College of Health and Life Sciences CHLS

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Research at CHLS

The College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) embodies a multidisciplinary learning approach to research with a focus on Precision Health

Events

30
MAR 2022
The Next Generation Sequencing and Animal Models
23
MAR 2022
Applied Machine Learning at Scale
16
MAR 2022
Targeting DNA Repair for Precision Oncology Strategies

Overview

The College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS) embodies a multidisciplinary learning approach to research and aims to become a dedicated hub of knowledge sharing in the area of health and life sciences.

The research at the college emphasizes the fields of biomedical sciences, genomics, precision medicine, and exercise science. A major focus is the creation of multidisciplinary teams, allowing the college to attract the necessary resources to maintain and build the technologies required to support its research goals.

Research Highlights

Research Projects

Establishing A Precision Medicine Platform To Target Colorectal Cancer In Preclinical Models
Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the number of cancer patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) being the second most diagnosed.
Tumor Suppressor Fbw7 Protein Aggregation - A Novel Tumorigenic Mechanism In Cancer
Protein aggregation is a process where misfolded proteins aggregate to form insoluble complexes. These aggregates are marked for proteasomal degradation and clearance from the cell by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
Exploring New Therapeutic Targets In Cardiometabolic Disease
Disturbances in lipid metabolism are at the core of several major health issues facing modern society, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
The GDM-Omics Study: A Personalized Epigenetic Approach To Early Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis
Gestational diabetes is becoming a major health problem globally where it poses an increased risk of pre-and postnatal complications in both the mother and the fetus.
Pharmacogenomics Of TNF Inhibitors In Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are on the rise globally, and the largest increase is observed in highly developed countries. They contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, posing a substantial burden on health care systems worldwide.
Identifying Genetic And Epigenetic Changes Underlying Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression
Leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer in Qatar. Similar to global statistics, it accounts for over 40% of new pediatric cancer cases, therefore it is a national priority to better understand leukemia and develop new methods that aid patient stratification and prognosis.
Regulatory Interactions Of Autism-associated Neural Enhancers Implicate Novel Genes In Autism Etiology
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders that are clinically characterized by the manifestation of distinct behavioral, communication, and social deficits.
Eczematec: Next Level Eczema Care
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that requires consistent follow-up in order to optimize patient education and management. The prevalence of eczema in the Lebanese pediatric population ranges from 11-12.8%, mirroring pediatric prevalence elsewhere in the Middle East and Gulf regions.
Metalo-antibiotic For Osteomyelitis Management
Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in Qatar with a prevalence rate reaching 17% in national citizens. Increased susceptibility to microbial infections is common among chronic diabetic patients and is associated with serious complications and increased morbidity and mortality.
Improved Microalgae Strains With Superior Growth And Greater Efficiency For The Treatment Of Industrial Wastewater
During oil and natural gas production, so-called “produced water” comprises the largest byproduct stream. Oil and gas-produced water may serve a range of beneficial purposes, particularly in arid regions, if managed correctly.
A Drosophila Forward Genetics Pipeline To Understand Gene Function In An Organism Development: A Primer
The science of genetics has contributed immensely to understanding the biological system and various biological materials like plants, yeast, c. elegans is used for an introduction to genetic courses in high schools.
Exploring neuronal and non-neuronal defects associated with neurodevelopmental disorders
Many pathogenic mutations related to neurodevelopmental diseases are associated with both neuronal and non-neuronal features, however functional characterization and validations have mainly focused on the molecular basis of neuronal defects.
Biosensors For Viral Nucleic Acid Detection (BioNAD)
Viruses continue to evolve and emerge as virulent pathogens causing significant loss of human lives and economic activities. This is acutely exemplified by COVID-19 causing SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Drug repurposing screen targeting the endothelial ACE2 for preventing cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients
Growing clinical evidence shows a significant correlation between the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and the incidence of cardiovascular complications (e.g., heart failure, thrombotic events).
Personalized care for Qatari patients with a genetic predisposition to hypercholesterolemia: better prediction, diagnosis, and management.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common inherited cause of raised cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), causing early heart disease and early death. This can be effectively prevented by taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
Genetic Risks for Diabetes (GRID)
Genetic factors play an important role in many complex diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D). The heritability of T2D is 30-70%; relatives of patients have a three -fold increase of T2D risk.
Biosensors for Coronavirus Research
SARS-CoV-2 utilizes its main protease (Mpro) to generate functional proteins from polyproteins for successful replication in host cells. This has led to a significant interest in developing pharmacological agents for targeting Mpro, and therefore, tools allowing monitoring its activity in live cells is in demand.

Latest Publications

(2021) Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5): Structure-function regulation and therapeutic applications of inhibitors. Biomed Biother. 134: 111128 [Invited review article]

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(2021) Role of Actin Cytoskeleton in
E-cadherin-Based Cell–Cell Adhesion Assembly and Maintenance. J Ind Inst Sci. 101(1), 51-62 [Invited review article]

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(2021) Intracellular Ionic Strength Sensing Using NanoLuc. Int J. Mol Science 22(2), 677

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Facts and Figures

+100
Number of Students
+9
Number of MOUs
+69
Number of publications by
primary CHLS faculty
+44
Number of publications
by students (2020)
+34,330
Number of citations by
CHLS faculty
+18.8
Avg Institutional H Index

Student Researchers

Studying MS. Exercise Science at HBKU has helped me discover my true passion and purpose. I am ambitious in becoming an associate professor and pursue scholarly research and publications in scientific journals. I believe completing a PhD Program will help me develop valuable transferrable skills that will allow me to reinforce Qatar’s 2030 vision for human development (a more educated and a healthier population). Pursuing a Ph.D. degree resonates with my heart and talent as I’m very passionate in acquiring new knowledge and aiming to make a positive change in society by leading innovative research work.

Sumaia Yahya
MS in Exercise Science

Since a young age, I have always had an interest in Science, especially Biology. That is why I chose Biomedical sciences as a major for my bachelors degree. But my ambition didn't have a limit and I set a new goal to pursue a PhD. CHLS-HBKU made it possible to make my dream come true after ten years of searching for an appropriate graduate program, as it was the first university to offer a PhD program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences in Qatar.

Bakhita Meqbel
PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

My undergraduate research experience triggered my passion for research and CHLS provided the golden opportunity to pursue my Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences while being close to home. The state-of-the-art research facilities and excellent supervision are a perfect amalgamation to nurture budding scientists in Qatar.

Safa Salim
PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

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