People

The homeobox gene HOXB13 encodes a lineage-specific transcription factor in prostatic epithelial cells and is a critical regulator of hormone-refractory prostate cancers. Germline mutations in HOXB13 are linked to familial prostate cancer risk, but the underlying mechanisms that lead to cell transformation are unclear. We investigate how lineage specific transcription factors essential for prostate development are reactivated in tumors, epigenetic profiling of drug resistant tumors, cancer genomics and development of novel therapeutics for personalized medicine.  

Dumi is breaking new grounds in how HOXB13 dependent transcriptional networks drive metastatic prostate cancer progression. Using spatial imaging, molecular tools and genetically engineered mouse models of prostate cancer, Dumi is make significant progress in elucidating the function of HOXB13 and non-coding RNAs in prostate cancer.

Hobbies: Music, Cricket and Spicy food.

Jiqiang has been a key collaborator and co-author with Dr. Mahajan. His collaboration has been instrumental in performing integrative bioinformatic analysis to uncover BRD4-HOXB13 and AR-HOXB13 gene signatures in primary and metastatic prostate cancers.