Publications

Peer-reviewed journal articles (newest → oldest)

Profiling Genome-Wide DNA Methylation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and in Children with Fragile X Syndrome

Abstract: Using the Human Methylation EPIC BeadChip in 57 boys (ASD, FXS with ASD, and typically developing), the study identified hundreds to thousands of differentially methylated sites and regions across comparisons. Enrichment highlighted pathways important for brain development (e.g., PAK2, GTF2I, FOXP1), suggesting methylation signatures may aid classification and therapeutic development for ASD/FXS. MDPI

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/10/1795

Maternal Microbiota Modulate a Fragile X-like Syndrome in Offspring Mice

Abstract: In a mouse model, maternal Western-diet–induced dysbiosis increased FXS-like behaviors and reduced FMRP in offspring; prenatal Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation prevented these features. Cytokine profiling implicated elevated maternal IL-17; C-section/foster rearing supported an in-utero microbiota effect. MDPI

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/8/1409

Differential Methylation Profile in Fragile X Syndrome-Prone Offspring Mice after in Utero Exposure to Lactobacillus reuteri

Abstract: Prenatal L. reuteri exposure altered methylation at 17,735 CpG sites in offspring from a Western-diet FXS-like mouse line, with differential methylation across neurodevelopmental pathways (synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, LTP). Results point to probiotic-linked epigenetic modulation relevant to FXS/ASD. MDPI

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/8/1300

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Sertraline in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract: Double-blind RCT assessing sertraline in very young children with ASD; the paper reports clinical outcomes and safety, contributing evidence for/against early SSRI use in ASD. Frontiers

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00810/full

Assessment of Molecular Measures in Non-FXTAS Male Premutation Carriers

Abstract: Evaluated molecular metrics (e.g., FMR1 mRNA/protein, CGG size) in premutation males without FXTAS to clarify relationships between genotype and molecular phenotype. Frontiers

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2018.00302/full

Clinical and Molecular Correlates in Fragile X Premutation Females

Abstract: In 36 female premutation carriers vs 24 controls, carriers reported higher OCD/depression/anxiety; FMR1 mRNA correlated with CGG repeats. No global cognitive/executive deficits vs controls; age associated with increased anxiety. PubMed

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28971146/

Glucocorticoid-Induced Fetal Origins of Adult Hypertension: Association with Epigenetic Events (Review)

Abstract: Reviews evidence that prenatal glucocorticoid exposure programs hypertension via oxidative stress, nitric oxide dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and epigenomic mechanisms; discusses therapeutic angles targeting epigenetic modifiers. PubMed

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26903240/

Identification of a Novel Drug Lead That Inhibits HCV Infection and Cell-to-Cell Transmission by Targeting the HCV E2 Glycoprotein

Abstract: Structure-based docking to HCV E2 identified small molecule 281816, which bound E2, blocked CD81 interaction, inhibited multi-genotype HCV entry (IC50 2.2–4.6 µM) and cell-to-cell spread—supporting E2-targeted antivirals. PLOS

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0111333

Identification of Ligands that Target the HCV-E2 Binding Site on CD81

Abstract: AutoDock + experimental validation pinpointed CD81-LEL sites and small molecules; 26/36 ligands bound CD81 by SPR, with one ligand blocking E2–CD81 interaction via DPI—supporting entry-blocking strategies. d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10822-013-9649-3

Hepatitis C Virus RNA Assays: Current and Emerging Technologies and Their Clinical Applications (Review)

Abstract: Reviews qualitative/quantitative HCV RNA assays (RT-PCR, TMA, bDNA), genotyping, viral load testing, and how analytical performance influences diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. PubMed

Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1586/erm.10.101

Patents

Ligands that Target Hepatitis C Virus E2 Protein

Assignees/Inventors: The American University in Cairo; Al-Olaby R, Azzazy H, Balhorn R
Abstract (summary): Compounds and methods targeting HCV E2/CD81 binding to block viral entry and transmission. (Patent application publication.) Google Patents

Link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20160361311A1/en

**Ligands that Target Plasmodium Sporozoite Binding Sites on CD81 and Therapeutic Methods Using Them** (US patent)

Assignee: American University of Cairo (AUC)
Inventors: Al-Olaby R, Azzazy H, Balhorn R
Abstract (summary): Granted US patent covering CD81-targeting ligands for blocking Plasmodium sporozoite binding and methods of use. Google Patents

Link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US10548895B2/en

**Ligands that Target Plasmodium Sporozoite Binding Sites on CD81 and Therapeutic Methods Using Them** (International application)

Assignee: American University of Cairo (AUC)
Inventors: Reem AL-OLABY, Hassan AZZAZY, Rodney Balhorn
Abstract (summary): Molecules that bind CD81 sites used by Plasmodium sporozoites; proposed as antimalarial entry inhibitors and related therapies. Google Patents

Link: https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2015178940A1/en

Ligands that Target HCV-E2 Binding Sites on CD81 and Therapeutic Methods Using Them (US application)

Assignee: (as listed)
Inventors: Al-Olaby R, Azzazy H, Balhorn R, et al.
Abstract (summary): Entry-blocking ligands aimed at the HCV E2–CD81 interface; pharmaceutical compositions and treatment methods. Google Patents

Link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20150328329A1/en

Conference abstracts / meeting papers & posters

Identification of Molecular Biomarkers Predictive of Response to Targeted Treatment in Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder — Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 61(9): 828 (SSBP/Leiden 2017 Abstracts)

Abstract: Abstract reports a biomarker-discovery effort to predict response to targeted therapies in FXS/ASD using molecular measures; conference abstract only. Ovid

Link: https://www.ovid.com/journals/jidr/abstract/00002547-201709000-00020~identification-of-molecular-biomarkers-predictive-of

Generation of Selective High Affinity Ligands to Block CD81-LEL: HCV-E2 Interaction — Journal of Hepatology 58(Suppl): S481–S482; EASL 2013

Abstract: Meeting abstract describing SHALs that bind CD81-LEL and block E2 binding, an entry-inhibition approach for HCV. authors.library.caltech.edu

Link: https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/7k007-xrd30

(Poster) Single-Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) Sequencing in Fragile X Research (ASHG 2016 poster)

Abstract: Poster outlines use of long-read sequencing for FMR1/Fragile X applications; technical demonstration from the UC Davis group. PacBio

Link: https://www.pacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2016-ashg-poster-flora-tassone-ucdavis.pdf

Theses / dissertations

Identification of Drug Leads Against HCV and Malaria Using Different Techniques (Ph.D. dissertation)

Abstract: Dissertation work identifying entry-blocking ligands against HCV E2 and Plasmodium via computational screening and experimental validation; includes cell-based inhibition and mechanism studies. AUC Knowledge Fountain

Link: https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/29/

In Silico Design of Selective High Affinity Ligands Against HCV Using the Integrative Biomedical Informatics Platform (Master’s thesis)

Abstract: Computational design of SHALs targeting the HCV E2–CD81 interface; virtual screening and prioritization workflows described. AUC Knowledge Fountain

Link: https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/1184/

A Promising Drug Lead that Inhibits HCV Infectivity in a Genotype-Independent Manner (thesis/repository record)

Abstract: Repository entry summarizing a candidate (E2216) blocking HCV cell entry and cell-to-cell transmission, consistent with the PLOS ONE paper’s findings. QSpace

Link: https://qspace.qu.edu.qa/handle/10576/14293

PUBLICATIONs