Dr. Alawi Habara is a Medical Doctor and Assistant Professor in the Biochemistry Department at the College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. He holds an M.Sc. in Medical Genetics from the University of Glasgow, UK, and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Translational Medicine from Boston University, USA. Dr. Habara seamlessly integrates clinical practice with academic research, driving advancements in patient care and medical science. His teaching disciplines include biochemistry, molecular genetics, translational medicine, and clinical applications of medical research. His research interests center on molecular medicine, genetic disorders, and translating research discoveries into improved healthcare outcomes.
EDUCATION
MBBS from King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia 2007
M.Sc. in Medical Genetic from University of Glasgow, UK 2011
Ph.D. in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston, USA. 2021
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Medicine, Biochemistry (medical)
21
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Developmental Differences in Circular RNA Expression Between Adult and Fetal Human Salivary Glands Based on Public Total RNA-Sequencing Data Zahra A. Aldawood, Alawi Habara International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable regulatory RNAs whose developmental patterns in human salivary glands remain poorly defined. Publicly available total RNA-seq data from adult and fetal salivary glands (GSE143702—adult, n = 13; fetal, n = 14) were analyzed to profile the circRNA expression and evaluate developmental-stage differences. Reads were aligned with STAR using chimeric detection, circRNAs were parsed and annotated with CIRCexplorer2, and circRNAs supported by ≥2 back-splice junction reads were retained for quantification. Principal component analysis (PCA) of circRNA expression profiles demonstrated significant (PERMANOVA p = 0.001) separation between adult and fetal salivary glands, with a moderate effect size (R2 = 0.118). Differential expression analysis identified 18 circRNAs that were significantly (adjusted p < 0.05) upregulated in adult salivary glands, with three additional circRNAs showing evidence suggestive of differential expression (0.05 ≤ adjusted p < 0.10). In fetal salivary glands, 18 circRNAs were significantly upregulated, with eight additional circRNAs showing suggestive evidence. For functional context, stage-associated circRNAs were linked to predicted miRNA interactions using the circAtlas 3.0 database and then to experimentally supported miRNA target genes using the miRTarBase database. These findings provide a stage-resolved overview of salivary gland circRNAs throughout development and aid in the prioritization of candidates for downstream validation.
Remodeling of the circRNA Landscape in Myocardial Infarction Integrates Nuclear Regulation, DNA Damage Response, and Cardiomyocyte Structural Pathways Rudaynah Alali, Naif Khalid Alqannas, Alawi H. Habara, Mohammed Almansori, Ali Alsaeed, Chittibabu Vatte, Cyril Cyrus, Safi G. Alqatari, Hassan Albisher, Mustafa H. Al-ajwad, Faisal S. Alshahrani, Moyad M. Almuslim, Morten T. Venø, Brendan J. Keating, Amein K. Al-Ali Biomolecules, 2026 Plasma circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable RNA molecules found in blood, which makes them potential noninvasive biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to describe the plasma circRNA profile in patients with acute MI and to identify circRNA markers that may help detect heart injury and reflect the biological processes involved. We compared plasma samples from patients with acute MI and healthy controls using total RNA sequencing with unique molecular identifiers (UMIs). After sequencing, reads were processed through quality control, alignment, duplicate removal, and circRNA detection. Differential expression was analyzed after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and technical factors. Several circRNAs were significantly different between MI cases and controls and were able to separate the two groups in principal component and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Among the most increased circRNAs were hsa-PASK_0004, hsa-STXBP3_0002, hsa-RCAN3_0002, and hsa-RANBP9_0044, while hsa-HIF1A_0002, hsa-SUZ12_0049, hsa-PNRC1_0001, and hsa-RAB2A_0002 were decreased. Several candidates showed AUC values above 0.7. Pathway analysis linked the host genes of these circRNAs to inflammation, platelet activation, coagulation, and cardiomyocyte stress responses. Overall, these findings suggest that circulating circRNAs may serve as useful blood-based markers of MI and provide insight into the molecular changes that accompany acute MI.
Multi-omics analysis of a pig-to-human decedent kidney xenotransplant Eloi Schmauch, Brian D. Piening, Alexa K. Dowdell, Maedeh Mohebnasab, Simon H. Williams, Alexey Stukalov, Fred L. Robinson, Robin Bombardi, Ian Jaffe, Karen Khalil, Jacqueline Kim, Imad Aljabban, Tal Eitan, Darragh P. O’Brien, Mercy Rophina, Chan Wang, Alexandra Q. Bartlett, Francesca Zanoni, Jon Albay, David Andrijevic, Berk Maden, Vincent Mauduit, Susanna Vikman, Diana Argibay, Zasha Zayas, Leah Wu, Kiana Moi, Billy Lau, Weimin Zhang, Loren Gragert, Elaina Weldon, Hui Gao, Lauren Hamilton, Larisa Kagermazova, Brendan R. Camellato, Divya Gandla, Riyana Bhatt, Sarah Gao, Rudaynah A. Al-Ali, Alawi H. Habara, Andrew Chang, Shadi Ferdosi, Han M. Chen, Jennifer D. Motter, Scott C. Thomas, Deepak Saxena, Robert L. Fairchild, Alexandre Loupy, Adriana Heguy, Ali Crawford, Serafim Batzoglou, Michael P. Snyder, Asim Siddiqui, Michael V. Holmes, Anita S. Chong, Minna U. Kaikkonen, Suvi Linna-Kuosmanen, David Ayares, Marc Lorber, Anoma Nellore, Edward Y. Skolnik, Aprajita Mattoo, Vasishta S. Tatapudi, Ryan Taft, Massimo Mangiola, Qian Guo, Ramin S. Herati, Jeffrey Stern, Adam Griesemer, Manolis Kellis, Jef D. Boeke, Robert A. Montgomery, Brendan J. Keating Nature, 2026
miRNA-Mediated Regulation of γ-Globin to β-Globin Switching: Therapeutic Potential in β-Hemoglobinopathies Daniah Alotaibi, Falak Aldagdog, Sajidah Alramadhan, Basmah Almuhaidib, Nada Asiri, Leena Almodhi, Manar Alshabaan, Razan Alborhan, Chittibabu Vatte, Shamim Shaikh Mohiuddin, Amein K. Alali, Alawi Habara International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 Erythropoiesis is a tightly regulated developmental process that requires the switch from fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to adult hemoglobin (HbA). In β-hemoglobinpathies such as SCD and β-thalassemia, disease severity is influenced by the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch because persistence or induction of HbF will ameliorate the clinical manifestations. miRNAs play an essential role in regulating this switch by modulating the expression levels of key transcription factors, such as BCL11A, KLF1, and MYB, which repress γ-globin expression. Multiple miRNAs have been identified as potential modulators of the hemoglobin switch, including miR-144, miR-486, miR-26b, and miR-15a. The molecular interactions between miRNA and γ-to β-globin switch have the potential for new therapeutic interventions that aim to reactivate HbF expression to ameliorate β-hemoglobinopathies such as SCD and β-thalassemia. In this review, the latest advancements in miRNA-mediated regulation of Hb switching and nanoparticle-based strategies for miRNA delivery are explored.
circRNA Signatures Distinguishing COVID-19 Outcomes and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Longitudinal, Two-Timepoint, Precision-Weighted Analysis of a Public RNA-Seq Cohort Alawi Habara Genes, 2026 Background: Although circular RNAs are increasingly implicated in host responses, their longitudinal behaviors to predict outcomes in severe COVID-19 remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to distinguish the circRNA signature associated with COVID-19 outcome. Method: Public total RNA-seq data from GEO (GSE273149) were used to assess circRNA differences among COVID-19 non-survivors, COVID-19 survivors, and patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) serving as severity-matched disease controls at two timepoints: Early (Day 3) and Late (Days 7 to 10). Differential expression was assessed after quality filtering, with the results reported as significant (FDR < 0.05) or suggestive (0.05–0.10); |log2FC| ≥ 1 was used as a guide for interpretation. Early and Late effects were combined using a two-timepoint, precision-weighted approach to prioritize time-consistent signals. Results: A distinction between non-survivors and survivors was observed, with nine significant and four suggestive candidates identified in the combined analysis; in addition, some candidates indicated a difference between survivors and ARDS controls. Early and Late effects primarily occurred in the same direction, and several circRNAs that were borderline at one timepoint became significant when the two timepoints were combined. Conclusion: This time-resolved, precision-weighted analysis of public RNA-seq data reveals stable circRNA differences between key clinical groups (patients with severe COVID-19 and those with ARDS), improving detection and interpretability relative to single-timepoint tests and yielding a concise set of candidates suitable for mechanistic follow-up and potential biomarker development.
Changes in circular RNA expression in acute chest syndrome and vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease: analysis of a public RNA-seq cohort Alawi Habara Expert Review of Hematology, 2026 BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic hemoglobinopathy characterized by recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) that affect any organ and progress to multi-organ failure. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a major complication and leading cause of death. This study explored whole-blood circRNA signatures as candidate molecular markers for VOC and ACS and examined their functional relevance through miRNA mapping and pathway enrichment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: = 11). RESULTS: Significant circRNA dysregulation was identified in ACS vs. baseline and VOC vs. baseline. An exploratory panel of the top 20 upregulated and 16 downregulated circRNAs in ACS was summarized as a composite circRNA score. The unchanged score increased stepwise across clinical states, with mean differences of 1.60 for VOC vs. baseline and 1.08 for ACS vs. VOC. Standardized effect sizes were Cohen's d = 2.89 and 1.61, respectively. VOC showed intermediate scores between baseline and ACS. Enrichment analyses suggested immune and inflammatory involvement, including interleukin signaling and PI3K/AKT/MAPK-related cascades. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support circRNA expression as a source of candidate biomarkers for ACS and VOC, although validation in independent multicenter cohorts is required.
Circular RNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Frontiers Rudaynah Alali, Mohammed Almansori, Chittibabu Vatte, Mohammed S. Akhtar, Seba S. Abduljabbar, Hassan Al-Matroud, Mohammed J. Alnuwaysir, Hasan A. Radhi, Brendan Keating, Alawi Habara, Amein K. Al-Ali Biomolecules, 2025 Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as crucial cardiovascular regulators through gene expression modulation, microRNA sponging, and protein interactions. Their covalently closed structure confers exceptional stability, making them detectable in blood and tissues as potential biomarkers. This review explores current research examining circRNAs across cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. We highlight the control that circRNA exerts over endothelial function, smooth muscle switching, inflammatory recruitment, and cardiomyocyte survival. Key findings distinguish frequently disease-promoting circRNAs (circANRIL, circHIPK3) from context-dependent regulators (circFOXO3). Compartment-specific controllers include endothelial stabilizers (circGNAQ), smooth muscle modulators (circLRP6, circROBO2), and macrophage regulators (circZNF609), functioning as tunable rheostats across vascular compartments. Overall, the literature suggests that circRNAs represent promising tools in two translational avenues: (i) blood-based multimarker panels for precision diagnosis and (ii) targeted modulation of pathogenic circuits. Clinical translation will require precise cell-type targeting, efficient delivery to cardiovascular tissues, and rigorous mitigation of off-target effects.
Comparative circRNA Profiling in Human Erythroblasts Derived from Fetal Liver and Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem Cells Using Public RNA-Seq Data Alawi Habara International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025 Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are increasingly recognized as regulators of gene expression, although their roles in hematopoietic differentiation remain relatively understudied. This study compares circRNA expression profiles between erythroblasts derived from human fetal liver and bone marrow CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells using publicly available RNA-seq datasets (GEO: GSE90878). Twelve samples from each developmental source were analyzed. Differential expression analysis was performed, and circAtlas 3.0 was employed to predict interactions between circRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and RNA-binding proteins. Differentially expressed miRNAs were curated from miRNA-seq data (GEO: GSE110936) profiling the same cell types. Principal component analysis of circRNA expression profiles demonstrated clear separation between erythroblasts from fetal liver and bone marrow, which was statistically confirmed by PERMANOVA (p = 0.001); though this effect size is small (R2 = 0.065). One circRNA, circALS2(4).1, was significantly upregulated in bone marrow-derived erythroblasts (adjusted p < 0.05), and ten additional circRNAs showed suggestive evidence for differential expression (adjusted p < 0.1). The resulting interaction networks reveal distinct circRNA landscapes and suggest regulatory circuits that may contribute to developmental differences in human erythropoiesis, indicating that the functions of circRNAs in hematopoietic development remain to be further elucidated.
Determination of the Precision of Glucometers Used in Saudi Arabia Shoug A. Al-Othman, Zahra H. Al-Zaidany, Shahad H. Al-Ghannam, Ahmed M. Al-Turki, Abdulrahman A. Al-Abdulazeem, Chittibabu Vatte, Alawi Habara, Amein K. Al-Ali, Mohammed F. Al-Awami Sensors, 2025 Background: Efforts have been joined to set the parameters for the reliability of glucometers, yet once they are on the market, they are not further tested for the maintenance of accuracy, specificity, or precision. Methods: This comparative analytical study investigated the precision of commonly used glucometers in Saudi Arabia, namely Accu-Chek Instant®, On-Call Sharp®, and ConTour®, as well as the effects of vitamin C, acetaminophen, and maltose on glucose readings. Ten milliliters of blood was drawn in lithium heparin from healthy volunteers (n = 9). Six samples were divided into two groups of three. One group was designed for normal glucose levels. The second group was designed for high glucose levels by adding a dextrose solution. The last three samples were designed for low glucose levels by leaving the sample for 24 h at room temperature and then following with centrifuge and plasma extraction. Results: This study showed that only Accu-Chek Instant met the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for precision across all dextrose concentrations, along with intra-class correlation values ranging from 0.95–1 (p < 0.001). By spiking the plasma samples with sub-therapeutic, therapeutic, and overdose concentrations of the metabolites, we found that vitamin C had a more evident interference on glucose readings compared to acetaminophen and maltose. Conclusions: The ascertainment of the precision of glucometers and the effects of interferences on them are vital in preventing the improper administration of insulin, which can lead to serious complications.
Exploratory Review and In Silico Insights into circRNA and RNA-Binding Protein Roles in γ-Globin to β-Globin Switching Alawi Habara Cells, 2025 β-globin gene cluster regulation involves complex mechanisms to ensure proper expression and function in RBCs. During development, switching occurs as γ-globin is replaced by β-globin. Key regulators, like BCL11A and ZBTB7A, repress γ-globin expression to facilitate this transition with other factors, like KLF1, LSD1, and PGC-1α; these regulators ensure an orchestrated transition from γ- to β-globin during development. While these mechanisms have been extensively studied, circRNAs have recently emerged as key contributors to gene regulation, but their role in β-globin gene cluster regulation remains largely unexplored. Although discovered in the 1970s, circRNAs have only recently been recognized for their functional roles, particularly in interactions with RNA-binding proteins. Understanding how circRNAs contribute to switching from γ- to β-globin could lead to new therapeutic strategies for hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. This review uses the circAtlas 3.0 database to explore circRNA expressions in genes related to switching from γ- to β-globin expression, focusing on blood, bone marrow, liver, and spleen. It emphasizes the exploration of the potential interactions between circRNAs and RNA-binding proteins involved in β-globin gene cluster regulatory mechanisms, further enhancing our understanding of β-globin gene cluster expression.
Integrative multi-omics profiling in human decedents receiving pig heart xenografts Eloi Schmauch, Brian Piening, Maedeh Mohebnasab, Bo Xia, Chenchen Zhu, Jeffrey Stern, Weimin Zhang, Alexa K. Dowdell, Jacqueline I. Kim, David Andrijevic, Karen Khalil, Ian S. Jaffe, Bao-Li Loza, Loren Gragert, Brendan R. Camellato, Michelli F. Oliveira, Darragh P. O’Brien, Han M. Chen, Elaina Weldon, Hui Gao, Divya Gandla, Andrew Chang, Riyana Bhatt, Sarah Gao, Xiangping Lin, Kriyana P. Reddy, Larisa Kagermazova, Alawi H. Habara, Sophie Widawsky, Feng-Xia Liang, Joseph Sall, Alexandre Loupy, Adriana Heguy, Sarah E. B. Taylor, Yinan Zhu, Basil Michael, Lihua Jiang, Ruiqi Jian, Anita S. Chong, Robert L. Fairchild, Suvi Linna-Kuosmanen, Minna U. Kaikkonen, Vasishta Tatapudi, Marc Lorber, David Ayares, Massimo Mangiola, Navneet Narula, Nader Moazami, Harvey Pass, Ramin S. Herati, Adam Griesemer, Manolis Kellis, Michael P. Snyder, Robert A. Montgomery, Jef D. Boeke, Brendan J. Keating Nature Medicine, 2024
Oral microbiota analyses of Saudi sickle cell anemics with dental caries Yousef M. Alyousef, Faisal A. Alonaizan, Ahmed A. Alsulaiman, Mohammed I. Aldarwish, Ali A. Alali, Naif N. Almasood, Chittibabu Vatte, Cyril Cyrus, Alawi H. Habara, Bobby P.C. Koeleman International Dental Journal, 2023
Variants of ZBTB7A (LRF) and its β-globin gene cluster binding motifs in sickle cell anemia Elmutaz M. Shaikho, Alawi H. Habara, Abdulrahman Alsultan, A.M. Al-Rubaish, Fahad Al-Muhanna, Z. Naserullah, A. Alsuliman, Hatem O. Qutub, P.K. Patra, Paola Sebastiani, Kristin Baltrusaitis, John J. Farrell, Zhihua Jiang, Hong-yuan Luo, David H.K. Chui, Amein K. Al-Ali, Martin H. Steinberg Blood Cells Molecules and Diseases, 2016
