Principal Investigator and Founder

Dr. Abdul Nasir

Biography

Dr. Abdul Nasir is the Principal Investigator and Founder of the Protein & Pain Research (PROPA) Lab. With over a decade of international research experience, Dr. Nasir is currently serving as a Research Fellow at Zhengzhou University, China. He completed his Postdoctoral training at the Medical Research Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and earned his Ph.D. in Biological Engineering from Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, South Korea, specializing in protein design and computational modeling.

Research Focus

Dr. Nasir’s research spans biomedicine, nano-therapeutics, computational drug discovery, and enzyme engineering, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He has contributed significantly to advancing global health equity through interdisciplinary innovation and science diplomacy. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Nasir has led several funded projects, such as the development of Chromatin epi-glue technology for cell therapy, funded by the Samsung Research Funding & Incubation Center for Future Technology (2020-2022), and the enzymatic processes for the utilization of C1 gas byproducts, funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea (2018-2020). His current work, funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China (2024-2027), explores pain management through nociceptor-specific RNA, aiming to improve therapeutic strategies for chronic pain. These projects highlight Dr. Nasir’s commitment to addressing significant health and environmental challenges through innovative scientific research.

His research integrates molecular biotechnology, neuroscience, and computational biology to uncover the molecular basis of pain, rare genetic disorders, and metabolic dysfunction. He focuses on:

Identifying novel genes and non-coding RNAs involved in pain modulation:
This line of investigation focuses on the complex molecular networks that regulate pain, with particular attention to the role of non-coding RNAs in modulating pain signaling pathways. The goal is to uncover potential therapeutic targets for more effective pain management.
Protein- and nanozyme-based therapeutics for precision medicine:
The development of innovative therapeutic agents, including proteins and nanozymes, aims to precisely target specific molecular pathways involved in disease processes. These strategies are designed to enhance the specificity and efficacy of treatments while minimizing the adverse effects commonly associated with conventional drugs.
Advancing enzyme catalysis :
A key aspect of the research involves the design and optimization of enzymes with enhanced stability and activity for industrial and medical applications. Efforts in enzyme engineering are directed at improving the efficiency of biotechnological processes and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in clinical settings.
Exploring the molecular basis of genetic disorders and metabolic dysfunctions: Research in genetic disorders focuses on identifying molecular markers and genetic variations that contribute to conditions such as metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. By understanding these genetic factors, the work aims to develop more effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions for these complex conditions.

About our Lab

Publications

Citations

Reads

0,328

Years of Research

Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University: Zhengzhou, Henan, China

August 2024 to present

Position: Post Doctoral fellow

Field of Study: Neuroscience, Pain management, Nanozyme

Zhengzhou University, Henan, China

September 2022 - August 2024

Field of Study: Neuroscience, Pain management, Nanozyme

Ajou University

September 2016 - February 2022

Molecular Science and Technology Research Center, Seoul, South Korea

Field of Study: Biological engineering

Position: PhD Scholar

Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

September 2013 - August 2016

Department of Biochemistry, Pakistan

Position: Research Assistant

Leadership & Engagement

Dr. Abdul Nasir is not only a pioneering researcher but also a passionate leader dedicated to advancing global science and fostering collaboration across cultures. He is the Founder of PROPA Lab, where he leads cutting-edge research in molecular biotechnology and pain management, and the Founder of ScholarTalk and Scholarship Counseling Café, initiatives designed to empower young scientists and guide students seeking academic opportunities.

His leadership extends to his time as the Former President of the Pakistani Student & Scholars Association of South Korea, where he promoted cross-cultural collaboration and supported the Pakistani student community in South Korea. Dr. Nasir has represented the scientific community as a Nominated Delegate at international summits such as the Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore and the World Young Scientist Summit (2025) in China, where he engaged with global leaders in science and policy.

His work with scientific organizations includes being an active member of the World Academy of Young Scientists (WAYS), the National Academy of Young Scientists (Pakistan), the Pakistan Young Academy (PYA), and others, through which he contributes to advancing scientific policy and innovation. Dr. Nasir’s advocacy for science diplomacy and his commitment to youth leadership in research have earned him multiple prestigious awards, including the Global Young Scientists Summit 2022 and the High-Level Talent Fellowship in China. Through these roles, he mentors the next generation of researchers, advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, and continues to drive the advancement of science to improve global health and policy.

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