Mrittika Chattopadhyay, PhD

About Me

I am a creative enthusiast with 10 years of Post Ph.D. research experience in cancer biology, neurobiology, diabetes & Obesity. Presently, I am involved in understanding the link between lactation and breast cancer. Studies have shown that prolonged lactation is overall protective against breast cancer. The primary focus of my research is investigating the impact of mitochondrial background on lactation and breast cancer. I am delving deeper into the impact of short and extended lactation periods on spontaneous mammary hyperplasia and oncogenes-driven mammary tumors. If successful, the results will offer a novel breast cancer prevention approach.

Language

English

Position

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology

Research Topics

Adipose, Aging, Alzheimer's Disease, Biochemistry, Brain, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cancer Genetics, Neuro-degeneration/protection, Obesity, Oncogenes, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Oxidative Stress

Education

PhD, Indian Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research

Postdoctoral Fellow, Visva Bharati University

Postdoctotal Fellow, University of Pennsylvania

Postdoctoral Fellow, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Research

Liver Cancer-I worked on hepatocellular carcinoma which is the fifth most frequent type of cancer. The mechanism behind liver cancers is very poorly understood. To date, we do not know how differences in mitochondrial DNA shapes liver tumor progression, histology, and immune- environment before the acquisition of oncogenic mutation. I have demonstrated that differences in mitochondrial DNA with similar nuclear backgrounds can result in combined activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and the PAPP-A/DDR2/SNAIL pathway in the normal liver which creates a favorable soil for oncogenic transformation. My findings indicate a link between mitochondrial haplotype, mitochondrial unfolded protein response activation, and invasion. Further, my findings of gender disparity in mice reveal that not only mitochondrial genetics but also sex impact liver cancer outcome. This study provides new targets for drug development. This work has been published in Cell Reports.

Industry Relationships

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Chattopadhyay has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

Mount Sinai’s faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.