د.هبة محمد تفوز بجائزة ابحاثSudanese Scientist Wins Award For Pioneering Leishmaniasis Research

Sudanese Scientist Wins Award For Pioneering Leishmaniasis Research, UK
05 Nov 2007

Sudanese scientist Dr Hiba Mohamed has been awarded the Royal Society Pfizer Award for her pioneering research into genetic susceptibility to leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sand fly bites, today.

The award was established last year by the Royal Society (1) - the UK national academy of science - and Pfizer with the aim of helping to expand scientific research capacity in developing countries.

Dr Mohamed, from the Institute of Endemic Diseases in Sudan, has won the award for her research on the genetic basis of differences in human susceptibility to leishmaniasis. Her discoveries have increased the understanding of how the disease develops in humans and may help in the design of therapies which will stimulate the immune system to develop defences against the disease.

Leishmaniasis - like malaria - is caused by a parasite that is transferred to humans through insect bites. Infection leads to disfigurement and is fatal if left untreated. Leishmaniasis exists throughout the tropics and currently over 12 million people worldwide are infected with the disease and a further 350 million are at risk. Outbreaks have claimed thousands of lives in South Sudan as well as among tribes who have migrated to highly infected areas in eastern Sudan because of the 1984 drought in Darfur. However, although a great deal is known about leishmaniasis, a vaccine or effective treatment is yet to be discovered.

Dr Mohamed said: "By studying the movements of ethnic groups and tribes across eastern Sudan we have discovered that there is a clear difference in people's susceptibility to leishmaniasis disease. This indicates that there are specific genes which act as a defence mechanism against leishmaniasis. By understanding which genes are responsible, therapies could be developed to prevent this infectious disease.

"I am delighted to have won this award as it has enabled me to help people in the very remote and rural areas of Sudan who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. Despite leishmaniasis being one of the major health diseases in Sudan, in some ways it still remains 'hidden'. This is because it mainly affects people in the isolated areas and does not reach the larger cities. It is also hard for those infected with leishmaniasis to reach the hospitals for treatment because they are so ill. For these reasons, without our research, it would still remain untreated in the remote areas of Africa. As I grew up in a small town that had severe outbreaks of leishmaniasis, it is a disease that is really important to me."

Dr Mohamed intends to use the £60,000 award grant to further her research into this neglected area with the aim of developing a preventative treatment

Sir David Read, Vice President and Biological Secretary of the Royal Society said: "Hiba is an inspirational figure for women working in developing countries and proof that it is possible to establish an internationally recognised research career while working in a country such as Sudan. Her work really touches the heart of the community. Without her passion to help people in the remote and rural areas of Africa many would die from this tropical disease simply because they cannot travel to the hospitals.

"This is the second year we have worked with Pfizer to present this award. It aims to recognise and reward excellent scientists in the developing world and help them expand their resources and expertise to benefit the needs of their countries."

Robert Mallett, senior vice president of Worldwide Alliance Development, Philanthropy and Corporate Responsibility for Pfizer Inc. and president of the Pfizer Foundation said: "This prestigious award recognizes the best and brightest scientists who are conducting groundbreaking research in Africa, and we are proud to partner with the Royal Society on this honour. Dr. Mohamed is a very worthy recipient. Her pioneering research on leishmaniasis, which infects approximately 12 million people throughout the world, has led to greater understanding into the genetic factors that determine susceptibility or resistance to this deadly disease."

"At Pfizer, our main contribution is discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines to prevent and treat disease. But equally important are improving access to medicine and strengthening health care systems for underserved people. This is why we will continue to work in partnership with national governments, international agencies and NGOs to tackle our common goal of improving patient health," he added.

The award grant and a £5,000 personal prize will be presented to Dr Mohamed at a ceremony at the Royal Society in London on Monday 5 November 2007.

The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. As we prepare for our 350th anniversary in 2010, we are working to achieve five strategic priorities to:

- Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation
- Influence policymaking with the best scientific advice
- Invigorate science and mathematics education
- Increase access to the best science internationally
- Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and fulfilment of scientific discovery

http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87701.php

Main News Category: Tropical Diseases

her CURRICULUM VITAEPRIVATE

http://www.iend.org/CV_HIBA.HTM

CURRICULUM VITAEPRIVATE



Name: Hiba Salah-ElDin Mohamed

Sex:: Female

Title: Dr.

Date of Birth: 18/01/1968

Place of Birth: Khartoum/ Sudan

Nationality: Sudanese

Language: Arabic/English

Address: Institute of Endemic Diseases. University of Khartoum. P. O. Box 102.

E. mail [email protected] or [email protected]. Fax: 002491-83779712.

Tel. Office: 002491-83793263, Mobile 0912605221

Qualification: Ph.D in Molecular Biology (2002). Institute of Endemic Diseases. University of Khartoum

Current Post:

Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Biology. Institute of Endemic Diseases. University of Khartoum

Education:

1975-1987: Tuti Primary, Intermediate and Higher Secondary Schools

1987- 1993: BSc.(Hons), Second Class Division One, Zoology, faculty of Science, University of Khartoum

1995-1997: MSc. Zoology, University of Khartoum entitled: A Cross-sectional Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Tuti Island Supervised by Prof Ahmed M. El Hassan and Dr Sadia A Youins.

1998-2002: Ph.D, Molecular Biology. Institute of Endemic Diseases University of Khartoum entitled: The role of Host Genetics in Susceptibility to Kala-azar in The Sudan. Supervised by: Prof. J.Blackwell, University of Cambridge and Dr Muntaser E. Ibrahim. Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum.

Last Post Held:

1993-1996: Teaching assistant on part time bases (Faculty of Science, Faculty of Education, University of Khartoum- University of Juba- University of Bahr El Gazal)

1994-1997: Teaching assistant University of El Neelain, Sudan

1998-2000: Lecturer, University of El Neelain, Sudan

2000- 2002: Lecturer. Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum

2002-2003:Research assistant during my Ph.D in the Welcome Trust Collaborative Grant (Role of Host genetics in Susceptibility to Kala-azar In Sudan) between university of Khartoum (Dr. Muntaser E. Ibrahim ) and University of Cambridge ( Prof. Blackwell).

March-October 2002: Post doctoral fellowship. Cambridge Institute for Medical Research. University of Cambridge.

June 2002- till now Assistant Professor-Department of Molecular Biology –Institute of endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum.

Ongoing and Conducted Researches:

Frequency of sugar feeding of Phlebotomus Papatasi in Surogia area. (1993). Graduation dissertation. Supervisor Dr. Dia Eldin Elnaiem. Faculty of Science University of Khartoum

Epidemiological study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tuti Island-Khartoum looking for the prevalence of the disease in human and sandflies (MSc-Research)-1996-1998)

Genetic susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis –Candidate gene approach (1999-2002). PhD research

Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis using PCR (1996-1998)

Functional and Genetic analysis of NRAMP1 gene using Real time PCR, reporter assay and sequencing (2003-2007).

Looking for possible reservoir host for visceral leishmaniasis by investigating natural infection and experimental infection in dogs (2006-ongoing)

Immunogenetics of cutaneous leishmanisas in newly inhabited area in Khartoum (2007-ongoing)

Screening of known cytokine, nitric oxide and complement receptor one gene polymorphisms in Sudanese from malaria endemic areas

Possible genes control susceptibility to Mycetoma, using SNP chips (On going research)

Main Research Interest:

Host –Parasite interaction

Genetics susceptibility to infectious Diseases in particular to Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), Post-kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and Malaria

Looking for possible functional role of different gene polymorphisms and its role in differential gene expression using Reporter assay, Real time PCR.



Courses and Training:

Molecular Biology techniques in Research and Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases (1996). Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum

Biostatistics, using Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) (1997). Tropical Medicine Institute. Sudan

Introduction to Immunology and Molecular Biology (1997). Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum

Genotyping and Linkage Analysis Course (1999). Human Genome Resource Centre. Hinxton. Cambridge. UK

Introduction to Bioinformatics (2000). Cambridge University. UK.

1999-2002. Training at Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (Part of my Ph.D). University of Cambridge. Funded by WHO/TDR and Wellcome Trust.

2003. WHO/TDR advance course in Immunology and biotechnology for infectious diseases, Lausanne- Switzerland, Annecy- France

March -2007. Functional Genomic of Malaria Parasites (Biotec, Thiland ) Funded by WHO/TDR and BioMalPar

Oral and Poster Presentation in Meetings

Molecular Epidemiological Study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Tuti Island. (1998). Oral Presentation. Institute of Endemic Diseases – Khartoum -Sudan.

Role of Candidate Genes in Susceptibility to Kala-azar in the Sudan. 2001. Poster. Keystone Symposium USA

Role of NRAMP1 in Susceptibility to Kala-azar. Oral presentation in the 6th International Meeting on Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics in Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France, 23-27 July 2002.

Role of Host Genetics in Susceptibility to Kala-azar. (2002). Oral presentation. In Genetics of the population of the Sudan and East Africa Meeting. Institute of Endemic Diseases. University of Khartoum. Sudan.

