NAZMA ILAHIBAKS, MSC.

PhD Candidate. 
Extracellular vesicles | CRISPR/Cas9 | Science-based Business

My research focus is on using nanotechnology called the Technology of Protein (TOP) loading to integrate and deliver proteins through Extracellular Vesicles (TOP-EVs). We aim to reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease via gene therapy. To realize this, we use TOP-EVs to safely and effectively deliver CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex to the liver to inactive PCSK9. Consequently, PCSK9 inactivation leads to the upregulation of the LDL receptor and increased clearance of LDL cholesterol from the circulation. Also, I participate in the Validation program of the business incubator UtrechtInc. to see if we can translate TOP-EVs into a spin-off company.

Publications:

Ilahibaks, Nazma F., et al. "Biofabrication of Cell-Derived Nanovesicles: A Potential Alternative to Extracellular Vesicles for Regenerative Medicine." Cells 8.12 (2019): 1509. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8121509

E-mail: N.F.Ilahibaks-2@umcutrecht.nl