RESEARCH POSITIONS Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal invites applications for the post of Junior Research Fellows to work under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India funded project at Manipal School of Life Sciences, MAHE, Manipal. Research Title:
Epithelial Reprograming of HOX Genes by Epigenetic Mechanisms and its implication to Oral Cancers
Funding Agency: DBT Wellcome India Alliance Posts available: 2 Junior Research Fellows Funding Period: 2019-2024 Abstract Epigenetic regulation of HOX gene cluster contributes to oral cancer progression and influence outcome through modulation of critical cancer associated genes and stem cells. Accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to an altered transcriptome and proteome drives OC progression. The molecular changes in OC are highly varied, which in part is attributable to the heterogeneity of OC. HOX genes are involved in early development; however, some mutations have been implicated in cancer. Our preliminary data has revealed altered methylation profiles of key HOX genes in OC. Understanding the effects of epigenetic control of HOX gene expression is thus important to understand OC progression. Our proposal aims to determine the role of aberrant HOX gene methylation and their targets in OC subjects and in 3dimesional tissue reconstructs as validation models to determine the mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. The objectives of the study are: to understand the effects of HOX promoter methylation on HOX gene expression followed by validation in a panel of premalignant and malignant oral tissues; to confirm the role of aberrant expression of these HOX genes in OC pathogenesis using robust tissue engineered equivalents and patient material; to discover their diagnostic significance and therapeutic potential. Summary of the proposed research for general understanding Mouth Cancer arises due to tobacco habits resulting in altered genetic code. If not diagnosed early can lead to death. Currently, there are no reliable ways to assess the clinical outcomes or response to treatment. Cancer development shares many similarities with embryo development. A group of genes belonging to the HOX family are major regulators of embryonic development. Our previous work on these genes in mouth cancer have shown changes in its expression due to chemical modification. Additional studies on how these alterations may influence key events in mouth cancer may indicate their potential role for prediction and specific treatment. Eligibility Applicants with first class M.Sc. in any area of biological sciences with NET/BET qualification may only apply. Experience in any field of Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Cell biology, Genetics, Biochemistry is preferred. Fellowship/remuneration will be provided as per the current DBT norms. Please send full CV, research interest and names of two references to the below mentioned address within fifteen days from the date of this notification. Deputy Director - HR Manipal Academy of Higher Education Madhar Nagar, Manipal 576104 jobs@manipal.edu; mlsc@manipal.edu