Research Projects

Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNsCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with high mortality rates worldwide. India accounts for over 30% of HNsCC cases, with 119,000 new cases and 72,626 deaths in 2018. The primary risk factors are tobacco and alcohol consumption. To manage HNsCC, biomarkers capable of accurately detecting the disease at its initial stages are crucial. Epigenetic profiling, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin accessibility, offers a promising avenue for such biomarker discovery. The research proposal aims to map the epigenetic landscape in HNsCC development and identify potential biomarkers for early detection. The study will involve a diverse cohort of individuals, using the Infinium Methylation Epic Array v2.0 to assess DNA methylation patterns. The goal is to discover crucial DNA methylation biomarkers for early diagnosis and patient prognosis.