Biography
I was appointed at Keele as a Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences in August 2009. Prior to this, I obtained a first class BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry in 1995 and a PhD in cellular pharmacology in 1998, both from Keele. I subsequently was employed as a post-doctoral research fellow, where my work involved identifying and studying novel molecules which control apoptosis, in order to define new drug targets for the therapy of cancer and other human diseases where apoptosis control is dysfunctional.
Since starting my lecturer post, I became interested in educational research and in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. This culminated in the completion of a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (MATLHE) at Keele in 2011.
Research and scholarship
Google Scholar:
http://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=9sdDdAYAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra
ResearchGate:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mirna_Maarabouni
My research interests are in molecular cell biology and cell signalling i.e. investigating the way that mammalian cells function and communicate. Areas of particular interest include studying the signalling pathways involved in the cell fate decision. Currently, my work concentrates on the elucidation of the signalling pathways initiated by the modulation of the expression of a number of genes and how they eventually cause the destruction of the cell. These genes include those that encode non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). I am interested in investigating the roles of ncRNAs in the death and survival of human cells and in cancer. I also have a long-standing interest in studying the role of phosphatases in cancer.
Current projects include:
- The role of serine/threonine phosphatase in human cancer.
- The role of long non-coding RNAs in human cancer.
- The role of Vacuolar ATPase subunits in breast cancer.
- Identification of novel long non coding RNAs involved in the control of cell death and survival (Funded by Royal Society Grant).
Teaching
Year 1
- Year 1 Human Biology Tutor
- LSC-10066: Molecular Cell Biology
- LSC-10072: Cellular Genetics and Evolution
Year 2
- LSC-20052: Nutrition and Energy Balance (Module Manager)
- LSC-20085: Cell Signalling (Module Manager)
Year 3
- LSC-30015: Biology of Disease
- LSC-30004: Research project (Experimental)
- LSC-30007: Research project (Dissertation)
- LSC 30028: Advances in Medicine
- LSC-30030: Human Evolution
- LSC-30010: Biochemistry in Practice
- LSC30041: Biomedical Science and Pathology (Module Manager)
- LSC-30061: Cancer Biology
Year 4/ MSc Biomedical Blood Science
- LSC-40033: Advanced Laboratory Techniques (Module Manager)
Selected Publications
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The lncRNA Growth Arrest Specific 5 Regulates Cell Survival via Distinct Structural Modules with Independent Functions. Cell Rep, 107933, vol. 32(3). link> doi> full text>2020.
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SAT-LB138 The LncRNA Growth Arrest Specific 5 Regulates Cell Survival via Distinct Structural Modules With Independent Functions. Journal of the Endocrine Society. Oxford Academic. doi> link> full text>2020.
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SAT-LB138 The LncRNA Growth Arrest Specific 5 Regulates Cell Survival via Distinct Structural Modules With Independent Functions. Journal of the Endocrine Society. Oxford Academic. doi> link> full text>2020.
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RNA sequencing reveals a key role for the long non-coding RNA MIAT in regulating neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cell fate. Int J Biol Macromol, 878-891, vol. 130. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Long noncoding RNA MIAT regulates apoptosis and the apoptotic response to chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer cell lines. Biosci Rep, vol. 38(4). link> doi> full text>2018.
Full Publications Listshow
Journal Articles
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The lncRNA Growth Arrest Specific 5 Regulates Cell Survival via Distinct Structural Modules with Independent Functions. Cell Rep, 107933, vol. 32(3). link> doi> full text>2020.
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RNA sequencing reveals a key role for the long non-coding RNA MIAT in regulating neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cell fate. Int J Biol Macromol, 878-891, vol. 130. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Long noncoding RNA MIAT regulates apoptosis and the apoptotic response to chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer cell lines. Biosci Rep, vol. 38(4). link> doi> full text>2018.
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The protein phosphatase 4 - PEA15 axis regulates the survival of breast cancer. Cellular Signalling, 1389-1400, vol. 28(9). doi> link> full text>2016.
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The protein phosphatase 4 - PEA15 axis regulates the survival of breast cancer cells. Cell Signal, 1389-1400, vol. 28(9). link> doi> full text>2016.
- 2014.
- 2014.
- 2013.
- 2013.
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Growth arrest on inhibition of nonsense-mediated decay is mediated by noncoding RNA GAS5. Biomed Res Int, 358015, vol. 2013. link> doi> full text>2013.
- 2011.
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Candidate tumour suppressor Fau regulates apoptosis in human cells: an essential role for Bcl-G. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1146-1153, vol. 1812(9). doi>2011.
- 2011.
- 2010.
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Inhibition of Human T-Cell Proliferation by mTOR antagonists requires Non-Coding RNA growth-arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5). Molecular Pharmacology, 19-28, vol. 1(78). link> full text>2010.
