Research Projects
| Sr. No | Title of Completed Research Project | Highlight of Completed Research Project (Approx. 300–500 words) | Title of Publications Related to the Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optimization of mtDNA Amplification System for Forensic Application | The project has successfully developed and refined methodology for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) processing, significantly enhancing its applicability in forensic science. This research addresses the challenges associated with analyzing degraded biological samples, which are commonly encountered in forensic investigations. | 1. EMPOP-quality mtDNA control region sequences from Kashmiri of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan 2. Genetic characterization of the Makrani people of Pakistan from mitochondrial DNA control-region data |
| 2 | RM Y-STRs (13), A New Tool for Differentiation of Male Relatives and Parental Lineages in Forensic DNA Typing | The project has successfully developed and validated a novel panel of rapidly mutating Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (RM Y-STRs) that significantly enhances the ability to differentiate between closely related males. This advancement is crucial for forensic investigations, particularly in cases involving male relatives where traditional Y-STR markers often fail to provide adequate resolution. | Evaluation of 13 rapidly mutating Y-STRs in endogamous Punjabi and Sindhi ethnic groups from Pakistan |
| 3 | MT-DNA Analysis on Sindhi Population | The project has successfully characterized the mitochondrial genetic diversity within the Sindhi ethnic group of Pakistan. This research contributes valuable insights into the genetic structure and lineage of this population, with significant implications for forensic science and anthropological studies. | Mitochondrial control region diversity in Sindhi ethnic group of Pakistan |
| 4 | Characterization of Human Cleft Lip & Palate (IRF6) Gene as Potential Forensic Phenotypic Marker | The research project has successfully explored the role of the IRF6 gene in the etiology of orofacial clefts, particularly focusing on its implications for forensic science. This project aimed to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and assess the potential of IRF6 as a phenotypic marker in forensic applications. | — |
| 5 | Cell Death Proteins (PTEN and FasL) as Investigation Markers of Early Postmortem Interval | The research project has successfully investigated the potential of specific proteins as biomarkers for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This study aimed to enhance forensic methodologies by identifying reliable biological markers that can provide insights into the time since death, which is crucial in forensic investigations. | — |
| 6 | Waste Detection and Recycling | The research project has successfully explored the integration of nanomaterials in environmental pollutants detection and management, particularly engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Given the increasing prevalence of ENMs in consumer products, their disposal creates significant environmental challenges, necessitating effective detection strategies to manage these materials responsibly. | In-field deployable and facile nanosensor for the detection of pesticides residues |
Selected Publications (Vancouver Style)
Zareef I, Rathore AW, Zaheen U, Riaz A, Rakha A, Munawar A. A model research study on persistence, recovery and analysis of trace DNA under fingernails of drowned bodies. Forensic Sci Int. 2025;112649.
Adnan A, Mona S, Rakha A, Nazir S, Wang H, Ren F. Molecular diversity of three forensically relevant dipterans from cadavers in Lahore, Pakistan. Insects. 2025;16(4):381.
Salah Ud Din, Shad NA, Khadim H, Tahir MA, Khan MF, Nazir S, Rakha A, Munawar A. Electrochemical differentiation of inks using Au@Pt nanocomposite-based sensing platform. Mater Chem Phys. 2025;130654.
Buzdar ZA, Ali H, Munir M, Shad NA, Rakha A, Munawar A. Advancing forensic investigations based on TiO2/Bi2O3 electrochemical sensor for precise potassium estimation in vitreous humor. Heliyon. 2025;11(2).
Khan MF, Rakha A, Munawar A, Nazir S, Khan A, Khan MA, Ahmad M, Wang CC, Adnan A. Genetic diversity and forensic utility of X-STR loci in Punjabi and Kashmiri populations: insights into population structure and ancestry. Genes. 2024;15(11):1384. doi:10.3390/genes15111384.
Noor S, Akhtar S, Khan MF, Rehman RA, Salman M, Nazir S, Rakha A, Ullah I, Munawar A. Preliminary study on mitochondrial DNA analysis from different sports items. Forensic Sci Int. 2024;112077.
Zargham M, Khan MF, Rehman RA, Rakha A, Nazir R, Salman M, Akhtar S, Nazir S, Zareef I, Munawar A. Role of doped ZnO variants for the development of latent fingerprint. Inorg Chem Commun. 2024;112269.
Shad NA, Rakha A, Qayyum MA, Siddiqi MH, Mahmood Z, Nazir S, Khan MF, Sajid MM, Rehman RA, Riaz A, Din SU, Munawar A. Zn3(VO4)2/Bi2WO6 composite based versatile platform for cotinine sensing and latent fingerprints development by multiple modalities. Mater Sci Eng B. 2024; 301:117203.
