I’ve worked in the clinical scientific research field since my bachelor’s degree, focusing on Stem cell research and cell therapy for my PhD. I have undertaken various research roles at research institutes and universities, both abroad and in Malaysia.
EDUCATION
PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Imperial College London, UK January 2015 – March 2019
Neural Progenitor Cells Proliferation and Survival
Expertise: DNA/RNA biology, Stem Cells, Neurobiology and MolecularBiology
MSc in Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, UK
September 2013 – September 2014
Pluripotent Gene Expression at RNA Level and Quantifying Expression of Genes in Cell Cycle and Senescence
BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia,2:1
2008-2013
Clinical and pharmaceutical research
Stem cell derived exosome trilogy: an epic comparison of human MSCs, ESCs and iPSCs Siti Zawiah Abdul Malik, Yugashini Muhilan, Fazlina Nordin, Min Hwei Ng, Jia Xian Law, Siti A. M. Imran, Izyan Mohd Idris, Gee Jun Tye Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 2025 Exosomes, containing molecular constituents of their cell of origin, including proteins and nucleic acids, were first discovered in immature red blood cells in 1983. Excellent intercell communication can be achieved by shuttling these various molecules between cells. Stem cell-derived exosomes (SC-Exos) contain paracrine-soluble factors that play important roles in tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. This paracrine activity of SC-Exos has been found to be a predominant mechanism by which stem cell-based therapies mediate their effects on degenerative, autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. Compared to other types of stem cells, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are the most popular because of their efficient immunomodulatory effects. The advantages and disadvantages of using exosomes isolated from the stem cell trio for therapeutic applications are further discussed in this review.
Decellularized and Genipin Crosslinked Human Umbilical Cord Artery and Vein for Potential Use as Peripheral Nerve Conduit Nabila Syahida binti Zailan, Nisriena Azlin binti Md Isa, Muhammad Asyraf bin Humayoon Kabir, Syahida Rabia binti Syed Ali, Muhamad Firdaus bin Norisman, Siti A. M. Imran, Mohamad Fikeri Ishak, Mohd Reusmaazran Yusof, Yogeswaran Lokanathan Sains Malaysiana, 2023 Critical gap peripheral nerve injury, commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, results in dysfunctional nerve and impaired body function. Our study aims to develop a conduit from decellularized and genipin crosslinked human umbilical cord artery and vein for future use in critical nerve gap injury treatments. Human umbilical cord arteries (HUCA) and veins (HUCV) were divided into native (nHUCA and nHUCV), decellularized (dHUCA and dHUCV) and genipin-crosslinked (clHUCA and clHUCV) groups. Both the decellularized and crosslinked groups were decellularized, and subsequently, the clHUCA and clHUCV groups were crosslinked with 0.1%, 0.4% and 0.7% (w/v) genipin. The HUCA and HUCV were then studied for decellularization efficiency, crosslinking index, biodegradation, swelling ratio, ultrastructure analysis, flexibility and mechanical strength. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton’s jelly were seeded into HUCA and HUCV for biocompatibility studies. The degradation test showed that nHUCV and dHUCV degraded at day 7 compared to other groups that did not show any degradation even after 21 days. Biocompatibility studies showed that the conduits crosslinked with 0.4% (w/v) genipin were successfully seeded and was having the most amount of seeded cells. In conclusion, the decellularization and genipin crosslinking of human umbilical cord artery and vein enabled successful in fabrication of conduit with suitable properties such as reduced swelling, flexibility, porosity and mechanical strength, with potential in tissue engineering applications.
Mechanotransduction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during cardiomyocytes differentiation Narmadaa Raman, Siti A.M. Imran, Khairul Bariah Ahmad Amin Noordin, Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman, Fazlina Nordin Heliyon, 2022 Cardiac muscle cells have an innate capacity to perceive and react to mechanical strain via a mechanism known as mechanotransduction, whereby the cardiac muscle cells are intrinsically capable of sensing and responding to mechanical strain. This process occurs in the heart when mechanical inputs are converted to biochemical processes that result in myocardial structure and function changes. Mechanotransduction and its downstream effects work as compensatory mechanisms during early load adaptation. However, prolonged, and aberrant loading may cause maladaptive remodeling, resulting in altered physiological function, pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. The rapid advancement of stem cell research has raised the hopes of both patients and clinicians. Mesenchymal progenitors have become one of the most intriguing possibilities for treating illnesses ranging from cartilage abnormalities to heart issues. Their immunomodulatory properties have also allowed for allogenic usage, besides expanding their potential for cardiomyocyte applications. In the present review, we highlighted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cardiovascular mechanotransduction, differentiation of cardiomyocytes and the use of MSCs in cardiovascular disease and tissue engineering.
