Hi, I'm Khaja Shameem, Staff Scientist at Huntington Medical Research Institutes.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul joined the Ronin Institute for Independent Scholarship 2.0 (RIIS 2.0) as a Fellow. 

Dr. Mohammed Abdul was honored to participate as a invited speaker at the 2026 Riggs School Research Symposium at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI). He presented his latest research findings and engaged with a vibrant community of scientists and students dedicated to medical innovation.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul volunteered at the City of STEM festival, Greater Los Angeles’ largest celebration of science and technology. He engaged with families and students, encouraging the next generation of researchers to explore careers in STEM.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul recently participated as a judge for the 75th Annual California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF). As part of his commitment to mentoring young researchers, he evaluated student projects in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology category, engaging with the bright minds of nearly 900 students from 400 schools across the state.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul recently participated in the Huddle for Heart Health event orgnaised by Amercian heart assoication. He represented the HMRI Cardiovascular Signaling Lab, while working with UCLA Health and the American Heart Association to train the next generation LAUSD students in Hands-Only CPR. 

Dr. Mohammed Abdul represented HMRI at the HCA health career popup event and speed mentoring event at Blair High School, Pasadena.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul represented HMRI at the PUSD science fest 2026 at John Muir High School.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul served as a judge for the Pasadena Unified School District Innovation Exposition 2025 at Blair High School in Pasadena, where middle school students showcased creative STEM projects and shared their exciting new ideas.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul delivered a TED-style talk titled “How Vaping Harms the Heart” at the Explore Caltech 2025 event organized by the Caltech Postdoc Association. His presentation highlighted recent research uncovering how nicotine damages heart cells and emphasized the growing public health concern of youth vaping.

In Press: Dr. Mohammed Abdul’s review article, “Recent advances in PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 research: an update in the heart” has been accepted for publication in Current Opinion in Physiology.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging roles of PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 phosphatases in cardiac signaling and disease. It discusses how these enzymes regulate key survival pathways such as Akt, their transcriptional and post-translational control mechanisms, and their involvement in cardiovascular injury and remodeling. The article also explores the therapeutic potential of targeting PHLPP1/2 through small molecules, peptides, non-coding RNAs, and natural compounds.

By summarizing recent discoveries and highlighting unanswered questions, this review underscores the need for continued investigation into PHLPP1/2 signaling to develop novel strategies for cardiac protection and repair.

Read article on ScienceDirect

Dr. Mohammed Abdul took part in the American Heart Association’s 5K Heart Walk. The event highlights the importance of community engagement in advancing cardiovascular health, complementing his ongoing research into the molecular mechanisms of heart disease.

In Press: Dr. Mohammed Abdul’s review article, “Protein Phosphatases in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Emerging Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies” has been accepted for publication in Current Opinion in Physiology.

This review highlights the pivotal role of protein phosphatases in the pathogenesis of MASLD and MASH, focusing on their regulation of insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. It emphasizes how targeting phosphatase activity may offer new therapeutic opportunities to reduce steatosis, improve insulin sensitivity, and alleviate fibrosis, addressing a critical unmet need in liver disease treatment.

Read article on ScienceDirect

Dr. Mohammed Abdul marked the conclusion of the 2025 SURF and AHA-SURE programs at HMRI, where he mentored undergraduate students.

Begining of SURF and AHA-SURE program at  HMRI.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul delivered the Bob Mackin Scientific Lecture at HMRI, presenting recent advances in cardiovascular research to a general public audience.

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