PhD student Asmer Aliyeva
Photo Credit: Courtesy of University at Albany
Asmer Aliyeva, a fourth-year PhD candidate in the biology department at the College of Arts and Sciences, is working to reveal the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases. In collaboration with her colleagues in the Berglund Lab, Aliyeva aim is to identify possible therapeutic targets against this class of disease, with a focus on spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs).
Spinocerebellar ataxias are a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases that affect coordination and balance, for which there is currently no cure. Aliyeva’s research looks at transcriptomic changes in patient-derived cell lines that could holds clues for common disease mechanisms associated with different types of SCAs.
Recent findings suggest that dysregulation of alternative splicing plays a key role in disease progression, which could lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic discoveries. Aliyeva recently led a study on this topic, coauthored with members of the Berglund Lab at the RNA Institute, published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
Aliyeva's research also examines how defects in alternative splicing contribute to the disease and whether these changes can be used as potential biomarkers for monitoring disease onset and progression. This work is a crucial first step in providing a better understanding of potential pathways for future treatments of these diseases.
Why graduate school?
Originally from Azerbaijan, Aliyeva earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Baku State University in Azerbaijan, and holds two master’s degrees: one in genetics from the University of Pavia in Italy, and one in forensic biology from UAlbany.
Aliyeva’s passion for deepening her scientific knowledge and engaging in research that could make a real-world difference is what led her to pursue grad school. In her current position, Aliyeva said she values the freedom that graduate school offers to study topics that she is passionate about while at the same time contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Her decision to join the Berglund Lab was influenced partly by her interest in repeat expansion diseases such as myotonic dystrophy. The Berglund Lab's emphasis on both basic science and therapeutic development made it an ideal collaboration.
Advice for students
For undergraduate students considering graduate school, Aliyeva suggests getting involved in research early on. Reflecting on her own experiences, she points out that UAlbany offers excellent research opportunities through internships and summer research programs. These UAlbany programs, along with strong mentorship and hands-on experience, provide students with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing scientific and technological world.
Aliyeva said she is excited about the potential positive impact of her research and hopes that her findings on alternative splicing will contribute to the development of new therapeutics for SCAs and other diseases.
Source/Credit: University at Albany
Reference Number: wos020725_01
.jpg)
