Anirban Sahu

About Anirban Sahu

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are a recently appreciated class of RNA molecules that are transcribed from exons in the genome, but are not translated into proteins. Some lncRNAs are differentially expressed in normal and malignant tissue, suggesting cancer-associated functions.

Dr. Anirban Sahu is studying a prostate cancer-specific lncRNA, SChLAP1, which associates with poor patient outcome and promotes metastasis.

In this study, the molecular mechanisms by which SChLAP1 mediates aggressive prostate cancer and the utility of SChLAP1 as a biomarker for aggressive prostate cancer will be assessed.

If successful, this study will enrich the understanding of prostate cancer biology and establish new biomarkers of aggressive disease.

What this means for patients: Understanding the biology and identifying biomarkers of aggressive prostate cancer is important for treatment of this subset of patients who will progress to lethal disease. This project will uncover new mechanisms of aggressive disease and a means to identify these patients, which will lead to new treatments and improved clinical management.