Dr. Arif Hussain, Chairperson of the School of Life Sciences at Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai, has co-authored a significant research study exploring the epigenetic impact of kaempferol, a plant-derived compound, on the growth and migration of cancer cells. The paper, titled “Kaempferol Targets Global Epigenetic Modifiers to Impede Growth and Migratory Ability of HeLa Cells,” was published in a reputed peer-reviewed journal and co-authored by Nazia Afroze, Shafiul Haque, and Dr. Arif Hussain.

This pioneering research investigates how kaempferol, a naturally occurring flavonoid, can act as a potential epigenetic modifier to suppress tumor progression. The study focuses on its effects on HeLa cells, a widely used model in cervical cancer research.

The team observed that kaempferol significantly altered the activity and expression of several key epigenetic enzymes—including DNMTs, HDACs, HATs, and HMTs—while also modulating histone modification patterns (H3 and H4). Notably, kaempferol reactivated several tumor suppressor genes by reversing abnormal DNA methylation, contributing to reduced cell proliferation and migration.

This research not only advances scientific understanding of cancer epigenetics but also opens up promising avenues for natural compound-based therapies. Dr. Hussain's involvement reaffirms MAHE Dubai’s commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research and fostering impactful collaborations in the global scientific community.

Read the full paper here!