CURRICULUM VITAE
Dr. Saeed Akhtar Nationality: British
48 Ty-mawr Road Status: Married, 2 children
Llandaff North, Cardiff
Wales, CF14 2FQ
Email add: saeed48@hotmail.co.uk
Educational Qualifications
· Ph.D. (1986 – 1990): University of Reading, U.K.
· M.Tech (1981 – 1983): University of Reading, U.K
· M.Sc. (1971 – 1973): The Aligarh Muslim University, India
· B.Sc. (1967 – 1969): Agra University, India
Other Courses Attended
· Oct 1994, Advanced Molecular Biology BSc. Course Oxford Brookes University
· Oct 1992, An Introduction to Cryo-Ultramicrotomy with Special Emphasis on Biological Application, Organised by Research & Manufacturing Company Centre, Oxford Brookes University
· Dec1992, Immuno-cytochemistry Course, Organised by Royal Microscopical Society at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford.
Grant writing Courses
· 10th Oct. 2005: ‘Getting Grant Funding’ Course. Organised by ‘Wellcome Trust’
· 22nd Nov. 2005: ‘Getting Grant Funding’ Course. Organised by Cardiff University, Cardiff
· 28th Nov. 2005: ‘Fellowship Day at Cardiff University’ Organised by Cardiff University, Cardiff and invited representatives from MRC, Levenhulme Trust, Daphne Jackson Trust.
Employment History
- September 2007-Present: Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- May 1999- Dec 2006: Senior Research Scientist, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- May 1995-April 1999: Junior Research Scientist, Open University, Oxford Research Unit, Oxford, UK
- 1995-1997: Lecturer, Open University Summer School, Open University. U.K.
- Aug 1993–Mar1995: Lecturer (Part time), School of Molecular and Biological Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, U.K.
- Aug 1991-Aug.1994: Post Doctoral Research Assistant, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, U.K.
- July 1973 – Jun 1975: Lecturer, King Edward Intermediate College, India
Member of Organizations
1) The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology since 1996
2) European Association for Vision and Eye Research, since 2000
Research grants
I had submitted a grant application to Wellcome Trust, as a principle investigator in 2006. I have contributed significantly to the writing of various grants in the past.
Editorial and reviewing work
Reviewed papers for ‘Investigative Ophthalmology & Vision Science’ and ‘Journal of Anatomy’ Acta Ophthalmologica, Tissue and Cell
Chapter in a Book
Anthony J.Bron, Anthony Aldave, Saeed Akhtar, Helen S. Stewart Ken K.Nischal (2007) Inherited Dystrophies and Developmental Anomalies of the Cornea; in Duane's Ophthalmology : edited by William Tasman MD; Edward A Jaeger MD; Source: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) ISBN-13: 9780781768559
Papers
1. Akhtar S, Kerr BC, Hayes T, Salvi SM, Caterson B, Meek KM. Investigation of keratan sulphate distribution in central keratoconus corneal extracellular matrix, away from scar region by using keratanase generated neoepitope monoclonal antibody BKS-1 and conventional monoclonal antibody 5-D-4. (In progress)
2. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Kerr B, Caterson B, Meek KM. Role of Collagen-associated leucine-rich proteoglycans lumican and keratocan in remodelling of central keratoconus corneal extracellular matrix (In progress).
3. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Yusif MHM, Benter IF, Akhtar S. (2008) Effect of EGFR in corneal remodelling in diabetes ( Acta Ophthalmologic; Under review).
4. Akhtar S, Schonthaler HB, Bron AJ and Dahm R. (2007) The ultrastructural organization of stromal collagen and proteoglycan in the zebrafish cornea during development (Acta Ophthalmol Scand. [Epub ahead of print]
5. Akhtar S, Kerr BC, Hayes AJ, Caterson B, Meek KM. (2007) Immunochemical localisation of keratan sulphate proteoglycans in cornea, sclera and limbus using a keratanase generated neoepitope monoclonal antibody (Accepted, In press in IOVS).
