Anjali Shinde
Breast cancer is one of the most common cause of death in women. Understanding the
mechanism underlying the origin and progression of the cancer is important. Cancer cells
undergo metabolic reprogramming to overcome the increasing demand of energy during
cancer progression. Inflammation is known to be associated with breast cancer at several
stages. Various proinflammatory cytokines are found in the tumor niche that may affect tumor
growth. TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine is known to regulate NF-κβ mediated inflammatory
pathway. Increased levels of TNF-α has been observed in tumor microenvironment.
Mitochondria, a vital organelle of cell is evolving as a platform for various interactions. Previous
research from lab have shown various proteins like MAVS, MITA and NLRX1 interacts with
mitochondria and control mitochondrial functions. TNF-α induced metabolic changes through
NF-κβ pathway in the cancer cells might be significant in driving cancer cell proliferation and
migration. The changes in mitochondrial metabolism in presence of TNF-α may alter the
energetic status of the cells.
I am interested in understanding the TNF-α induced metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer.
The changes in the mitochondrial proteome and energetics in presence of TNF-α will be helpful
in understanding cell migration, cell death and mitochondrial functions.