Epigenetics Is The Key To Treating Complex Diseases; Dr. Nirmalya Saha Is Using It To Unlock Cancer Treatment And More

Written by: James Carnell

Dr. Nirmalya Saha

If all the DNA molecules that make up a single person were lightbulbs, epigenetic modulators would be the light switch. While it is factual that our DNA plays a large role in our personal makeup, overall health, and body functionality, the picture is much more complex. Even while in utero, developing fetuses can experience epigenetic changes that play a major role in what that future person’s makeup will be. While many of these changes are a normal part of development and will continue to happen over time, epigenetic modulators can also trigger internal changes that are linked to serious diseases, such as cancer.

As a molecular biologist, Dr. Nirmalya Saha has dedicated his career to understanding the role epigenetic changes play in Leukemia and how these complex factors present themselves throughout the course of specific cancers. While his work is largely focused on the oncology space, Dr. Saha recognizes just how powerful epigenetics can be. If these “light switches” can cause disease in an otherwise healthy person, they might just be the secret to fighting a disease once it has become a reality.

Dr. Saha’s Impact on the Epigenetics Space

Though the importance of epigenetics is becoming more widely known, often emphasized by new studies and medical research advancements, many professionals in the molecular biology field have begun to examine its role in certain body functions. For Dr. Saha, the focus has been on developing an understanding of how important the epigenetic regulator PRMT5 is in Acute Myeloid Leukemia as well as unpacking the dynamic between SETDB1 and suppressing Leukemia. These studies are about more than understanding a complex relationship; they are about finding a solution for diseases that take lives.

Acute Leukemia with MLL rearrangement makes up about 5-10% of cases in adults and a shocking 70% of cases in infants. This disease straps those affected with a devastating prognosis and low chances of survival. With Dr. Saha’s research, it’s becoming more likely that science can create a novel inhibitor molecule to treat the disease and offer patients a better outlook. Even if his work stopped here, with this subset of patients, it would be extraordinary, but it goes much further.

The Future of Epigenetics

Epigenetic therapies can fight against many forms of cancer, completely revolutionizing the toolkit doctors and patients have access to when battling different types of the disease. If these therapies are effective for one subset of diseases, there is so much potential to develop similar therapies for a plethora of disease categories. The work Dr. Saha and other molecular biologists are doing right now will be the difference between a future patient living and dying, growing old to see their families flourish or being taken too soon.

Aside from treating diseases, epigenetics plays a large role in understanding how each body works on an individual level, almost providing a fingerprint of each person. Armed with this knowledge, epigenetic researchers are making leaps and bounds in the space of personalized medicine. If we can determine how a person’s body will react to different factors, it’s possible to mitigate potential dangers and get ahead of medical problems before they even start.

The Future of Dr. Saha

Though he has already provided astounding research, advancing the molecular biology field and propelling medical capabilities, Dr. Saha does not seem to be slowing down. As his research uncovers more powerful information, he is reminded of why he started this career to begin with: to help people.

Today, Dr. Saha is a committed teacher and mentor, working in the Department of Pathology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His work has been featured in renowned publications such as BBA-Reviews on Cancer, Stem Cell Reports, and BMC Genomics. As an active member of the American Association of Cancer Research and the Sigma Xi Honor Society, Dr. Saha will continue on his path to saving lives through research.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes