The CRC 1208 warmly welcomes Prof. Bhawana Bissa from Central University of Rajasthan, India, as our Mercator Fellow in autumn 2023.

Prof. Bhawana’s Lab at Central University of Rajasthan is engaged in deciphering the crosstalk between autophagy and exosome pathways in cancer progression and how these two pathways help cancer cells to survive in hostile tumor microenvironment. The cross-regulation between autophagy and exosome pathways is crucial to maintain cellular homeostasis. Exosomes contribute to cancer progression by manipulating tumor microenvironment and autophagy sustains the energy demands of growing tumor.
The two pathways are inter-linked through MVB (multi-vesicular bodies) that acts as a nodal point where the cargo can either be diverted for degradation through lysosome or secreted via exosomes. Understanding the subtle mechanisms of cross-regulation of two pathways can provide new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Moreover, exosomes have immense diagnostic potential as well and understanding the precise exosomal cargo can provide a huge advancement in early detection of cancer.

Bhawana Bissa joins the CRC 1208 in October 2023 to push joint research projects. Additionally, she will give lectures and methodogical courses on her current research as well as her expertise as referee about international scientific career paths.

The Collaborative Research Center 1208 looks forward to an exciting cooperation!