Genomics and Drug Development 

Group Members

Dr. Mekdes Megeressa, Ph.D.  Research Associate

Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University, Irvine, California, USA

mekdes.m@camcid.org

 

Dr. Seema Saroj, Ph.D. 

Research Associate

Ph.D. Pharmaceutics, The Maharaja Sayajirao University, India

External Position: Research Associate, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, India

seema.s@camcid.org

 

Neha S. Tomar, Ph.D. (In progress)  

Research Assistant

Ph.D. (ongoing) Neuroscience, University of Salford, UK

neha.t@camcid.org

 

Ara V. Abbott, MS

Research Assistant

MS Individualized Genomics and Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

ara.a@camcid.org

 

Heba Fleihan, MS  

Research Assistant

MS Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

heba.f@camcid.org

 

Research Coordinator

Elisa Hampson

admin@camcid.org

Research Focus

 

Genomics, especially high-performance sequencing and characterization of expressed human genes, has provided new possibilities for drug discovery. We perform literature reviews and data analysis in the areas of genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, drug-protein, drug-membrane binding, and different drug delivery systems

 

Our Genomics and Drug Development group carries out researches in the following areas:

  • DNA sequencing methods and bioinformatics
  • Genetic diagnosis of disease
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
  • Drug Development

 

Projects

 

Endometrial Cancer: Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets

 

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer of the female reproductive system.  Similar to other forms of cancer, early detection, and accurate intervention is of vital importance.  This research aims to identify potential biomarkers and significant alterations in gene expression by conducting RNA-seq analysis of publicly available cancer datasets.  Additionally, successful pregnancy has been identified by multiple studies as a preventative factor for EC.  Our research also aims to explore the mechanisms during a successful pregnancy that can potentially mitigate EC risks.