Mohamed Kamal Saleh is a lecturer in molecular biology at the University of Benha in Egypt. His research focuses on tumor pathology and cell biology, specifically examining V(D)J recombination reactions and the tumor suppressor gene CSMD1. He has a PhD from the University of Leeds and postdoctoral experience there as well. He has published several papers and teaches molecular biology courses in Egypt.

1. Mohamed Kamal Saleh
Home: Haj Shaaban Tower, level 10 University: Zoology Dept, Faculty of Science
Bata, University of Benha
Benha Banha
E-mail: mk_saleh1980@yahoo.com
Mobile: 01117532985
Research
My main research interests lie in the field of molecular biology, more specifically in tumour
pathology and cell biology. During my post doctoral training in the University of Leeds, I have
examined the biochemistry of V (D) J recombination reactions, a process responsible for antibodies
production, and if gone wrong it causes lymphomas and leukemias. Achieving this project provided
me strong experience in the fields of chromatin research and immunology. Moreover I gained
extensive experiences in molecular cloning, site directed mutagenesis, western blotting and real time
PCR.
On the other hand, I have investigated the prognostic value and functional roles of a novel tumour
suppressor gene (CSMD1) for my PhD. Conducting such a project has given me wide range of skills
and experiences. I have mastered a wide range of molecular and cell biology techniques. I have
established shRNA stable cell lines, using cloning, to study the biological consequences of silencing
CSMD1 expression. Interestingly, I have found that loss of CSMD1 expression resulted in increased
cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In contrast, down regulation of CSMD1 expression caused
a decrease in cell adhesion and disruption of breast duct formation. Moreover, I have extensive
experience of immunohistochemistry and statistical analysis. I have identified that loss of CSMD1
protein expression is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.
Education
2010 PhD” Characterization of CSMD1 in Cancer”
Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds,
UK.
To functionally characterise CSMD1, I have stably silenced CSMD1
expression in four cancer cell lines, using plasmid based RNAi (shRNA). Using
CSMD1 shRNA stable cell lines, I have performed wide range of cell based assays
to study cell morphology, size, proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion.
In order to study the role of CSMD1 in cell differentiation and duct
formation of the mammary gland, I have established 3D matrigel models, using
MCF10A CSMD1 stable cell line. Using immunofluorescence, I have studied cell
cytoskeleton, polarity and apoptosis in the 3D models.
In order to evaluate CSMD1 as a prognostic factor, I have stained paraffin
embedded tissue microarrays for more than 400 breast cancer patients using
immunohistochemistry. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, I found that
loss of CSMD1 expression was associated with poor patient’s outcome and
considered an independent biomarker in breast cancer.
1997.2001 BSc in Zoology (First class honour degree), University of Benha, Egypt.
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2. Work Experiences
July 2010- present Lecturer of Molecular Biology in the department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences
, University of Benha, Egypt.
The main responsibilities of this post are to teach the molecular
biology and molecular biology related courses to the
undergraduate students. Also, to supervise demonstrators and
teaching assistants while they deliver the practical to students. In
addition, supervising final exams and marking students answer
sheets.
Moreover, I am supervising a Master student, who is conducting
a research project under the title “Biochemical markers of
hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C virus infection combined
with hepatic schistosomiasis”. In this project we aim to
determine a better management tool for patients with liver
cancer.
On the other hand, I am conducting a research project funded by
bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt and I am writing up a research
proposal to be submitted to the STDF (under the reintegration
programme). This project will investigate the causes and
potential drugs of breast cancer in Egyptian women. If
successful, the fund will cover me (a principle investigator) and
two non phD holders (research assistants).
May 2010- present Post doctoral research fellow in the institute of Molecular and cellular Biology,
Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, England, UK.
In this post I have been investigated the molecular biology and
biochemistry of the V(D)J recombination reactions. These
reactions are involved in the production of antibodies and T cell
receptors. The By-product of V(D)J recombination was thought
for long time to be degraded during cell division. Recently, a
group of researchers has shown that these By-products could
reintegrate into the genome and cause genomic instability, which
eventually will cause cancer (Lymphomas and leukaemia). Our
aim is to understand the molecular mechanisms of these
reintegrations and how to inhibit them. We believe that the
results of this project will be the ground base for designing anti-
Lymphomas and leukaemia drugs.
September 2006- May 2010 PhD student in the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine
(LIMM), School of Medicine, University of Leeds, England,
UK. This PhD studentship costed arround 1.5 million
egyptian pounds and was funded by the Egyptian government.
February 2002- September 2006 Demonstrator in the Zoology Department, Faculty of
Sciences, Benha University, Egypt.