6. Akhtar S, Bron AJ , Salvi SM, Hawksworth NR, Tuft SJ and Meek KM. (2006) Collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in keratoconus - a quantitative ultra-structural analysis (Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 2008; [Epub ahead of print]
7. Albon J, Farrant S, Akhtar S, Young R, Boulton ME, Smith G, Taylor M, Guggenheim J, Morgan JE. (2007) Connective tissue structure of the tree shrew optic nerve and associated ageing changes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 48:2134-44.
8. Salvi SM, Akhtar S, Currie Z (2006) Aging changes in Eye. Post graduate Journal. 2006;82:581-587.
9. Akhtar S, Bron Voon L-W (2006) The Ultrastructure of Hypertrophic Dendriform Epitheliopathy Post Keratoplasty. Cornea 25:623-627.
10. Akhtar S, Davies JR, Caterson B (2005) Ultrastructural localisation of proteoglycans in normal and scoliotic lumbar disc. Spine 30:1762-9.
11. Akhtar S, Davies JR, Caterson B (2005) Ultrastructural immunolocalization of α-elastin and keratan sulfate proteoglycan in normal and scoliotic lumbar disc. Spine ;30:1303-9.
12. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Qin X, Creer RC, Guggenheim JA, Meek KM. (2005) Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy in a child with developmental delay: clinicopathological features and exclusion of the M1S1 gene. Eye 2005;19:198-204.
13. Davies N, Akhtar S, Wigham CG and Guggenheim JA (2004) Chloride channel gene expression in the rabbit cornea. Molecular Vision 10:1028-37.
14. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Meek KM, Voon LW (2004). Clinical and ultrastructural findings in mare's tail lines of the corneal epithelium. Br J Ophthalmol. 88(7):864-7.
15. Omidi Y, Campbell L, Barar J, Connell D, Akhtar S, Gumbleton M (2003). Evaluation of the immortalised mouse brain capillary endothelial cell line, b.End3, as an in vitro blood-brain barrier model for drug uptake and transport studies. Brain Res. 14;990(1-2):95-112.
16. Akhtar S, Tullo A, Caterson B, Davies J R, Bennett K, Meek KM (2002) Clinical and morphological features including expression of big-h3 and keratan sulfate proteoglycans in Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome type B and in normal cornea. British J. Ophthalmology 86:147-151.
17. Akhtar S, Tullo A, Bonshek RE, Meek KM (2001) Ultrastructural morphology and expression of proteoglycans, big-h3, tenascin, fibrillin-1 and fibronectin in bullous keratopathy. British J. Ophthalmology 85:720-731.
18. Jones LA, Akhtar S, Wann KT (2001). Introduction of Alzheimer phenotype in mouse fibroblast. Pro. West. Pharmacol. Soc. 44: 177-180.
19. Coomber SJ, Taracewice E, Akhtar S, deHann A, Elliott GF (2001) Ion-dependence of Z-line and M-line response to calcium in striated muscle fibres in rigor. Cell Calcium 30(5):297-309.
20. Akhtar S, Tullo A, Bonshek RE, Meek KM (2001) Ultrastructural morphology and expression of proteoglycans, big-h3, tenascin, fibrillin-1 and fibronectin in bullous keratopathy. British J. Ophthalmology 85:720-731.
21. Akhtar S, Ursell P, McDonald B, Bonshek RE, Meek KM, and Bron AJ (2001) Bilateral corneal endothelial failure and band keratopathy in an infant with corpus callosum agenesis. Cornea 20(5):547-552.
22. Ridgeway AEA, Akhtar S, et al (2000) An ultrastructural and molecular evaluation of Bowman’s layer corneal dystrophies types I and II. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision science 41:3286-3292.
23. Albon J, Tullo AB, Akhtar S, Boulton M (2000) Apoptosis in the endothelium of human corneas for transplantation. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision science 41:2887-28897.
24. Boubriak O, Akhtar S, Urban JPG, Meek KM, Bron AJ (2000) The effect of hydration and matrix composition on solute diffusion in Rabbit sclera. Experimental Eye Research 71 (5):503-514.
