Research Publications
Peer-reviewed publications in peptide design, drug delivery systems, cancer therapeutics, and autoimmune disease treatment
Co-edited comprehensive book published by Springer Nature covering computational methodologies for drug design targeting protein-protein interactions. This book provides an in-depth exploration of modern computational tools, molecular modeling techniques, and structure-based drug design approaches for developing therapeutics that modulate protein-protein interactions in various disease contexts.
Authored book chapter providing comprehensive coverage of peptide and peptidomimetic design strategies for inhibiting protein-protein interactions. The chapter discusses rational design approaches, structural modifications for enhanced stability and bioavailability, and case studies of successful peptidomimetic inhibitors in therapeutic development.
Co-authored book chapter exploring the structural biology of protein trimerization in viral fusion mechanisms and their therapeutic implications. The chapter provides insights into how trimeric protein complexes facilitate viral entry and discusses strategies for developing antiviral therapeutics targeting these critical protein-protein interactions.
This study presents the development and optimization of bilayer tablets containing sustained-release Metformin hydrochloride and immediate-release Empagliflozin for Type 2 diabetes management. Using response surface methodology (RSM) through central composite design (CCD), the formulation was optimized with HPMC K100M and Carbopol 971P polymers. The optimized formulation demonstrated excellent drug release kinetics following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating anomalous transport driven by both diffusion and polymer relaxation mechanisms. This work demonstrates the integration of experimental design and mechanistic modeling for bilayer tablet formulations, offering a promising approach for improving glycemic control and patient compliance.
This groundbreaking research presents the development of orally bioavailable grafted peptides that specifically target EGFR receptor dimers, demonstrating significant tumor reduction in non-small cell lung cancer mouse models. The study represents a major advancement in peptide-based cancer therapeutics by successfully combining computational design with rigorous in vivo validation to create clinically viable oral peptide drugs. The grafted peptide design overcomes traditional limitations of peptide therapeutics, including poor oral bioavailability and proteolytic degradation, while maintaining high specificity for EGFR dimers. This work provides a promising new therapeutic approach for NSCLC treatment and establishes a framework for developing oral peptide-based cancer therapies.
Original research investigating the therapeutic potential of dual miRNA upregulation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study demonstrates that combined upregulation of miRNA-143 and miRNA-506 significantly inhibits cancer cell proliferation, motility, migration, and tumor growth. The research provides insights into miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for lung cancer treatment, highlighting the advantages of combinatorial miRNA approaches over individual miRNA deregulations in regulating tumor progression and metabolic reprogramming.
Developed novel molecular chimeric peptides that combine the specificity of antibodies with the stability and cell-penetrating properties of engineered peptides. These grafted stable peptides demonstrate enhanced tumor targeting, improved pharmacokinetics, and superior therapeutic efficacy compared to traditional antibody-based therapies in cancer treatment.
Developed novel BODIPY-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) conjugates designed to specifically target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This research combines fluorescent BODIPY dyes with TKI pharmacophores to create dual-functional molecules that enable both therapeutic targeting and real-time imaging of EGFR-expressing cancer cells, providing a powerful tool for theranostic applications in oncology.
Developed conformationally constrained cyclic grafted peptidomimetics based on sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) structure for targeting protein-protein interactions. Incorporated dibenzofuran moiety to lock peptides into major conformations, with detailed NMR and surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrating specific binding to CD58 protein. This research provides a framework for designing stable therapeutic peptides through strategic conformational constraints.
Developed an innovative lyophilized liposomal drug delivery system for a peptidomimetic-doxorubicin (Dox) conjugate specifically targeting HER2-positive breast and lung cancers. This advanced formulation enhances drug stability, improves targeted delivery to cancer cells, and reduces systemic toxicity. The lyophilization process ensures long-term storage stability while maintaining the therapeutic efficacy of the peptidomimetic-drug conjugate for precision cancer therapy.
Developed comprehensive protocols for evaluating antitumor and antiproliferative efficacy using 3D tumor spheroid models. This methodological framework enables standardized assessment of protein-protein interactions in cancer cells within physiologically relevant 3D microenvironments. The protocol provides detailed procedures for spheroid formation, drug treatment, efficacy evaluation, and protein interaction detection, serving as a valuable resource for cancer research laboratories worldwide.
Developed a novel sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI-1) analog peptidomimetic for treating rheumatoid arthritis through targeted protein-protein interaction modulation. Using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, demonstrated significant suppression of RA progression through immunomodulatory mechanisms. This research provides a promising therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases by targeting specific molecular interactions involved in inflammatory responses and joint destruction.
Research Impact & Themes
Advanced peptide-based approaches for cancer treatment including molecular chimeras, drug delivery systems, and EGFR targeting strategies.
Book and book chapters on computational approaches targeting protein-protein interactions, including peptide design and viral fusion mechanisms.
Development of standardized protocols, formulation studies, and comprehensive reviews for peptide-based drug discovery and therapeutic development.
Interested in Collaboration?
Open to discussing research opportunities, joint publications, and collaborative projects in peptide therapeutics and drug design.