Bio
Babita Madan embarked on her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology from the University of Delhi, India. Following this, she conducted her postdoctoral research in Germany before assuming roles at S*Bio Pte. Ltd in Singapore and subsequently at Duke-NUS Medical School, where she is currently an Assistant Professor.
Her research has significantly contributed to the development of an anti-cancer drug ETC-159, which progressed to clinical trials. Recognising her collaborative efforts with researchers at A*STAR, Singapore, she received the A*STAR Borderless Award. Her research by harnessing the potential of pan-Wnt inhibitors unravelled previously unrecognised roles of Wnts in DNA repair, ribosomal biogenesis, RTK/MAPK signaling and the regulation of LncRNAs and splicing. These findings have significantly advanced our understanding of how Wnts modulate the balance between cellular proliferation and differentiation promising nuanced insights into their roles in cancer progression and tissue homeostasis.
Her recent studies have shed light on the interaction between Wnts and cholesterol biosynthesis, leading to the identification of a novel cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme, FAXDC2. Her ongoing research provides evidence for the role of FAXDC2-regulated sterols in cellular senescence and tissue homeostasis. Future studies aim to deepen our understanding of FAXDC2-regulated sterols in determining cell fate, focusing on their implications in cancer and senescence.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy
University of Delhi, India
Master of Science in Zoology
University of Delhi, India
Bachelor of Science with Hons
University of Delhi, India