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Dr. R. Sabitha

Professor & Head

Department of Molecular Oncology

Education & Training

  • B.Sc. Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College, Trichy
  • M.Sc. Annamalai University, Chidambaram 
  • Ph.D, Annamalai University, Chidambaram. 

    Research Interest

    1. AI and bioinformatics applications for biomedical data analysis.

    2. Drug Discovery & Drug repurposing

    3. Machine learning approaches

    4. In silico & in vitro screening of compounds

    Overview

    Core area of research : Bioinformatics 

    Computational integrative analysis of microarray and RNA-seq datasets to identify and prioritize drug targets, validate targets, and discover potential compounds. Our approaches include drug repurposing, computer-aided drug design, and various ligand-based, structure-based, and docking/pharmacophore modeling strategies. Perform in vitro screening of lead compounds and existing drugs to identify those with specific activity against key targets, understand their mechanisms of action, and explore their biological effects—advancing the development of new therapies and biomedical innovations.

     

    1. Training on the state of art advanced multi-omics techniques

    The sessions of the training program were designed with comprehensive lectures focused on the theoretical knowledge of advanced multiomics and hands on training. The lecture sessions served as the intellectual backbone of the workshop, providing essential conceptual clarity before the corresponding hands-on sessions. Each lecture was carefully curated to connect foundational knowledge with emerging trends in multiomics, thereby fostering a holistic understanding of biomolecular research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovations in cancer biology.

    1. Prediction of T Cell And B Cell Epitopes For Akap A Cancer Testis Antigen By Computational And Experimental Analysis

       Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are aberrantly expressed in various cancers but not in normal tissues except in testis. This makes the CTAs represent potential candidate target for cancer immunotherapy. Akap3 and Akap4, members of the cancer testis antigen family, are primarily expressed during spermatogenesis in male germ cells and are not expressed in somatic cells. Because of their restricted expression, they are novel candidate molecules for immunotherapeutic targets. The immunoinformatics approach was utilized in this study to determine potential B and T cell epitopes for Akap3 and Akap4, which are significantly expressed in cancers. 

    Ongoing Projects

    Training on state-of-the-art advanced multi-omics techniques

    Funding agency: ICMR–HRD; Role: PI

    Ongoing

    Prediction of T-cell and B-cell epitopes for AKAP, a cancer–testis antigen, by computational and experimental analysis

    Funding agency: Terry Fox Foundation Role: PI

    Ongoing

    Screening and identification of hormone receptor-bound tissue-specific co-regulator complex proteins as novel therapeutic targets and subsequent drug repurposing in cervical cancer

    Funding agency: ICMR Role: Co-PI

    Ongoing

    In vitro studies on improving the efficacy of dendritic cell vaccines by targeting indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenases (IDO1 and IDO2)

    Funding agency: SERB Role: Co-PI

    Ongoing

    Screening, identification and validation of BBB-permeable small molecules with predictive drug response against EGFRvIII-positive glioblastoma

    Funding agency: Terry Fox Foundation Role: Co-PI

    Ongoing

    Identification of small-molecule inhibitors for synovial sarcoma fusion proteins (SYT-SSX1 & SYT-SSX2)

