G1: Computational Microbial Biology

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is already a major global public health threat. By 2050, it is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually unless urgent measures are taken to curb its spread. We are leveraging genomic and proteomic data to address AMR, deepen our understanding of pathogen evolution, and identify novel antigens for vaccine development. Our research provides critical insights into how established and emerging pathogenic bacteria evolve and circulate across clinical, livestock, agricultural, wastewater, and aquatic environments.

Enlist areas of research

Genomics and Metagenomics

Microbial genome sequencing and assembly. Comparative genomics, metagenomic data analysis, Pan-genome and core-genome analysis, horizontal gene transfer getection

Transcriptomics and Proteomics

Microbial transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq), differential gene expression in microbial communities, microbial proteomics data mining, post-translational and modifications in microbes

Microbiome Research

Host-microbiome interaction modeling, microbiome-wide association studies, dysbiosis and disease prediction

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Pathogen Informatics

Pathogen genome surveillance, prediction of antimicrobial resistance genes, vaccine and drug target discovery

Computational Epidemiology and Evolution

Microbial phylogenetics and phylogenomic, molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases, microbial evolution and population genomics

Structural and Functional Bioinformatics

Protein structure prediction in microbes, molecular docking and dynamics for microbial proteins, Protein–protein and host–pathogen interaction modeling

Research Title	Computational Microbial Biology
Head Name	Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, Associate Professor
1	Dr. Sumaira Kanawal Associate Professor
2	Ms. Annam Hussain Research Associate
3.	Ms. Khalida Maqbool MS Student
4	Ms. Noor ul Ain MS Student

G2: Advanced Therapeutics and Pathobiology Research

Welcome to the website of Advanced Therapeutics and Pathobiology Research group at COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal campus. Our research specialization encompasses a wide array of interdisciplinary fields, focusing primarily on pharmacology, toxicology, pathobiology and bioinformatics. We focus on the development of advanced therapeutic strategies and the exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases. Our specific research areas include toxico-pathological investigations in laboratory animals and cell cultures, endocrinal pathology, natural plant–drug interactions, food safety and security, and histomorphological assessments. Dr. Awais Ihsan leads the Advanced Therapeutics and Pathobiology Research group, which is dedicated to understanding the mechanistic basis of toxicity and disease progression while also exploring the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and novel drug candidates. Our team works collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects that aim to identify innovative therapeutic targets, develop safer and more effective treatments, and deepen our understanding of disease pathogenesis at the cellular and molecular levels. We are committed to translational research that bridges basic biomedical sciences with practical applications in human and animal health, with a strong collaborative network at both national and international levels.

Research Group Areas

• Preclinical Toxicology and Risk Assessment
• Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity
• Endocrinal Pathology and Hormonal Disruption Studies
• Natural Products and Medicinal Plant–Drug Interactions
• Food toxicology and Safety 
• Mycotoxin Risk Analysis
• Animal Disease Models and In Vivo Experimental Pathology
• Microbial Pathogenesis and Antimicrobial Resistance Studies
• Computational Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Bioinformatics-Based Drug Discovery
• Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking of Phytotherapeutics
• Cross-Border Herbal Medicine Quality Control and Standardization

Research Title	Computational Microbial Biology
Head Name	Dr. Awais Ihsan, Associate Professor
1	Dr. Sumaira Kanawal Associate Professor
2	Mr. Saad Khan
3.	Ms. Ms. Tayyaba (PhD student)
4	Ms. Zubia (Ms student)
5	Ms. Ayman (Ms student)

