Ishrat Mahjabeen | Tumor Biomarkers | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen | Tumor Biomarkers | Best Scholar Award

Academician/Research Scholar |COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen is an accomplished molecular biologist and cancer geneticist currently serving as Associate Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad, with extensive expertise in head and neck cancer, gene regulation, and microRNA biology. She earned her PhD in Cancer Genetics from COMSATS and recently completed a prestigious Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship at Brown University, USA. Dr. Mahjabeen has over two decades of research and academic experience, contributing significantly to molecular oncology through her work on base excision repair pathway genes, miRNA dysregulation, and genetic polymorphisms. She has also been an active educator, having supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate students and taught a variety of bioscience courses. Her scholarly contributions include a Springer book chapter and multiple international conference presentations. With a deep commitment to cancer research and academic mentorship, she continues to shape the future of biomedical science in Pakistan and beyond through her innovative work and international collaborations.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen holds a diverse academic background rooted in biological sciences. She earned her Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2023–2024) from Brown University, USA, through the esteemed Fulbright Scholarship Program. Her PhD in Cancer Genetics was awarded by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad in 2013, where she conducted a thesis on deregulated base excision repair pathway genes and microRNAs in head and neck cancer. Prior to her doctorate, she completed her M.Phil. in Developmental Biology from Quaid-e-Azam University in 2006, focusing on methylcobalamin’s role in sciatic nerve regeneration in rabbits. Her academic journey began with an MSc in Zoology from the University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi in 2003, where she explored the impact of temperature on arthropod populations. This strong foundation across developmental biology, zoology, and cancer genetics has equipped her with a multi-dimensional understanding of complex biological systems, enabling her significant contributions to cancer research and biosciences education.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen has over 20 years of rich research and academic experience in biosciences and molecular oncology. Since May 2024, she has been serving as Associate Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad, where she previously held the positions of Assistant Professor (2017–2024) and Senior Scientific Officer (2014–2017). Her academic journey began with research fellowships at leading institutions, including the Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Quaid-e-Azam University, and PMAS Arid Agriculture University. She also contributed as an honorary lecturer in Talagang. As a committed educator, she has supervised over 140 students across BS, MS, and PhD levels and has taught advanced courses in molecular biology, research techniques, and biochemistry. Her leadership in academia is marked by dedication to translational cancer research, curriculum development, and capacity building in the life sciences, fostering innovation and scientific rigor among emerging researchers.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen has been honored with the prestigious Fulbright Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2023–2024) at Brown University, USA—an international recognition of her excellence in cancer genetics research. Her academic achievements and research impact have earned her continued faculty promotions within COMSATS University Islamabad, reflecting her contributions to teaching, student mentorship, and scientific leadership. She has received recognition for her work through invited talks and presentations at notable global scientific platforms, including the American Association of Extracellular Vesicles (AAEV 2023) in Boston and multiple international conferences in Turkey and Pakistan. Her chapter contribution in a Springer book on head and neck cancer highlights her thought leadership in molecular oncology. These accolades underscore her pioneering work in cancer biology, particularly in miRNA and gene regulation research, as well as her role in fostering academic excellence and collaborative innovation across borders.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen’s research centers on molecular oncology with a focus on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cancer development, particularly head and neck cancers. Her PhD work explored deregulated base excision repair pathway genes and the role of microRNAs in tumor progression. She investigates how miRNA dysregulation, gene polymorphisms, and checkpoint kinase alterations contribute to tumorigenesis, with significant emphasis on gliomas, gastric cancer, and H. pylori-associated pathogenesis. Dr. Mahjabeen is also involved in studying exosomal miRNAs and their functional targets, aiming to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Her translational research approach integrates molecular biology with bioinformatics to unravel cancer pathways and personalize treatment strategies. Her postdoctoral research at Brown University further broadened her scope, allowing global collaborations and access to advanced genomic tools. She remains committed to bridging basic research and clinical relevance to improve early cancer diagnostics and targeted therapies in low-resource healthcare settings.

Conclusion

Dr. Ishrat Mahjabeen stands out as a dynamic academic and cancer researcher, combining excellence in teaching, mentorship, and cutting-edge molecular oncology. Her global exposure, leadership in translational research, and unwavering commitment to biosciences make her an asset to the scientific community.

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Publications

Natalia Baran | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Natalia Baran | Cancer Research | Best Researcher Award

Leading Attending at InselSpital Bern, Switzerland.

Dr. Natalia Baran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leukemia at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia. Her expertise lies in understanding how metabolic reprogramming can lead to drug resistance and contribute to leukemia progression. With a medical background and extensive experience in both clinical and research settings, Dr. Baran has been at the forefront of studies that aim to modulate metabolic pathways to enhance anti-leukemic responses. By combining insights from molecular biology, immunology, and clinical practice, she is actively working toward discovering innovative treatments for leukemia. Dr. Baran’s research holds great promise in advancing leukemia therapy, particularly by targeting metabolic reprogramming in the context of therapy resistance. Her multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical data with laboratory research, makes her a key figure in leukemia research.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Natalia Baran completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology, earning a Master of Science degree in 2006 from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland. She further pursued medical education and obtained her Medical Doctor (MD) degree from Wroclaw Medical University in 2007. Driven by her passion for research, Dr. Baran earned a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Bonn in 2015. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her current focus on leukemia and metabolic reprogramming. In addition, Dr. Baran underwent extensive postdoctoral training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she honed her expertise in hematology and oncology, contributing significantly to translational research in leukemia. Her diverse educational background, blending science and medicine, has shaped her comprehensive approach to cancer research.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Baran has a rich professional experience that bridges clinical practice and cutting-edge research. After completing her MD, she pursued clinical residencies in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology at prestigious German institutions, including the University of Heidelberg and the University of Bonn. This clinical experience laid the groundwork for her subsequent focus on leukemia research. In 2016, she joined MD Anderson Cancer Center as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Leukemia. During her postdoctoral tenure, Dr. Baran worked closely with Dr. Marina Konopleva, exploring the role of metabolic pathways in leukemia resistance. By 2022, she had transitioned to an Assistant Professor role, continuing her translational research in leukemia, with a particular emphasis on identifying novel therapeutic strategies. Her clinical and research experiences synergize to enhance her contributions to the leukemia research community.