- 2010.
- 2010.
- 2010.
- 2009.
- 2009.
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GAS5 (growth arrest-specific 5 (non-protein coding)). Atlas Genet Cytogenet Oncol Haematol. Atlas Genet Cytogenet Oncol Haematol.. link>2009.
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Dysregulated expression of Fau and MELK is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res, R60, vol. 11(4). link> doi> full text>2009.
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Interactions between imidiazoline compounds and sulphonylureas in teh regulation of insulin secretion. British Journal of Pharmacology, 799-805, vol. 121. doi>1997.
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Multiple effector pathways regulate the insulin secretory response to the imidazoline RX871024 in isolated rat pancreatic islets. British Journal of Pharmacology, 1279-1287, vol. 127. doi>1999.
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Fau down-regulation inhibits breast cancer cell death and correlates with poor prognosis. Breast Cancer Research, Article 60, vol. 11(4).2009.
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Fau regulates carboplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. Genes Chromosomes and Cancer.2009.
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GAS5, a non-protein- coding RNA, controls apoptosis and is down regulated in breast cancer. Onocogene, 195-208, vol. 28(2).2009.
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Protein phosphatatase 4 regulates apoptosis in human T-cells. Luekemia Research, 1539-1551, vol. 33.2009.
- 2009.
- 2008.
- 2008.
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Growth arrest in human T-cells is controlled by growth arrest specific transcript 5 (GAS5), a non-coding RNA. Cell Sci., 939-946, vol. 121. doi>2008.
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Investigation into the roles of novel apoptosis genes in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research 2008, 26, vol. 10(Suppl 2).2008.
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Protein phosphatase 4 regulates apoptosis, proliferation and mutation rate of human cells. Biophys. Biochem. Acta., 1490-1502, vol. 1783(8). doi>2008.
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The antiapoptotic RBM5/LUCA-15/H37 gene and its role in apoptosis and human cancer: research update. ScientificWorldJournal, 1705-1712, vol. 6. link> doi> full text>2006.
- 2006.
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Candidate tumor suppressor LUCA-15/RBM5/H37 modulates expression of apoptosis and cell cycle genes. Exp Cell Res., 1745-1752, vol. 312.2006.
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Isolation of genes controlling apoptosis through their effects on cell survival. Gene Ther. Mol. Biol., 255-262, vol. 10.2006.
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Isolation of genes controlling apoptosis through their effects on cell survival - Research article. GENE THERAPY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 255-261, vol. 10B. link>2006.
- 2005.
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Functional expression cloning reveals a central role for the receptor for activated protein kinase C 1 (RACK1) in T cell apoptosis. Leukoc Biol., 503-514, vol. 78.2005.
- 2004.
- 2004.
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Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Pituitary Tumor Apoptosis Gene. Mol Endocrinol., 1827-1839, vol. 18.2004.
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Regulation of apoptosis by fau revealed by functional expression cloning and antisense expression. Oncogene, 9419-9426, vol. 16(23).2004.
- 2003.
- 2003.
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Effects of the Imidazoline binding site ligands idazoxan and efaroxan on the viability of insulin-secreting BRIN-BD11 cells. Journal of Pancreas, 117-124, vol. 4(3).2003.
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Functional expression cloning reveals pro-apoptotic role for protein phosphatase 4. Cell Death Differ, 1016-1024, vol. 10.2003.
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Splice variant delta 6 of the candidate tumor suppressor LUCA-15/RBM5 both stimulates cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis. Genes to cell, 109-119, vol. 8.2003.
- 2002.
- 2002.
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Candidate tumour supressor LUCA-15 can regulate multiple apoptosis pathways. Apoptosis, 421-432, vol. 7.2002.
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Effects of imidazoline receptor ligands on islet cells. Diabetic Med.2002.
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RMB5/LUCA-15- tumour suppression by control of apoptosis and the cell cycle. The Scientific World, 1885-1890, vol. 2.2002.
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Characterisation of a KATP channel-independent pathway involved in potentiation of insulin secretion by efaroxan. Diabetes, 340-347, vol. 50. doi>2001.
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Regulation of T-cell apoptosisby sequences encoded at the LUCA-15 candidate tumour suppressor Locus. Miami Nature Biotechnology, 40, vol. 12.2001.
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Effects of imidazoline binding site ligands on the growth and viability of clonal pancreatic B-cells. Naunyn. Schmiedebeg's Arch Pharmacology, 146-154, vol. 361. doi>2000.
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Functional Expression cloning identifies novel apoptosis regulator Luca-15. British Society for Cell Biology. Cell and Molecular Biology of Apoptosis, Article 96.2000.
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Imidazolines and pancreatic hormone secretion. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 217-228, vol. 881.1999.
- 1998.
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Effector systems involved in the insulin secretory responses to efaroxan and RX871024 in rat islets of Langerhans. European Journal of Pharmacology, Article 528, vol. 350(251).1998.
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The imidazoline RX871024 induces postglandin synthesis and inhibits insulin secretion from freshly isolated islets. Diabetologia, 589, vol. 41.1998.
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Insulin secretagogues with an imidazoline structure inhibit arginine-induced secretion from isolated rat islets of Langerhans. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 162-166, vol. 236. doi>1997.
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Imidazoline receptors in the endocrine pancreas: possible theraputic targets?. Br. J. Pharmacol., 184, vol. 122.1997.
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Potentiation of sulphonylurea-induced insulin secretion by efaroxan involves blockade of 2-adrenoceptors. Diabetologia, 393, vol. 40.1997.
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Potentiation of sulphonylurea-induced secretion by the imidazoline efaroxan results from interaction with 2-adrenoceptors rather than imidazoline binding sites. Diabetic Med, Article 36, vol. 14.1997.
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Synthesis and characterisation of the pancreatic islet imidazoline binding site. Diabetologia, 456, vol. 39.1996.
Chapters
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Imidazolines and pancreatic hormone secretion. In Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. (vol. 881).1999.
Other
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SAT-LB138 The LncRNA Growth Arrest Specific 5 Regulates Cell Survival via Distinct Structural Modules With Independent Functions. Journal of the Endocrine Society. Oxford Academic. doi> link> full text>2020.
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SAT-LB138 The LncRNA Growth Arrest Specific 5 Regulates Cell Survival via Distinct Structural Modules With Independent Functions. Journal of the Endocrine Society. Oxford Academic. doi> link> full text>2020.
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Identification of differentially expressed lncrnas in metformin resistant SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. ESMO Open. BMJ Journals. link> doi> full text>2018.
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Identification of differentially expressed lncRNAs in metformin resistant SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. full text>
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Role of Protein Phosphatase 4 Regulatory Subunits in Myeloid Leukaemia. Cancer website ( http://abstracts.ncri.org.uk/year_published/2016/?s=pp4).
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NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA, controls cell survival and is up-regulated in breast cancer. European journal of cancer (pp. S75-S76, vol. 61). Elsevier. doi> full text>2016.
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Protein phosphatase 4 regulates cell survival and responses to PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors in breast cancer cell lines. European Journal of Cancer (pp. S169-S170, vol. 61). Pergamon Press Ltd.. doi> link> full text>2016.
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The vacuolar ATPase subunit E controls apoptosis and is down-regulated in breast cancer. full text>
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The vacuolar ATPase subunit E controls apoptosis and is down-regulated in breast cancer.
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Interactions between PP4 and PEA-15 in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. B228. http://abstracts.ncri.org.uk/abstract/interactions-between-pp4-and-pea-15-in-the-regulation-of-cell-proliferation-and-apoptosis-of-breast-cancer-cells-2/.
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Role of Protein Phosphatase 4 in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. B296. http://abstracts.ncri.org.uk/abstract/role-of-protein-phosphatase-4-in-chronic-myeloid-leukaemia/.
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The Vacuolar ATPase Subunit E regulates cell death in human breast cancer cells. http://abstracts.ncri.org.uk/?s=V-ATPase+E.
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The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 regulates cell survival in breast cancer cell lines.
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Regulation of The Cell Cycle and Cell Death by Protein Phosphatase 4 in Breast Cancer Cell Lines.2014.
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NCRI Cancer Conference 2014.2014.
- 2010.
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Gas5 encodes non-coding RNA which controls apoptosis and growth arrest in human cells.2008.
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GNB2L1 (guanie nucleotide binding protein (G protein), beta polypeptide 2-like 1). link>2007.
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Protein Phosphatase 4: A Novel Modulator of Apoptosis.2007.
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RBM5 (RNA binding motif protein 5). link>2007.
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Role of protein phosphatise 4 in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation.2006.
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Role of protein phosphatise 4 in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation.2006.
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The LUCA-15/RBM5 candidate tumour supressor regulates T-cell apoptosis. Am. Ass. Cancer Res. Proc. (p. 77).2002.
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Expression of imidazoline-binding proteins in the endocrine pancreas.2001.
- 1999.
