My research interests are to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying respiratory diseases with the goal to provide novel and more effective interventions. My research focuses on epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, e.g. microRNAs and their targets, as one of the underlying mechanisms contributing to the pathology of asthma. I perform my research on human airway epithelial cells, which are the first line of defence against noxious inhaled particles and pathogens (e.g. respiratory viruses). The general hypothesis is that the structure and function of the epithelium is abnormal in asthmatics. My objectives are to find a clinically targetable epigenetic factor in epithelial cells of asthmatics to restore the airway epithelium integrity, using state-of-art epigenetic and proteomic techniques combined with novel drug delivery systems.

PhD and Research Opportunities

My laboratory offers PhD projects to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for pathology of respiratory diseases. In particular, to understand the abnormalities of human airway epithelium in asthma and stimuli (e.g. respiratory viruses) that exacerbate this condition.

I am contributing to the Scientist Training Program (STP). STP is part of the Department of Health’s Modernising Science Careers (MSC), a UK-wide government initiative to address the training and education needs of the whole healthcare science workforce in the National Health Service (NHS). I am leading the Introduction to Genomic Counselling Unit (6H7V0012). I am also the academic supervisor of the trainees in Respiratory and Sleep Science in Research Methods (6H7V0008), and Research Project (6H7V0009). I also supervise MSc project students in Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Sciences (6H7Z1001) and Project (6ABM7124). To date I successfully supervised 14 STP trainees and 3 MSc students to completion of their degrees. Further, I contribute to teaching Advanced Biological Aspects of Disease Unit (6H7Z1002), Recent Advances in Biomedical Research Unit (6ABM7135) and Disorder Case Study Unit (6ABM7110) at postgraduate level. I have supervised 11 undergraduate project students to successful completion for their degree.

I am also contributing to Foundation Human Cell & Genetics (6H3Z3003), Research Skills and Employability (6H4Z1022), Genetic Science (6H6Z1038), Cell and Molecular Biology Unit (6H4Z1023) and Project (6H6Z1032) units at undergraduate level.

I am co-supervising one candidate for Doctoral Research and Innovation in Clinical Science Unit (6ACP8024) at MMU. To date I have supervised 4 PhD students to successful completion.

PhD and Research Opportunities

My laboratory offers PhD projects to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for pathology of respiratory diseases. In particular, to understand the abnormalities of human airway epithelium in asthma and stimuli (e.g. respiratory viruses) that exacerbate this condition.

During the PhD projects the candidates will learn and use a wide range of novel techniques, including advanced cell culture, epigenetics, genetics, and protein detection techniques, in vitro.

Are you interested in developing new skills to progress your career? The Moheimani’s lab is always searching for talented and driven students to join the team.

• Funded Positions: These will be advertised as they become available.
• Self-Funded Positions: There is a variety of projects available for students wishing to self-fund their postgraduate studies (MRes or PhD). Please contact Fatemeh if you would like to discuss this further.

Original research papers:

• Shahdab N, Ward C, Hansbro PM, Cummings S, Young JS, Moheimani F. Distinct Effects of Respiratory Viral Infection Models on miR-149-5p, IL-6 and p63 Expression in BEAS-2B and A549 Epithelial Cells. Cells. 2024 May 26;13(11):919. doi: 10.3390/cells13110919.PMID: 38891051.
• Reid AT, Nichol KS, Chander-Veerati P, Moheimani F, Kicic A, Stick SM, Bartlett NW, Grainge CL, Wark PAB, Hansbro PM, Knight DA. Blocking Notch3 signalling abolishes MUC5AC production in airway epithelial cells from asthmatics. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2020 Apr;62(4):513-523. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0069OC. PMID: 31922915.
• Moheimani F, Koops J, Williams T, Reid AT, Hansbro PM, Wark PA, Knight DA. Influenza A virus infection dysregulates the expression of microRNA‐22 and its targets; CD147 and HDAC4, in epithelium of asthmatics. Respir Res. 2018 Aug 2;19(1):145. doi: 10.1186/s12931-018-0851-7. PMID: 30068332.
• Hsu AC, Parsons K, Moheimani F, Knight DA, Hansbro PM, Fujita T, Wark PA. Impaired Antiviral Stress Granule and IFN-β Enhanceosome Formation Enhances Susceptibility to Influenza Infection in COPD Epithelium. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2016 Jul;55(1):117-27. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2015-0306OC. PMID: 26807508.
• Sercombe L, Veerati T, Moheimani F, Wu SY, Sood A, Hua S. Advances and Challenges of Liposome Assisted Drug Delivery. Front Pharmacol. 2015 Dec 1;6:286. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00286. Review. PMID: 26648870.
• Moheimani F, Roth HM, Cross J, Reid AT, Shaheen F, Warner SM, Hirota JA, Kicic A, Hallstrand TS, Kahn M, Stick SM, Hansbro PM, Hackett TL, Knight DA. Disruption of β-Catenin/CBP signaling inhibits human airway epithelial-mesenchymal transition and repair. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2015 Nov;68:59-69. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.08.014. PMID: 26315281.
• Makkawi M, Moheimani F, Alserihi R, Howells D, Wright M, Ashman L, and Jackson DE. A complementary role for tetraspanin superfamily member CD151 and ADP purinergic P2Y12 receptor in platelets. Thromb Haemost. 2015 Nov;114(5):1004-19. doi: 10.1160/TH14-11-0967. Epub 2015 Aug 6. PMID: 26245294.
• Hirota JA, Marchant DJ, Singhera GK, Moheimani F, Dorscheid DR, Carlsten C, Sin DD, Knight DA. Urban particulate matter primes human airway epithelial cell IL-1β secretion to subsequent H1N1 influenza A exposure in vitro. Exp Lung Res. 2015;41(6):353-62. doi: 10.3109/01902148.2015.1040528. PMID: 26151556.
• Alshahrani MM, Yang E, Yip J, Ghanem SS, Abdallah SL, deAngelis AM, O’Malley CJ, Moheimani F, Najjar SM, Jackson DE. CEACAM2 negatively regulates hemi (ITAM-bearing) GPVI and CLEC-2 pathways and thrombus growth in vitro and in vivo. Blood. 2014 Oct 9;124(15):2431-41. doi: 10.1182/blood-2014-04-569707. PMID: 25085348.
• Moheimani F, Kim CH, Rahmanto AS, van Reyk DM, Davies MJ. Inhibition of lysosomal function in macrophages incubated with elevated glucose concentrations: a potential contributory factor in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis. 2012 Jul;223(1):144-51. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.04.026.
• Moheimani F, Tan JT, Brown BE, Heather AK, van Reyk DM, Davies MJ. Effect of exposure of human monocyte-derived macrophages to high, versus normal, glucose on subsequent lipid accumulation from glycated and acetylated low-density lipoproteins. Exp Diabetes Res. 2011;2011:851280. doi: 10.1155/2011/851280.
• Moheimani F, Moore L, Ferrante JV, Trout N, Hii CS, Ferrante A. Inhibition of atherosclerotic lesion development in the apoE-/- mouse by a novel β-oxa polyunsaturated fatty acid. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2010 Oct;56(4):431-9. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0b013e3181f1d420.
• Moheimani F, Morgan PE, van Reyk DM, Davies MJ. Deleterious effects of reactive aldehydes and glycated proteins on macrophage proteasomal function: possible links between diabetes and atherosclerosis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010 Jun;1802(6):561-71. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2010.02.007.
•  Bahri Najafi R, Mohammadi Samani S, Pishva N, Moheimani F. Formulation and clinical Evaluation of Povidone-Iodine Ophthalmic Drops. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. Aug 2003, 2: 157-160.