Salih MA, Ibrahim ME, Blackwell JM, Miller Nancy, Khalil EAG, ElHassan AM, Musa AM and Mohamed HS. (2006). IFNG and IFNGR1 Genes Polymorphisms in Susceptibility to Post kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis in Sudan. Poster presentation by Salih MA in African Society of Human Genetics meeting –Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-

Badria MS, ElHassan IM., Ibrahim ME and Mohamed HS.,. Genotyping of nitric oxide synthase 2 polymorphisms in different ethnic groups in Eastern Sudan. Poster presentation in 4th MIM Pan-African Malaria conference-2005 in Cameroon by Badria MS.

Badria MS, ElHassan IM., Ibrahim ME and Mohamed HS.,. Prevalence of nitric oxide gene polymorphisms in two populations. XI international Congress of Parasitology , Glasgow –2006. Poster presentation by Badria MS

Grants Awarded:

WHO/ TDR training fellowship for 8 months (1999) in Cambridge University

Wellcome Trust Research Development Award (2004-2007). Genetics and Functional analysis of SLC11A1 (formerly NRAMP1) polymorphisms in susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis in the Sudan. In collaboration with Prof. Blackwell University of Cambridge. UK

University of Khartoum Research fund for one years (2007) (Genetics and immunological factors determining the severity of P. falciparum infection

WHO capacity strengthening program grant for faculty of Science “ investigation of possible reservoir host in Eastern Sudan “ Co-investigator.

Teaching Experiences:

General Zoology- Practical–first Year (1995-2000)- AL-Neelain University, Faculty of Science- U of K, Faculty of Education- U of K, University of Juba- University of Bahr El Gazal

· Vertebrate course-Theory-Practical– Second year- (1999)- AL-Neelain University.

· Host-parasite interaction- Theory -Third year (1999)

· Molecular Biology course - Qualifying year - Institute of Endemic Diseases-University of Khartoum –2002 –to date

· Molecular biology course -4th year - Al-Neelain University- 2004

· Statistical Genetics Theory and Practical Institute of Endemic Diseases-2005- to date

· Cell Molecular Biology course – Master of Molecular Medicine –Institute of Endemic Diseases- (2007)

· Genetic susceptibility to infectious diseases- Master degree of molecular medicine –Institute of Endemic Diseases- (2007)

· Statistical Genetics- Master of molecular medicine –Institute of Endemic Diseases (2007).

· Bioinformatics and statistical genetics. University of Elneelain February –2007

· Introduction to Bioinformatics course –2006-‏2007‏‏‏

· Molecular biology -First year- National college for medical and technical studies-2007

Administrative Responsibilities
Examination

Postgraduate Students Coordinator (2006-present)

Organization of Workshop and Courses

Khartoum Winter School of Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics.2005-present (annual course)

Capacity Building in the Institute From the Wellcome Trust:

RNA laboratory: PCR machine, Gel electrophoresis system, Microcentifuge and pipettes

Cell culture facilities: –20 oC freezer, laminar flow hood, CO2 incubator, distiller, reagents and consumable

Experiences and Skills:

I- Laboratory

DNA extraction from different biological material,. RNA extraction, RT-PCR., ARMS –PCR, RFLP, Southern blotting, Gel and PCR purification. Microsatelite, analysis-using Gene scan -Genotyper softwares. Cloning, generation of construct, muagensis, transfection, Luciferase reporter gene assay, Real Time PCR, Sequencing. Cell line and Peripheral blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) and Malaria parasite and leismania culturing. Stimulation assay. Identification and dissection of sandfly,

II Genetic analysis:

Pedigree inconsistency using Pedcheck .

Association analysis using; TDT, TDTphase.

Linkage Disequilibrium Hardy-Weinberg deviation analysis using Haploview.

Linkage analysis using SPLINK, ALLEGRO

III Bioinformatics:
Primers designing, Restriction site analysis, sequence analysis using Sequence Navigator and Standen package (pregap, gap4).

Sequences alignment (Blast). Alibaba and MatInspector, for identification of putative Transcription site.

Ensemble, NCBI and Genome Browser for gene annotation

Vector NTI

III Computer

Windows, UNIX and Linux, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel,. Epinfo, SPSS programs.

Internet regular user mainly for information search and email

Recent Publications:

1- Blackwell JM, Goswami T, Evans CA, Sibthorpe D, Papo N, White JK, Searle S, Miller EN, Peacock CS, Mohamed H.S, Ibrahim M. (2001). SLC11A1 (formerly NRAMP1) and disease resistance. Cell Microbiol. 2001 Dec; 3(12): 773-84.

