Dr. Salma Mahmoud

Dr. Salma Mahmoud is a visionary epigenetic scientist whose pioneering research has transformed our understanding of chromatin remodeling and its profound influence on gene regulation, disease, and human health. Holding a PhD from the University of Dundee’s Wellcome Trust Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, she has dedicated her career to unraveling the molecular mechanisms that govern chromatin dynamics and epigenetic regulation.

Dr. Mahmoud’s groundbreaking work has earned her over 26 influential publications and 1,399+ citations, establishing her as an emerging leader in the global scientific community. Her research spans the epigenomics of cancer, cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy, and developmental disorders, where she has made pivotal discoveries such as redefining RUNX3 as a novel chromatin regulator in gastric cancer — a paradigm-shifting finding that challenges long-held views of RUNX3 as merely a tumor suppressor and opens the door to new therapeutic strategies.

Her doctoral research characterized Fun30, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzyme, as a homodimeric factor that mediates nucleosome remodeling through histone dimer exchange — uncovering key insights into DNA replication and repair. Building on this foundation, Dr. Mahmoud has developed a multidisciplinary research portfolio integrating genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to explore epigenetic mechanisms in disease and identify translational applications for precision medicine.

Among her most notable contributions are:

RUNX3 in Gastric Cancer: Identification of RUNX3 as an oncogenic chromatin regulator that alters heterochromatin architecture and drives tumorigenesis.

Targeting Ubiquitin Pathways: Discovery of three novel ubiquitin inhibitors, including one that selectively targets RUNX3 and induces autophagy-mediated cell death in metastatic gastric cancer.

Epigenetics of Cardiomyopathy: Demonstration of CaMKIIδB as a chromatin modifier linking calcium signaling to cardiac hypertrophy and identification of ATF2 ubiquitination with FBXO32 in stress-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy.

Neurodevelopment and Infertility: Discovery of PHC1’s role in DNA damage response in microcephaly and the impact of TLE6 phosphorylation in early female embryonic lethality.

At the University of Botswana, Dr. Mahmoud leads an innovative project on the Epigenetic Potential of Indigenous African Flora, exploring the molecular and therapeutic properties of African medicinal plants for anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and bioremediation applications. This aligns with Africa’s growing bio-innovation ecosystem and her broader commitment to using science as a tool for sustainable, culturally rooted innovation.

Dr. Mahmoud’s scientific influence extends beyond the laboratory. She is a global scholar and speaker, presenting her research at international conferences across Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the USA, China, and even teaching at the American University of Afghanistan during the pandemic. She currently serves as an International Ambassador of the Biochemical Society (UK), where she advocates for global scientific collaboration and the empowerment of young researchers, particularly women in STEM.

Beyond her scientific pursuits, Dr. Mahmoud is deeply captivated by the intersection of epigenetics and the social sciences, exploring how societal and environmental forces shape the very genes that influence our health. Her curiosity extends into art, philosophy, and creative writing, where she applies epigenetic concepts to understand the creative process and the evolution of human thought. Her work thus bridges science, society, and creativity, illustrating how molecular mechanisms of life can also inspire reflection on culture, identity, and resilience.