Opportunities for Students

The Skin Genetics Research Group welcomes both undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in its research activities. Students are provided with access to the group's clinical and laboratory facilities, data resources, and mentorship, enabling hands-on experience in molecular, phenotypic, and epidemiological research. This inclusive approach fosters skill development, encourages active contribution to ongoing projects, and prepares students for future careers in scientific research and personalized dermatology.

Previous projects:

1) Project Title:
Phenotypic Variability and Cutaneous Features in 2 Siblings with Fanconi Anaemia and FANCA Mutation

Student: Heba Al-Lala (Postgraduate Student)
Supervisor: Dr. Noor Almaani

Student Contribution:
Heba Al-Lala contributed significantly to this project by collecting and analyzing clinical data, as well as assisting in the preparation and writing of the manuscript.

Publication:
Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2024

Summary: This case report describes the phenotypic variability and cutaneous manifestations observed in two siblings with Fanconi anaemia and a FANCA gene mutation. It highlights the range of skin changes seen in this genetic disorder, illustrates clinical features, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing cutaneous signs in early diagnosis.
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Authors: Noor Almaani, Heba Al-Lala, Laith Al-Showbaki, Dunia Aburizeg, Bilal Azab

Alignment with Group Research Focus:

This research aligns with the group's focus on genetic modulators of skin disorders

2) Project Title:
Immunohistochemical Expression Patterns of CD45RO, p105/p50, JAK3, TOX, and IL-17 in Early-Stage Mycosis Fungoides

Student: Raneen Al-Rawi (Postgraduate Student)
Supervisor: Dr. Noor Almaani

Student Contribution:
Raneen Al-Rawi contributed to the project by performing data collection and analysis, supporting the study's examination of immunohistochemical markers in early-stage Mycosis Fungoides.

Publication:
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 2022

Abstract:
The morphologic changes in early‑stage mycosis fungoides (MF) might overlap with benign inflammatory dermatitis (BID). Previous studies have described altered expression patterns of several proteins in MF, but their diagnostic significance is uncertain. This study examined the frequency of expression of CD45RO, NFκB‑p105/p50, JAK3, TOX, and IL‑17 proteins by immunohistochemistry in 21 early‑stage MF patients and 19 BID control patients. CD45RO was positive in all MF and BID cases, while NFκB‑p105/p50 showed inactive cytoplasmic staining in both groups. JAK3 was less frequently positive in MF compared with BID, and TOX was more commonly expressed in MF than BID. IL‑17 was also more frequently detected in MF. Co‑expression of TOX and IL‑17 was significantly higher in MF patients and may support diagnosis in the proper clinicopathologic context, although no single stain alone was sufficiently discriminatory.
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Authors: Aladily, T. N., Abushunar, T., Alhesa, A., Alrawi, R., Almaani, N., & Abdaljaleel, M.

Alignment with Group Research Focus:
This study aligns with the group's focus on understanding immune and molecular mechanisms underlying dermatologic disorders.

3) Project Title:

Incidence Trends of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers in Jordan From 2000 to 2016

Student: Fatima Alzahraa Abu-Tayeh (Postgraduate Student)
Supervisor: Dr. [Supervisor's Name, if different from authors]

Student Contribution:
Fatima Alzahraa Abu-Tayeh contributed to this study by performing data collection and statistical analysis, supporting research on epidemiological trends of skin cancers in Jordan.

Publication:
JCO Global Oncology, 2023

Abstract:
Skin cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide, and their incidence continues to rise globally. However, comprehensive reports on skin cancer incidence in Jordan are limited. This study investigated national incidence trends of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Jordan from 2000 to 2016 using data from the Jordan Cancer Registry. Age‑standardized incidence rates were calculated for each cancer subtype. Over the study period, 2,070 BCCs, 1,364 SCCs, and 258 melanomas were identified. Although incidence rates of all three skin cancer subtypes increased over time, these changes were not statistically significant. The study provides one of the largest epidemiologic assessments of skin cancer in Jordan and the Arab world, showing incidence rates that are higher than previously reported regional figures, likely reflecting standardized, centralized reporting through the national registry.

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Authors: Almaani, N., Juweid, M. E., Alduraidi, H., Ganem, N., Abu-Tayeh, F. A., Alrawi, R., & Hawwari, T.

Alignment with Group Research Focus:
This research aligns with the group's focus on understanding the epidemiology and genetic factors underlying skin cancer in Jordan.