Metabolic Disorders Research

Welcome to the nexus of innovation in understanding and combating metabolic disorders at ASPIRE Precision Medicine Abu Dhabi. Here, we fuse advanced genetic insights and localized research to forge unprecedented preventative strategies for the Emirati community. Join us in this critical endeavor to shape a healthier, brighter future.

Stay tuned for new updates and exciting content on this page.

Metabolic Disorder Epidemic

The rise in metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity is alarming. Understanding and addressing the interplay between genetics and epigenetic mechanisms is now vital for devising effective prevention strategies.

Epigenetic Research at ASPIRE

We are leading focused research to understand the unique environmental and lifestyle risk factors of metabolic syndrome specific to the Emirati population, aiming to decipher the complex genetic and epigenetic networks at play.

Customized Diagnostic Models

Our goal is to establish a diagnostic model system tailored to the Emirati population, utilizing induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) to pioneer a new approach in personalized medicine in the UAE.

Predicted increase in diabetes & obesity by 2030

Success rate potential with tailored prevention strategies in the UAE

AImS

How We Plan To Solve Challenges

Clinical Phenotype Study in UAE Nationals

Conduct a detailed study involving UAE nationals to analyze the clinical phenotypes and metabolic parameters associated with various metabolic diseases, gathering crucial data from outpatient clinics.

iPSCs in Disease Research

Develop induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patient blood samples to explore the initiation and progression of metabolic and neurological disorders, utilizing them as a powerful tool to scrutinize the complexities of these diseases.

Early Epigenetic Markers of Diabetes

Employ innovative MeDIP-sequencing techniques to identify early molecular epigenetic regulators of diabetes, aiming to pinpoint specific changes in DNA methylation patterns that could serve as potential indicators or targets for intervention.

Genomic Insights into Metabolic Disorders

Integrate data from MeDIP-seq and RNA-seq studies to uncover correlations between molecular epigenetic regulators and genome expression changes, facilitating a deeper understanding of the genetic landscape governing metabolic disorders and aiding in the development of targeted interventions.

Projects

Stay tuned for new and exciting projects.

Neuroplasticity in normal brain aging and traumatic brain injury

offers a comprehensive exploration of the aging brain's adaptability seeking to understand the factors influencing our brain's resilience to trauma over time.

Establish the trajectory of brain plasticity in normal brain aging

Determine the effects of genetics, lifestyle, and disease on neuroplasticity

Examine changes in brain resiliency to TBI with aging

Diabetic Retinopathy and Blindness in Abu Dhabi

aims to unravel the progression and impact of diabetes-induced visual impairment and explore the genetic interplay involved.

Determine the time-course of retinal changes in DM and their functional effect

Determine the time-course of brain changes in DM in relation to visual deficits

Understand the Interactions between genetics and DM-related DR

Impact of obesity and diabetes on brain health

examines the correlation between metabolic disorders, like obesity and diabetes, and their consequences on brain health using MRI characterization and markers.

Understand Brain Health and Its Trajectory Methods

Use MRI to Characterize Obesity

Correlate Brain Health to Markers of Metabolic Disease

Biomarkers in primary progressive multiple sclerosis

focuses on discovering early indicators for a more accurate prognosis in MS patients.

Identify biomarkers that will allow earlier, more accurate prognosis in MS patients

New & exciting projects coming soon.

Explore the use of artificial intelligence algorithms in automating the recognition of CT brain images.

Investigate the application of segmentation and combined 2D and 3D analysis in identifying damaged areas and determining their size.

Leverage deep learning models and clinical data to develop classification points for detecting suspicious stroke features.

Available resources

Stay tuned for resource updates.

Brain Imaging Core Technology Platform (CTP)

At the heart of our investigative efforts is the Brain Imaging CTP, furnished with a top-tier 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma MRI scanner. This enables us to probe deeply into the brain's structure and functionality in a non-invasive manner.

Flywheel

To streamline our data management and analysis, we utilize Flywheel. It's a leading-edge biomedical data research and machine learning platform that fosters standardized data curation and analysis across our diverse projects.

High Performance Computing

In handling extensive neuroimaging data, we prioritize efficiency. That's why we have privileged access to NYU Abu Dhabi’s High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster. This provides us with powerful supercomputer hardware and cloud services, propelling our data processing capabilities to new heights.

Flywheel

High Performance Computing

Brain Imaging Core Technology Platform (CTP)

Available resources

In the pursuit of understanding the complex mysteries of the brain, our Brain Health theme is powered by advanced technological resources. These facilities and platforms are indispensable tools that accelerate our innovative research and breakthrough discoveries.

Flywheel

High Performance Computing

Brain Imaging Core Technology Platform (CTP)

Education

Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Automotive industry Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Power engineering Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Mechanical engineering Principal Scientist, Translational Biology Biological engineering

Latest Publications

Underpinning our pioneering work in brain health are a series of influential publications that delve into various facets of this intricate field. From exploring the profound plasticity of white matter following cataract surgery in congenitally blind patients to investigating the intricate transformation from 2D retinal to 3D head-centric motion signals, our research transcends the conventional to unlock new insights.

View Publications

Plasticity in Neurological Recovery