Researcher Spotlight: Priya Lakra, PhD

md anderson cancer center

Health Equity Initiative

Chromatin remodeling complexes known as BAF complexes are responsible for regulating gene expression and play important roles in the normal development of B cells. Expression of the different components that make up these complexes are dysregulated in B-cell lymphoma cells, but it’s not clear what role this plays in the development of cancer. Dr. Priya Larka’s research, therefore, aims to understand what role BAF complexes play in lymphomagenesis, with the hope of identifying potential targets for the development of future therapies.

Dr. Priya Larka completed her doctoral research at the University of Delhi in India, and she is currently a postdoctoral fellow at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “My drive to help those affected by lymphoma, or any form of cancer, comes from a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on lives,” she explains. “My aunt is a cancer survivor, and being close with her has been a major driving force for my research.” Dr. Priya Larka hopes that in the future, she will build on her current research to support a career as an independent investigator studying the epigenetic regulators in aggressive B-cell lymphomas, with the hope that her discoveries will help develop new treatment options for lymphoma patients.