Proteins are the building blocks of life. They keep our bodies functioning, help us stay healthy, and play a role in nearly every biological process. But what happens when proteins stop working the way they should? According to scientists, this can lead to serious health problems like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and other genetic disorders.
That’s where structural biology comes in — a powerful scientific field that helps researchers study the shape and behavior of proteins. One Pakistani scientist making a big impact in this area is Dr. Anam Nayab, a pharmacist and researcher with a PhD in structural biology.
Dr. Nayab believes understanding how proteins are built is key to fighting disease. “Proteins do important jobs in the body, and their function depends on their shape,” she says. “When something goes wrong with that shape, it can lead to illness.”
Currently working at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr. Nayab is focused on proteins related to heart and metabolic diseases. She uses advanced tools like X-ray crystallography, Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), and NMR spectroscopy to see proteins at the molecular level. Her work helps scientists understand how genetic mutations impact protein function—and how this can lead to disease.
Thanks to her research, she has already identified problem areas in proteins linked to gout, heart disease, and rare genetic conditions. “By understanding how these proteins behave, we can help drug developers create better treatments,” she explains.
Her contributions have been published in international journals, adding valuable knowledge to the global fight against disease.
But Dr. Nayab’s mission goes beyond the lab. She’s passionate about making science more accessible in Pakistan. She wants young people, especially students, to explore fields like molecular biology, protein research, and genetic science.
“We need to inspire the next generation of scientists,” she says. “When students learn how powerful science can be, they’re more likely to solve real health challenges in the future.”
Dr. Anam Nayab’s journey is a powerful reminder that science doesn’t just happen in labs — it starts with curiosity, education, and the will to make a difference. Through protein science and structural biology, she’s helping shape a healthier future, both in Pakistan and around the world.
