Member Biography

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors include both nonmalignant and malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord and are the second most common type of cancer in children (after leukemia). CNS tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in pediatric patients especially children under 15. Reasons why these tumors are more prevalent in children than adults include genetic, developmental, and environmental factors. Due to the complexity involving heterogeneity & microenvironment, and limitations of the current in vitro (cell culture), animal and organoid or 3D models, solid tumor research face several significant challenges that impact the ability to study cancer biology, develop effective therapies, and translate findings into clinical applications. We study the role of developmental vulnerabilities and genetic predisposition/mutation aspects of cancers using models of embryonic and tumor derived stem cells and donor or patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells in the brain and spinal cord. We focus on mutations associated with inherited syndromes such as TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome), NF1 & NF2 (neurofibromatosis type 1 & 2) and PTCH1 (Gorlin syndrome) that increase the risk of childhood brain tumors such as medulloblastomas (arise in the cerebellum, aggressive but treatable), ependymomas (originate in the lining of the ventricles or spinal cord), pilocytic astrocytomas (benign, slow-growing tumors) and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs; highly aggressive brainstem tumors). Our research centers around target identification, drug discovery and development, biomarker analysis, and its translational cancer impact, with a particular emphasis on tumor microenvironment. By leveraging state-of-the-art methodologies—including high-throughput screening, multi-omics integration, spatial transcriptomics, advanced 3D tumor representations, and computational modeling—we aim to identify novel oncogenic drivers, develop targeted therapeutics, and refine biomarker-driven strategies for precision oncology. This work has the potential to bridge the gap between fundamental CNS research and clinical applications, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Overall, our projects align with the IUCCC’s mission to advance cancer research from bench to bedside, improving patient outcomes, overcoming therapeutic resistance, and addressing unmet clinical needs in oncology.

Post-doctoral Fellowship - Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 2016

Post-doctoral Fellowship - Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Ernakulam, Kerala, India 2011

Post-doctoral Fellowship - University of Arizona, Tucson, AS 2011

Ph.D. - University of Madras, Chennai,Tamil Nadu, India 2010