25. Akhtar S, Meek KM, Ridgway AEA, Bonshek R.E, Bron AJ (1999) Deposits and proteoglycan changes in primary and recurrent granular dystrophy. Archives of Ophthalmology 117: 310-321.
26. Akhtar S, Meek KM, James V. (1999) Ultrastructure abnormalities in Proteoglycans, collagen fibrils and elastic fibres in normal and myxomatous mitral heart valve chordae tendineae. Cardiovascular Pathology 8: 191-201.
27. Akhtar S, Meek KM, James V (1999) Immunolocalization of elastin, collagen type I and type III, fibronectin and vitronectin in extracellular matrix components of normal and myxomatous mitral heart valve chordae tendineae. Cardiovascular Pathology 8: 203 -211
28. Akhtar S, van Emden HF (1996) The effect of the systemic fungicide benomyl on the symbionts and mycetocytes of bird cherry aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) reared on wheat cv. Hobbit. Bulletin of Entomological Research 86: 513-522.
29. Akhtar S, et al. (1995) Coatings for the prevention of fouling of biofiltration membrane (Journal of Membrane Science, 107: 209 - 218.
30. Akhtar S, van Emden HF (1994) The ultrastructural studies of the symbionts and mycetocytes of bird cherry aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) reared on wheat cv. Hobbit. Tissue & Cell 26:4: 513-522.
31. Akhtar S, van Emden HF (1992) The effect of the systemic fungicide benomyl on the performance of bird cherry aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) reared on wheat cv. Hobbit Annals of Applied Biology 120: 245-255).
32. Dudley L, Stratford P, Akhtar S, et al., (1993) Coating for the prevention of fouling of microfiltration membranes Chemical Engineering Research & Design 71: 327-328).
Conference Presentations
1. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Yusif MHM, Benter IF, Akhtar S. Role of EGFR in corneal remodelling in diabetes EVER meeting 2007
2. Akhtar S, Schonthaler HB, Bron AJ and Dahm R. remodelling of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in the zebrafish cornea during development, EVER meeting 2007
3. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Kerr BC, Caterson B, Hughes C and Meek KM. Expression of neoepitope bks-1 and distribution of collagen fibrils diameter in normal and keratoconus cornea. Free paper in EVER meeting 2006.
4. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Kerr BC, Caterson B, Hughes C and Meek KM. Expression of lumican and keratocan in normal and keratoconus cornea. EVER meeting 2006.
5. Akhtar S, Kerr BC, Hughes CS, Caterson B, Bron AJ, Hayes A, and Meek KM. Distribution of neoepitope BKS-1 in normal and keratoconus cornea ARVO meeting. ARVO meeting 2006.
6. Albon J, Farrant S, Akhtar S, Young R, Taylor M, Boulton ME, Morgan J. Morphology of the Tree Shrew Optic Nerve: A Model for Glaucoma? Free paper ARVO meeting 2005.
7. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Salvi SM, Tuft S, Hawksworth NR, Meek KM. Alteration of keratan sulphate (sulphated poly-n-acetyllactoseamine repeats) in keratoconus cornea: biochemical, histochemical and ultrastructural analysis. Free paper in EVER meeting 2005.
8. Akhtar S, Kerr BC, Hayes T, Caterson B, Meek KM. Localisation of a novel keratan sulphate stub neoepitope monoclonal antibody bks1 in normal human cornea, sclera and limbus. EVER meeting 2005
9. Akhtar S, Kerr B, Salvi SM, Hawksworth NR, Bron AJ, Caterson B, Meek KM. Immunogold localization of keratan sulfate (sulfated poly -n-acetyllactoseamine repeats) in keratoconus cornea. Cornea World Conference 2005.
10. Akhtar S, Datta AV, Farrant S, Taylor M, Albon J, Erichsen JT, Boulton M1, Morgan JE. Ultrastructural analysis of optic nerve axons in experimental glaucoma: evidence for axon shrinkage. ARVO meeting 2005.