Review articles:

• Reid AT, Veerati PC, Gosens R, Bartlett NW, Wark PA, Grainge CL, Stick SM, Kicic A, Moheimani F, Hansbro PM, Knight DA. Persistent induction of goblet cell differentiation in the airways: Therapeutic approaches. Pharmacol Ther. 2018 May;185:155-169. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.12.009. Epub 2017 Dec 27. Review. PMID: 29287707.
• Moheimani F, Hsu ACY, Reid A, Williams T, Kicic A, Stick SM, Hansbro PM, Wark PA and Knight DA. The genetic and epigenetic landscapes of the epithelium in asthma Respir Res. 2016 Sep 22;17(1):119. doi: 10.1186/s12931-016-0434-4. PMID: 27658857.
• Moheimani F, Jackson DE. P2Y12 receptor: platelet thrombus formation and medical interventions. International Journal of Hematology: Int J Hematol. 2012 Nov;96(5):572-87. doi: 10.1007/s12185-012-1188-5. Review.
• Moheimani F, Jackson DE. Venous Thromboembolism: classification, risk factors, diagnosis and management. ISRN Hematol. 2011;2011:124610. doi: 10.5402/2011/124610.

Correspondence Letter

• Moheimani F, Shahdab N, Cummings S, Hansbro F Moheimani, N Shahdab, S Cummings, PM Hansbro, Ward C. Key role of dysregulated airway epithelium in response to respiratory viral infections in asthma. ERJ Open Research 2022; DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00314-2022.

Publications for general audience

• Moheimani F. “Flu jab: for asthmatics, avoiding the flu vaccine could be a fatal mistake” on 22 Sep 2019. The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/flu-jab-for-asthmatics-avoiding-the-flu-vacc….
• Moheimani F, Roth HM, Cross J, Reid AT, Shaheen F, Warner SM, Hirota JA, Kicic A, Hallstrand TS, Kahn M, Stick SM, Hansbro PM, Hackett TL, Knight DA. “What do we know and what can we do about asthma?” on 20 Nov 2015. The Atlas of Science: http://atlasofscience.org/what-do-we-know-and-what-can-we-do-about-asthma/.

Conference organiser

• Organising committee member:       The 13th Annual Newcastle Asthma Meeting (NAMe13), 26-27 Oct 2017, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
• Organising committee member:       The 2nd Annual Airway epithelium workshop, 20-21 Nov 2014, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia.

Chairing session

• SIG Posters: Asthma and Allergy 2, 28 Mar 2017, TSANZRS Annual Scientific Meeting, 24-28 Mar 2017, National Convention Centre, Canberra, Australia.
• Issues in respiratory disease phenotypes session:            The 11th Annual Newcastle Asthma Meeting (NAMe11), 22-23 Oct 2015, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia.

Conference Presentation (oral or poster - from 2014)

