Molecular biologist Mansurah Abdulazeez recruits African crops within the combat in opposition to most cancers. Credit score: Mansurah Abdulazeez
Mansurah Abdulazeez is a molecular biologist on the Heart for Biotechnology Analysis, Bayero College Kano, Nigeria. Her analysis goals to determine potent anticancer brokers in African crops. Final November, the federal government of Spain awarded her their Science by Ladies Fellowship. And in June, she received a Nigerian Nationwide Analysis Grant of 31 million naira (US $86,000) from the Tertiary Training Belief Fund. Nature requested Abdulazeez about her life and analysis.
What are you able to inform us about your scientific background?
Rising up, I all the time loved science. I initially needed to turn into a medical physician, however I ended up finding out biochemistry throughout my undergraduate research at Ahmadu Bello College in Zaria, Nigeria. I acquired my grasp’s diploma, after which my PhD there, finding out antihypertensive and anticancer actions of African crops. I used to be additionally a visiting scholar at Chiang Mai College in Thailand for six months as a part of my PhD analysis.
What does your analysis concentrate on?
My analysis is aimed toward figuring out potent, secure and efficient anticancer brokers from Nigerian crops. We’ve screened and confirmed the cytotoxic actions of extracts of the drumstick (Moringa oleifera) and soursop (Annona muricata) timber in addition to the native Nigerian shrub Peristrophe bicalyculata on cervical carcinoma and fetal lung carcinoma cell traces. We additionally studied what anticancer mechanisms these crops exhibit. We discovered that these crops act within the physique by way of a wide range of mechanisms — there isn’t a single mode of motion for all crops1.
Why is the research of African crops necessary for most cancers analysis?
It’s nicely documented2 that these crops have an infinite, largely unstudied anticancer potential. Analysis into herbs similar to Guiera senegalensis, which is utilized by conventional African healers and often called ‘Sabara’ by locals, has led to the invention of a number of anticancer medication. In my opinion, this demonstrates how the research of African crops may end up in the event of beneficial medication.
What’s your recommendation to younger African ladies who wish to pursue science?
Take part in native and worldwide conferences which can be related to your fields of research, in order to maintain your self up to date on cutting-edge analysis instruments, methodologies and funding alternatives. At all times ask for assist from senior colleagues — and relations — everytime you want it. Stay centered, tenacious and laborious working.
This interview has been edited for size and readability.