    Funding agency: SERB Role: PI

    Completed

    Publications

      1. Pragya, P., Vijayasekar, S. K., Sabitha, R., Fredo, J., & Agastinose Ronickom, J. F. (2024). Predicting biological activity on targeted therapeutics with the integration of machine learning and virtual screening for PDAC drug repurposing. Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation, 60, 146–155. doi.org/10.34107/JIDC656146
      2. Dhandapani, H., Bose, M., & Kesavan, S. (2022). The immune-related ceRNA network in prognosis of cervical cancer. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 23(10), 3347–3354. doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.10.3347
      3. Rajkumar, T., Amritha, S., Sridevi, V., Gopal, G., Sabitha, K., Shirley, S., & Swaminathan, R. (2022). Identification and validation of plasma biomarkers for diagnosis of breast cancer in South Asian women. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 100. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04176-w
      4. Natarajan, A., Thangarajan, R., & Kesavan, S. (2019). Repurposing drugs by in silico methods to target BCR kinase domain in chronic myeloid leukemia. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 20(11), 3399–3406. doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.11.3399
      5. Natarajan, V., Ramanathan, P., Gopisetty, G., Ramachandran, B., Thangarajan, R., & Kesavan, S. (2018). In silico and in vitro screening of small-molecule inhibitors against SYT-SSX1 fusion protein in synovial sarcoma. Computational Biology and Chemistry, 77, 36–43 (doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2018.09.006
      6. Pavithra, D., Sabitha, K., & Rajkumar, T. (2018). Identification of small molecule inhibitors for differentially expressed miRNAs in gastric cancer. Computational Biology and Chemistry, 77, 442–454. doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2018.07.013
      7. Ramachandran, B., Kesavan, S., & Rajkumar, T. (2016). Molecular modeling and docking of small molecule inhibitors against NEK2. Bioinformation, 12(2), 62–68. doi.org/10.6026/97320630012062
      8. S., K., Kodous, A., & Rajkumar, T. (2016). Computational analysis of mutations in RING finger domain and BRCA1 C-terminus domain of breast cancer susceptibility gene. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 9(3), 96–102. innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ajpcr/article/view/10319
      9. Kesavan, S., Ramanathan, P., & Thangarajan, R. (2015). Molecular modelling and docking studies of human acrosin binding protein (ACRBP/OY-TES-1). International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7(9), 491–495. innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ijpps/article/view/6673)
      10. Jully, B., Vijayalakshmi, R., Gopal, G., Sabitha, K., & Rajkumar, T. (2012). Junction region of EWS-FLI1 fusion protein has a dominant negative effect in Ewing’s sarcoma in vitro. BMC Cancer, 12, 513. doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-12-513
      11. Sabitha, K., & Rajkumar, T. (2012). Identification of small molecule inhibitors against UBE2C using docking studies. Bioinformation, 8(21), 1047–1058. doi.org/10.6026/97320630081047
      12. Rajkumar, T., Sabitha, K., Vijayalakshmi, N., et al. (2011). Identification and validation of genes involved in cervical tumourigenesis. BMC Cancer, 11, 80.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-11-80
      13. Rajkumar, T., Vijayalakshmi, N., Gopal, G., Sabitha, K., Shirley, S., Raja, U. M., & Ramakrishnan, S. A. (2010). Identification and validation of genes involved in gastric tumorigenesis. Cancer Cell International, 10, 45.doi.org/10.1186/1475-2867-10-45
      14. Rajkumar, T., Vijayalakshmi, N., Sabitha, K., Shirley, S., Selvaluxmy, G., Bose, M. V., & Nambaru, L. (2009). A 7-gene expression score predicts radiation response in cancer cervix. BMC Cancer, 9, 365. doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-9-365
      15. Vijayalakshmi, N., Jully, B., Sabitha, Kesavan., & Rajkumar, T. (2009). Computational prediction of intrinsic disorder of EWS-FLI fusion protein. Bioinformatics Trend, 4, 53–61.
      16. Chitra, S., Sabitha, K., Nalini, N., & Menon, V. P. (1994). Influence of red chilli on lipids and bile acids in experimental colon cancer. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 32(11), 793–796.
      17. Nalini, N., Chitra, S., Sabitha, K., Viswanathan, P., & Menon, V. P. (1996). Effect of Cocos nucifera and red chilli on intestinal β-glucuronidase and mucinase activity in experimental colon cancer. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 5(2), 96–99.
      18. Chitra, S., Sabitha, K., Nalini, N., & Menon, V. P. (1995). Effects of red chilli on intestinal tissue and colon microflora β-glucuronidase activity in rats. Trends in Life Sciences, 10(2), 79–83.
      19. Nalini, N., Sabitha, K., Chitra, S., Viswanathan, P., & Menon, V. P. (1997). Histopathological and lipid changes in experimental colon cancer: Effect of coconut kernel and red chilli powder. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 35(9), 964–971.
      20. Nalini, N., Sabitha, K., Viswanathan, P., & Menon, V. P. (1998). Influence of spices on bacterial enzyme activity in experimental colon cancer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 62(1), 15–24.doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741%2898%2900007-5
      21. Nalini, N., Sabitha, K., Viswanathan, P., & Menon, V. P. (1998). Species and glycoprotein metabolism in experimental colon cancer rats. Medical Science Research, 26, 881–884.

     

    Patent

    1. Blood based biomarkers for early diagnosis and follow up of breast cancer. Patent filed  [Ref no: 202041030017; Application number: TEMP/E-1/33382/2020-CHE] Inventors: T.  Rajkumar, Amritha S, G. Gopal, V. Sridevi, K. Sabitha 

    Lab Members

    Mr. Dhinesh Jagan

    M. Sc.

    Junior research fellow (CSIR) He is actively involved in the identification, prediction, and validation of T-cell and B-cell epitopes of the AKAP cancer–testis antigen through the use of advanced computational immunology tools and experimental assays.

    Opportunities

    Our lab welcomes enthusiastic students with a solid foundation in computational methods. Students with independent fellowships are especially encouraged to apply.

    For other project related positions keep looking for career page at  https://cancerinstitutewia.in/career/



    Contact: PI/Lab email

    rk.sabitha@cancerinstitutewia.org