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Portraitbild

Leipziger Str. 44

39120

Magdeburg

Tel.:+49 391 6755101

iqrakousar806@gmail.com

Ph. D. Iqra Kousar

Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg

Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften

Institut für Biologie

My research focuses on understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, especially as they relate to ageing. We study extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny particles released by cells that carry proteins, RNAs, and lipids. By isolating and analyzing EVs from neural cells and cerebrospinal fluid, we aim to uncover their role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Key highlights include identifying EV-derived biomarkers for early diagnosis, exploring EVs' therapeutic potential, and using cell and animal models to study ageing effects on the brain. Our goal is to develop innovative diagnostic tools and treatments that can detect diseases early and offer targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes. This research has the potential to revolutionize how neurodegenerative diseases are diagnosed and treated, offering hope for better management and improved quality of life for patients.

Profil • Service

Vita

Iqra Kousar                                         
[ BSc (Cardiac Perfusion Technology). MSc (Biomedical Sciences) ]

EDUCATION

Master in Biomedical Sciences (2024)                                                                                                                            

University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia.

CGPA: 3.98/4.0

MSc Thesis: “EVs ADMSCs For Critical Bone Defect Regeneration: Callus-Bone Formation Histology, Bmp2 And Wnt Signaling”( Stem cell tissue engineering and culturing Unit, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia)

Supervisor I. Dr Radiana Dhewayani Antarianto

Supervisor II. Professor Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo

Bachelor of Cardiac Perfusion Technology –Allied Health Sciences      (2022)                                                        

University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

CGPA: 3.75/4.0

Undergraduate Thesis “The role of inflammation in the development and progression of heart disease” (Cardiac surgery and Perfusion Unit, Department of Allied Health Sciences

Supervisor: Professor Asif Mushtaq

RESEARCH INTEREST:

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Neuroscience 
  • Histology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Extracellular Vesicles and nanobiotechnology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Bone biology and regeneration
  • Cardiovascular Physiology and Diseases
  • Cardiac Perfusion
    • RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
    • Conducting extensive literature reviews on Stem cells, Extracellular vesicle isolation and molecular techniques, Histology of Bone, tissue culture, and related subjects to build a strong knowledge base for research.
    • Trained for animal handling (especially Rats), animal experiments for creating bone defects, and animal necropsy
    • Trained for culturing and differentiation of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and Primary cells
    • Trained in immunofluorescence and flow cytometry
    • Trained for extracting/isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs
    • Trained in RNA isolation, RNA sequencing, cDNA synthesis, PCR, and  qRT PCR
    • Trained in RNA Interference (RNAi)
    • Trained in chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)
    • Trained in Microarray Analysis, Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) (Proteomic analysis) and Fluorescence Spectroscopy
    • Trained in histological processing of bone samples, histological staining (Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and  E) , Masson trichome (MT), and Western Blotting
    • Trained in Epigenetic Profiling
    • Trained in Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)
    • Trained for Special histological staining Immunohistochemistry and Immunoprecipitation
    • Trained for histopathology (opti laboratory): Fluorescence , confocal microscopy , light  microscopy and Electron Microscopy
    • Trained for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
    • Trained for Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
    • Trained for bioinformatics tools
    • Trained for Statistical Analysis

    PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES

    Journal Publications

    1. Iqra K, Nusrum I, Samia I, Sana H, Rameez A, Abdul l, Anmol R, Hamzah A. A., Hafiz and Usama Talha (2024) “The Role of Inflammation In The Development And Progression Of Heart Disease”, Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 31(4), pp. 1774–1779. https://doi.org/10.53555/jptcp.v31i4.6023
    2. 2.     Iqra K, Atif M, Nusrum I, Asif M, Rizwan K and Sehar G (2024) “The Effect Of Hyperlipidemia On Cardiovascular Diseases: A Risk Factor In Cardiovascular Diseases In Tertiary Care Hospital Of Lahore” ,,  Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research (JHRR ) , 4(2), 1057–1061. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.1014
    3. Iqra Kousar, Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo, Jeanne Adiwinata, Amer Mehmood, Rahyussalim, Radiana Dhewayani Antarianto (2024). Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Extracellular Vesicles (Admscs-Evs) Implantation in Critical Size Bone Defect Model: Callus Formation Histology, BMP2 and Wnt Signaling. eJournal Kedokteran Indonesia
    4. Iqra Kousar, Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo, Radiana Dhewayani Antarianto (2024.) " Closing in on extracellular vesicles (EVs) MSCs signaling pathway in critical bone defect regeneration”. Journal of Extracellular Biology (Under Review)


