Biology Graduate Student's Contribution to Research in Neurodegenerative Disease

Research Contribution in Neurodegenerative Disease
The University at Albany Department of Biological Sciences is proud to feature an outstanding graduate researcher: Asmer Aliyeva, a fourth-year PhD candidate from the Berglund Lab. During her tenure at UAlbany as a doctoral student, Asmer is making significant contribution in revealing the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases. Her research demonstrates that the Department, the College of Arts and Sciences and the University’s commitment to the necessary resources and support are key to producing new scientific discoveries.
Graduate Student Spotlight: Advancing Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Academic Journey
Asmer Aliyeva, a fourth-year PhD student in the Berglund Lab, is making substantial contributions to the study of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs). Her recent first-authored paper, written in collaboration with members of Berglund lab, was recently published in Human Molecular Genetics. Originally from Azerbaijan, Asmer earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Baku State University and Master’s degrees in Genetics from the University of Pavia and Forensic Biology from UAlbany. As a Ph.D. student in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience Core, she is currently focused on the molecular mechanisms behind SCAs with the aim of identifying possible therapeutic targets.
Uncovering New Insights into SCAs
Spinocerebellar Ataxias are a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases that affect coordination and balance for which there is currently no cure. Asmer’s research focuses on transcriptomic changes in patient-derived cell lines, aiming to discover common disease mechanisms from different types of SCAs. Recent findings suggest that dysregulation of alternative splicing plays a key role in disease progression, which could lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic discoveries. For additional information on Asmer Aliyeva’s recent publication: Aliyeva, A., Lennon, C. D., Cleary, J. D., Shorrock, H. K., & Berglund, J. A. (2024). Dysregulation of alternative splicing is a transcriptomic feature of patient-derived fibroblasts from CAG repeat expansion spinocerebellar ataxias. Human Molecular Genetics, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddae174.
Focus on Alternative Splicing and Disease Mechanisms May Lead to New Treatments
Asmer's research investigates how defects in alternative splicing contribute to the disease and whether these changes can be used as potential biomarkers for monitoring disease onset and progression. More importantly, her work is a crucial first step in providing a better understanding of potential pathways for future treatments of these diseases.
Why Graduate School?
Asmer’s decision to pursue graduate school stemmed from her passion for deepening her scientific knowledge and engaging in research that could make a real-world difference. She values the freedom that graduate school offers to study topics that she is passionate about while at the same time contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Choosing the Berglund Lab
Asmer’s choice to join the Berglund Lab was influenced partly by her interest in repeat expansion diseases such as Myotonic Dystrophy. The Berglund Lab's emphasis on both basic science and therapeutic development made it an ideal collaboration for Asmer to accomplish her academic and research goals.
Advice for Students
Asmer advises undergraduate students considering graduate school to get involved in research early on in their academic career. Reflecting on her own experiences, she points out that UAlbany offers excellent research opportunities through internships and summer research programs. These UAlbany programs, along with strong mentorship and hands-on experience, provide students the necessary skills required in an ever-changing scientific and technological world to succeed in their goals and future careers.
Looking Ahead
Asmer is excited about the potential positive impact of her research. She hopes that her findings on alternative splicing will contribute to the development of new therapeutics for SCAs and other diseases.
Congratulations to Asmer Aliyeva and members of the Berglund lab for their most recent publication.
For information on Department of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Program, visit Undergraduate Bio Research | University at Albany.
For information on Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Research Programs, visit https://www.albany.edu/biology/programs/phd-biology
Information on M.S. in Biology Program: https://www.albany.edu/biology/programs/ms-biology
Information on M.S. in Forensic Science and Management Program: https://www.albany.edu/biology/programs/ms-forensic-science
Please click on link for additional information on Department of Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications: Faculty and Staff | University at Albany.