معرفی
Wael E Houssen is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) at the University of Aberdeen's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, within the Microbiology and Immunity division and the Institute of Medical Sciences. His work integrates natural product chemistry, enzymology, and peptide engineering to develop novel therapeutics.
Research Interests
- Design and biosynthesis of cyclic peptides with therapeutic potential.
- Characterization of enzymes involved in peptide macrocyclization and post-translational modification.
- Discovery of antimicrobial and antiviral agents from marine and terrestrial organisms.
- Application of click chemistry and chemoenzymatic methods for peptide functionalization.
- Investigation of scorpion venom peptides for anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
Publications & Impact
With 53 peer-reviewed outputs and over 1,800 citations, his recent work (2023–2024) focuses on anti-SARS-CoV-2 cyclic peptides, antimicrobial peptides against resistant pathogens, and expanding the substrate scope of cyanobactin macrocyclases. His research bridges fundamental enzymology with translational applications in infectious disease and cancer.
Awards & Recognition
- 2019: University of Aberdeen Principal’s Prize for Research and Engagement (Outstanding research team).
Collaborations & Funding
Dr Houssen leads interdisciplinary teams involving microbiologists, chemists, and pharmacologists. His projects are supported by UK and international grants, fostering collaborations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. He has supervised numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to the next generation of scientists in natural product and peptide sciences.
