Debolina Ganguly, Ph.D. Oncology Drug Discovery

Projects:

1. Investigating the role of the Y705 and S727 phosphorylation domains of STAT3 in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Published.

2. Understanding the role of the BRG1 subunit of the SWI/SNF complex in GBM tumor initiating cell maintenance and tumorigenesis. Published. Patent Application: Bromodomain inhibitors to target therapy-resistant cancer.

3. Identification of Apela as a potential biomarker of GBM and other cancers. Published. Invention Disclosure: ELA as a biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer

Responsibilities:

· Developed an inducible STAT3 knockdown model in glioblastoma CSCs to investigate gene function and therapeutic response.

· Subcloned DNA constructs and generated stable CSC lines using viral transduction techniques.

· Applied a range of molecular and cellular techniques including RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting, ChIP assays, and immunohistochemistry for biomarker and pathway validation.

· Analyzed microarray and RNA-Seq datasets, along with published literature, to identify and prioritize novel therapeutic targets.

· Designed and executed in vitro and in vivo experiments for target validation and mechanistic studies.

· Conducted in vitro drug screening in 96-well format using CellTiter-Glo assays to identify additive/synergistic drug combinations for preclinical studies.

· Interpreted and summarized experimental results in comprehensive reports for internal and external review.

· Provided direction and mentorship to laboratory personnel and medical residents, including

guidance on experimental design, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring.

· Contributed to manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publication.

Project:

Expression of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) isozymes in the human breast cancer cell line models MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 and the normal breast cell line model MCF-10A

Responsibilities:

· Subcloned DNA constructs to support the study of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) isoforms in breast cancer models.

· Isolated and purified Glutathione S-Transferase (GST)-tagged recombinant cPLA2α protein using column chromatography for antibody generation.

· Assessed antibody specificity and cross-reactivity via dot-blot assays using purified maltose-binding protein (MBP)-tagged cPLA2 isozyme proteins.

· Performed immunohistochemistry to determine subcellular localization of cPLA2 isozymes in human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7) and the non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A).

· Conducted Western blot analyses to evaluate cPLA2 isozyme expression in human breast cancer and normal breast tissue samples.