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Department of Biochemistry 10 �� Phenomena. We focused on using complex network analysis tools to study biological processes such as human consanguinity and congenital disorders, disease spread in the population using HIV/ AIDS as an example, and RNA structure analysis. These studies have resulted in three MS theses (two as co-supervisor) and one publication. Sequence comparison of MMTV-like fragments amplified out of human tissues compared to MMTV strain Mtv-8 and the endogenous human retrovirus HERV-K. Overall, these sequences revealed over 90% homology with MMTV, but less than 50% homology with HERV-K. Additionally, the various samples showed slight differences in their sequence between each other, ruling out any possible contamination with a laboratory strain of MMTV or otherwise. Mechanisms of transcriptional regulation by chromatin-modifying complexes (Dr. A.H. Al-Marzouqi) The research in my laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanisms of action of the protein complexes that regulate gene expression by modifying the structure of chromatin. In eukaryotes, the compaction of DNA into the nucleus inhibits the access of factors to DNA which leads to the repression of many important cellular processes required for maintenance and growth of the cell. To access the DNA and the genes, the nucleoprotein structure, called chromatin, which consists of DNA, histones, and non-histone proteins needs to be opened up or altered. This is accomplished as a result of DNA and histone modifications or by DNA binding proteins. Many studies in the past few years have described conserved protein complexes whose function is to modulate the access of transcription factors to regulatory regions of genes relieving chromatin-mediated repression. The action of these complexes that are able to overcome the repressive effects of chromatin is an important step in the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. Specifically, the overall goals of my research are to understand how certain proteins can regulate gene expression by modifying the structure of chromatin or interacting with its components. We are interested in how different types of chromatin modifying proteins work in turning genes on or off. This is an important question to be addressed since gene regulation can determine the amount of protein production required for important functions of all cells. This is also important since many subunits of these chromatin-modifying proteins in humans have been implicated in the initiation of various diseases. It is likely that errors in the function of these protein complexes can result in alterations in the life cycle of the cell that may lead to the development of cancer. Thus, we are also interested in studying how chromatin misregulation contributes to cancer development and could be helpful in finding potential cures for it in the future. Research highlights The three areas of research focus in my laboratory during 2011 were: �� the various chromatin-modifying complexes. �� dependent chromatin remodeling complexes. �� in vivo functions of chromatin remodelers and their roles in gene silencing Neuro-modulation of the immune response �� My main research interest is to investigate the mechanism by which organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) modulate the immune response. It has been well described that the toxic effects of the OPCs are due to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the central and peripheral nervous systems, with a consequent increase in the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) which leads to cholinergic hyperstimulation. We have recently demonstrated that subchronic doses of paraoxon, the bioactive metabolite of the OPC parathion, prepared the
mice for a better immune response to infection. We are currently analyzing the functional link between the nervous and immune systems. Another area of interest, in which my laboratory is working, is the expression of different biomarkers in cancer cells. We are leading a project in which we are trying to correlate the expression of an intracellular protein (MCJ) in breast cancer cells with their resistance to chemotherapy. Research Highlights Our research had shown that the inhibition of �� Signal transduction pathways and disease (Prof. Sehamuddin Galadari) Biologically active sphingolipids have key roles in the regulation of several fundamental biological processes that are integral to cancer pathogenesis. Recent significant progress in understanding biologically active sphingolipid synthesis, specifically within ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)mediated pathways, has identified crucial roles for these molecules both in cancer development the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh), enabled mice to mount a more effective inflammatory antimicrobial response. Immunologically, inhibition of AChE, can modulate the inflammatory response of splenic macrophages and enhance the antibody response to infection in these animals. Moreover, preliminary results suggest that AChE inhibition could also modulate macrophage inflammatory responses, both in infections as well as non-infections disease models. �� Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Upon infection, macrophages produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate afferent signals to the brain by the sensory vagus nerve. Subsequent activation of the motor vagus nerve inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. By inhibiting the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) using paraoxon (an organophosphorous compound), and therefore increasing the concentration of acetylcholine (ACh), the pro-inflammatory response can be modulated. and progression. Ceramide and sphingosine - central molecules in sphingolipid metabolism- in effect function as a tumor-suppressor lipids inducing anti-proliferative, senescence, apoptotic and autophagic responses in various cancer cells. Conversely, S1P induces responses that, on aggregate, render S1P a tumor-promoting lipid. These discoveries are paving the way for the advancement of anticancer therapies. Ceramidases hydrolyses ceramide into sphingosine and fatty acid. After its generation sphingo- Department of Biochemistry � 11
Page 1 and 2: 2011 Office of the Assistant Dean f
Page 3 and 4: Contents Dean’s message Foreword
Page 5 and 6: ��Medical Services Crops, UAE A
Page 7 and 8: I will take this opportunity to tha
Page 11: Research Publications by Department
Page 14 and 15: Department of Anatomy 4 Sherif M. K
Page 16 and 17: Department of Anatomy 6 Shehab SA,
Page 18 and 19: 8 Professor & Chair: Prof JM Conlon
Page 22 and 23: Department of Biochemistry Doxorubi
Page 24 and 25: Department of Biochemistry 14 Baica
Page 26 and 27: Department of Biochemistry 16 E, Co
Page 28 and 29: Department of Biochemistry 18 �
Page 30 and 31: 20 Professor & Chair Prof TC Aw Pro
Page 32 and 33: Department of Community Medicine Gu
Page 34 and 35: Department of Community Medicine 24
Page 40 and 41: Department of Family Medicine 30 of
Page 42 and 43: Department of Family Medicine 32 Cu
Page 44 and 45: Department of Family Medicine 2011
Page 46 and 47: Department of Internal Medicine 36
Page 52 and 53: Department of Medical Education 42
Page 54 and 55: 44 Professor & Chair Prof Basel al-
Page 56 and 57: Department of Microbiology & Immuno
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Page 66 and 67: Department of Paediatrics 56 The de
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Department of Paediatrics 60 This i
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Department of Paediatrics 62 Elmagr
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Department of Paediatrics 64 cardio
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Department of Pathology ��
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Department of Pathology 68 glioma i
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Department of Pathology 70 H pylori
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Department of Pathology 72 Publishe
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74 Professor & Chair: Prof A Adem P
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Department of Pharmacology 76 Pharm
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Department of Pharmacology 78 �
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Department of Pharmacology 80 Nemma
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82 Professor & Chair: Prof TE Adria
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Department of Physiology 84 M.Sc. p
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Department of Physiology 86 we cont
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Department of Physiology 88 Article
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Department of Physiology 90 mide on
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Department of Physiology 92 2011 Ph
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Department of Psychiatry & Behaviou
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Department of Psychiatry & Behaviou
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98 Professor & Chair: Prof P Corr P
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Department of Radiology 100 2011 Ra
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Department of Surgery Fellow of the
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Department of Surgery 104 sity sinc
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Department of Surgery 106 the UAE f
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Department of Surgery 108 bal evalu
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Department of Surgery 110 Hefny AF,
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Research Priority Groups Diabetes a
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Diabetes and Cardiovascular 108 Med
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110 Genetics and Development Resear
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Genetics and Development 112 Monito
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Immunoregulation & Infection 114 by
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Medical Education 116 ��
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118 Neuroscience Research Priority
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120 Oncology Research Group Group L
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122 Trauma Research Priority Group
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Trauma 124 The scientific program w
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Medical Student Research
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Medical Student Research We believe
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Professor David Eisner Invited Spea
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National Medical Library 134 Direct
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Impact Factor
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Research Publications - College of Medicine and Health Science

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