Research Group: Molecular Endocrinology

A brief description of research activities:
1. Mechanisms of insulin resistance induced by antiretroviral drugs: the role of microRNAs. Using a cellular model of insulin resistance, we are attempting to elucidate the role of several microRNAs in the insulin resistance caused by antiretroviral drugs. 2. Molecular modelling of ligands and receptors. Using pharmacoinformatic tools and in silico screening, a number of small molecules have been identified that interact with the insulin receptor, mycobacterial DNA gyrase, HIV integrase and BACE. 3.Development of nanobodies as diagnostic probes. Single chain antibodies are being developed against a number of protein targets for application in diagnostic assays.

Current group members (incl. group head):

Name	Position	Qualification(s)	e-mail address
Tahir Pillay	Chief Specialist, Professor & HOD	MBChB (Natal), PhD (Cantab), FRCPath (London), FCPath(SA)	[email protected]
Rivak Punchoo	Principal pathologist	MBChB, FCPath(SA)	[email protected]
M Ataul Islam	Postdoctoral fellow	BSc, PhD	[email protected]
Emmanuel Ebonwu	MSc student	BSc	[email protected]
Olivia Kiabilua	pathologist	MBChB, FCPath(SA)	[email protected]
Lizelle Nagel	pathologist	MBChB	[email protected]
Bettina Chale-Matsau	Registrar/MMed student	MBChB, PhD	[email protected]
Aarti Pema	Registrar/MMed student	MBChB	[email protected]
Kobie Cronje	Clinical pathologist	`	[email protected]
Siphokazi Fuma	Registrar/MMed Student	MBChB	[email protected]
Ashlin Rampul	Registrar/MMed Student	MBChB	[email protected]
Solethu Mapipa	Registrar/MMed student	MBChB	[email protected]
Kgaogelo Mphalela	MSc student	BSc(hons)	[email protected]

Post-graduate students graduated in the past 5 years:

National and international collaborations:

Collaborations within the ICMM:
Genetic screening in Oesophageal cancer - Collaboration with Chantal van Niekerk, who is from the Department of Chemical Pathology, but is also part of ICMM
Development of a genetic test for pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A. Collaboration with Chantal van Niekerk, who is from the Department of Chemical Pathology, but is also part of ICMM

International:
St Vincent’s University; Dr Patrick Twomey, Dublin (collaborator in developing postgraduate courses and co-author)
McMaster University, Dr A. Don-wauchope, Hamilton Ontario(collaborator in developing postgraduate courses and co-author)
Universiti Mara Teknologi Kuala Terangganu, Malaysia, Dr Wan Ismail
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Dr Khosrow Adeli; Dr Maurizio Ferrari (president)

Visiting guests during 2017 & 2018:

Prof R. Thakker, University of Oxford

Dr S. Vasikaran, Royal Perth Hospital

Awards/distinctions of the past 5 years:
Elected to the Academy of Science of South Africa in recognition of scientific achievement and contributions
Nominated for the IFCC Distinguished Education award in 2017 by the South African Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory for developing innovative teaching materials in Clinical Chemistry.

Last updated 28/03/2019

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