Dr Nayab Fatima

Profile

Currently, working as a Postdoctoral researcher in FRANK group led by Dr Rene Frank at the University of Leeds. The project is looking at the in situ molecular structures of the brain, more precisely the structural mechanisms of synapses, memory, and Alzheimer's disease-associated molecular pathology.

Previously, graduated with Bsc Honours in Biomedical Science (2014), MSc in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (2015) and PhD (2020) with research interest to cure brain degenerative diseases using gold nanoparticles as nanocarriers to deliver gene editing therapeutics (Antisense Oligonucleotides/CRISPR) across blood brain barrier.  PhD project work involved developing and characterizing therapeutic gold nano-carriers, which can bypass blood brain barrier in the most non-invasive approach. Worked with a number of bioanalytical techniques, to name a few ICP-MS (to quantify gold in mammalian tissues), HPLC (to purify different molecular size DNA coated nanoparticles), DLS and SEM (characterizing gold nanoparticles), and cell cytotoxicity assays with use of flow cytometer. Extensive work was performed using histology techniques, EM, ultramicrotome, resin sample embedding, cutting of samples using Diamond knife and imaging them on Transmission Electron Microscopy/Light microscopy and florescent microscopy. Additionaly, worked with cell cultures and novel models of Blood brain barrier using glial cells embedded in collagen gel, layered with brain endothelial cells.

Post PhD completion (2020-2022), worked in pharmaceutical industry on managemnet of multiple projects to start up two Covid-19 testing labs; for NHS and Amazon Diagnostics.  Meeting the ISO15189 standards and biosafety requirements to keep the staff safe from contagious virus. Additionaly, worked at a GMP/GCP/GLP lab for management and approval of multiple clinical trials studies, making sure a successfull initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and completion of a clinical trial study.

Responsibilities

• Postdoctoral researcher

Research interests

In situ molecular structures of the brain

Research Interest; pathological molecular mechansims of synapse damage in alzheimers disease (AD) and how the synaptic damage by AD is linked to Abeta and tau proteins. To understand this the research will involve using genetically engineered mice, cryo-electron microscopy to determine 3D molecular structures that explain how molecular machines are organised in situ and the molecular mechanisms responsible for physiological function and pathological dysfunction in the mammalian brain.

Qualifications

• Bsc (Hons) Biomedical Science
• Msc Biomaterials
• PhD Neuroscience