Tahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi

Dr. Tahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
7 January 2023 in Forensic Science International
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
TATahani Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Hazani
Tahani Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Hazani
Wedad Al-QahtaniWedad Al-Qahtani
Wedad Al-Qahtani
TATahani Saeed Abboosh
Tahani Saeed Abboosh
FSFatmah Safhi
Fatmah Safhi
DADalal Sulaiman Alshaya
Dalal Sulaiman Alshaya
EAEman Alshehri
Eman Alshehri


29 July 2026 in Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SGSruti Bagchi Ghosh
Sruti Bagchi Ghosh
RBRumpa Banerjee
Rumpa Banerjee
HAHailah M. Almohaimeed
Hailah M. Almohaimeed
AAAmany Ibrahim Almars
Amany Ibrahim Almars
TATahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi
Tahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi
BDBikram Dhara
Bikram Dhara
Proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that hijack the ubiquitin‐proteasome system to drive catalytic, sub‐stoichiometric degradation of disease‐associated proteins, offering a mechanistic advantage over occupancy‐driven inhibitors and access to ‘undruggable’ targets. However, their clinical translation is constrained by high molecular weight, poor solubility, low oral bioavailability, inefficient membrane permeability, nonspecific biodistribution, off‐target degradation, and the concentration‐dependent ‘hook effect.’ Exosomes, nanoscale extracellular vesicles with innate biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, prolonged circulation, and the ability to cross barriers such as the blood–brain barrier, offer a biologically integrated platform to overcome these limitations. This review traces the evolution of PROTAC technology, delineates the challenges of conventional delivery, and evaluates the rationale for exosomal encapsulation, including cargo protection, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, and release kinetics. We examine natural and engineered exosomes spanning source selection, active loading strategies, and surface functionalization for tissue‐specific homing and synthesize therapeutic applications across viral infections, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Proof‐of‐concept studies, such as camel milk‐derived exosomes delivering the BRD4‐targeting PROTAC ARV‐825, demonstrate enhanced permeability, lower IC 50 values, and improved oral bioavailability. Finally, we discuss key hurdles to clinical translation: scalable production, purification, and standardization, and outline future directions for exosome‐mediated targeted protein degradation.

16 June 2026 in Fishes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DMDoaa Mokhtar
Doaa Mokhtar
Eugenia Rita LaurianoEugenia Rita Lauriano
Eugenia Rita Lauriano
MAMarialuisa Aragona
Marialuisa Aragona
HAHailah Mohammed ALmohaimeed
Hailah Mohammed ALmohaimeed
NANashmiah S. Sindi Alshammari
Nashmiah S. Sindi Alshammari
Giacomo ZacconeGiacomo Zaccone
Giacomo Zaccone
Neuroimmune interactions in the intestine are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis, yet they remain poorly understood in teleost fish. This study investigated the structural and cellular organization of enteric neurons and immune cells in the intestine of goldfish (Carassius auratus) using semithin histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and confocal immunofluorescence. Histological observations revealed a well-organized epithelium composed of enterocytes and goblet cells, with numerous lymphocytes located in the basal epithelium. Prominent gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) was identified in both scattered and aggregated forms within the lamina propria and submucosa. Macrophages were widely distributed throughout all intestinal layers and were consistently found in close proximity to enteric neurons and nerve fibers. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed direct contacts between macrophages and neuronal elements. These macrophages exhibited typical phagocytic features, including lysosomes, vacuoles, and engulfed material, particularly in association with myenteric nerve fibers. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed strong expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) in macrophages and enterocytes, suggesting an active role in antigen recognition. Langerin-positive dendritic-like cells were identified in the submucosa, while CD4-positive lymphocytes showed partial colocalization with serotonin (5-HT). S100-positive cells also exhibited partial overlap with 5-HT, and goblet cells demonstrated serotonin immunoreactivity. In addition, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) colocalized with TLR2 in submucosal immune cells. These findings demonstrate a close structural and functional association between enteric neurons and immune cells, highlighting an integrated neuroimmune network in the goldfish intestine.

30 July 2025 in Biomolecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
QAQamraa Alqahtani
Qamraa Alqahtani
TATahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi
Tahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi
DBDr Amira M. Badr
Dr Amira M. Badr
SASumayya A. Alturaif
Sumayya A. Alturaif
RMRaeesa Abdeltawab Mohammad
Raeesa Abdeltawab Mohammad
IHIman H Hasan
Iman H Hasan
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health challenge marked by chronic hyperglycemia, which can result in complications such as diabetic cardiomyopathy. Sitagliptin, an oral anti-hyperglycemic drug, has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating cardiovascular complications associated with DM. This study explored the impact of Sitagliptin’s potential as a therapeutic agent, functioning not only to control blood sugar levels but also to enhance vascular health and strengthen cardiac resilience in diabetes. The investigation focused on alterations in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor-1 (FLT-1) signaling pathways, as well as its potential to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress. A number of rats received a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) 55 mg/kg (i.p.) to induce DM. Sitagliptin was administered orally (100 mg/kg/90 days) to normal and diabetic rats, after which samples were collected for investigation. Sitagliptin significantly mitigated weight loss in diabetic rats. Its administration significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved serum troponin I and CK-MB levels. Heart sections from diabetic rats showed a marked increase in mTOR, VEGF, and FLT-1 immune reaction, while sitagliptin-treated diabetic rats’ heart sections showed moderate immune reactions. Sitagliptin’s protective effect was also associated with reduced inflammation, and apoptotic markers. In conclusion, Sitagliptin is suggested to offer beneficial effects on the vascular health of cardiac blood vessels, thereby potentially reducing myocardial stress in diabetic patients.

1 October 2021 in International Journal of ADVANCED AND APPLIED SCIENCES
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TATahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi
Tahani Ahmad Al-Matrafi
The brachial plexus is the most variable part of the peripheral nervous system. The Musculocutaneous nerve is a terminal branch of the...