Lab members
Dr Anwar M Hasan, Research Associate, a.m.hasan@keele.ac.uk, +44 (0)1782 733682 Dr Hassan has gained her PhD from Keele University. Dr Hassan is currently involved in investigating the role of phosphatases in cancer. |
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Ms Katerina Bountali (PhD student Joined September 2016) Katerina is in her second year of her PhD studies investigating the role of long non-coding RNAs in brain tumours. Katerina obtained her BSc in Biology from University of Crete-Department of Biology in 2014 and MSc in Oncology from University of Nottingham – Medical School in 2015. Katerina has presented her work in NCRI conference (November 2017) and in the 25th Biennial Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research Congress, June 2018. |
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Nadieh Kavousi (PhD student, Joined November 2017) Nadieh is in her first year of her PhD studies. Her project investigates the role of protein phosphatase in cancer. Prior to joining the lab, Nadieh completed a degree in Biomedical Science at Keele University. Nadieh is currently working towards her first year progression. |
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Maria Maroszek (PhD student, Joined February 2019) |
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Maryam Behjat (PhD student, Joined October 2019) |
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Taniqua Kristina Adderley (Phd student,joined the lab in January 2020) Taniqua's project investigates drug repurposing in cancer. Prior joining the lab, Taniqua completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at Keele University, Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Pathology of Viruses, Imperial College London (2016) and Master of Science in Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics of Cancer, University of Leicester (2017). |
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Alessia Ostini Prior starting the PhD, Alessia obtained a BSc in Human Biology and Medicinal Chemistry here at Keele. During her second year, she was chosen to undertake a placement in Malaysia, at USM, working on a novel anticancer compound in breast cancer cell lines. Afterwards Alessia worked for a year as a Graduate Quality Manager in an Energy & Recycling Company.
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Previous lab members |
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Zainab Almnaseer completed her PhD in January 2018. She was the first PhD completion from the group. Zainab is a Medical Doctor and worked as General Practitioner in her home country of Iraq. Her project focused on the investigation of the role of long non coding RNAs in cancer. Zainab has presented her work in a number of conferences including NCRI and EACR conferences. Zainab pictured below with her Extrenal Examiner Dr Aditi Kanhere of Birmingham University and her advisor Prof Gwyn Williams, is now back to her home country where she works as a lecturer.
Links to Zainab’s thesis and conference contribution: |
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Hiba Mohammed has recently completed her PhD. She is the second PhD completion from the group. Hiba is a Medical Doctor and worked as General Practitioner in her home country of Iraq. Her project investigated the role of protein phosphatase 4 in breast cancer. Hiba has presented her work in a number of conferences including NCRI, EACR and ECDO. Her work also resulted in a peer reviewed publication. Links to Hiba’s publications and activities: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0898656816301450?via%3Dihub) https://www.keele.ac.uk/lifesci/newsandevents/2016/3minthesis.php https://www.keele.ac.uk/lifesci/newsandevents/2014/hibatravelgrant.php |
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Mathilda Abou Faycal was a Master student at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University. Mathilda carried out her MSc project in the lab in summer 2017. Her work involves investigating the role of protein phosphatase 4 regulatory subunits in leukemia. Mathilda’s work was presented in NCRI conference November 2017. Mathilda has since graduated with an MSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology in her home country. |
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Chloe Gawlik (MPhil Student) Chloe completed her MPhil in Jannuary 2019. Prior to joining the lab, Chloe completed a degree in Biomedical Science at Keele University.
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Hasan Al Sayed Mortada (MSc student) |
Master Students
2018: Dorcas Umar
2017: Mathilda Abou Faycal
2016: Farah Haji Alnassay
2016: Cyntura Sivanandan
2016: Alicja Ladna
2015: Jawhar Omar
2015: Abdi Suaad
Undergraduates
2019-2020 Rochelle Hesse-Lamptey, Jordan Dhanda, Hannah Newton-Oakes, Rebecca Newell,Cameron Campbell and Abdur-Rahmaan Hussain.
2018-19: Mohammadali Kavousi, Matej Lietava, Emilia Postaleniec, Victoria Mason , Adeelah Ghafoor, Sriram Vijayakumar, Alexandra Condon, Nicola Robinson, Ollie Tomlins.
2017-18: Ryan Dimmock, Sam Longstaff, Sarah Nicholson,Emily Scanlon, Keith Turita, Rachel Ho, Swetha Umashankar, Lindsay Coll.
2016-17: Bandeira Kevi, Jayawardena Upeshala, Lo Pui, Mackenzie Luke, Percival Shannon
2015-16: Kwai Wong, Will Smith, Arrti Sureshkumar, Chi Chair, Najeebah Zainal Ariffin, Joel Richardson
2014-5: Tasha Hunt, Aqeela Mahroof, Jade Chritchely
2013-14: Abdihakin Dirie, James Johnson, Lauren Anthony
School of Life Sciences,
Huxley Building,
Keele University,
Staffordshire,
ST5 5BG
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 734414
Enquiries:
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 734414
Email: lifesciences.enquiries@keele.ac.uk