11. Farrant SY, Albon J, Erichsen JT, Akhtar S, Boulton ME, Taylor MA, Morgan JE. Optic nerve degeneration in experimental glaucoma is associated with microglial activation. ARVO meeting 2004.
12. Akhtar S, Talbot K., Bron AJ, Donaghy M. Ultrastructural findings and big-h3 expression in a new syndrome of corneal lattice dystrophy with myelopathy. EVER meeting 2004.
13. S. Akhtar, A.J. Bron, S.M Salvi, S. Tuft, N.R. Hawksworth, Llantrisant UK; K.M Meek Ultrastructural features and quantitative analysis of proteoglycans and collagen fibres in keratoconus corneal stroma Free paper in EVER meeting 2004.
14. Salvi SM, Akhtar S, Turner M , Hawksworth NR Ultrastructural microanalysis of opacified Hyroview Intraocular Lenses. SWOS Bristol meeting 2004.
15. S. Akhtar, A.J. Bron, L-W Voon and K.M. Meek The Ultrastructure of Hypertrophic Dendriform Epitheliopathy Post Keratoplasty. EVER meeting 2003
16. Meek KM, Quantock AJ, Akhtar S, Liu CY, Kao W. Collagen Fibril Disorganisation in the Corneas of Keratocan-deficient Mice as Revealed by Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction. ARVO meeting 2003.
17. Akhtar S, Meek KM and Bron AJ. Clinical and Ultrastructural Findings in Mare’s Tail Lines of the Corneal Epithelium EVER meeting 2002
18. Akhtar S, Roberts S, Davies JR, Caterson B. Ultrastructural localisation of keratan sulfate proteoglycans in annulus of normal and scoliotic intervertebral disc British Orthopaedic Research Society meeting 2001.
19. Jones LA, Akhtar S. & Wann KT. Blockade of hyperpolarization-dependent channel in mouse in mouse skin fibroblast by β amyloid peptied Pharmacology Vancouver meeting 2001.
20. Akhtar S, Bron A J, Mc Donald B, Meek K. M. Gelatinous Drop-like corneal dystrophy in a Child with Developmental Delay EVER meeting 2000.
21. Meek KM, Akhtar S, Bennett K, Tullo A.Clinicopathological study of a maroteaux-lamy syndrome type b cornea. ARVO meeting 2000.
22. Akhtar S, Bron AJ, Meek KM, Hawksworth NR., Maseruka H, Bonshek RE, Bennett K. Localization of protoglycans, big-h3 and tenascin in bullous keratopathy. ARVO meeting 2000.
23. Akhtar S, Ursell P, McDonald B, Bonshek RE, Meek KM and Bron AJ. Bilateral corneal endothelial failure and band keratopathy in an infant with corpus callosum agenesis. ARVO meeting 1999.
24. Odenthal M, Akhtar S, Meek KM, Ridgway AEA, Bonshek RE. Evidence of epithelial origin of recurrent dominant stromal corneal dystrophy, granular corneal type IV (Reis-Bücklers). ARVO meeting 1999.
Research Projects
· Ultrastructural changes in chondrocytes and extracellular matrix of Osteochondritis dessecans (Dr. S. Hammadi, Heath Hospital, Cardiff)
· Remodelling of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in IDET treated intervertebral disc (Dr. S. Ahuja, Heath Hospital, Cardiff)
· Alteration of Proteoglycans and collagen fibrils in concave and convex intervertebral disc of scoliotic patients (Dr. S. Ahuja, Heath Hospital, Cardiff)
· Ultrastructural changes proteoglycans and cell structure of agarose culture of pig articulate cartilage treated with IL-1 (Prof. Bruce Caterson, Bioscience, Cardiff.).
· Localisation of aggrecanase and MMP-generated aggrecan neoepitopes in an in vitro model of cartilage proteoglycan depletion (Prof. Bruce Caterson, Bioscience, Cardiff).
· Ultrastructural Localization of surface zone protein (SZP) in articulate cartilage and tendon (Prof. Bruce Caterson, Bioscience, Cardiff.).
