Maha El-Zeiry

PhD candidate

Current Project:  Septins are a family of GTP-binding proteins that control cellular processes by polymerizing into cytoskeletal filaments. Functional studies have shown that they play a critical role in a variety of processes including cell polarity and cytoskeleton regulation, two essential factors in controlling directed-cell migration. Besides being involved in a number of human diseases, septins have been associated with several human malignancies such as Mixed Lineage-Leukemia (MLL), colorectal, breast and ovarian cancer.  For her PhD she is studying the role of septins in cell migration.

Education:  She completed her Master’s degree in Pharmacology at the German University in Cairo, Egypt, where she studied organic cation transporters in bladder cancer.  She also received her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and Biotechnology at the German University in Cairo, Egypt.

Interests:  Loves traveling and exploring new places and cultures. Also enjoys reading for self-improvement and spending quality time with her small family.

Favourite Quote:  “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin