My name is Mahrukh Shameem and I am first year PhD student in the department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease. My project is supervised by Dr Simon Johnston based in Firth Court.
Using genetic studies, different genes and proteins that have been linked to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. From these studies they found that a protein was showing up highly: interleukin 33 (IL-33). This molecule has been linked to disease severity and is being researched as a target in treatment for respiratory diseases. But little is known about IL-33. Thus, my project - in collaboration with AstraZeneca use mice models to observe how this pathway affects our immune system so that we may exploit it for therapeutic potential. We aim to understand the effects of IL-33 in lung disease, as a therapeutic target for chronic lung disease therapy.
Using genetic studies, different genes and proteins that have been linked to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. From these studies they found that a protein was showing up highly: interleukin 33 (IL-33). This molecule has been linked to disease severity and is being researched as a target in treatment for respiratory diseases. But little is known about IL-33. Thus, my project - in collaboration with AstraZeneca use mice models to observe how this pathway affects our immune system so that we may exploit it for therapeutic potential. We aim to understand the effects of IL-33 in lung disease, as a therapeutic target for chronic lung disease therapy.
Me with the Johnston lab in Firth Court at the University of Sheffield.
Currently I have a lot of training to complete at the start of my PhD. This involves training on new equipment such as the microscopes and mice training. I also have a lot of background reading that I am currently doing so that I can understand what we know about my field and plan future work. My favourite part of my PhD has been learning new techniques and the mice work, but this also the most challenging part. Not having done these techniques before is difficult but going into lab with a challenge is very exciting! I have the chance to learn new things from other researchers, which helps me communicate better and learn new skills.
