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.