Michael B. Jarstfer

Michael B. Jarstfer, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is affiliated with the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, where his research focuses on the chemical basis and biochemical functions of cancer-related pathways.

• Research Interests: Enzyme function, ribonucleoprotein complex assemblage, telomere maintenance, telomerase mechanism, synthetic and physical organic chemistry, molecular biology, enzyme kinetics, and small-molecule design for anticancer therapy.
• Key Findings: His work reveals the A-form helix interaction in telomerase, rate-limiting steps in RNA-DNA unwinding, and template-dependent regulation of telomerase activity.
• Current Projects: Rational design of small molecules targeting telomerase assemblage and fidelity, aiming to induce telomere sequence alterations for apoptosis in cancer cells without relying on telomere erosion.
• Contact: Office phone 919-966-6422, email jarstfer@unc.edu, lab at Beard Hall Room 326.

Research Trends: His publications (1994–2025) emphasize telomerase as a universal anticancer target, interdisciplinary methods (synthetic chemistry, structural biology), and educational innovations in pharmacy training.