DrSadia Saeed

As a postdoctoral fellow specializing in the genetics and functional genomics of obesity at the Department of Metabolism, Digestion, and Reproduction, Dr. Sadia Saeed has made significant strides in the field of monogenic obesity among children. Her groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of the complex genetic factors contributing to severe obesity, particularly among children from consanguineous populations in Pakistan.

Dr. Saeed's journey began with obtaining her PhD degree in Human Genetics from the Department of Common Diseases, Imperial College London in 2016. Following the completion of her doctoral degree, she worked as a post-doctorate and Research Associate in the same department. Later, she obtained a position of Research Scientist at the University of Lille, CNRS France. Currently, she is working on an MRC funded project at Imperial College London, focusing on the functional characterization of genes associated with severe obesity identified from consanguineous pedigrees.

One of Dr. Saeed's key contributions is the identification of the pivotal role of the ADCY3 gene in obesity. This discovery has potential implications for the treatment of obesity, positioning ADCY3 as a promising target for pharmacological intervention. Furthermore, her research has identified several individuals carrying different pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in various genes associated with obesity.

Dr. Saeed's research has also highlighted the unique genetic characteristics of consanguineous populations. She has emphasized the potential of combining the power of consanguinity with advanced sequencing techniques to unveil new genetic factors and molecular mechanisms involved in energy homeostasis and appetite regulation. This innovative approach could lead to the development of precision medicine for different forms of obesity.

Apart from her academic work, Dr. Saeed has made significant contributions to the community by spreading awareness amongst paediatricians and physicians about the importance of molecular screening of patients for classifying major metabolic diseases. This enables individualized management of patients and precision medication. She has personally helped and facilitated the molecular diagnosis of a number of patients attending local hospitals referred to her, on a compassionate basis. Her invaluable contributions to the field of monogenic obesity research continue to shed light on this complex health issue, and her ongoing work promises to bring further insights and breakthroughs.