PhD Defense: Aug. 27, 2026

Heba Ali

PhD Candidate in Neuroscience

Karolinska Institutet · Stockholm, Sweden

Neuroscientist and biochemist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases. My work bridges experimental molecular biology and computational bioinformatics, investigating estrogen receptor-mediated neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease using single-cell transcriptomics.

Heba Ali
>_Dry Lab
🔬Wet Lab

ABOUT

Research Focus

Unraveling neurodegeneration through data and biology.

My academic career is driven by a commitment to uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease. Operating at the intersection of biochemistry and neuroscience, I utilize robust animal models to investigate sex-specific disease mechanisms.

A significant portion of my doctoral research involves high-throughput computational biology. By employing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and leveraging bioinformatic pipelines, I map complex cellular communication networks to translate vast transcriptomic data into actionable biological insights.

CORE INTERESTS

  • Alzheimer's disease pathology
  • Estrogen receptor signaling
  • Single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq)
  • Neurovascular interactions
  • Sex-specific disease mechanisms

EXPERTISE

Technical Arsenal

The dual advantage of computational and experimental expertise.

Bioinformatics

CellChatHarmonyPythonR/RStudioSeurat

Experimental

Animal HandlingCell cultureELISAFlow cytometryImmunohistochemistryqPCR

BACKGROUND

Experience & Education

EXPERIENCE

PhD Candidate in Neuroscience

Mar 2022Present

Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Investigating estrogen receptor-mediated neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease using the AppNL-G-F mouse model. Performed scRNA-seq analysis, cell-cell communication analysis, and integrated transcriptomic, behavioral, and histological data.

Research Exchange Scholar

Aug 2021Jan 2022

University of Texas at Austin, USA

Conducted research in biomedical engineering with a focus on advanced molecular and computational approaches.

Assistant Lecturer (Biochemistry)

Apr 2019Present

Assiut University, Egypt

Teaching undergraduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. Performed biochemical and molecular assays including ELISA, PCR, CDNA synthesis.

Biochemist

Mar 2018May 2019

El-Salama IVF Center, Assiut, Egypt

Performed semen analysis, cryopreservation, and assisted reproductive techniques including intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Demonstrator (Biochemistry)

Nov 2014Mar 2019

Assiut University, Egypt

Assisted in teaching undergraduate courses in biochemistry and molecular biology.

EDUCATION

PhD in Neuroscience

2022Present

Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

M.Sc. in Biochemistry

20152019

Assiut University, Egypt

B.V.Sc. (Excellent with Honor)

20092014

Assiut University, Egypt

RESEARCH OUTPUT

Selected Publications

Peer-reviewed contributions to neuroscience.

2026

Effects of gonadectomy on brain sex hormone levels and amyloid pathology in male and female AppNL‐G‐F and AppNL‐F mice

Authors: P Muñoz, HG Ali, A Demetriou, M Latorre‐Leal, M Shimozawa, L Delac, ... Citations: 0

Journal of Neuroendocrinology 38 (3), e70161
2025

ERβ mediates sex-specific protection in the App-NL-G-F mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Authors: A Demetriou, B Lindqvist, HG Ali, MM Shamekh, M Varshney, J Inzunza, ... Citations: 8

Biology of sex Differences 16 (1), 29
2024

Transcriptomic profiling of the oocyte-cumulus-granulosa cell complex from estrogen receptor β knockout mice

Authors: V Töhönen, P Antonson, NR Boggavarapu, H Ali, LA Motaholi, ... Citations: 3

F&S Science 5 (4), 306-317
2023

Reversible, covalent DNA condensation approach using chemical linkers for enhanced gene delivery

Authors: W Wang, A Tasset, I Pyatnitskiy, P Lin, A Bellamkonda, R Mehta, ... Citations: 1

Nano letters 23 (20), 9310-9318
2022

Effect of hesperidin against induced colon cancer in rats: impact of Smad4 and activin a signaling pathway

Authors: SEM El-Deek, SKH Abd-Elghaffar, RS Hna, HG Mohamed, HEM El-Deek Citations: 15

Nutrition and Cancer 74 (2), 697-714
2022

Ultrasound triggered organic mechanoluminescence materials

Authors: W Wang, A Tasset, I Pyatnitskiy, HG Mohamed, R Taniguchi, R Zhou, ... Citations: 63

Advanced drug delivery reviews 186, 114343
2016

EVALUATION OF BLOOD TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND LIPID PEROXIDATION IN COWS INFECTED WITH LUMPY SKIN

Authors: HK Elsayed, HG Mohamed, NNA Hafiz, M Rushdi Citations: 0

Egyptian Society for Cattle Diseases