Mechanotransduction in Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Differentiation: A Review Narmadaa Raman, Siti A. M. Imran, Khairul Bariah Ahmad Amin Noordin, Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman, Fazlina Nordin International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022 Mechanotransduction is the process by which physical force is converted into a biochemical signal that is used in development and physiology; meanwhile, it is intended for the ability of cells to sense and respond to mechanical forces by activating intracellular signals transduction pathways and the relative phenotypic adaptation. It encompasses the role of mechanical stimuli for developmental, morphological characteristics, and biological processes in different organs; the response of cells to mechanically induced force is now also emerging as a major determinant of disease. Due to fluid shear stress caused by blood flowing tangentially across the lumen surface, cells of the cardiovascular system are typically exposed to a variety of mechanotransduction. In the body, tissues are continuously exposed to physical forces ranging from compression to strain, which is caused by fluid pressure and compressive forces. Only lately, though, has the importance of how forces shape stem cell differentiation into lineage-committed cells and how mechanical forces can cause or exacerbate disease besides organizing cells into tissues been acknowledged. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potent mediators of cardiac repair which can secret a large array of soluble factors that have been shown to play a huge role in tissue repair. Differentiation of MSCs is required to regulate mechanical factors such as fluid shear stress, mechanical strain, and the rigidity of the extracellular matrix through various signaling pathways for their use in regenerative medicine. In the present review, we highlighted mechanical influences on the differentiation of MSCs and the general factors involved in MSCs differentiation. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the progress that has been achieved in understanding how MSCs perceive and react to their mechanical environment, as well as to highlight areas where more research has been performed in previous studies to fill in the gaps.
Regenerative Medicine Therapy in Malaysia: An Update Siti A. M. Imran, M. Haikal Aiman M. Hamizul, Ahmad Amin Noordin Khairul Bariah, Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman, Fazlina Nordin Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2022 Regenerative medicine is a field in medicine that relates to the ability to correct congenital anomalies and to repair or replace tissues and organs that have been destroyed by age, disease, or trauma. To date, promising preclinical and clinical data supported the possibility of using regenerative medicine to treat both chronic diseases and acute insults, as well as maladies affecting a wide range of organ systems and contexts, such as dermal wounds, cardiovascular diseases and traumas, cancer treatments, and more. One of the regenerative medicine therapies that have been used widely is stem cells. Stem cells, especially mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells, play an important role in treating chronic diseases, such as leukemia, bone marrow, autoimmune disease, and urinary problems. Despite considerable advancements in stem cell biology, their applications are limited by ethical concerns about embryonic stem cells, tumor development, and rejection. Nevertheless, many of these constraints, are being overcome, which could lead to significant advancements in disease management. This review discusses the current developments and advancements of regenerative medicine therapy (RMT) advancements in Malaysia compared to other Asian countries. The limitations in the application of RMT are also highlighted.
CAR-T Cells/-NK Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy and the Potential of MSC to Enhance Its Efficacy: A Review Ler Yie Chan, Sylvia Annabel Dass, Gee Jun Tye, Siti A. M. Imran, Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman, Fazlina Nordin Biomedicines, 2022 The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) plays a dynamic role in targeting tumour-associated antigens in cancer cells. This novel therapeutic discovery combines fragments of monoclonal antibodies with the signalling and co-stimulatory domains that have been modified to its current fourth generation. CAR has been widely implemented in T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells immunotherapy. The significant advancement in CAR technology is evident based on numerous ongoing clinical trials on CAR-T/-NK cells and successful CAR-related products such as Kymriah (Novartis) and Yescarta (Kite Pharma, Gilead). Another important cell-based therapy is the engineering of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Researchers have been exploring MSCs and their innate homing abilities to tumour sites and secretion cytokines that bridge both CAR and MSC technologies as a therapeutic agent. This combination allows for both therapies to overcome each one’s flaw as an immunotherapy intervention. Herein, we have provided a concise review on the background of CAR and its applications in different cancers, as well as MSCs’ unique ability as delivery vectors for cancer therapy and the possibility of enhancing the CAR-immune cells’ activity. Hence, we have highlighted throughout this review the synergistic effects of both interventions.
COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness: a review in early vaccine adopters in Asian Countries Mishal Iqbal, Siti A. M. Imran, G J Tye, Wahid Zaman, Fazlina Nordin European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2022 COVID-19 vaccines were designed to stimulate an immunological response, producing neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Vaccine variants such as mRNA, viral vector, whole-cell inactivated virus, and protein subunit vaccines, have been reported to be efficacious in phase III trials and have gained emergency use approval in many countries. However, several adverse effects are reported in certain types of vaccines. All vaccines are being expedited by some Asian countries as part of their national immunization programs. This review primarily discussed the selected manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccines used and their effectiveness in early-adopting Asian countries. The effectiveness in reducing the infection rate and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia was also analyzed based on the available data. Strategies that can be used to speed up the vaccination rate in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases were also evaluated.
Immunomodulation and regenerative capacity of mscs for long-covid Xin Ya Loke, Siti A. M. Imran, Gee Jun Tye, Wan Safwani Wan Kamarul Zaman, Fazlina Nordin International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021 The rapid mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is now a major concern with no effective drugs and treatments. The severity of the disease is linked to the induction of a cytokine storm that promotes extensive inflammation in the lung, leading to many acute lung injuries, pulmonary edema, and eventually death. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might prove to be a treatment option as they have immunomodulation and regenerative properties. Clinical trials utilizing MSCs in treating acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have provided a basis in treating post-COVID-19 patients. In this review, we discussed the effects of MSCs as an immunomodulator to reduce the severity and death in patients with COVID-19, including the usage of MSCs as an alternative regenerative therapy in post-COVID-19 patients. This review also includes the current clinical trials in utilizing MSCs and their potential future utilization for long-COVID treatments.
The intra-and extra-telomeric role of trf2 in the dna damage response Siti A. M. Imran, Muhammad Dain Yazid, Wei Cui, Yogeswaran Lokanathan International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021 Telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) has a well-known function at the telomeres, which acts to protect the telomere end from being recognized as a DNA break or from unwanted recombination. This protection mechanism prevents DNA instability from mutation and subsequent severe diseases caused by the changes in DNA, such as cancer. Since TRF2 actively inhibits the DNA damage response factors from recognizing the telomere end as a DNA break, many more studies have also shown its interactions outside of the telomeres. However, very little has been discovered on the mechanisms involved in these interactions. This review aims to discuss the known function of TRF2 and its interaction with the DNA damage response (DDR) factors at both telomeric and non-telomeric regions. In this review, we will summarize recent progress and findings on the interactions between TRF2 and DDR factors at telomeres and outside of telomeres.
Is there an interconnection between epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and telomere shortening in aging? Siti A. M. Imran, Muhammad Dain Yazid, Ruszymah Bt Hj Idrus, Manira Maarof, Abid Nordin, Rabiatul Adawiyah Razali, Yogeswaran Lokanathan International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021 Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) was first discovered during the transition of cells from the primitive streak during embryogenesis in chicks. It was later discovered that EMT holds greater potential in areas other than the early development of cells and tissues since it also plays a vital role in wound healing and cancer development. EMT can be classified into three types based on physiological functions. EMT type 3, which involves neoplastic development and metastasis, has been the most thoroughly explored. As EMT is often found in cancer stem cells, most research has focused on its association with other factors involving cancer progression, including telomeres. However, as telomeres are also mainly involved in aging, any possible interaction between the two would be worth noting, especially as telomere dysfunction also contributes to cancer and other age-related diseases. Ascertaining the balance between degeneration and cancer development is crucial in cell biology, in which telomeres function as a key regulator between the two extremes. The essential roles that EMT and telomere protection have in aging reveal a potential mutual interaction that has not yet been explored, and which could be used in disease therapy. In this review, the known functions of EMT and telomeres in aging are discussed and their potential interaction in age-related diseases is highlighted.
DYNAMICS OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION TOWARD THE PERFORMANCE OF MUSLIMAT PAS REPRESENTATIVES: AN ANALYSIS OF SERVICE QUALITY AND POLITICAL LEGITIMACY NAA Bakar, SAM Imran Al-Hikmah 17 (2), 25-41 , 2025 2025.0
Stem cell derived exosome trilogy: an epic comparison of human MSCs, ESCs and iPSCs SZA Malik, Y Muhilan, F Nordin, MH Ng, JX Law, SAM Imran, IM Idris, ... Stem Cell Research & Therapy 16 (1), 318 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 20
Mechanotransduction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during cardiomyocytes differentiation N Raman, SAM Imran, KBAA Noordin, WSWK Zaman, F Nordin Heliyon 8 (11) , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 22
COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness: a review in early vaccine adopters in Asian Countries. MIT BIN MOHD IQBAL, SAM Imran, GJ Tye, WSWK Zaman, F Nordin European Review for Medical & Pharmacological Sciences 26 (13) , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 5
Regenerative medicine therapy in Malaysia: an update SAM Imran, MHA M. Hamizul, AAN Khairul Bariah, ... Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 10, 789644 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 25
Mechanotransduction in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation: a review N Raman, SAM Imran, KB Ahmad Amin Noordin, WSWK Zaman, F Nordin International journal of molecular sciences 23 (9), 4580 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 83
CAR-T cells/-NK cells in cancer immunotherapy and the potential of MSC to enhance its efficacy: A review LY Chan, SA Dass, GJ Tye, SAM Imran, WS Wan Kamarul Zaman, ... Biomedicines 10 (4), 804 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 37
Immunomodulation and regenerative capacity of MSCs for long-COVID XY Loke, SAM Imran, GJ Tye, WS Wan Kamarul Zaman, F Nordin International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22 (22), 12421 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 21
The intra-and extra-telomeric role of TRF2 in the DNA damage response SAM Imran, MD Yazid, W Cui, Y Lokanathan International journal of molecular sciences 22 (18), 9900 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 19
Is there an interconnection between epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and telomere shortening in aging? SAM Imran, MD Yazid, RBH Idrus, M Maarof, A Nordin, RA Razali, ... International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22 (8), 3888 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 19
OCT4 and PAX6 determine the dual function of SOX2 in human ESCs as a key pluripotent or neural factor S Zhang, E Bell, H Zhi, S Brown, SAM Imran, V Azuara, W Cui Stem cell research & therapy 10 (1), 122 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 75
The role of TRF2 in regulating neural progenitor proliferation and survival SAM Imran Imperial College London , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 1
The Role of TRF2 in Maintaining and Protecting Neural Cell Properties. SAM Imran, W Cui REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES 24, 235A-235A , 2017 2017.0
WS, & Nordin, F.(2022) SAM Imran, M Hamizul, KB MHA, WKZ AAN Regenerative Medicine Therapy in Malaysia: An Update. Frontiers in … , 0 Citations: 9
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Mechanotransduction in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation: a review N Raman, SAM Imran, KB Ahmad Amin Noordin, WSWK Zaman, F Nordin International journal of molecular sciences 23 (9), 4580 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 83
OCT4 and PAX6 determine the dual function of SOX2 in human ESCs as a key pluripotent or neural factor S Zhang, E Bell, H Zhi, S Brown, SAM Imran, V Azuara, W Cui Stem cell research & therapy 10 (1), 122 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 75
CAR-T cells/-NK cells in cancer immunotherapy and the potential of MSC to enhance its efficacy: A review LY Chan, SA Dass, GJ Tye, SAM Imran, WS Wan Kamarul Zaman, ... Biomedicines 10 (4), 804 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 37
Regenerative medicine therapy in Malaysia: an update SAM Imran, MHA M. Hamizul, AAN Khairul Bariah, ... Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 10, 789644 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 25
Mechanotransduction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during cardiomyocytes differentiation N Raman, SAM Imran, KBAA Noordin, WSWK Zaman, F Nordin Heliyon 8 (11) , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 22
Immunomodulation and regenerative capacity of MSCs for long-COVID XY Loke, SAM Imran, GJ Tye, WS Wan Kamarul Zaman, F Nordin International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22 (22), 12421 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 21
Stem cell derived exosome trilogy: an epic comparison of human MSCs, ESCs and iPSCs SZA Malik, Y Muhilan, F Nordin, MH Ng, JX Law, SAM Imran, IM Idris, ... Stem Cell Research & Therapy 16 (1), 318 , 2025 2025.0 Citations: 20
The intra-and extra-telomeric role of TRF2 in the DNA damage response SAM Imran, MD Yazid, W Cui, Y Lokanathan International journal of molecular sciences 22 (18), 9900 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 19
Is there an interconnection between epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and telomere shortening in aging? SAM Imran, MD Yazid, RBH Idrus, M Maarof, A Nordin, RA Razali, ... International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22 (8), 3888 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 19
WS, & Nordin, F.(2022) SAM Imran, M Hamizul, KB MHA, WKZ AAN Regenerative Medicine Therapy in Malaysia: An Update. Frontiers in … , 0 Citations: 9
COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness: a review in early vaccine adopters in Asian Countries. MIT BIN MOHD IQBAL, SAM Imran, GJ Tye, WSWK Zaman, F Nordin European Review for Medical & Pharmacological Sciences 26 (13) , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 5
The role of TRF2 in regulating neural progenitor proliferation and survival SAM Imran Imperial College London , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 1
DYNAMICS OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION TOWARD THE PERFORMANCE OF MUSLIMAT PAS REPRESENTATIVES: AN ANALYSIS OF SERVICE QUALITY AND POLITICAL LEGITIMACY NAA Bakar, SAM Imran Al-Hikmah 17 (2), 25-41 , 2025 2025.0
The Role of TRF2 in Maintaining and Protecting Neural Cell Properties. SAM Imran, W Cui REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES 24, 235A-235A , 2017 2017.0