· Ultra- structural studies of epithelium, keratocytes and connective tissue in lattice corneal dystrophy in infant (Open University and Oxford University).
· X-diffraction and ultrastructural studies studies of combined lattice and granular corneal dystrophy (Open University and Manchester University).
· Alteration in proteoglycan and other connective tissue in intervertebral cartilage of scoliotic patients with electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (Open University and Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street)
· Microanalysis of retinal cell (Prof. AJ Bron, Ophthalmology, Oxford University and Open University).
· Ultrastructural studies of alpha particles of lens protein (Ophthalmology, Oxford University and Open University).
· Immunocytochemical studies of cytoskeleton of caterpillar cell (Estigmene acrea) infested with entompox virus (Amsacta moori) with light and electron microscopy (Oxford Brookes University)
· Scanning electron microscopic studies of artificial arteries embedded in animals fouled with blood cell and fibrin (Biocompatibles Ltd and Oxford Brookes University Project).
· Assesment of the efficiency of lipid coating on contact lens (Biocompatibles Ltd and Oxford Brookes University Project).
· Scanning electron microscopic studies of synthetic membrane fouled with blood cell and fibrin (Biocompatibles Ltd and Oxford Brookes University Project).
· Ultrastructural and Affinity Probe studies of plant cuticle treated with enzymes and chemicals (Dow Elanca Ltd and Oxford Brookes University Project).
· Electron microscopic and Affinity Probe studies of Micro-filtration Synthetic Membranes (Polysulphone and Cellulose Acetate) fouled with proteins (SERC/DTI Link project between Oxford Brookes University, AEA Harwell and Biocompatibles Ltd (Oxford Brookes University).
· Structural identification of microorganisms attached to cement rocks and plastics used in building constructions (AEA Harwell and Oxford Brookes University).
· Electron microscopic studies of lipid coated PVC tubes fouled with blood cell and fibrin (Biocompatibles Ltd and Oxford Brookes University Project).
· The Effect of the Systemic fungicide Benomyl on Bird Cherry Aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) and on the Symbionts and Mycetocytes (Ph.D. Project at Reading University).
· Effect of Systemic Fungicides on Bird Cherry Aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi) (MSc. Project at Reading University)
· Development of a technique to study nematicidal efficacy on agar with Globodera rostochiensis (MSc. Project at Rothamsted Experimental Station).
Oral Presentations
· Jan 2003, Nuffield laboratory of Ophthalmology, Oxford, U.K., Ultrastructural Changes in Pathological Cornea; Role of Proteoglycans.
· June 1998, Nuffield laboratory of Ophthalmology, Oxford, U.K., Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in lattice and garnular corneal dystrophy.
· Dec 1997, Nuffield laboratory of Ophthalmology, Oxford, U.K. Collagen and Proteoglycan alteration in granular and Reise Bückler corneal Dystrophy
· July 1997, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, U.K., Deposits and Proteoglycans in recurrent granular dystrophy
· March 1995 Food Research Institute, Reading, Ultrastructure of prokaryotic symbionts and Campylobacter
· May 1993 Atomic Energy Authorities Harwell, Harwell, U.K., Affinity probe studies in microfiltration membrane
· June 1993 Biocompatible Ltd, Uxbridge, U.K., Efficiency of lipid coating on Biofiltration membrane
· Nov 1990 University of Reading, U.K., Effect on systemic fungicide on reproduction and development of bird cherry aphid
· July1990 University of Reading, U.K., Effect of ‘Benomyl’ a systemic fungicide on ultrastructure of symbionts
· Aug 1985 University of Reading, U.K., Development of a technique to asses efficacy of nematicide
International Collaborations
· Prof A. J. Bron, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AW on Keratoconus cornea.
· Dr. V. Kumar, Consultant, Department Ophthalmology, Heath Hospital, Cardiff University, Cardiff, on Collagen remodeling after Lasik surgery.
