Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Defining the roles of hnRNP family members in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, with a focus on hnRNPA0 and hnRNPA3(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alanazi, Maryam; Richard, Darley; Alex, TonksAcute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a biologically heterogeneous malignancy characterised by genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional, and clinical diversity. Patients with AML have variable treatment responses and high relapse rates and therefore have a significant unmet clinical need regarding the availability of targeted therapies for all AML subtypes. While recurrent transcription factor alterations and oncogenic signalling pathways have been extensively studied, the contribution of post transcriptional gene regulation to AML pathobiology remains less well defined. RNA binding proteins, including members of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family, play central roles in coordinating mRNA stability, processing, and translation, enabling dynamic adaptation to cellular stress and differentiation cues. Here, analysis of nuclear proteomic data revealed a coordinated reduction in multiple heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP) in AML blasts, key regulators of mRNA processing, transport, and stability. Using publicly available mRNA data sets, this study examined the expression of hnRNPs family members during normal haematopoiesis and in AML patient blasts. hnRNPA0 and hnRNPA3 were prioritised for functional investigation. Functional studies using shRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 to reduce hnRNPA3 expression did not significantly impair the growth or survival of THP1 AML cells. In contrast, reduced hnRNPA0 expression in KG1a cells resulted in a marked reduction in cell growth and viability, as assessed by flow cytometry. This growth impairment was accompanied by a redistribution of the cell cycle, with an increased proportion of cells accumulating in the G₂/M phase. Further, an increase in apoptosis was observed using flow cytometry and Appotracker. To define the molecular programmes governed by hnRNPA0 to allow AML cells to survive RNA sequencing was performed in KG1a cells where hnRNPA0 was knocked down. Using a combination of gene ontology, KEGG and GSEA analysis, several pathways characterised by coordinated suppression of proliferative networks, including E2F regulated and G2/M checkpoint programmes were changed. In addition, an enrichment of stress responsive and apoptotic pathways were identified. Among the most prominently upregulated transcripts was the pro apoptotic effector BCL2L11 (BIM), suggesting hnRNPA0 knockdown may mediate AML cell survival by suppressing BIM expression. To support this data in an AML cell line, analysis of mRNA AML patient blasts demonstrated an inverse relationship between hnRNPA0 and BCL2L11 expression, supporting the relevance of hnRNPA0 dependent transcriptional programmes beyond in vitro models. In conclusion, this work positions hnRNPA0 as a post transcriptional regulator that sustains AML cell survival by maintaining proliferative and stress adaptive gene expression programmes. Rather than acting as a classical oncogenic driver, hnRNPA0 appears to modulate apoptosis.8 0Item Restricted The Impact of Vision 2030 on English language programmes in a Saudi University: lecturer's perspectives on programme developinent and policy alignment(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alanazi, Maryam; Guillen, VictorEnglish has become central to Saudi Arabia’s education plans under Vision 2030, where it is seen as a tool for preparing graduates for the global job market while maintaining Arabic culture. Previous studies have mostly looked at student outcomes or broad policy goals, but the views of lecturers who put these reforms into practice are often missing. This dissertation explores how English lecturers at a Saudi university perceive programme development and whether these programmes align with Vision 2030. The study uses a qualitative design with an open-ended questionnaire adapted from earlier work. Eight lecturers took part, sharing views on programme goals, curriculum development, institutional support, cultural identity, teacher agency, and professional development. Their responses were analysed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step framework, to capture both common patterns and individual experiences. The results show that lecturers recognise the importance of Vision 2030 and see clear changes in English programmes, such as more focus on communication, workplace skills, and academic writing. At the same time, they report challenges, including limited institutional support, weak professional development, and tensions between English and Arabic. While most lecturers did not feel restricted by their institutions when applying the changes for Vision 2030, one respondent reported facing challenges. Others saw space for innovation and adaptation. The study concludes that while Vision 2030 has influenced English teaching in important ways the success of these reforms depends on how lecturers understand and implement them in their own contexts. Their views highlight the need for stronger institutional support and training, as well as programmes that balance global needs while keeping the local identity. These findings could add to academic discussions and may help policymakers and university leaders to connect the national goals with classroom realities.20 0Item Restricted Factors contributing to hate crimes and racial discrimination against Arab Muslims in the UK(Saudi Digital Library, 0023-11-23) Alanazi, Maryam; Alanazi, MaryamIn recent years, a considerable body of research and surveys has been undertaken, notably in the aftermath of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. These investigations have shed light on a noticeable increase in hate crimes directed explicitly towards the Muslim community within the UK, notwithstanding the existence of specific surveys conducted among Muslims residing in the United Kingdom, which have produced positive outcomes, indicating a positive trend in the degree of acknowledgement granted to Muslims within the nation (Ghani & Nagdee, 2019). According to the 2021 report published by the UK Home Office, it was determined that around 50% of individuals targeted in hate crimes are affiliated with the Muslim community in England and Wales. What determinants contribute to hate crimes and racial discrimination towards Arab Muslims in the United Kingdom? Is the United Kingdom considered to have the lowest incidence of racial discrimination against Muslims compared to other European nations? What factors contribute to the increase in hate crimes? Do Arab Muslims perceive a sense of societal failure? This ongoing crisis of racism has prompted numerous inquiries, including those about Arab Muslims, which are but a small subset of the broader range of questions being posed. And lastly, what do Arab Muslims anticipate from the government in combating prejudice and hate crimes? This research examines the variables causing hate crimes and racial prejudice against Arab Muslims in the UK in response to this problem and the abovementioned points. To do this, the research will first depend on secondary data from administratively released national-level statistics, which will be analysed in the literature review last section. After that, a varied sample of Arab Muslims from throughout the UK will be used for semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire-based survey to gather primary data using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This study attempts to provide a thorough investigation of the views and perceptions of Arab Muslims about the causes influencing hate crime and racial prejudice by integrating primary and secondary data sources.10 0