PhD Research Paves the Way for Development of Cancer Inhibitors

PhD Research Paves the Way for Development of Cancer Inhibitors

‘I am very proud of my academic achievements. I am also grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me to further my academic career. I am the first doctor in the family and I am confident that my late grandparents would be extremely proud, given their disadvantaged background.’

These were the words of Dr Xylia Quintina Peters who earned her PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry for her research on the critical role of tankyrases as potential anticancer agents. Tankyrase, an enzyme, plays a pivotal role in various biological and oncogenic pathways. Peters used in-silico investigations, employing computational tools to uncover the structural and molecular mechanisms of potential tankyrase inhibitors. 

Her research has important implications for cancer therapy and lays the foundation for the development of new inhibitors. While the findings are currently in the in-silico phase, they pave the way for experimental validation. 

Peters, who is currently a post-doctoral fellow in the Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UKZN, acknowledged the pivotal role played by her peers at the Molecular Bio-Computation and Drug Design Laboratory and current mentor, Professor Thirumala Govender. 

Peters’ qualifications include undergraduate studies in Medical Sciences Anatomy and an Honours in Human Anatomy. Her quest for knowledge led her to pursue a Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a focus on analytical chemistry, culminating in a study on HIV and TB drugs. While she initially planned on becoming a medical doctor or pharmacist, her path led her to the pharmaceutical field. 

She noted that her academic journey was not smooth sailing: ‘I was faced with multiple challenges, including the lack of job prospects after my bachelor’s degree. I had to diversify my field of study to ensure I had access to different opportunities by learning different skillsets.’ She added that UKZN offers unique advantages to its students, setting it apart from other Higher Education Institutions. 

Looking ahead, she aims to contribute to academia, nurture young minds and potentially venture into the medical industry through her own business.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini