molecular mechanisms of S100A4 function in glioma stem cells

Bikesh Nirala's  main focus of current research is to elucidate molecular mechanisms of S100A4 function in glioma stem cells and to develop therapeutic antibodies against S100A4. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and prevalent form of malignant brain cancer and is almost universally incurable. S100a4 a small calcium binding protein is associated with poor prognosis in virtually all solid tumors. This molecule is a master regulator of both EMT and the mesenchymal signature genes in GBM. Nirala is trying to understand the molecular mechanism through which S100A4 regulates this process/promotes stemness and  also looking to develop an antibody against S100A4 that could be used in combination with standard chemo- and radiation-therapy to improve GBM patient outcome.

Cell-autonomous and non-autonomous funtions of S100A4 in regulating stemness, mesenchymal transition, and metastasis.