CDFD :: Molecular Oncology

The principal research interest of the lab is to comprehensively understand the biology of specific cancer types that are common in India and distinct from their western counterpart(s). Based on results obtained from nearly two decades of work performed on patient samples, our lab is currently studying the role of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex in various cancers. One or more SWI/SNF components are mutated in about 25-30% of all cancers. Given its role in mediating chromatin accessibility, SWI/SNF is expected to be a major player in almost all nuclear processes. We aim to understand its varied roles in the nucleus focussing mainly on two components namely ARID1B and ARID2. We utilise cutting edge tools in the areas of genomics, molecular genetics, molecular pathology and cell biology to study the functions of both normal and mutated forms of ARID1B/ARID2 in various cancers.

The lab is also interested in comprehensively studying an India-specific albeit poorly understood colorectal cancer subtype namely early-onset sporadic rectal cancer.

Positions-We are currently seeking potential PhD students and post docs to work on translational and basic aspects of cancer biology. Specific projects include a) characterization of non-canonical (nuclear and cytoplasmic) roles of the chromatin remodeler 'SWI/SNF' and b) identification and characterization of gene fusions, allele specific expression and alternative / novel transcript isoforms through comparative analysis of whole genome / exome / RNA Seq datasets obtained in-house as well as from elsewhere for various cancer types. Students and post docs will be given freedom to develop the project(s) as per their own interests.