Mohammed Shaaban
Mohammed Shaaban
Mohammed Shaaban
About
Dr. Mohamed Shaaban obtained his PhD from Imperial College London and the Francis Crick Institute in the United Kingdom. He also earned his master’s degree from the State University of New York – Stony Brook University in the United States. His expertise lies in structural biology, with a focus on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of protein complexes that drive essential cellular processes. Highlighting its interdisciplinary impact, his innovative research bridges structural biology with related fields such as protein prediction and drug discovery.
Current research
Shaaban utilizes cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) along with biochemical and biophysical techniques to uncover high-resolution structures and the mechanisms of dynamic protein machines. His research bridges structural insights with mechanistic understanding, making important contributions to both fundamental biology and therapeutic innovation. His doctoral research at the Francis Crick Institute focused on Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs), enzymes essential for ubiquitin signalling—a process that regulates protein degradation, trafficking, and other critical cellular functions in eukaryotes. By visualizing intermediate structural conformations during substrate receptor exchange, his work revealed unexpected mechanistic insights into CRL regulation. During his master’s studies at Stony Brook University, he resolved the first structure of the activated Arp2/3 complex nucleating linear actin filaments. This work helped uncovered the molecular mechanism of actin filament nucleation—a process essential for maintaining cell shape, motility, and polarity.
Future research vision
Key publications

Shaaban, M et al. Structural and mechanistic insights into the CAND1-mediated SCF substrate receptor exchange. Molecular Cell, 2023.

 Shaaban, M et al. Cryo-EM reveals the transition of Arp2/3 complex from inactive to nucleation-competent state. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, 2020.

Elsherbiny, ME & Shaaban, M et al. Expression of myoglobin in normal and cancer brain tissues: Correlation with hypoxia markers. Frontiers in Oncology, 2021.

Shaaban, M et al. Immune Checkpoint Regulators: A new era toward promising cancer therapy. Current Cancer Drug Targets, 2020.

 Ali (now Shaaban), M et al. Updates on aptamer research. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019.

 Khalifa, A, Abdel-Rahman, E., Mahmoud, A., Ali (now Shaaban), M et al. Sex-specific differences in mitochondria biogenesis, morphology, respiratory function, and ROS homeostasis in young mouse heart and brain. Physiological Reports, 2017.

Key awards

Best Paper Prize (Second Place), The Francis Crick Institute, 2023.

 Innovators Under 35 (MENA Region), MIT Technology Review, 2022.

PhD Studentship, The Francis Crick Institute, 2020–2025.

 Best Presentation Award, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology Retreat, Stony Brook University, 2019.

 Fulbright Scholarship, The Fulbright Program, 2018–2019.

 BioKMT Scholars Fund Award, BioKMT Society, 2014.

The Ideal Student Medal, Fayoum University, 2009.

The Scientific Arab Forum Limited (trading as saf) is a company limited by Guarantee.