Dr. Shankar Balasubramanian

Biography

Shankar Balasubramanian is the Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, where he focuses on the important role of nucleic acids in life. His research, which lies at the intersection of chemistry and biology, aims to uncover and manipulate the mechanisms controlling gene expression through innovative approaches including organic synthesis and biophysical methods. He is particularly interested in non-canonical nucleic acid structures, such as G-quadruplexes and microRNAs, and how these structures influence gene regulatory processes. Balasubramanian's work has led to the development of small organic molecules that target these structures, advancing therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with aberrant gene expression, such as cancer. A significant achievement in his career includes co-inventing the Solexa sequencing technology, which has been commercialized and is widely utilized in genomic research. His efforts exemplify the translation of fundamental scientific inquiries into practical applications.

Research Interests

Experience