Dr. Syed Ali Principal Investigator

Our research group works in the areas of Oncology, Virology, as well as the overlap of the two; Viral Oncology. Our interest is currently focused on Human Immunodeficiency and Human Papilloma, and Hepatitis C viruses (HIV, HPV, and HCV, respectively). Basic as well as applied research projects are in progress. In the applied area, we are using PCR-based protocols to investigate the molecular epidemiology of HIV and HPV in Pakistan and Kenya. In the case of HIV, we are studying the prevalence of virus subtypes in various high risk communities. For HPV, we are investigating virus subtypes in the pathogenesis of cervical carcinoma. In addition, we are involved in a drug study to evaluate anti-viral potential of certain commonly used bactericidal drugs. We are using in vitro models to test the effect of these drugs on the DNA replication of HPV and HCV.

CURRENT PROJECTS

• Molecular Epidemiology of HIV in high risk communities
• Role of HPV subtypes in cervical carcinoma
• Analysis of anti-viral effect of certain bactericidal drugs

• Anti-viral Activity of Fluoroquinolones against HPV. (2005-2008). Funded by University Research Council, Aga Khan University (AKU), (Principal Investigator).
• Molecular epidemiology of Human Immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) in Aga Khan University Hospitals (AKUH), Nairobi and Karachi. (2006-2009). Funded by University Research Council, AKU, (Co-Principal Investigator).
• Cell cycle responses of hepatocytes during chronic hepatitis C virus infection. (2005-2008). Funded by University Research Council, AKU, (Co-Principal Investigator).
• Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus testing as an adjunct to pap smears in primary screening for cervical cancer. (2006-2007). Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates institute, USA , (Co-Principal Investigator).
• Molecular epidemiology of HIV in high risk communities of Pakistan. (2007-2008). Funded by the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World , Italy , (Principal Investigator).
• Antiviral effects of Fluoroquinolones on Hepatitis C virus. (2007-2010). Higher Education Commission, Pakistan , (Principal Investigator).

• Kasper, J. S., H. Kuwabara, T. Arai, S. H. Ali, and J. A. DeCaprio. Simian virus 40 large T antigen's association with the cul7 SCF complex contributes to cellular transformation. J. Virol., 78(18): 11685–11692, 2005.

• Rai, M. A., M. N. Khan, R. Khanani, and S. H. Ali, Pakistan India open borders … to HIV? AIDS, 20(4): 634-5, 2006.

• Shafiq, M., and S. H. Ali. STIs in Pakistan - speak of the unspeakable. Lancet Infect. Dis., 6(6):321-2, 2006.

• Rai, M. A., S. H. Ali. Cervical cancer vaccine: The Indian sub-continental context. Vaccine, 24(49-50):7024, 2006.

• Ali S. H., A. Chandraker, and J. A. DeCaprio. Inhibition of SV40 large T antigen helicase activity by fluoroquinolones. Antivir. Ther. 12(1):1-6, 2007.

• Khan S., N. N. Jaffer, M. N. Khan, M. A. Rai, M. Shafiq, A. Ali, S. Pervez, N. Khan, A. Aziz, S. H. Ali. Human Papilloma Virus Subtype 16 is Common in Pakistani Women with Cervical Carcinoma. Int. J. Infect. Dis., 2007 (accepted).

• Khan S., M. A. Rai, M. R. Khanani, M. N. Khan and S. H. Ali. HIV-1 subtype A infection in a community of intravenous drug users in Pakistan. BMC Infectious Diseases, 2007, 6:164.

• Rai MA, Warraich HJ, Ali SH, Nerurkar VR. HIV/AIDS in Pakistan : the battle begins. Retrovirology, 4:22, 2007.

• James Mullins, University of Washington , Seattle , WA.
• Rafiq Khanani, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
• Shamshad Zarina, University of Karachi , Karachi.
• Shahana Urooj, University of Karachi , Karachi.