Research & Development:

Prime motto of our research is to provide sustainable future for all through One Health approach. We work on key objectives of UN sustainable development including good health and well-being; sustainable ecology and agriculture. Our research quest involves global, national and local issues.


Esophageal squamous cell cancer:

Our efforts are focused on discovering early diagnostic markers, therapeutics targets and drug molecules for the prevention/cure of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Among malignant tumors formed in the digestive tract, ESCC is known to present with the worst prognosis. Most cases of esophageal cancer are discovered at an advanced stage and has a 5-year survival rate of only about 15–25%. The contemporary gene targeted therapeutic approach has just 5 targets that are being researched and are multi-cancer targets. Therefore, it requires a fresh approach towards identifying new promising early diagnostic markers, therapeutic targets and drug molecules.

Microbiome in ESCC: The human body harbors an enormous number of microbiota that influence cancer susceptibility, in part, via their prodigious metabolic capacity and their profound influence on immune cell function. Microbial pathogens drive tumorigenesis in 15–20% of cancer cases including ESCC. Substantial evidence suggests that the microbiome plays a crucial role in the development of ESCC. Microorganisms require the presence of a few specific metals to carry out metabolic functions and hence frequently compete with host cells through the use of transporters and other acquisition mechanisms. By machine learning approach, we study combinations of key genes in conjunction with clinical parameters of participants, abundance of microbial strains and trace metals for discovering diagonostic and therapeutic value markers.

ESCC ATLAS: ESCC ATLAS is a manually curated molecular database for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC). This was created by integrating genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic ESCC-related genes from the published literature. It comprises of >3000 genes associated to molecular events such as, altered transcription, altered translation, structural variations, SNPs, altered DNA methylation, Histone modifications and miRNA based regulation in ESCC.

    Publications on ESCC
  • Tungekar A, Mandarthi S, Mandaviya PR, Gadekar VP, Tantry A, Kotian S, Reddy J, Prabha D, Bhat S, Sahay S, Mascarenhas R, Badkillaya RR, Nagasampige MK, Yelnadu M, Pawar H, Hebbar P, Kashyap MK. ESCC ATLAS: A population wide compendium of biomarkers for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 24;8(1):12715. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-30579-3. PMID: 30143675
  • Alotaibi A*, Gadekar VP*, Gundla PS, Mandarthi S, Jayendra N, Thungekar A, Lavanya BV, Bhagavath AK, Cordero MW, Pitkaniemi J, Niazi SK, Upadhya R, Bepari A, Hebbar P., Global Comparative Transcriptomes Uncover Novel and Population-Specific Gene Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.Infect Agent Cancer. 2023 Aug 28;18(1):47. doi: 10.1186/s13027-023-00525-8. PMID: 37641095
  • Alotaibi A*, Gadekar VP*, Gundla PS, Mandarthi S, Ravi S, Mallya D, Thungekar A, Lavanya BV, Bhagavath AK, Cordero MW, Pitkaniemi J, Raviraja NS, Bepari A, Hebbar P., A comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression profiles of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma reveals downregulation of Desmoglein 1 and crucial genomic targets., Cancer Biomarkers, 2024 Jan 1, 1–23. doi: 10.3233/CBM-230145. PMID: 38073377

      • Microbiome and Health:

      Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health issue with far-reaching implications. AMR undermines the effectiveness of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and other antimicrobial drugs. This compromises the ability to treat infections, leading to prolonged illness, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs. The interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health necessitates a One Health approach to tackle AMR comprehensively. Research and policies should address antimicrobial use and resistance across human healthcare, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and the environment.

      Meta Biosciences aims to develop policies for promoting antimicrobial stewardship, rational use of antimicrobials, and infection prevention and control practices for preserving the effectiveness of existing drugs. Further, education and awareness campaigns to help change public and healthcare provider behaviors regarding antibiotic use.

      Sustainable Ecosystem and Agriculture:

      The ecosystem of plants is greatly benefited by beneficial microorganisms found in the environment. These beneficial effects include nutrient fixation and solubilization, phytohormone production, plant phenology, improved yield, production of essential nutrients (Fe, P, K) for plant Stress Management and beneficial metal nutrient elements (like Co, Fe, Mn, Cu, Mo, Ni, Zn) are and many others. Certain microbes are capable of breaking down pollutants, including hydrocarbons and industrial effluents, which can help remediate contaminated soils and water. Understanding the depth of microbiome diversity in any particular environment is made possible by the newest and most cutting-edge technologies. By machine learning approach, We study soil and water microbiomes in order to assist sustainable agriculture and the environment.

        Publications:
      • Hebbar P, Kay D, Han BO, Yan XN, Chu YK, Woon SKJ, Kabekkodu SP, Prasad ASB, Prakash B, Lun KP, Nograles N, Kanakal MM, Mascarenhas R. Characterization of Microbiome Diversity Unveils Substantial Microbial Variation in Mangrove Soils from Coastal Regions of Malaysia., In revision