Research Interests:

Dr. Baran’s research is primarily centered on exploring metabolic vulnerabilities and their role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Her work seeks to understand the mechanisms through which metabolic reprogramming in leukemia cells contributes to drug resistance and tumor progression. Dr. Baran is particularly interested in how modulating the metabolic environment can enhance the effectiveness of leukemia therapies. By focusing on the interplay between metabolism and leukemic cell survival, she aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that target metabolic pathways to overcome resistance to traditional treatments. Her research also explores how immune modulation can be integrated with metabolic interventions to develop more efficient leukemia therapies.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Baran has received recognition for her contributions to leukemia research, although specific awards are not detailed in available sources. However, her research has been featured prominently in major scientific forums, including the Annual Metabolism in Cancer Symposium organized by MD Anderson. Her work has earned her respect within the scientific community, as evidenced by her continued role as an Assistant Professor and her involvement in prestigious cancer research initiatives. Dr. Baran’s impact is evident in her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application, aiming to revolutionize leukemia treatment.

Skills:

Dr. Baran’s research skills encompass a wide range of techniques in molecular biology, cell culture, and metabolic analysis. She is highly proficient in studying the metabolic pathways that drive leukemia, using state-of-the-art technologies such as high-resolution metabolic flux analysis, RNA sequencing, and advanced cell imaging. Dr. Baran is skilled at integrating basic science with clinical data, ensuring that her research translates into practical therapeutic interventions. Her expertise in immunology further complements her research in leukemia, allowing her to investigate the potential of combining metabolic therapies with immune modulation to improve patient outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach is a key strength in her ongoing work in leukemia research.

Publication Top Notes

A Selective BCL-XL PROTAC Degrader Achieves Safe and Potent Antitumor Activity

  • Authors: S Khan, X Zhang, D Lv, Q Zhang, Y He, P Zhang, X Liu, D Thummuri, et al.
  • Journal: Nature Medicine
  • Volume: 25(12), Pages 1938–1947
  • Cited by: 515
  • Year: 2019

Targeting a Cytokine Checkpoint Enhances the Fitness of Armored Cord Blood CAR-NK Cells

  • Authors: M Daher, R Basar, E Gokdemir, N Baran, N Uprety, AK Nunez Cortes, et al.
  • Journal: Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology
  • Volume: 137(5), Pages 624–636
  • Cited by: 226
  • Year: 2021

Inhibiting Glutaminase in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Metabolic Dependency of Selected AML Subtypes

  • Authors: P Matre, J Velez, R Jacamo, Y Qi, X Su, T Cai, SM Chan, A Lodi, et al.
  • Journal: Oncotarget
  • Volume: 7(48), Pages 79722
  • Cited by: 194
  • Year: 2016

Complex I Inhibitor of Oxidative Phosphorylation in Advanced Solid Tumors and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Phase I Trials

  • Authors: TA Yap, N Daver, M Mahendra, J Zhang, C Kamiya-Matsuoka, et al.
  • Journal: Nature Medicine
  • Volume: 29(1), Pages 115–126
  • Cited by: 182
  • Year: 2023

Molecular Pathways: Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs in Cancer Therapy

  • Authors: N Baran, M Konopleva
  • Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
  • Volume: 23(10), Pages 2382–2390
  • Cited by: 126
  • Year: 2017

Combining AFM13, a Bispecific CD30/CD16 Antibody, with Cytokine-Activated Blood and Cord Blood–Derived NK Cells Facilitates CAR-Like Responses Against CD30+ Malignancies

  • Authors: LN Kerbauy, ND Marin, M Kaplan, PP Banerjee, MM Berrien-Elliott, et al.
  • Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
  • Volume: 27(13), Pages 3744–3756
  • Cited by: 117
  • Year: 2021

Clonal Selection and Therapy Resistance in Acute Leukemias: Mathematical Modelling Explains Different Proliferation Patterns at Diagnosis and Relapse

  • Authors: T Stiehl, N Baran, AD Ho, A Marciniak-Czochra
  • Journal: Journal of The Royal Society Interface
  • Volume: 11(94), Article ID 20140079
  • Cited by: 106
  • Year: 2014

Activation of RAS/MAPK Pathway Confers MCL-1 Mediated Acquired Resistance to BCL-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  • Authors: Q Zhang, B Riley-Gillis, L Han, Y Jia, A Lodi, H Zhang, S Ganesan, R Pan, et al.
  • Journal: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
  • Volume: 7(1), Article ID 51
  • Cited by: 104
  • Year: 2022

Conclusion:

Dr. Natalia Baran is a prominent researcher whose work in leukemia has the potential to transform therapeutic approaches, especially through targeting metabolic pathways. Her strong academic background, combined with extensive clinical and research experience, enables her to address one of the most pressing challenges in leukemia treatment: drug resistance. By focusing on metabolic reprogramming, Dr. Baran is paving the way for innovative strategies to combat leukemia and improve patient outcomes. Her expertise in integrating basic research with clinical applications ensures that her contributions will have a lasting impact on the field of oncology, particularly in the development of new, more effective therapies for leukemia.