Research fellowships can play a pivotal role in launching the careers of postdoctoral scholars, providing the support needed to establish themselves as independent investigators. With her recent selection for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Amira Zaher, PhD, is ready to launch.
The ADA selected Zaher for her research training in beta cell redox biology in the laboratory of Sam Stephens, PhD, an associate professor in Endocrinology and Metabolism. The three-year fellowship supports Zaher’s postdoctoral salary, conference travel, and direct research costs. With this funding, she aims to advance the understanding of diabetes pathogenesis by investigating how oxidative stress in beta cells disrupts insulin production—work that could inform new translational approaches to diabetes treatment.
Zaher’s research focuses on the mechanisms of hyperoxidation within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a key beta cell organelle, and how this process contributes to cellular dysfunction and declining insulin production.
Zaher’s expertise in redox biology developed during her doctoral training in cancer biology. As she neared the completion of her PhD in cancer biology, Zaher became interested in applying her knowledge in redox biology to a new disease model—diabetes.
Oxidative Stress in Beta Cells
Redox biology examines how the balance between oxidants and antioxidants within a cell influences cellular function. While oxidant chemicals are a normal byproduct of cellular processes and are even required for some signaling pathways, they require careful regulation through the presence of antioxidants. But when antioxidant defenses fail, oxidative stress disrupts normal cell function.
Zaher’s current research builds on previous findings by Sam Stephens, PhD, and Kristen Rohli, PhD, a former graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics. The pair discovered that the ER of the beta cell—where insulin production occurs—becomes hyperoxidized during the development of Type II diabetes (T2D). This excess ER oxidation coincides with impaired insulin secretion and beta cell failure.
“While we know that oxidative stress is associated with beta cell failure, we still don’t fully understand how this form of stress, particularly in the ER, causes beta cells to fail,” Zaher said. “This gap in knowledge is exactly where my research comes in.”
Specifically, Zaher’s work will investigate 1) the causes of oxidative stress in the ER and 2) how this stress contributes to beta cell dysfunction and the development of T2D.
“This is a relatively new avenue within the field of beta cell redox biology, so there is a lot to uncover,” Zaher said. “We’re hopeful that this work will lead to novel insights about beta cell biology. I’m especially drawn to real-life relevance. My PhD work in cancer was closely tied to translational science and clinical relevance. It is always fulfilling to contribute to the fundamental research that can inform drug development and treatment strategies.”
Zaher’s motivation to play a role in this research extends beyond the laboratory.
“I’ve been really motivated to contribute to diabetes research because it has affected many people in my family, and even me personally at one point in my life,” Zaher said. “It is a growing public health crisis in the U.S. and in the world, and there are strong connections between diabetes and many other diseases.”
With this support from the ADA, Zaher now has the resources to pursue work she finds most meaningful: uncovering fundamental biological mechanisms that may one day lead to better therapies. And advancements in diabetes treatment could improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Acknowledgements
When asked who she would like to acknowledge for supporting her work, Zaher expressed gratitude to her mentors and loved ones.
“First of all, I wanted to say that it is an incredible honor to have ADA support for my postdoc training,” Zaher said. “This fellowship is a great opportunity to launch my future career as an independent investigator.”
She also credited her PhD and postdoctoral mentors. “I’m incredibly grateful for Dr. Stephens. We’ve worked together for over a year now, and my experience in his lab has been transformative. I’m also very grateful to my PhD mentors, Bryan Allen, MBA, MD, PhD, and Douglas Spitz, PhD. They were fundamental to my redox biology training and my interest in improving human health through research.”
Zaher shared appreciation for her fiancé, Michael Petronek, PhD. “He has been a great cheerleader and critic. With him being a scientist too, we challenge each other. We don’t hold back when giving constructive feedback and can also give each other exactly the right support. Having this has meant everything to me,” Zaher said.
Finally, Zaher thanked her mother, Mrs. Tahra Elsotohy, who has been a constant advocate for her education and success as a scientist, as well as her friends for believing in her from day one.