Gauge-string correspondence in curved space

We discuss the Gubser-Klebanov-Polyakov proposal for the gauge-string theory correspondence for gauge theories in curved space. Specifically, we consider Klebanov-Tseytlin cascading gauge theory compactified on $S^3.$ We explain the regime when this gauge theory is a small deformation of the superconformal $\mathcal{N}=1\mathrm{}$ gauge theory on the world volume of regular D3-branes at the tip of the conifold. We study closed string states on the leading Regge trajectory in this background, and attempt to identify the dual gauge theory twist 2 operators.