Tumor Specific Antigens (TSA): Letting cells go unchecked

Saumya Ramanathan is a cancer researcher focused on fundamental biological pathways that are modulated during tumorigenesis. How cancer changes the homeostasis in gene regulation, protein expression and turnover is of prime interest and has driven her scientific pursuits. Her research group is determining the molecular events that lead to expression of these cancer-testis antigens, in addition to understanding the role they play in tumorigenesis. Synergizing systematic bioinformatics analysis with simple molecular biology, genetics, cell biology and biochemistry assays will enable research trainees to gain an appreciation of the interdisciplinary approach to tackling the today’s outstanding research questions.

Ramanathan earned her PhD in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Arizona and did post-doctoral studies in a lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She holds bachelor's and masters' degrees from the University of Madras at Chennai. Her current research program at Fisk University is funded by the National Science Foundation. At Fisk she teaches courses in biochemistry, cancer biology, general biology, and scientific communication.

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