Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common type of incurable systemic amyloid disease, caused by aggregation and deposition of antibody light chains produced by defective plasma cells. Due to compromised homeostasis in the aging population, plasma cell defects are more prevalent, making this an age-related disease.  Additionally, nearly 30% of multiple myeloma patients (type of blood cancer) develop AL amyloidosis. This disease affects approximately 15-20 people per million population per year (data mainly from developed countries). Diagnosis and treatment of AL amyloidosis are limited worldwide, particularly in developing countries including India. One major challenge in early diagnosis is the lack of awareness, as initial symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and low hemoglobin levels are often attributed to aging. Early diagnosis is crucial, as available treatments can significantly extend patient's lives. In contrast, late diagnosis, when fibril deposits are already present in vital organs, the disease is incurable with patients typically dying within six months of diagnosis. Another significant barrier to proper diagnosis is the scarcity of specialized amyloidosis centers and doctors with expertise in systemic amyloid diseases. Therefore, through my research, I also aim to initiate an awareness program in India to encourage early hospital visits, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life. Some ongoing efforts in this direction are outlined below:

1. The talk entitled " Understanding the protein aggregation in amyloidogenic light chains associated with AL amyloidosis: to find therapeutic interventions" was held on June 13, 2024. This event organized by Dr. Anupam Brahma, TATA Medical Center, in Kolkata aimed to explore the potential for collaborative research between clinical and basic science researchers on AL amyloidosis. Given the limited awareness and research on AL amyloidosis in the country, fostering collaboration within country is essential to address this critical issue. I am looking forward to a collaboration with TATA Medical Center, Kolkata, in the future.

2. The talk entitled " Understanding the protein aggregation in amyloidogenic light chains associated with AL amyloidosis: to find therapeutic interventions" was held on June 13, 2024. This event organized by Dr. Neeraj Sidharanthan (Clinical Professor and Head), Amrita Hospital in Kochi, aimed to explore the potential for collaborative research between clinical and basic science researchers on AL amyloidosis. I am eager to engage with Dr. Sidharanthan and his team in the future to establish a robust partnership focused on research and public awareness initiatives.

3. The talk entitled "Understanding the mechanism of protein folding and its contribution towards human diseases” Noida International University, Noida, India on 29th Nov 2023: This talk was organized by Dr. Ved Vrat Verma (Associate Professor), School of Engineering and Technology, Noida International University to make aware of their Bachelor and Master's students about the importance of research in general and how research is being conducted in foreign laboratories.