Explore Our Current Research Projects
Interested in the work taking place through our PhD Exchange Program? Below, you'll find an overview of ongoing research projects as well as completed PhD work from our exchange scholars. These projects highlight the program’s commitment to academic excellence, international collaboration, and long-term impact. Explore cutting-edge research initiatives where innovative approaches and multidisciplinary expertise drive breakthroughs in understanding complex diseases and developing transformative therapies.
Click on any project to read more.
Type-2 Cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 Counteract LPS-Induced Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Fibrotic Signaling in Lung Fibroblasts
Lina Walid Moh'd Sahnoon
This project explores how key immune molecules—specifically type 2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13—drive structural changes in the lungs of patients with allergic asthma. By integrating patient-derived cell research in Sharjah with an animal model in Lübeck, the work aims to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve treatment outcomes.
Investigating the Mechanism of Temporomandibular Arthritis Using Tissue Engineering and Molecular Analysis
Nawal Saeed Ali Alhafri Alketbi
This PhD project aims to engineer a biomimetic temporomandibular joint disc using chondrocyte or fibroblast cell lines to replicate the native disc’s structure and function. The construct will be analyzed through molecular, mechanical, and immunological assessments to evaluate its stability, functionality, and response to bio-stimulation, advancing tissue regeneration strategies.
The Role of NFkB pathway in Prostate Cancer Pathogenesis
Ranyah Mohammed Saleh Al-hakm
This PhD project investigates the role of the NF-κB pathway in prostate cancer progression, focusing on its regulatory molecules BCL-3 and BCL-2. By analyzing their expression across disease stages, the study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms driving inflammation and tumor growth, advancing understanding and potential targeted therapies for aggressive prostate cancer.
Host-induced Heterogeneity in Candida auris Infection
Salam Mohamad Dak Al Bab
This PhD project explores how Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, interacts with host cells to uncover mechanisms of virulence, biofilm formation, and immune evasion. By studying how host pressures influence fungal heterogeneity and resistance, the research aims to inform new therapeutic strategies against invasive C. auris infections.
Past Projects
Browse our collection of distinguished past projects that reflect years of dedication, innovation, and scholarly rigor. These completed research endeavors showcase significant scientific contributions across diverse fields, underscoring the expertise and commitment of our scholars. Each project has helped pave the way for new discoveries, advanced clinical understanding, and laid a strong foundation for future research excellence.
Click on any project to explore the impactful work completed by our talented researchers.
Targeting Interleukin-33/ST2 Pathway for the Treatment of Asthma
Dr. Baraa Al-Sheakly
Asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide and involves chronic inflammation driven by IL-33. This study explores how Astegolimab, an anti-ST2 antibody, modulates IL-33 signaling to reduce lung inflammation, limit airway remodeling, and enhance steroid responsiveness using lung cell models and a chronic asthma mouse model.
Glucose Manipulation Leads to Hypothalamic Dysfunc..." on page
Dr. Ankita Srivastava
Exploring how hypothalamic glial cells respond to hypoglycemia and hypoxia, this project investigates the role of HIF-1α in neuroinflammation and glucose homeostasis. By examining microglia–astrocyte crosstalk and HIF-1 signaling, we aim to uncover mechanisms underlying metabolic stress and identify potential therapeutic targets for disorders like diabetes.
Pathogenesis of early colorectal cancer through investigation of the mechanism of colitis to cancer progression
Dr. Faisal Hassan Al Hosani
Chronic inflammation in IBD increases the risk of colorectal cancer. This project investigates the CBM signalosome complex—BCL10, MALT1, and CARD11—and its role in disease progression. Using patient tissues and CRC cell lines, we aim to define molecular mechanisms linking inflammation to malignancy and identify potential early diagnostic or therapeutic targets.
The Role of IL-5 in airway remodelling in severe asthma
Dr. Rola A. Y. Abujabal
Chronic asthma often leads to irreversible airway remodeling, worsened by steroid resistance. This project explores how IL-5 drives fibrosis through lung fibroblasts and investigates whether the monoclonal antibody Mepolizumab can counteract these effects. Using fibroblasts from asthmatic and healthy donors, we aim to uncover new therapeutic targets for severe asthma.Molecular
Pyroptosis in neutrophils in pemphigoid deseases
Dr. Bariaa Khalil
Vitamin D may play a key role in reducing inflammation in severe, steroid-resistant neutrophilic asthma by suppressing inflammasome activation. This project explores its therapeutic potential in asthma and COVID-19 by examining inflammasome markers in patient samples and conducting in vitro studies to uncover underlying mechanisms of immune modulation.
The role of protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as an epigenetic modulator in colorectal carcinoma
Dr. Wafaa M. S. Abumustafa
This study investigates the oncogenic role of PRMT5 in colorectal cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target. We explore how PRMT5 regulates key genes like DKK1 and assess whether PRMT5 inhibitors enhance chemotherapy efficacy. Early results show promising synergy with doxorubicin, highlighting PRMT5’s relevance in CRC treatment strategies.
