.jpg "Himanshi Bhatia, PhD photo")
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Washington University
My research interests are focused on utilising patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) as a tool to identifying the genetic aberrations prevalent in sarcomas that will further help us in understanding MPNST biology. Aneuploidy is a common hallmark seen in cancers; such chromosomal regions are home to driver genes that are responsible for malignant transformation of various tumors. Using PDX, cell culture models, and clinical features from patient samples, we aim to identify driver mutations present in aneuploid chromosomal regions. Molecular characterisation of such genes will identify multiple candidates that can either serve as biomarkers or as potential drug targets. Additionally, by identifying the interacting partners of the affected genes/proteins, all cancer-related pathways affected in MPNST can be identified. Generation of such molecular networks can pave the way for a robust model for MPNST diagnosis and patient survival analysis.
