Area of Specialization:
Experimental Genotoxicity
Carcinogenicity and Cancer Chemoprevention


Current R&D Activities:
Proteomics
Proteomics is extensively involved in developing approaches for determination of environmental toxicants and identification of protein biomarkers of toxicity and mapping the serum/plasma and other biological proteomes which are indicative of the toxicity and could help in understanding the complex mechanistic pathways. Our studies have involved proteomic tools like two dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization in in vivo, in vitro as well as in cancer patients (Breast cancer patients), to find out a potential biomarker of clinical utility. Furthermore, western blotting is also being involved in determining the role of cyclooxygenase-2 as a prognostic factor in cervical malignancy.

Cancer Chemopreventive Properties of Certain Dietary Constituents 
Considerable emphasis is being laid down on the use of dietary phyto-chemicals (Polyphenols of black & green tea, Indole-3-Carbinol, Diallyl Sulfide, Lupeol, Resveratrol, Bromelain) to prevent mutagenesis and carcinogenesis due to their relative non-toxic effects. For this, different bio-molecules involved in cell signaling transduction pathways are targeted to elucidate the mechanisms that activate cell death signal and induce apoptosis in cancer cells resulting in inhibition of cancer development or progression, at both genomics and proteomics level. To achieve the above objectives various techniques like western blot analysis, immune-histochemistry, flow cytometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are being employed. In addition, SiRNA technology is being applied to knockdown essentially gene of interest for elucidation of molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and determination of intervention in progression of cancer. Another study is being carried out for analyzing DNA ploidy and cell cycle of buccal mucosal cells in smokeless tobacco consumers using Flow cytometry. This study can serve as a prognostic tool for early detection of oral cancer.

Evaluation of Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Potential of Agrochemicals 
Apart from other toxic effects a majority of pesticides are known to induce genetic damage to the non-target species including the human beings. A number of pesticides, which are being used in large quantities, are reported to cause cancer. Therefore, we undertook programme for evaluation of mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of Mancozeb, Thiram, Propoxur, Quinalphos and Deltamethrin as per internationally recognized protocols in vivo animal bioassay. 

Computer based image analysis technique has been established for the evaluation of preneoplastic potential of test compounds for the assessment of carcinogenic risk in medium term animal bioassay by using immuno-histochemical and cytochemical markers. The facility of Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation assay has also been established to evaluate the mutagenecity of certain carcinogenic compounds.

Awards/Honours/ Distinctions:
Awarded by the Indian Society of Health, Environment, Education and Research, for contributions in field of Cancer Chemoprevention,  (March, 2002).

Selected Fellow of Society of Toxicology of India (2002).

Elected Member of National Academy of Medical Sciences (MNAMS), New Delhi.

Elected Member of National Academy of Sciences (MNASc), Allahabad.

Elected General Secretary, Environmental Mutagen Society of India.

General Secretary, Society of Toxicology, India.

Elected Member International Society of Tea Sciences.