2- Blackwell, J.M., Searle, S., Mohamed, H.S, White, J.K. (2003). Divalent cation transport and susceptibility to infectious and autoimmune disease: Continuation of the Ity/Lsh/Bcg/Nramp1/Slc11a1 gene story. Immunology Letters. 22;85(2):197-203

3- Mohamed HS, Ibrahim ME, Miller EN, Peacock CS, Khalil EA, Cordell HJ, Howson JM, El Hassan AM, Bereir RE, Blackwell JM. (2003). Genetic susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis in The Sudan: linkage and association with IL4 and IFNGR1. Genes Immun. 4(5):351-5.

4- Bereir RE, Mohamed HS, Seielstad M, El Hassan AM, Khalil EA, Peacock CS, Blackwell JM, Ibrahim ME. (2003) Allele frequency and genotype distribution of polymorphisms within disease-related genes is influenced by ethnic population sub-structuring in Sudan. Genetica. 119(1):57-63.

5- Mohamed HS, Ibrahim ME, Miller EN, White JK, Cordell HJ, Howson JM, Peacock CS, Khalil EAG, El Hassan AM, Blackwell JM. (2004). SLC11A1 (formally NRAMP1) and susceptibility to Visceral Leishmaniasis in The Sudan. European Journal of Human Genetics.12, 66-74

6- Blackwell, JM., Mohamed HS., Ibrahim ME. (2004). Genetics and visceral leishmaniasis in the Sudan: seeking a link. Trends in Parasitology. 20(6): 268-74.

7- Elamin EM, Guerbouj S, Musa AM, Guizani I, Khalil EA, Mukhtar MM, Elkadaro AM, Mohamed HS, Ibrahim ME, Abdel Hamid MM, El Azhari M, El Hassan AM (2005). Uncommon clinical presentations of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sudan. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 99(11): 803.

8- Salih MA, Ibrahim ME, Blackwell JM, Miller Nancy, Khalil EAG, ElHassan AM, Musa AM and Mohamed HS. (2007). IFNG and IFNGR1 Genes Polymorphisms in Susceptibility to Post kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis in Sudan, Genes and Immunity 8, 75-78

9- Miller NE, Fadal M, Mohamed HS, ElzeinA, Jamieson SE, Cordell HJ., Peacock CS., Fakiola M, Raju M, Khalil EA, Elhassan A, Musa AM, Ibrahim ME and Blackwell JM. (2007). Y Chromosome Lineage- and Village-Specific Genes on Chromosomes 1p22 and 6q27 Control Visceral Leishmaniasis in The Sudan. PLoS Genetics, 3:5

10- Bayele, H.K., Peyssonnaux, C., Giatromanolaki, A., Arrais-Silva, W.A., Collins, H., Giorgio, S., Koukourakis, M., Nizet, V., Mohamed, H.S., Blackwell, J.M., Johnson, R S. and Srai, S.K.S.(2007). HIF-1a regulates heritable variation in SLC11A1 expression phenotypes relevant to innate immunity and inflammation. Accepted subject to revisions in Blood.

11- Farouk S.,Ibrahim ME,Salih MA, Blackwell JM, Miller Nancy, Khalil EAG, ElHassan AM, Musa AM and Mohamed HS. (2007). IL10 Gene Polymorphisms and development of Post-Kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. In preparation

12- Mohamed, H., Miller, E.N., White, J.K., Jiang, H-R., Belling, I., Bayele, H.K., Ibrahim, M.E., and Blackwell, J.M. (2007). Sequence analysis of SLC11A1 in relation to its role in infectious and autoimmune diseases. In preparation

Students under supervision

Main supervisor

1- Mervat Elshikh “Looking for possible polymorphisms within IL4 promoter region” -Master degree

2- Badria Mohamed Said “Genotyping of Nitric Oxide Synthase promoter polymorphisms among selected ethnic group in Eastern Sudan” – Master degree

3- Ahmed Elnazeer ‘Genetics factors determining the severity of P. falciparum infection’- Master degree

4- Ahmad Adlan Mohamed “Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum eba-175 gene in two different popultions) Master Degree

Co-Supervisor
1- Mather Abd ElWahab “Immunogenetics of cutaneous leishmanisas ” Master degree

2- Manal Gamal Abdu “ TB proteomic” – PhD degree

Graduated MSC students:

Mohmed Ahmed Mohmed Salih “Role of IFNgR1 and IFNg polymorphisms in susceptibility to PKDL in selected Sudanese Population” July–2006

Shimaa Farouq A/rahman “ IL10 genes polymorphisms and susceptibility to PKDL in selected Sudanese Population” May-2007.

Internal Examiner
Three master degree students

Reviewer:

· Molecular Biology Reports- International Journal -2007

Membership

African Society of Human Genetics

Sudanese Society of Clinical Biology