My graduate study and doctoral training experience have provided me with strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. My research in Dr. Ronald K. Gary’s lab focused on characterizing the effects of beryllium on p53 signaling pathway in cancer cells. This work laid a strong foundation required to evaluate the effects of a previously unknown agent and investigate the signaling pathways targeted by it. We were the first to document the effects of beryllium on glioblastoma cell line. Further studies show evidence for direct role of p53 in arresting proliferation and inducing senescent like state in cancer cells. Majority of my work focused on gene and corresponding protein expression changes.
For my postdoctoral training I have joined the lab of Dr. Ronald R. Fiscus with the objective of evaluating the the role of kinases in various health conditions. Current research involves investigating the role of a protein kinase PKG-1 a key players in nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway in cancers, specifically ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. Available research shows that NO plays a key role in pathogenesis, prevention and possibly in treatment of pancreatic cancer. Recent studies show a close link between pancreatic cancer and Insulin use in patients with type 2 diabetes. Present work is focused on studying the role of nitric oxide signaling specifically PKG-I in relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer.