Cancer Biology Laboratory

Research Interest

Research Interests: Our Laboratory focuses on the overarching themes of cancer biology, molecular mechanisms of disease progression, diagnosis and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The laboratory’s research interests encompass understanding the molecular basis of breast cancer pathogenesis, investigating the role of specific proteins in cancer stemness and progression, developing new anticancer drugs based on both synthetic and natural compounds, and exploring the genetic underpinnings of cancer through the use of cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology:

  • Development of rapid diagnostic test kits for Measles and Rubella: We are actively working to achieve the RDT kits for MR detection and confirmation using CRISPR/Cas12 gene editing tools.
  • Exploration of exosomal biogenesis and cancer pathogenesis: We are investigating the role of Prostate Tumor Overexpression 1 (PTOV1) in the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules via exosomes in breast cancer cells. Our focus is on understanding how PTOV1 influences the exosomal landscape to promote tumor progression and the implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
  • Cancer pathogenesis, stemness and metastasis:  Our work on NONO/p54nrb seeks to elucidate its role in maintaining breast cancer stem cells and facilitating tumor metastasis. Understanding the molecular pathways regulated by p54nrb will provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of cancer stemness and potential targets for therapy.
  • Utilization of CRISPR/Cas9/Cas12 b for cancer research: We leverage CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to investigate the function of novel cancer biomarkers and their role in tumorigenesis. This approach is crucial for validating potential targets for cancer therapy and understanding the complex molecular interactions in cancer.
  • Development of anticancer agents: We are actively engaged in the synthesis and evaluation of novel compounds with anticancer potential, including thiosemicarbazone derivatives and artemisinin-based drugs. By improving the pharmacological properties of these compounds, we aim to develop more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.

Current Lab members


Vivek Pandey
PhD research Scholar
Project: Investigating the role of SPT5-mediated senescence as a potential cancer therapy in lung cancer, the highest-ranked cancer type in incidence and mortality
Email: pandey.vivekanand781@gmail.com

Shivani Sharma
PhD research Scholar
Project: Research and Development of Measles and Rubella Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Kits.
Email: dcs9496@gmail.com

Piyush Kumar
PhD research Scholar
Project: Role of PTOV1 in the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules via exosomes in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Email: pkrajput1717@gmail.com

Shirani Punniyamoorthy
PhD research Scholar
Project: Elucidating The Role of NonO (Non-POU Domain Containing Octamer-Binding) Protein on Cancer Cell-derived Exosomes-mediated Lung Cancer Progression.
Email: shirani@students.sau.ac.in

Lab activities

Other activities