• Shahdab N, Ward C, Cummings S, Moheimani F. Response of bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells to poly (I:C). ERS international Congress, 9-13 Sep 2023, Milan (poster).
• Shahdab N, Ward C, Cummings S, Moheimani F. Conditions affecting bronchial epithelial cells responses to poly (I:C). Accepted for ERS international Congress, 4-6 Sep 2022, Barcelona (poster).
• Shahdab N, Ward C, Cummings S, Moheimani F. Bronchial epithelial cell culture conditions affect their response to poly (I:C), TSANZRS Annual Scientific Meeting, 31 Mar-2 April 2022, Australia (virtual), (poster).
• Moheimani F, Williams T, Reid AT, Hansbro PM, Wark PA, Knight DA. Abnormal miRNA-22 expression after influenza infection facilitates epithelium remodelling in asthma. TSANZRS Annual Scientific Meeting, 23-27 Mar 2018, Adelaide Convention and Exhibition Centre, Adelaide, Australia (Poster).
• Moheimani F, Wark PA, Knight DA. Enhanced CD147 Expression After H1N1 Infection; A Potential Mechanism for Airway Epithelium Impairment in Asthma. 22nd Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, Sydney, Australia. 23-26 November 2017 (oral).
• Moheimani F, Williams T, Koops J, Reid AT, Hansbro PM, Wark PA, Knight DA. microRNAs as Potential Epigenetic Targets to Restore the Airway Epithelium Integrity in Asthmatics. American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2017 International Conference, May 19-24 2017, Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington, DC, USA (Poster).
• Reid AT, Moheimani F, Hansbro PM, Wark PA, Knight DA. Short-Term Inhibition of NOTCH Signalling Ablates MUC5AC Production in Human Airway Epithelial Cells from Asthmatic, Non-Asthmatic and COPD Donors. American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2017 International Conference, May 19-24 2017, Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington, DC, USA (Poster).
• Moheimani F, Koops J, Williams T, Reid AT, Wark PA, Knight DA. Potential protective role of microRNA-22 against airway remodelling. TSANZRS Annual Scientific Meeting, 24-28 Mar 2017, National Convention Centre, Canberra, Australia (Oral).
• Veerati P, Bartlett N, Parsons K, Moheimani F, Wark P, Knight D, Grainge C. Mechanical Forces Attenuate Anti-viral Immunity in Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells from Asthmatic Donors. TSANZRS Annual Scientific Meeting, 24-28 Mar 2017, National Convention Centre, Canberra, Australia (Oral).
• Reid AT, Moheimani F, Nichol K, N Bartlett, Wark PA, Grainge C, Knight DA. Acute Inhibition of Notch Signalling Ablates Muc5ac Production in Human Airway Epithelial Cells from Asthmatic, Non-Asthmatic and COPD Donors. TSANZRS Annual Scientific Meeting, 24-28 Mar 2017, National Convention Centre, Canberra, Australia (Oral).
• Moheimani F, Koops J, Williams T, Reid AT, Hansbro PM, Wark PA, Knight DA. Abnormal microRNAs expression in epithelial cells of severe asthmatics. 21st Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR 2016), Bangkok, Thailand. 12-15 November 2016 (oral).
• Moheimani F, Koops J, Williams T, Reid AT, Wark PA, Knight DA. microRNA expression abnormalities in epithelial cells from asthmatics. TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting, Perth, WA. 1– 6 April 2016 (oral).
• Moheimani F, Starkey M, Reid A, Hunter T, Essilfie AT, Kahn M, Hansbro P, Knight D. Disruption of β-catenin signalling ameliorates mucus cell hyperplasia in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. 2nd Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) Satellite Scientific Meeting. The University of Newcastle, Newcastle. 2 April 2015 (oral).
• Moheimani F, Roth HM, Cross J, Reid AT, Shaheen F, Warner SM, Hackett TL, Hirota JA, Utokaparch S, Kicic A, Hansbro PM, Hallstrand TS, Kahn M, Stick SM, Knight DA. Suppression of β-Catenin/CBP signaling inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of human airway epithelium. TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting, Gold Coast, QLD, 2015. 28 March – 1 April 2015 (poster).
• Moheimani F. How can we translate ideas into productive outcomes by making most of state of art technologies? 2nd Annual Respiratory Epithelium Workshop. The Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle. 24-25 November 2014 (oral).
• Moheimani F, Roth HM, Cross J, Reid AT, Shaheen F, Warner SM, Hackett TL, Hirota JA, Utokaparch S, Kicic A, Hansbro PM, Hallstrand TS, Kahn M, Stick SM, Knight DA. Inhibition of β-Catenin/CBP signaling prevents epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of human airway epithelium.7th Australian Health & Medical Research Congress 2014. Melbourne, 16th - 19th November 2014 (poster).
• Moheimani F. miR-132: A potential link between impaired innate immune response and dysregulated regeneration in epithelium of asthmatics. VIVA seminar series, HMRI, Newcastle. 23 July 2014 (oral).

Reviewership

Manuscripts

• Clinical and Translational Medicine (2020)
• Cell Transplantation (2019)
• Biochemical Pharmacology (2018)
• Stem cells (2018)
• Epigenomics (2018)
• Scientific Reports (2017)

Grants and Fellowships

• Medical Research Council, UKRI MRC (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)
• Welcome Trust, UKRI FLF (2023)
• A grant for Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation, UK (2021)
• Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) external assessor (2018)
• Grant focus group, HMRI, Newcastle (2018)
• Eleven project grants, HMRI project grant assessment panel, Newcastle (2017)
• A grant for the British Lung Foundation, UK (2017)
• A grant for the executive government agency of National Science Centre, Poland (2017)
• one postdoctoral MAX KADE fellowship for the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2014)

External examiner of PhD and MPhil viva

• University of Salford (Jun 2024).
• Hull York Medical School (Nov 2022) and re-examination (Feb 2024).

Societies and Professional Memberships:

• 2021 – present: Academy of Higher Education
• 2019 – present: European Respiratory Society
• 2013 – present: Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand