User:RiturajKonwar

I am currently working in an interdisciplinary team for development of novel therapeutic molecules against endocrine cancer, particularly breast cancer and prostate cancer. We are actively involved in characterizing new entity of synthetic/natural source against both ER-positive proliferative as well as ER-negative metastatic breast cancer. After initial screening the molecular mechanism of action of the active lead compounds are studied in in vitro system. Till today a large number of compounds of synthetic, terrestrial and marine natural origin have been screened for anti-cancer breast activity using MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, PC-3 and DU-145 cell lines and identified several active molecules with their possible molecular mechanisms (Bioorg. Med Chem. 2009. 17:19, 6832-6840.; Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2010 18(13):4711-4720.). We use DMBA-induced mammary tumor model and tumor xenograft model for in vivo efficacy testing of promising molecules (Tetrahedron Letters 2007; 48(40): 7194-7198; Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2010; 20(1):283-7). I am also involved in candidate gene polymorphism studies in breast cancer and other complex diseases. Aetio-progression of breast cancer, like other cancer is suggested to be associated with inflammation and cytokines, therefore we are trying to determine the association of cytokine gene polymorphism in Indian breast cancer patient population. Gene polymorphisms of a panel of selected cytokine SNP is being screened in case control studies to identify possible association of SNP variants with risk of breast cancer in Indian population. This study is expected to identify specific cytokine SNP associated with breast cancer which in future may help in developing genetic biomarker for defining susceptibility of breast cancer in Indian population. We have found few cytokine gene polymorphisms to be associated with risk of breast cancer (Oncology Research 2009;17(8):367-72.) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (Urology 2008; 71: 868-872).