Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent malignancy in Indian males and is associated with extensive genetic heterogeneity. Commonly associated alterations include TMPRSS2-ERG translocations, NKX3.1 downregulation, MYC upregulation etc. Our lab explores the genetic and epigenetic changes in PCa leading to the observed racial disparity particularly seen among Indian men .
A landmark study by our group demonstrated that high expression of DLX1 (Distal-less homeobox) gene often correlates with poor patient prognosis. I will carry out a holistic molecular profiling of DLX1- positive tumors in advanced and metastatic stages. This would further help elucidate alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome the emerging resistance of DLX1-positive tumors to BETi ( Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) protein inhibitor) and thereby improve the overall clinical management of PCa patients.