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3. Publications
Kamal, M., Shaaban, AM., Zhang, L., Wailker, C., Gray, S., Thakker, N., Speirs, V., and Bell, SM.
(2010) Loss of CSMD1 expression is associated with high tumour grade and poor survival in invasive
ductal breast carcinoma. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2010 Jun;121(3):555-63
Towns, K., Kipioti, A., Long, V., McKibbin, M., Ehsani, P., Springell, Kelly., Kamal, M., Ramesar,
R., Mackey, D., Moore, A., Mukhopadhyay, R., Webster, A., Black, G., Sullivan, J., Pierce, E.,
Beggs, J., and Inglehearn, C (2010) Prognosis for splicing factor PRPF8 Retinitis pigmentosa and
correlation between human and yeast phenotypes. Human Mutation. 2010 May;31(5):E1361-76.
Kamal, M., Toomes, C., Holliday, D., Speirs, V., and Bell, SM. (2011) Loss of CSMD1 expression
enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion but disrupts cell morphology, adhesion and
mammary duct formation. Cancer Research (submitted).
Richardson, J., Shaaban AM., Kamal, M., Alisary, R., Ellis, I., Speirs, V., Green, A., Bell, SM.
(2010) Identification of reduced MCPH1 expression in aggressive breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res
Treat. 2011 Jun;127(3):639-48
Kamal, M., Raiahi, S., Grabitchi, H., and Bell, SM. (2011) Loss of CSMD1 expression is associated
with poor prognosis in gastric carcinoma. J Pathology (in preparation)
Kirkham, C., Kamal, M., and Boyes J. (2011) A Potential New Mechanism by which V(D)J
Recombination Triggers Genome Instability (in preparation)
Laboratory skills:
Molecular biology such as DNA and RNA extraction, cloning (annealing, ligation, and transformation
reactions), plasmid DNA preparations (mini and large scales preps), Sequencing, PCR, genotyping,
reverse transcription reaction (RT), digesion reactions, gel extraction and real time PCR). Cell culture
techniques such as maintaining and freezing cells, DNA and RNA transfection, cell-based assays such
as adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasion, live cell labelling, co cultures and 3D models),
immunoflourescence, microscopy (epifluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy), and live-cell
imaging microscopy. Mice breading and dissection, Histology, and immunohistochemistry. I also
have extensive experiences in western blotting, site directed mutagenesis and have attended
workshops in ELISA.
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4. Teaching skills:
2007-2010 Demonstrator, University of Leeds, UK.
Supervise students to carry out the practical sessions of
histology, molecular biology and cell biology modules, along with
supporting and helping other students in the laboratory. Marking
student’s performance sheets.
Supervising university placement students in Dr. Bell’s
group.
2002- 2006 Demonstrator, University of Benha, Egypt.
Delivering tutorials in histology, cell biology and
molecular biology to groups of 25 undergraduate students.
Computer experience
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, real-time PCR software (for the ABI 7500 and
7700 instruments), ScanScope, Volocity (time-lapse imaging software), Adobe Photoshop,
DreamWeaver, SIPR and Science Warehouse purchasing systems.
International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL).
Conferences and workshops
2011 Academic tutor for the credit hour teaching system, Benha, Egypt.
2011 Yorkshire Cancer Research annual meeting, Harrogate, England
(Poster)
2011 London annual chromatin meeting, Imperial college, London
2010 1st British Breast Cancer Research Conference, Nottingham, England
(Oral presentation)
2010 Breast Cancer Campaign annual meeting, London (Poster)
2009 Egyptian Cultural Bureau annual scientific meeting, London (oral
presentation)
2009 Annual North of England cell biology meeting, York (poster).
2009 Beatson International Cancer Conference, Glasgow (poster).
2008 Faculty of Medicine and Health annual meeting (oral presentation).
2008 Joint Meeting of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and
Ireland and the Dutch Pathological Society (2 posters).
2008 Breast Cancer Campaign (BCC) annual meeting, London.
2007 Intensive statistical course, University of Leeds.
2006 Health and safety course for working with genetically modified
organisms, University of Leeds.
2005 Electron microscopy workshop, Central laboratories, University of
Ain shams, Cairo, Egypt.
2004 PCR workshop, University of Ain shams, Cairo, Egypt.
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5. Grants and Awards
2010 The Bibliotheca Alexandrina post-doctoral research grant
2009 Best achievers for the year (Egyptian embassy, London).
Languages
Native Arabic, fluent English and basics of French
Interests
Reading and swimming
Clean full UK driving licence
Clean full Egyptian driving licence
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