Chemistry

MAHRUKH AZAM

• Ph.D., Biochemistry, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
• M.S., Biochemistry, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
• M.S., Chemistry, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
• B.S., Chemistry, Punjab University, Pakistan

Research Blurb:

My area of research is studying the four stranded G-rich quadruplex (GQ) DNA. The DNA sequences with GQ-forming potential are found throughout the genome and at the telomeric ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Recent biological studies suggest that GQs might have important biological functions directly related to cancer, thus quadruplexes have emerged as a novel therapeutic target for the development of anticancer drugs. Design and use of novel small-molecule ligands that can bind to and stabilize, and/or facilitate the formation or interconversion of various types of GQs has become an area of high interest.