameworks to dissect how the Protein Kinase D and Laminin α5 crosstalk drives mechanotransduction networking and chemoresistance in high grade serous ovarian cancer.
Theme 1: Targeting the PKD/LAMA5 Signaling Axis in Refractory Ovarian Cancers: Expanding upon current DBT/UP-CST funded frameworks to dissect how the Protein Kinase D and Laminin α5 crosstalk drives mechanotransduction networking and chemoresistance in high grade serous ovarian cancer.
Theme 2: Translational Development of Nano-Formulated Metal-Based Complexes: Preclinical evaluation and target validation of novel, provisional-patented Zinc (II) trinuclear and Schiff-Base platforms against castration-resistant prostate adenocarcinomas.
Theme 3: Metabolic Reprogramming & Microenvironment Interventions: Mapping the cellular intersections of the Warburg effect, microbial dysbiosis, and exosomal micro-RNA transport under hypoxic stress profiles.