Qutayba Hamid

Position
Adjunct Professor, Department of Medicine, McGill University
Dean of College of Medicine, University of Sharjah

Currently not accepting new graduate students.

Research Interests

I am interested in the investigation of the role of cytokines in asthma and allergic inflammation and the regulation of the immune response to allergens. Most of the studies in my laboratory are performed on samples obtained from patients with asthma and Rhinitis. We collaborate very closely with the ENT departments at McGill and the University of Montreal. My laboratory ise employing state-of-the-art molecular biological techniques to examine gene regulation at the levels of both transcription and translation in the inflammatory cells infiltrating the mucosa of the airways.

In addition, we are also interested in the mechanisms of airway remodeling. In particular, we are focusing on the role of sub-epithelial fibrosis and smooth muscle migration. Our group is also conducting extensive research in the area of difficult to treat (severe asthma) and is investigating the mechanism for poor response to therapy. Development of new therapies are also a major interest of our laboratory. Our unit has been conducting clinical trials to test a number of indications and drugs. A new area of interest in my laboratory is the role of cell aging in chronic respiratory diseases. Asthma in the elderly is another recent area of research that my Laboratory is conducting research on. My Laboratory is welcoming PhD students and Post Doctoral Fellows from all over the world.

Research Areas

Roles of cytokines in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergic disease

• Mechanism of Airway Remodeling
• Role of small airways in asthma
• Pathogenesis of severe asthma
• Pathogenesis of COPD
• Autophagy in severe asthma and COPD

Techniques available in my laboratory

• Immunocytochemistry
• Flow cytometry
• Real-time PCR and in situ PCR
• Laser capture
• Gene expresssion

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