Javeed Iqbal – Associate Professor in the department of Pathology and Microbiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA – after completing his schooling from J&K Sainik School Manasbal went to Aligarh Muslim University for his bachelor’s and then Master’s Degree in Biochemistry.
After working for some research projects for 2-3 years in India, Javeed, a resident of Barsoo, Awantipora, in South Kashmir, went to Germany for his post doctorate degree from Hans Knoll Institute at Fredirch Schiller University, Jena. There he received extensive training in techniques related to genomic profiling.
Recently he completed Clinical and Translation Research (CTR) mentored scholar program and received Masters in CTR from University of Nebraska Medical Centre (UNMC). He is in USA since 2003.
In an email interview, Javeed Iqbal tells Saima Bhat that he would like to contribute to the Bio-medical research community in Kashmir in whatever way possible
JI: I am not sure at this stage, but there are groups of highly talented researchers from Kashmir who have excelled in their respective field of research in USA and Europe.
My initial part of research was funded by Lymphoma Research foundation (LRF). I received a translation research program award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The aim of these grants is to translate basic biomedical findings to clinical application. I also received a young scientist award from Lymphoma Foundation of America (LFA) for contribution to lymphoma research.
Though I was the recipient, but I must pay gratitude to my mentors/advisors and late father, as these reflect their contribution in my training and career. I have a privilege to collaborate with a group of highly qualified investigators across USA and Europe including hematologist, hemtopathologists, geneticists in the fields of lymphoma management, genomics and bioinformatics and laboratory diagnostic who have provide complementary expertise and support during these years.
KL: What is your research about? How is it going to help lymphoma/leukaemia patients?
JI: My major focus of research is lymphoma genomics. In naïve terminology lymphoma is cancer that generally arises in lymphatic system and affects lymphocytes. These are immune cells under normal circumstances fight infection and are generally mature in their stages of developmental process. Leukemia arises in Bone marrow and is cancer of blood forming cells which are at the early stage in their development. There are a subset of blood diseases, called lymphocytic /leukemia, and pertains to presence of leukemic cells in lymphoid node. While the two cancers share certain symptoms, there are stark differences between their origins, symptoms, and treatments. These distinctions are important as their treatment regimens and prognosis is also different.
We study whole genomes of lymphoma patients and investigate the aberrant changes compared to normal immune cells using state-of-the art technology like DNA microarray technology and now with next generation sequencing. These changes, whether structural or functional can be used to improve diagnosis and clinical outcome prediction. We also use these genomic profiles for identification of targeted therapies approaches in these patients.
KL: Is there any plan to get your research included in Kashmir so that it helps patients here?
JI: Unfortunately, I do not have interaction with many biomedical scientists of Kashmir. I know couple of my school mates working at several institutions in Kashmir, with whom I exchange pleasantries, but haven’t initiated any collaborative research projects. I must admit, high throughput genomic research does require investment in infrastructure, equipment, human resource training and committed group of clinician scientists. No doubt, we have a group of highly talented clinicians and Biomedical scientists in Kashmir, but they need to put their efforts together to focus on disease that is unique to valley. It will require a lot of patience in building these groups and eventually make a remarkable change in disease outcome. With improving technologies and computer applications in medical science, a lot can be achieved now, which was unthinkable just few years ago.
KL: How bad is situation in Kashmir viz-a-viz prevalence of lymphoma/leukemia?
JI: I am not aware of exact numbers, but a number of Kashmiri clinicians who got trained in oncology have noted a substantial number of lymphoma patients in valley. However, I am not aware of any recent peer-reviewed study about the incidence of lymphoma/leukemia in Kashmir. Since only 2 major hospitals have cancer centers in valley, it would be of great help to have survey. The translation aspect of research and clinical management of patients varies immensely in western world and our part of world.
KL: Have you ever thought of coming back and working in Kashmir?
JI: It is a difficult question to answer at this stage. However, I do visit my family there every year. No, I haven’t asked for work in valley. There are many imminent issues that valley faces, so looking for job never crossed my mind. I would like to contribute to the Biomedical research community in whatever possible, I could.
KL: How many Kashmiris are working with you there?
JI: There are number of Kashmiri scientist, clinicians working in different areas at Omaha. In my laboratory people from several nationalities including few from Kashmir work with me.
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