Biography

Yousif Khalaf, PhD in Clinical Biochemistry from Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, UK (2019). I have got BSc in Chemistry- University of Anbar, Iraq (1996), and completed my second degree, MSc in Biochemistry (2002) at the same University. I have got Postgraduate Certificate in Research Professional development- University of Strathclyde (2019). My main research interest in the Clinical Biochemistry, Nanochemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. My current focus is currently upon nanotechnology applications in biochemistry and  the aspects of signalling in relation to inflammatory disease and cancer. through studying the effects of inhibitory kappaB kinases (IKKs) as inhibitors of NFκB signalling pathways for use in vascular disease, arthritis and cancer.

Teaching and Research Experience

Tutor, University of Anbar  

• Delivering lectures in Biochemistry and Drug chemistry for undergraduate students in different scientific departments, 2002-2011.
• Delivering lectures in Clinical Biochemistry for postgraduate students, 2009-2013.
• Delivering lectures in Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry for undergraduate students in in college of pharmacy, 2013, 2019-present

Mentor/ Supervisor, University of Anbar 

• Supervised postgraduate dissertation (MSc) for two students, 2011-2013, 2019-
• Supervised undergraduate dissertation for three students from 2002 to 2011.
• Providing detailed and constructive feedback and guidance, 2002-2013.

Research Experience:

• University of Anbar, College of Science, 2002 - 2011

My work involved the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine derivatives that could be used to investigate the biosynthesis of nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) with the aim of developing novel inhibitors as antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Also, these derivatives were utilised for blocking the activity of the Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) enzyme. Several publications resulted from this work.

• The techniques learned and utilised include; synthesis and purification, Cell culture, MIC, Kind and King's technique for determination of serum Phosphatase (ALP), kirby-bauer technique
• I developed my working knowledge of several powerful chemistry analytical tools, such UV spectra, NMR and FT-IR Spectroscopy, and C.H.N analysis.
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• University of Strathclyde, SIPBS, 2014 – 2019
• I worked as part of Professor Robin research group. The laboratory, nationally and internationally renowned, studies aspects of signalling in relation to inflammation, vascular disease and cancer.

My work involved investigating the regulation of human CXCL12 expression by IKKα through non-canonical NF-κB signalling pathway in bone cancer and CAFs derived from clinical specimens of breast cancer patients. The binding of CXCL12 to its receptors results in the activation of several downstream signalling pathways which regulate a number of events, including proliferation, migration, tumour progression and metastasisThus, targeting this kinase might be a promising approach for the development of a novel treatment for bone and breast cancer patients.

During my time at University of Strathclyde I developed My working knowledge of:

• Cancer cells culture techniques
• Western Blotting, RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques. 
• Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA)
• Luciferase assay.
• Transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique (knockdown).
• Infecting cells with Adenovirus
• IMF staining of Cells
• Use of Inhibitory Compounds to Block Specific Proteins
• Technical skills in epi-florescent microscopy (image capture, image editing).
• Time management and team working skills.
• Familiar with word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical packages.