Microbial Genomics and proteomic group

Microbial genomics plays a crucial role in understanding the genetic makeup of microorganisms, enabling researchers to decode the complete DNA sequences of microbes. This knowledge allows for the identification of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance, pathogenicity, and metabolic capabilities. By studying microbial genomes, scientists can develop new strategies for disease prevention, drug development, and the creation of industrially useful microbial strains. It also facilitates the exploration of microbial diversity and evolution, providing insights into how microbes adapt to various environments, including extreme and changing conditions. Proteomics, on the other hand, focuses on the large-scale study of proteins expressed by a microbe under specific conditions. It reveals the functional output of the genome and helps determine how microbes respond to environmental changes, stress, or interactions with hosts. Proteomic analysis is essential for understanding the regulation of microbial functions, identifying potential biomarkers, and discovering novel drug targets. Together, genomics and proteomics offer a comprehensive view of microbial life, supporting advancements in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Research title	Microbial genomics and proteomics
Head	Dr. Farrukh Jamil
Members	Dr. Asif Rasheed
Mr. Abubakar Sidiqui
Students	Ms Amna Kousar (PhD)
Khadeeja Bakhtiar (MS)
Aleeza

Food Science and Nutrition

The Food and Nutrition Research Group is a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of scientists, nutritionists, public health experts, and policymakers dedicated to exploring the intricate relationships between food, nutrition, and human health. In an era marked by global challenges such as malnutrition, obesity epidemics, climate change impacts on food systems, and food insecurity, our group aims to drive innovative research that informs evidence-based solutions. By integrating cutting-edge science with practical applications, we seek to enhance nutritional well-being, promote sustainable food practices, and address disparities in access to healthy diets. Through collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, governments, and industry stakeholders, our work contributes to building resilient food systems that support global health and environmental sustainability. The group's research is guided by a commitment to ethical practices, inclusivity, and translating findings into actionable policies and community interventions.

Enlisted Areas for Research

Based on the core themes of food and nutrition, here is a list of key research areas that the group could focus on. These areas are interconnected and allow for a comprehensive approach to addressing contemporary challenges. I've organized them into categories for clarity, with a brief description for each to highlight their relevance:

1. Nutritional Science and Health Outcomes
• Investigating the role of macronutrients (e.g., proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals) in preventing and managing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. This includes clinical trials on dietary interventions.
2. Food Security and Sustainability
• Exploring strategies to improve food access and affordability in vulnerable populations, while addressing environmental issues like sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and the impact of climate change on crop nutrition.
3. Public Health Nutrition
• Studying population-level nutrition through epidemiological research, including the effects of dietary patterns on public health outcomes, community nutrition programs, and policies to combat malnutrition or obesity in diverse demographics.
4. Food Technology and Innovation
• Researching advancements in food processing, fortification, and functional foods (e.g., biofortified crops or probiotics) to enhance nutritional value, safety, and shelf-life, while minimizing environmental footprints.
5. Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition
• Examining how genetics, lifestyle, and environment interact with nutrition to develop personalized dietary recommendations, including the use of genomics to tailor interventions for individuals with specific health risks.
6. Dietary Patterns and Cultural Influences
• Analyzing traditional and modern dietary habits across cultures, their impact on health, and how cultural factors influence nutrition education and behavior change programs.
7. Food Policy and Economics
• Investigating the economic aspects of food systems, such as the cost-effectiveness of nutrition policies, subsidies for healthy foods, and regulations on food labeling, marketing, and trade.
8. Community and Behavioral Nutrition
• Focusing on education, outreach, and behavioral interventions to promote healthy eating habits, including school-based programs, community gardening, and digital tools for nutrition tracking.
9. Environmental and Ethical Aspects of Food
• Addressing issues like the nutritional implications of organic vs. conventional farming, ethical sourcing, and the effects of food production on biodiversity and animal welfare.
10. Emerging Trends and Global Challenges
• Exploring new frontiers such as the nutritional role of alternative proteins (e.g., plant-based or lab-grown meats), the impact of urbanization on diets, and responses to global health crises like pandemics that affect food supply chains.

Group Members:

1. Abrar Hussain
2. M. Nadeem
3. M. Wasim Sajid
4. Maryam Batool
5. Zahra Batool