JOHOR BAHRU – The Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), proudly congratulates Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Jalaludin from the Department of Chemistry on successfully securing a research grant worth RM117,000 under the Exploratory and Transformative Research Grant (GET), Phase 1, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia.
The awarded research project, entitled “Elucidating the Role of Surface Glycans in Extracellular Vesicle Uptake by Cancer Cells for Targeted Therapy,” focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that influence how cancer cells interact with and internalise extracellular vesicles (EVs), with potential applications in targeted cancer treatment.
The research investigates the role of surface glycans, which are carbohydrate structures present on the surfaces of cells and extracellular vesicles, in regulating cellular recognition and uptake. By examining these molecular interactions, the project aims to generate fundamental knowledge that could support the development of more selective and effective therapeutic delivery strategies.
Extracellular vesicles are naturally occurring, membrane-bound particles released by cells that play important roles in intercellular communication. Their ability to transport biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, has attracted considerable attention in biomedical research, particularly for their potential use as drug delivery vehicles.
One of the major challenges in cancer treatment is ensuring that therapeutic agents reach cancer cells effectively while minimising their effects on healthy tissues. Understanding how surface glycans influence extracellular vesicle uptake could provide valuable insights into improving targeted drug delivery and treatment selectivity.
Through the integration of glycobiology, extracellular vesicle research, and cancer cell biology, this project seeks to establish a scientific foundation for future therapeutic approaches. The findings may contribute to the design of extracellular vesicle-based delivery systems that improve the targeting of cancer cells.
This research highlights the importance of fundamental chemistry and molecular sciences in addressing complex healthcare challenges. It also demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary research in advancing precision medicine and innovative cancer treatment technologies.
The successful acquisition of this competitive research grant reflects Dr. Muhammad Iqbal’s commitment to advancing molecular-level research with potential biomedical applications. This achievement further strengthens the Faculty of Science’s research excellence and aligns with UTM ASCEND 2030, particularly in promoting impactful scientific discoveries, healthcare innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Faculty of Science extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Jalaludin on this achievement and wishes him continued success in advancing research that could contribute to more effective and targeted cancer therapies.
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