- Cancer research: This involves studying the molecular and cellular basis of cancer to identify new targets for therapy. Researchers may look for new drugs that can selectively kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth, develop immunotherapy approaches to activate the immune system against cancer, or find ways to deliver therapies more effectively to tumors.
- Molecular candidates: Scientists discover and study new molecules that could have therapeutic potential, such as proteins, antibodies, or small molecules. Research aims to understand how these molecular candidates work and whether they could be safe and effective as new drugs or treatments.
- Microalgae: Microalgae are tiny, photosynthetic organisms that are being studied for their potential applications in biotechnology. Researchers are exploring how compounds from microalgae could be harnessed for health supplements, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, biofuels, and other products. Studies also look at cultivating algae on a large scale and developing more efficient bioreactors and processes.
- Other areas: Stem cell research, gene therapy, microbial engineering, biomaterials development, bioinformatics, neuroscience, and more. The possibilities are vast within biotechnology and biochemistry! Let me know if you have a specific sub-area you would like me to expand on.
Here are some details on cancer research projects and international collaboration in India:
- The Indian government established the National Centre for Cancer Genome Research in 2012 to better understand genetic mutations involved in cancer from an Indian population perspective. They are sequencing thousands of cancer genomes and have identified unique mutational signatures.
- The India Project for Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGC-India) is part of an international consortium sequencing genomes from many different cancers. They are generating data on oral, gallbladder, and gastric cancers which are more prevalent in India.
- The Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) includes researchers from India. They identified new molecular subgroups of breast cancer and developed a genomic score to predict prognosis.
- The Indo-US Cancer Consortium was launched in 2016 as a collaboration between the US National Cancer Institute and India's Department of Biotechnology. They are working together on research training, joint funding, and multi-center clinical trials.
- Recent research from India has identified potential new targets like miR-21 and HIF-1α for oral cancer, and natural compounds from neem, grapeseed, and fenugreek with anti-cancer properties.
- Upcoming work involves adoptive cell therapies like CAR-T cells, targeted drug delivery systems, and combination therapies to overcome resistance. There is also a push for more affordable cancer medicines and diagnostics.
- International ties are expanding through exchanges, conferences, shared databases and publications. For example, the India-Australia Cancer Research Consortium was established in 2017.
In summary, India is conducting important cancer research and collaborating globally to accelerate progress and access to better cancer care.
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