April 24, 2008

Yawar Qadri.

Birmingham, Ala. - Yawar Qadri, a graduate physiology and medical student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), was awarded a $2,500 Seed Grant from the American Medical Association Foundation for his project exploring potential new drug targets for stroke patients.

Qadri was among 47 young investigators throughout the nation awarded grants to further their research in the areas of cardiovascular/pulmonary diseases, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, neoplastic diseases and exposure to tobacco smoke. 

Qadri's project focuses on small molecule drugs that may inhibit an ion channel called ASIC-1. Found in neurons, ASIC-1 is important in learning, pain sensation, and is partially responsible for the loss of brain cells during a stroke. Qadri uses computational techniques to try and find new drugs that will specifically block this channel.

"The hope is that when a person has a stroke, the patient can be given a drug that will keep his or her neurons alive and functioning," Qadri said.

Established in 2001, the Seed Grant is administered by the American Medical Association Foundation, the main group's philanthropic arm. It provides small grants to medical students, physician residents and fellows to conduct basic or applied science research projects. The Seed Grant Program was established to encourage more medical students, residents and fellows to enter the field of research. For more information about the AMA Foundation, visit www.amafoundation.org.