    Workshops/Conferences/Webinars
    • Attended the onsite WORKSHOP and hands-on training IN “MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL DIFFERENTIATION at King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    • Attended the onsite WORKSHOP and hands-on training IN “WHOLE GENOME MICROARRAY ANALYSIS at King Saud University, Kingdome Of Saudi Arabia
    • Presented a scientific paper at The 4th REJASELINDO (The 4th Annual Meeting of Indonesian Association of Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy) entitled "Building Bridge in Donation - Transplantation of Tissue and Cell", Indonesia.
      • Participated in THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR, METABOLIC, AND AGING RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM (CMARS): Improving Collaborative Research between Netherlands, Japan, and Indonesia.
    • Participated in Silesian Sustainable Business Summer University organized by WSB University, Poland
    • Attended the conference” Pakistan Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Vs International Cardiology”

    PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

    April 2022 – Octuber 2022   Cardiac Perfusion Department, Surgical unit, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, Pakistan

    Duties and Accomplishment

    []

  • Operating and Monitoring the (cardiopulmonary Bypass) CPB Machine during cardiac surgery
  • Maintaining Blood Flow and arterial Blood gases (ABGs)
  • Regulating Body Temperature
  • Administering Medications and Blood Products
  • Preparing cardio Plegia to arrest the heart during surgery
  • Monitoring Patient Vital Signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood gases, making adjustments as necessary to maintain stability.
  • Collaborating with the Surgical Team to ensure that the patient's cardiovascular system is supported throughout the surgery
    • Dec 2021 – Jan 2022Emergency Unit, Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

    Duties and Accomplishment

    -       Patient Assessment (histories, performing physical examinations, and gathering vital signs)

    -       Assisting Procedures (wound care, suturing, IV placement, and urinary catheterization) under the supervision of a medical officer

    -       Knowledge about Emergency medicine, including common presentations, diagnostic procedures, and treatment protocols

    -       Case discussions with supervising physicians.

    -       Gain clinical skills

    -       improve communication abilities

    -       gain confidence in handling emergent situations.

    TEACHING EXPERIENCE

    2019-2022Hope Science Academy, Lahore, Pakistan

    Accomplishment

    []

  • Planned, prepared and delivered lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning
  • Developed schemes of work, lesson plans and tests that are in accordance with established procedures
  • Instructed and monitored students in the use of learning materials and equipment
  • Related mathematical concepts to students, using improvised teaching techniques and visual aids to enhance comprehension.          
  • Managed students behavior and maintained discipline in accordance with rules and disciplinary systems of the school
  • Encouraged intra-class competition, which led to increase in student’s performance
  • Prepared required reports on students and other activities
  • Assigned and graded students class work, homework, tests and examinations
    • AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
    • Ehsaas Scholarship Program by the Government of Pakistan for Undergraduate Students.

    Worth: 55,000 (Pakistani Rupees) Per Session (2019-2022).

  • Distinction in behavioral sciences and computer education from the University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakista2016
  • UI Great scholarship Program at the University of Indonesia for master student (Fully funded) (2022)
    • APPLICABLE SKILLS

    Software Development Tools and Analysis Skills

    Proficiency with

  • Image J software
  • GraphPad Prism
  • Spss
  • (qRT PCR ) by Livak method
    • English Language Test

    []

  • IELTS overall Band: 6.5  ( Listening = 6, Reading = 6 , Speaking = 6 , writing = 7 )
    • Other Skills

    []

  • People management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a team, particularly in a research setting.
  • Project management
  • Teambuilding & Staff Supervision
  • Decision making
  • Ability to communicate (Oral and Written) in English (Fluent)
  • Ability to communicate (Oral and Written) in Urdu (Fluent )
  • Ability to communicate (Oral and Written) in Bahasa Indonesia (Good)
    • REFEREES

    Prof Dr dr Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo SpOT(K)

    ▪       Professor, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine Medicine, Universitas Indonesia RSUPN dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta

    ▪       Chief of Hip and Knee Adult Reconstruction

    ▪       Head, Integrated Service Unit Stem Cells Medical Technology, RSUPN dr. Cipto dr. dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo

    ▪       Head, Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center, IMERI- FMUI

    ▪       Email:  ismailortho@gmail.com

    Prof. Amer Mahmood

  • Professor, Pluripotent Stem Cell group leader, Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital ,King Saud University
    • Email:  ammahmood@ksu.edu.sa

    Expertenprofil

    Research Problem: Investigating the Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Neurobiology of Ageing
    Background:
    • Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, are characterized by the progressive loss of neuronal structure and function.
    • Ageing is a primary risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
    • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication and may play a significant role in neurodegeneration and ageing processes.

    Hypothesis:
    Extracellular vesicles derived from neural cells can modulate neuroinflammatory responses and influence neurodegenerative processes, potentially serving as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases.
    Objectives:
    • Characterize EVs in Ageing and Neurodegeneration :
      • Isolate and characterize EVs from neural cells and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ageing and neurodegenerative disease models.
      • Analyze the molecular cargo (proteins, RNAs, lipids) of EVs to identify disease-specific signatures.

