Research summary
Fatty acid biosynthesis plays a crucial role in cancer and infectious diseases, but its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. As Canada Research Chair in Structural Proteomics, Dr. Mohammad T. Mazhab-Jafari is using electron cryo-microscopy to visualize the structure and function of protein complexes involved in fat production, particularly fatty acid synthase (FAS)—a key enzyme exploited by cancer cells and pathogens.
He and his research team aim to uncover how these FAS enzymes recognize and transport fatty acid molecules. This knowledge could shed light on how cancer cells and infectious agents grow. By trying to understand these processes at the molecular level, Mazhab-Jafari and his team are laying the groundwork for new treatments for cancer and infectious diseases. Ultimately, their research will contribute to the development of innovative drugs and precision treatments for patients with drug-resistant cancers and infections.