Molecular Biomarkers & Diagnosis

Zhabiz Golkar

Zhabiz Golkar
Department of Science, Technology, Health and Human services
Division of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Biology

Biography

Dr. Golkar research efforts focus on the emergence of pathogenic multiple drug resistant (MDRs) microorganisms which have become a critical problem in modern medicine, particularly because of the concomitant increase in immunocompromised patients due to transplantation, autoimmune disorders and various viral infections, particularly HIV-1.  Involve building strength in each of the focal areas of my research program, as outlined above in more emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9. CRISPR/Cas9 is simpler, quicker, more precise and versatile than current genomic engineering techniques - a kind of one-stop genomic editing shop.
Dr. Golkar believes CRISPR/Cas9 can be used with great precision to selectively disable or add several genes at once in human cells, offering a potent new tool to understand and treat complex genetic diseases. The technology combines RNA molecules with an enzyme known as Cas9 to target specific DNA sequences. The enzyme cuts the DNA in a precise location, so that researchers can either knock out the gene’s activity or patch in a healthy gene. Since every gene’s DNA has an RNA counterpart, virtually any gene can be targeted by using a specific RNA sequence. And since only one type of enzyme is needed, many genes can be edited at the same time.

Research Interest

Cancer Biology; Molecular and Cell Biology; Clinical Microbiology; Infectious disease