In addition to providing research support services, LARC has established and is fostering internal research programs in the areas of national priorities, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and physical activity/exercise, combining the efforts of human and animal researchers and relying on both basic and applied science. As part of these research efforts, LARC continues to develop collaborations with Qatari as well as international partners. Furthermore, providing educational and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students is an integral part of the center’s mission. Besides the core functions of rodent activity, dietary, and surgical treatments, the research efforts are supported by the highly trained and experienced staff and faculty, taking advantage of the modern laboratory facilities and equipment for most general and specialized techniques, such as gene expression, protein analyses and histology.
Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular disease is a health condition that impairs the function of heart and blood vessels. Fat deposition inside the arteries is the main cause of cardiovascular disease. In LARC, the research efforts focused on evaluating the impact of environmental contaminants such as heavy metals and other pollutants on the cardiovascular system. The research team is working to answer questions on the effect of chronic exposure of the environment pollutants in the physiological and cellular changes of the heart. LARC as an in-vivo platform provides an opportunity to work with rodent animal models to understand the structural and anatomical changes of the heart. Graduate and undergraduate students are involved in research activities and LARC maintains collaboration with national and international research groups.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the rising metabolic disorder, which is a universal concern that may cause obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory issue, liver disease, cancer and other psychological problems. Diet is one of the most important risk factors for obesity and associated diseases. Rodent animal models play a major role in understanding the physiological changes in the system due to diet. LARC focus on diet induced obesity research, effect of various types of diet studied using rodent animal models. Undergraduate students trained on various methodology and animal handling to carry out diet induced obesity study for their research thesis.
Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases defined as uncontrolled growth of cells and potential to invade other parts of the body. LARC provides support for cancer research and currently cancer studies underway in establishing Xenograft animal models to use them as a tool for cancer research. Stakeholders from research institutions within Qatar collaborating with LARC to study the cancer biomarkers and immunomodulation. Cancer studies supported by cancer cell culture and development of tumor animal models. Students are trained on cell culture and animal handling.
Microbiome Research
Gut microbiota comprises of abundant species of bacteria and their diversity significantly contributed to the maintenance of health; whereas, changes in their composition contribute to the development of diseases and/or disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Maintaining balance between the gut microbiota and the host plays a vital role in shaping up the normal health of the body. Understanding the mechanism involved in maintaining the interrelationship with the host and their impact on various metabolic process of the host is critical to appreciate the role of microbiota. In LARC, the research focus on the impact of different diet on the landscape of gut microbiota using rodent animal models. Both Biochemical and Genomic analysis carried out to explore the gut microbiota population. Graduate assistants and undergraduate students are involved in gut microbiome research.
Environmental Toxicology
Environmental Toxicology involves study of adverse health effects of chemical, biological, and physical agents on living organisms in the ecosystems. Adverse impact of environmental toxic substance on human health accelerated by ever-increasing industrial and urbanization activities. LARC research team study the effect of environmental pollutants such as cadmium on cardiac function and bioaccumulation level. Undergraduate and graduate students are educated in respective techniques and defended the hypothesis.