FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES
Dr. Abeer Al-Shammari
- Emailaalshammari@qf.org.qa
- Phone44541778
Biography
Dr. Abeer Al-Shammari graduated from Cardiff University in the UK with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences in 2009, and a Master of Research in Bioscience in 2010. She joined Qatar Research Leadership Program (QRLP) in 2011 and went on to obtain her DPhil degree in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics from the University of Oxford. Her DPhil project was focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which a null mutation in dysbindin-1 (Dtnbp1) gene together with early postnatal inflammation might increase the risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood.
After completing her doctoral degree, she continued to work as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the University of Oxford for several months. She joined QBRI Neurological Disorders Research Center in October 2017.
Research Interests
Dr. Al-Shammari’s research interest is mainly focused on understanding the mechanisms in which genetic and environmental risk factors of neurodevelopmental disorders functionally interact and regulate each other, and the impact of these interactions on brain development and function.
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition in which affected individuals suffer from difficulties in social communications and interactions, and display restricted, repetitive behaviours. The exact cause of ASD is still unclear, however both genetic and environmental factors are likely to increase the risk. The immune system is the first route of contact and response to the external environment. Dr. Al-Shammari’s current research focus is on understanding the role of immune system in ASD. This is important since the immune condition affects brain function and behaviour. Another aim is to study the interaction between the neuro and immune system in ASD. Together, these aims are interdisciplinary with a future potential not only for targeting immune cells for autism therapy, but also for enhancing our fundamental understanding of the crosstalk between the immune system and the brain.
Experience
Education
Selected Publications
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Abeer R. Al-Shammari, Sanjeev K. Bhardwaj, Ksenia Musaelyan, Lalit K. Srivastava and Francis G. Szele (2018).
Schizophrenia-related dysbindin-1 gene is required for innate immune response and homeostasis in the developing subventricular zone. NPJ Schizophrenia. doi: 10.1038/s41537-018-0057-5.
2018 -
Chiara Bardella*, Abeer R. Al-Shammari*, Luana Soares*, Ian Tomlinson, O'Neill Eric and Francis G. Szele (2018).
The role of inflammation in subventricular zone cancer. Progress in Neurobiology. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.04.007.
2018
*First co-author -
Bhardwaj, S., Al-Shammari, A., Zehntner, S.P., Grand’Maison, M., Mathieu, A., Courcot, B., Bedell, B.J., Szele, F.G. and Srivastava, L.K. (2013).
Neonatal immune activation induced changes in brain volume, neurogenesis and behavior in mice - moderation by dysbindin-1 gene. Society of Neuroscience SFN Proceedings: 2013-S-13366-SfN. San Diego, California.
2013 -
Al-Shammari, A., Bhardwaj, S., Srivastava, L. and Szele, F.G. (2013).
Combining neonatal stress with a null mutation in schizophrenia susceptibility gene, dysbindin-1, is required for phenotypic changes in adulthood. Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Proceedings: Vol., BIOSP 06. DOI: 10.5339/qfarf.2013.BIOSP-06. Doha, Qatar.
2013 -
Al-Shammari, A. and Jacob, T. (2010).
Signature changes in human brain wave activity associated with olfactory learning. Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Proceedings: Vol., BMPS8. DOI: 10.5339/qfarf.2010.bmps8. Doha, Qatar.
2010
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