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Identification of Potential Dietary Restriction Mimetics by Microarray Profiling
Calorie restriction (CR) or dietary restriction (DR) is the most compelling example of lifespan extension by external manipulation
across the phyla. The theory of hormesis has been invoked to explain the life promoting effects of dietary restriction. Hormesis
is defined as the beneficial effects of low intensity stressor on a cell or organism. We have found that dietary restriction
or deletion of MRG19 gene (a putative transcription factor that regulates carbon and nitrogen metabolism in yeast) causes
higher intracellular reactive oxygen species, augmentation of scavenging enzymes and longer lifespan compared to wild-type
cells. All these results together suggest that dietary restriction as well as depletion of Mrg19p leads to a condition of
mild stress that in turn enhances vitality. We are using whole genome microarray to establish gene expression profile of dietary
restriction and dietary restriction mimetic mutation, which will be used to screen compound of natural and synthetic origin
for CR mimetic activity.
Genomic studies of molecular alterations leading to oral carcinoma in North Indian population
Nitish Mittal and Nilanjan Roy
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) a sub type of head and neck cancer. In India the main factors responsible for SCC are chewing
of betel quid, tobacco and smoking. Correlation of genetic predisposition with development and progression of oral carcinomas
is not established unquestionably [1]. In this project we are trying to find out the abundance of known mutation in SOD and
catalase genes in north Indian population and if there any correlation between the mutations and SCC penetrance in the same
population. We are collaborating with ENT department of PGI for patient samples. In future we will try to find out biomarkers
from biopsy samples.
Two typical gels pf PCR RFLP
1. C.B. Tripathy and N. Roy (2005) GSTM1 genotype and risk towards Head and Neck cancer in Asians and Caucasians: A Meta-analysis
study Head and Neck (in press)
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