Research Profile - College of Medicine and Health Science - United ...

Department
of Biochemistry
Research Profile
October, 2008 saw the return of Prof. J. Michael
Conlon from exile in Doha to resume his position
as departmental chair. Prior to this time, Prof.
Haider Raza had served with distinction as acting
chair. Dr Sehamuddin Galadari was appointed
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
and Dr Omar El-Agnaf assumed the chairmanship
of the Neuroscience Research Priority Group.
Molecular toxicology and cellular oxidative stress
(Prof. H. Raza)
My research is mainly focused on mitochondrial dysfunction in
oxidative stress conditions caused by chemicals, drugs, diseases
and toxicity. I am using whole animal, cell culture and molecular
models in these studies. In this regard, I have interdepartmental
collaboration with other faculty members and also have
developed an international collaboration with the University
of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. In addition, I am also
investigating the mechanisms of molecular/cellular defense
against toxicity and/or diseases in oxidative stress-related
complications by using known phytochemicals and dietary
antioxidants.
Professor & Chair:
Prof J M Conlon
Professor:
Prof H Raza
Associate Professor:
D. S Galadari
Dr O M A El-Agnaf
Assistant Professor:
Dr A H Al-Marzouqi
Dr M J Fernandez-
Cabezudo
Medical Research
Specialist:
Dr M Patel
Ms M Mechkarska
Mr M Qureshi
Ms E Ahmed
Ms N Al-Ghafari
Ms. A John
Medical Research
Technician:
Mr A Qader
Secretary:
Ms K Al-Baloushi
Research Highlights: In our recent studies, we have demonstrated
that mitochondrial dysfunction is tightly coupled to cell survival
and apoptosis. Alterations in mitochondrial redox and respiratory
metabolisms were found to be critical during oxidative stress.
Some of our recent publications have highlighted the significant
role of dietary antioxidants, such as EGCG (green tea), black tea
polyphenols and curcumin to modulate cellular growth and
functions.