    • Investigate EV-Mediated Neuroinflammation :
      • Examine the role of EVs in modulating neuroinflammatory responses in ageing and neurodegenerative disease models.
      • Identify key signaling pathways influenced by EVs that contribute to neuroinflammation.

    • Assess EVs as Biomarkers :
      • Evaluate the potential of EV-derived molecular signatures as biomarkers for early detection and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
      • Develop diagnostic assays based on EV analysis from patient-derived samples.

    • Therapeutic Potential of EVs :
      • Explore the therapeutic potential of EVs in neurodegenerative diseases by assessing their ability to deliver neuroprotective agents.
      • Investigate the use of engineered EVs to modulate disease-associated pathways and promote neuronal survival and function.


    Methodology:
    • EV Isolation and Characterization :
      • Use ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and immunoaffinity capture techniques to isolate EVs.
      • Characterize EVs using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), electron microscopy, and flow cytometry.

    • Molecular Analysis :
      • Perform proteomic, transcriptomic, and lipidomics profiling of EVs using mass spectrometry, RNA sequencing, and lipidomics.
      • Use bioinformatics tools to identify molecular signatures and signaling pathways associated with neurodegeneration and ageing.

    • In Vitro and In Vivo Models :
      • Use cell culture models of neural cells and animal models of ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
      • Assess the impact of EVs on neuroinflammation, neuronal survival, and cognitive function.

    • Biomarker Validation :
      • Collect and analyze CSF and blood samples from patients with neurodegenerative diseases and age-matched controls.
      • Validate potential biomarkers through quantitative assays such as ELISA and qRT-PCR.

    • Therapeutic Studies :
      • Develop engineered EVs loaded with neuroprotective molecules or gene-editing tools.
      • Evaluate therapeutic efficacy in animal models using behavioral, histological, and molecular endpoints.


    Expected outcomes:
    • Identification of EV-derived molecular signatures specific to neurodegenerative diseases and ageing.
    • Insights into the role of EVs in neuroinflammatory processes and their contribution to neurodegeneration.
    • Development of EV-based diagnostic assays for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.
    • Demonstration of the therapeutic potential of EVs in modulating disease pathways and promoting neuronal health.

    Serviceangebot

  • Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Research and Applications :
    • Isolation and characterization of EVs from neural cells and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
    • Profiling EV molecular cargo (proteins, RNAs, lipids) to identify disease-specific signatures.
    • Developing EV-based biomarkers for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Neuroinflammation Studies :
    • Investigating the role of EVs in modulating neuroinflammatory responses.
    • Identifying key signaling pathways influenced by EVs that contribute to neuroinflammation.
    • Assessing neuroinflammatory markers and their impact on disease progression.

  • Therapeutic Development :
    • Exploring the therapeutic potential of EVs in delivering neuroprotective agents.
    • Engineering EVs to modulate disease-associated pathways and promote neuronal survival.
    • Conducting preclinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of EV-based therapies in animal models.

  • Biomarker Discovery and Validation :
    • Identifying and validating EV-derived biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases.
    • Developing and optimizing diagnostic assays based on EV analysis from patient-derived samples.
    • Conducting clinical validation studies to ensure the reliability and accuracy of EV-based biomarkers.

  • Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Models :
    • Utilizing cell culture models and animal models to study ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
    • Evaluating the impact of various factors on neuroinflammation, neuronal survival, and cognitive function.
    • Testing potential interventions and therapeutics in these models.

  • Molecular and Cellular Analysis :
    • Proteomic, transcriptomic, and lipid profiling of EVs.
    • Using bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular signatures and signaling pathways.
    • Conducting comprehensive molecular analysis to understand disease mechanisms.

  • Clinical Research and Trials :
    • Designing and conducting clinical trials for EV-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
    • Collecting and analyzing CSF and blood samples from patients for biomarker studies.
    • Collaborating with healthcare professionals to translate research findings into clinical practice.

  • Consultation and Training :
    • Providing consultancy services for research design, project management, and implementation in neurodegenerative disease research.
    • Conducting workshops and hands-on training in EV isolation, characterization, and molecular analysis.
    • Offering expertise in the development of diagnostic assays and therapeutic strategies.

  • Data Analysis and Bioinformatics :
    • Applying advanced bioinformatics tools for genomic and proteomic data analysis.
    • Performing statistical analysis and interpretation using specialized software.
    • Providing comprehensive data analysis services to support research and development projects.

  • Educational and Outreach Services :
    • Developing and delivering educational programs focused on neurodegenerative diseases and ageing.
    • Mentoring and supervising students and researchers in relevant projects.
    • Providing educational content and resources for academic institutions and industry training programs.