Riaz A, Rakha A, Shad NA, Munawar A, Siddiqi MH. Harnessing MoS2 nanomaterials for TNP sensing and anticancer efficacy. Mater Chem Phys. 2023;128619.
Rahat MA, Akbar F, Rasool A, Ilyas M, Rakha A, Shams S, Jelani M, Bibi F, Shirah BH, Abdulkareem AA, Naseer MI, Israr M. Phenotypic classification of eye colour and validation of the IrisPlex system in Malakand population, Pakistan. Biomedicines. 2023;11(4):1228.
Shad NA, Munawar A, Javed Y, Rakha A, Riaz A, Din SU, Zareef I, Sajid MM, Khan MF, Akhtar S, Salman M. In-field deployable nanosensor for pesticide residue detection. Anal Chim Acta. 2023; 1259:341204.
Ikram MS, Mehmood T, Rakha A, Akhtar S, Khan MIM, Al-Qahtani WS, Safhi FA, Hadi S, Wang CC, Adnan A. Genetic diversity and forensic application of Y-filer STRs in four major ethnic groups of Pakistan. BMC Genomics. 2022;23(1):788. doi:10.1186/s12864-022-09028-z.
Noreen S, Ballard D, Mehmood T, Khan A, Khalid T, Rakha A. Evaluation of loci to predict ear morphology using two snapshot assays. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2022;1-22.
Jawad M, Adnan A, Rehman RA, Nazir S, Adeyemo O, Amer S, Hadi S, Liu F, Wang CC, Rakha A. Evaluation of facial hair-associated SNPs in Punjabi males. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2022;1-10.
Nazir S, Adnan A, Rehman RA, Al-Qahtani WS, Alsaleh AB, Al-Harthi HS, Safhi FA, Almheiri R, Lootah R, Alreyami A, Almarri I, Wang CC, Rakha A, Hadi S. Mutation rate analysis of RM Y-STRs in multi-generational Punjabi pedigrees. Genes. 2022; 13:1403.
Khalid NB, Sarwar M, Rakha A, Khalid AM, Munawar A, Riaz A, Rehman RA, Akhtar S. Medicinal honeycomb ceria nanoparticles fabricated via green synthesis. Appl Nanosci. 2022;1-11.
Tarabi T, Javed Y, Sajid MM, Rakha A, Munawar A, Shad NA, Munir H, Riaz A, Jilani A. Ultrasensitive detection of artemisinin using Bi2WO6/rGO nanocomposite. Mater Chem Phys. 2022;126547.
Adnan A, Rakha A, Lazim H, Nazir S, Al-Qahtani WS, Abdullah Alwaili M, Hadi S, Wang CC. Are Roma people descended from Punjab, Pakistan? A Y-chromosomal perspective. Genes. 2022;13(3):532.
Yang XY, Rakha A, Chen W, Hou J, Qi XB, Shen QK, Dai SS, Sulaiman X, Abdulloevich NT, Afanasevna ME, Ibrohimovich KB, Chen X, Yang WK, Adnan A, Zhao RH, Yao YG, Su B, Peng MS, Zhang YP. Genetic legacy of the Tibetan Empire in the Balti. Mol Biol Evol. 2021;38(4):1529-36.
Siddiqi MH, Rakha A, Khan K, Akhtar T. Collection of mitochondrial DNA from Kalash population remnants. Mitochondrial DNA B. 2021;6(8):2410-4.
Adnan A, Rakha A, Nazir S, Alghafri R, Hassan Q, Wang CC, Lu J. Forensic features and genetic legacy of Baloch and Hazara populations of Pakistan via Y-STRs. Int J Legal Med. 2021;135(5):1777-84.
Adnan A, Rakha A, Ameen F, Alarfaj AA, Almansob A, Wang CC, Lu J, Xing J. Genetic structure of Saraiki population, Punjab, Pakistan, via Y-STRs. Int J Legal Med. 2020;134(3):977-9.
Adnan A, He G, Rakha A, Kasimu K, Guo J, Hassan SE, Hadi S, Wang CC, Xuan JF. Phylogenetic history of Central Asian Kazakhs from Y-chromosome and autosomal variations. Mol Genet Genomics. 2020;295(1):221-31.
Adnan A, Rakha A, Nazir S, Rehman Z, Lu J, Xuan JF. Genetic characterization of 15 autosomal STRs in Sindhi population of Pakistan. Int J Immunogenet. 2020;47(2):149-57.
Zhao M, Adnan A, Rakha A, Nazir S, Tian M, Zhang S, Pang H. Sequence analysis of FUT3 gene identifies novel alleles in Sindhi and Punjabi populations. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):5543.
