7 projects target cancer, diabetes, liver disease

Srinagar, Aug 10: The Medical Research Unit (MRU) at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar is expanding its Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-supported biomedical research, with projects focusing on cancer, diabetes, liver disease, acute pancreatitis, autoimmune disorders and child health. The projects reflect GMC.

A major focus of the research is the identification of biomarkers, biological indicators that can help detect diseases earlier, assess their severity and improve treatment outcomes. Several studies are also examining the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying diseases that contribute significantly to the region's.

What Happened

Among the ongoing projects is a study to develop a minimally invasive tool for the early diagnosis of lung cancer by identifying a diagnostic signature based on circulating microRNAs and selected proteins. Sabhiya Majid, the research aims to identify biomarkers that could.

• According to the institution's 'Research Work 2024-25' report, the ICMR-backed MRU is currently handling seven projects, four ongoing and three completed.

• One collaborative study examined the expression of candidate microRNAs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus to better understand the disease's underlying molecular mechanisms.

• Rafiqa Eachkoti, seeks to improve the early diagnosis of MASLD, a condition that is increasingly being linked to obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Key Details

In another initiative, researchers are evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of a biomarker panel comprising serum miR-122, Sirt1, CK-18 and adiponectin for the early detection of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in the Kashmiri population.

• Tabassum Rasheed, the project seeks to determine whether these biomarkers can help assess disease severity and predict clinical outcomes at an early stage, enabling timely clinical intervention.

• The MRU is also studying circulating nucleosomes as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of acute pancreatitis in the Kashmiri population.

• Researchers are examining molecular pathways involved in disease progression to improve understanding of tumour biology and identify potential therapeutic targets that could support future treatment approaches.

Why It Matters

Rafiqa Eachkoti, is investigating the role of the NR2F2 gene and the tumour microenvironment in the development of skin cancer.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Daily Excelsior as more details emerge