· Dr. N. R. Hawksworth, Department of Ophthalmology, Glamorgan Hospital, Glamorgan, Wales, on Bullous keratopathy and Fuch’s dystrophy.
· Dr. S. Ahuja, Consultant, Department of Orthopedics, Heath Hospital, Cardiff University, on Scoliosis and Spondylosis.
· Dr. R. Dam, Medical University of Vienna, Centre of Brain Research-Division of Neuronal Biology, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria, on Zebra fish Mutant.
· Prof. I. F. Benter, Department of Pharmacolgy and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuwait, Kuwait, on ‘Effect of EGFR and Heat shock protein’.
· Prof. Saghir Akhtar, Centre for Genome-based Therapeutics, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3XF, UK, on ‘Effect of EGFR and Heat shock protein’.
· Prof. Bruce Caterson, Centre of Connective tissue Biology, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, on Artheritis cartilage
· Dr. R. E. Bonshek, Lecturer/Honarary Consultant in Ocular Pathology, Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital , Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WH, on Corneal dystrophies.
· Mr. A. E. A. Ridgway, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WH, on Corneal dystrophies.
· Dr. J. Guggenheim, Dept. of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, on Mutation in Gelatinous drop like dystrophy
· Prof. G. F. Elliott, Oxford research Unit, Open University, Foxcombe Hall, Boars Hill, Berkeley Road, Oxford OX1 5HR, on Ocular Muscles.
Research interests
My main research interests are investigating remodeling of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in pathological human and animal cornea affected by diseases such as keratoconus, bullous keratopathy, granular dystrophy etc. These diseases cause the cornea to become opaque. The normal cornea is a curved and transparent structure that provides the initial focusing of a light image into the eye. It consists of the central stroma that constitutes of 90% of the corneal depth, covered interiorly with epithelium and posteriorly with endothelium. The organisation of the stromal extracellular matrix of the cornea is unique. The tissue is organised into lamellae of tightly packed, parallel collagen fibrils with uniform diameter and spacing embedded in a hydrated matrix of glycoprotein and proteoglycans. The main components of corneal stroma are collagen fibrils and proteoglycans. Corneal collagen fibrils are composed of type I collagen molecules incorporated together with those of type V collagen into heterotypic fibril. This specific construction is the key to corneal transparency. The uniform distribution of collagen fibril diameter and spacing is regulated by proteoglycans. Proteoglycans (PGs) are macromolecular glycoconjugates consisting of specialized polysaccharide chains called glycosaminoglycans (Keratan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate) attached covalently to a protein core such as lumican, keratocan, decorin and biglycan. These core proteins are also known as collagen associated leucine-rich repeat proteoglycans (LRRP). In pathological cornea the organisation of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans altered and the cornea became opaque. The alteration in the collagen fibrils and proteoglycans is assessed by ultrastructural imaging and by using antibodies (monoclonal and polyclonal) with immuno-histochemistry, western blot and immuno-gold techniques. In my present project I am investigating remodeling of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in keratoconus cornea and role of glycosaminoglycans (Keratan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate) and collagen associated leucine rich proteoglycans (lumican, keratocan, decorin, biglycan) in remodeling of keratoconus corneal remodeling.
My studies of connective disorders also include work on arthritis articulate cartilage and intervertebral disc of patients suffering with Scoliosis, Spondylosis.
I am also involved in studying remodeling of axons in optic nerve of glaucoma patients and in animal models. The main objective of the study is to find out, the alteration in axon area and myelin sheath around it.
Recently, I have been investigating the role of EGFR and heat shock protein on remodeling of collagen fibril and proteoglycan in cornea, carotid arteries and coronary arteries with drugs in diabetic rat model. This project is in collaboration with Prof. S. Akhtar (no relation), Dept of Pharmacy, Cardiff University and Prof. I.F. Benter, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
I am also involved in investigating the development of cornea in Zebra fish from embryonic stage to the adult stage and how it is affected in mutant Zebra fish. This project is in collaboration with Dr. Ralf Dam, Medical University of Vienna and Prof A. J. Bron from Oxford University.