Nikolajs Sjakste completed his Post-graduate course at the Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia, in 1983. Then, he received his Degree of Candidate of Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) at the Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia, in 1984 and his Degree of Doctor of Biological Sciences (Dr. Habil. biol.) Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1992. He is now a Professor of Medical Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia and a leading researcher in the Institute of Biology. His research interests include cell nucleus structure, nitric oxide in pharmacology, gene polymorphism and disease, and interactions of drugs and biopolymers. .