Inhibiting DNA Sensing Pathway using Chitosan Nanoparticle to Control Lung Inflammation during Steroid-Resistant Asthma
Dr. Bushra Ahmed Mdkhana
Chronic inflammation in asthma may be driven by the cGAS–STING pathway, activated by DNA damage in lung tissue. This project investigates targeted delivery of the STING inhibitor H-151 via nanoparticles to reduce lung inflammation in an asthma mouse model, aiming to minimize systemic side effects and enhance treatment precision.
Role of Gasdermin E mediated pyroptosis in the response of different breast cancer molecular subtypes to chemo- and Immunotherapy
Dr. Lama A. F. Lozon
This project explores how hormone receptors and HER2 regulate Gasdermin E (GSDME), a tumor suppressor protein that triggers pyroptosis and enhances anti-tumor immunity. By uncovering the mechanisms controlling GSDME expression in breast cancer, we aim to restore its activity and improve responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in hormone-driven subtypes.
Study of the expression and regulation of L-CAD in breast and colorectal cancers and its role in tumor progression
Dr. Alya Rashid Dugaish Mubarak Obaid Al Nuaimi
This project explores the role of Caldesmon (CALD-1), particularly its L-CAD isoform, in regulating cell motility and invasion in breast and colorectal cancer. By investigating its expression, molecular function, and interaction with p53 across cancer subtypes, we aim to clarify CALD-1’s potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Therapeutic potential of novel compounds targeting mitochondrial pathways in mouse models of MS
Dr. Sarah Othman Abdullah Mohammed Dhaiban
This project evaluates two novel compounds, SIMR1281 and SIMR1707, for their therapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis using the EAE mouse model. Both compounds significantly reduced disease symptoms and inflammation. Ongoing work aims to uncover their mechanisms of action using proteomic and metabolomic approaches to support future MS drug development.
The role of intracellular heterogeneity in breast cancer, lung cancer, and COVID-19 pathogenesis: strategies for early disease detection and management
Dr. Sarah Musa Subhi Hammoudeh
Cellular heterogeneity plays a crucial role in disease complexity and therapy resistance. By combining immunohistochemistry with targeted RNA sequencing, this work uncovers distinct spatial and temporal signaling patterns in hormone-positive breast cancer, drug-resistant lung cancer, and severe COVID-19—revealing novel biomarkers and pathways that may guide more effective, personalized treatments.
Molecular pathogenisis of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Dr. Asma Ebrahim Hasan Almulla Almansoori
This study provides the first molecular insight into papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in the UAE. Using bioinformatics, clinical samples, and transcriptomic analysis, key pathways such as MAPK, estrogen, and vitamin D signaling were identified. Findings highlight potential biomarkers and FDA-approved drug candidates for improved diagnosis and targeted therapy.
The role of histone acetyltransferases CBP and GCN5 in the response of cancer and normal breast cells to cellular stress
Dr. Wafaa S. H. Ramadan
Late diagnosis in breast cancer contributes to poor outcomes, highlighting the need for novel biomarkers. This work explores the epigenetic regulators CBP and GCN5 under DNA damage, revealing CBP’s role in DNA repair and its interaction with ERα and HER2. Findings support CBP as a therapeutic target in hormone-positive breast cancer.
The role of metabolic reprogramming in the sensitivity of breast cancer to chemo- and immunotherapy
Dr. Dana Mazen Zaher
Breast cancer’s altered metabolism drives drug resistance and aggressiveness. OSU-CG5 sensitizes resistant cells to chemotherapy, while SIMR1281 disrupts antioxidant defenses with strong anticancer effects. PDH-E1A levels correlate with prognosis, and combining its inhibitor CPI-613 with doxorubicin shows promise, though immunotherapy combinations need further exploration.
Role of mitochondria in the development of airway remodeling in severe asthma
Dr. Rakhee Kizhuvappat Ramakrishnan
Severe asthma-related subepithelial fibrosis involves mitochondrial dysfunction and increased mitophagy in bronchial fibroblasts. Cytokines like IL-17 impair mitochondrial quality control, promoting fibrosis via autophagy. Elevated Bcl10 expression activates NF-κB, enhancing inflammatory signaling. Targeting these pathways may offer new therapies for refractory airway remodeling in severe asthma.
Role of natural killer cells in cancer and autoimmune diseases: Colorectal cancer and rheumatoid arthritis as a model
Dr. Noha Mousaad Taha Hassen Elemam
NK cell migration to colorectal cancer sites improves with chemokines and DMF/MMF treatment, enhancing cytolytic activity. Differential gene expression in NK cells distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis patients from healthy controls. These findings highlight NK cells’ potential roles in cancer immunotherapy and as diagnostic markers for autoimmune diseases like RA.
The use of integrative OMICs to decipher heterogeneous chronic complex disease mechanism: Severe Asthma as a model
Dr. Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
Reanalysis of asthma transcriptome and proteome data highlights AREG as a biomarker linked to Wnt signaling and cell cycle pathways. AREG’s differential expression in structural and immune cells correlates with asthma severity and impacts inflammatory responses, fibrosis, and steroid resistance, offering insights into novel therapeutic targets.
