HORMONE LINKED TO CANCER
Everyone’s body has estrogens.
But when an imbalance in estrogen metabolism happens -- because of pollution, lifestyle or genetics -- it could trigger cancer. That’s the idea behind the research of Mohammad Zahid, Ph.D., a senior research associate in the laboratories of Ercole Cavalieri, D.Sc., and Eleanor Rogan, Ph.D. The research team works in the Eppley Cancer Institutes.
Dr. Zahid studies the differences in estrogen metabolism in cells, the agents that can prevent the initiation of cancer and antioxidant compounds that could prevent damage to DNA.
As the recipient of UNMC’s annual Postdoctoral Education Award, Dr. Zahid was recognized for his research in identifying biomarkers for cancer, as well as recently published studies.
“It is a great honor to have your research work recognized by your peers,” Dr. Zahid said. “It validates your work and motivates you to continue.”
In addition to this award, Dr. Zahid won UNMC’s Award for Excellence in Cancer Research by a Postdoctoral Fellow participating in the Cancer Biology Program.
In the future, Dr. Zahid plans to continue to examine mechanisms that regulate estrogen metabolizing enzymes and analyze antioxidant formulations that could change the activity of the enzymes.
It is work that could prevent cancer development at its earliest stage and save lives.
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