Dr. Jayakrishnan Nandakumar

Biography

Jayakrishnan Nandakumar is a professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan. His research primarily focuses on the biology of telomeres and telomerase, pivotal structures that ensure genomic stability and play critical roles in aging and cancer. Telomerase, an enzyme associated with the proliferation of cancer cells, has become a significant target in developing anti-cancer drugs. Nandakumar utilizes an array of biochemical and cell biological approaches, as well as X-ray crystallography, to elucidate how complex assemblies of proteins and nucleic acids function at chromosome ends. His rigorous work contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in genome maintenance and cellular immortality, which are vital for the viability of stem cells and contribute to the pathology of various cancers. His dedication to elucidating these intricate biological processes has positioned him as a leading figure in his field.

Research Interests