Dr Rachid Tazi-Ahnini

Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease

Lecturer in Dermatology

r.taziahnini@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 215 9556

The Medical School

Full contact details

Dr Rachid Tazi-Ahnini
Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease
The Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX

Profile

For enquiries, please contact – iicd-om-operational@sheffield.ac.uk

I studied for my Bachelor´s and Master´s degrees in molecular and cellular biology at the University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III-France. In 1994 I began PhD studies in human genetics at the laboratories of "Centre National de Recherche Scientifique", Toulouse.

As part of my PhD, I worked on positional cloning of multigenic family butyrophilin, located in the distal part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). I moved to Britain for a postdoctoral appointment in 1997at the University of Sheffield. Because of my background in MHC structure, evolution and genetics, I subsequently focussed most of my work on the genetics of the MHC in psoriasis and alopecia areata.

In January 2000, I was appointed by the University of Sheffield to the post of Lecturer in Molecular Dermatology to develop genetic studies of inflammatory skin diseases including alopecia areata, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and vitiligo.

Recently, I become very interested in understanding the mechanism underlining the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, vitiligo and thyroid diseases. I am particularly interested in identifying auto-antigens involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Research interests

My research interests are determination of the function of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene and its role in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, vitiligo and thyroid diseases.

In our department, we are using Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome type I (APS-1) as a model to study the pathogenesis of these disorders. APS-1 is a rare disorder characterised by an unusual pathogenesis within the range of autoimmune disorders, most of which are more typically polygenic traits such as hypoparathyroidism and Addison´s disease, diabetes, alopecia areata and vitiligo. APS-1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations of the Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) gene located at chromosome 21q22.3.

I am also interested in the genetics of some skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata and vitiligo. We use a genome-wide association study to identify genetic loci of these diseases. Candidate genes within susceptibility loci are screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the distribution of each SNP is then compared between cases and controls. We also used transmissions disequilibrium tests (TDT) to test for transmission distortion of SNPs or haplotypes using trios (patient and parents).

Current projects

AIRE encodes for a transcription factor that has been found to regulate the promiscuous expression of tissue restricted antigens in the thymus. This function increases the repertoire of antigens presented in the thymus for negative selection of immature thymocytes in the central tolerance process. We are investigating the effects of polymorphisms in the AIRE promoter on AIRE expression as well as the mechanism of AIRE regulated gene expression. We are using site-specific recombination techniques to generate a variety of different human cell line models with which to investigate the function and regulation of AIRE.
The role of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene is fundamental to alopecia areata (AA) arising in the autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) and we are currently analysing the role of AIRE in sporadic AA cases using a cellular model of thymic cell gene expression. Demonstration that autoantigens identified in AA cases non-associated with APS-1 are also regulated by the AIRE gene would strongly support the role of AIRE in the pathogenesis of AA.
Refinement of the identity and role of autoantigens in this complex polygenic disorder also has the potential to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of a spectrum of organ-specific autoimmune diseases which occur more commonly in patients and families with AA such as vitiligo and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Publications

Show: Featured publications All publications

Featured publications

Journal articles

Almaghrabi S, Azzouz M & Tazi Ahnini R (2020) AAV9‐mediated AIRE gene delivery clears circulating antibodies and tissue T‐cell infiltration in a mouse model of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type‐1. Clinical & Translational Immunology, 9.
Lovewell TRJ, McDonagh AJG, Messenger AG, Azzouz M & Tazi-Ahnini R (2018) Meta-analysis of autoimmune regulator-regulated genes in human and murine models: A novel human model provides insights on the role of autoimmune regulator in regulating STAT1 and STAT1-regulated genes. Frontiers in Immunology, 9(JUN). View this article in WRRO
Nuwaihyd R, Redler S, Heilmann S, Drichel D, Wolf S, Birch P, Dobson K, Lutz G, Giehl KA, Kruse R , Tazi-Ahnini R et al (2014) Investigation of four novel male androgenetic alopecia susceptibility loci: no association with female pattern hair loss. Archives of Dermatological Research, 306(4), 413-418.
Redler S, Birch P, Drichel D, Hofmann P, Dobson K, Böhmer AC, Becker J, Giehl KA, Tazi-Ahnini R, Kruse R , Wolff H et al (2014) The oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) gene in female-pattern hair loss: replication of association with rs10137185 in German patients. British Journal of Dermatology, 170(4), 982-985.
Redler S, Dobson K, Drichel D, Heilmann S, Wolf S, Brockschmidt FF, Tazi-Ahnini R, Birch P, Teßmann P, Giehl KA , Kruse R et al (2013) Investigation of six novel susceptibility loci for male androgenetic alopecia in women with female pattern hair loss. Journal of Dermatological Science, 72(2), 186-188.
Redler S, Brockschmidt FF, Tazi-Ahnini R, Drichel D, Birch MP, Dobson K, Giehl KA, Herms S, Refke M, Kluck N , Kruse R et al (2012) Investigation of the male pattern baldness major genetic susceptibility loci AR/EDA2R and 20p11 in female pattern hair loss. British Journal of Dermatology, 166(6), 1314-1318.
Vasilopoulos Y, Sagoo GS, Cork MJ, Walters K & Tazi-Ahnini R (2011) HLA-C, CSTA and DS12346 susceptibility alleles confer over 100-fold increased risk of developing psoriasis: evidence of gene interaction.. J Hum Genet, 56(6), 423-427.
Vasilopoulos Y, Sharaf N, di Giovine F, Simon M, Cork MJ, Duff GW & Tazi-Ahnini R (2011) The 3'-UTR AACCins5874 in the stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme gene (SCCE/KLK7), associated with atopic dermatitis; causes an increased mRNA expression without altering its stability.. J Dermatol Sci, 61(2), 131-133.
Genetic Analysis of Psoriasis Consortium & the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 , Strange A, Capon F, Spencer CCA, Knight J, Weale ME, Allen MH, Barton A, Band G, Bellenguez C , Bergboer JGM et al (2010) A genome-wide association study identifies new psoriasis susceptibility loci and an interaction between HLA-C and ERAP1.. Nat Genet, 42(11), 985-990.
Vasilopoulos Y, Cork MJ, Teare D, Marinou I, Ward SJ, Duff GW & Tazi-Ahnini R (2007) A nonsynonymous substitution of cystatin A, a cysteine protease inhibitor of house dust mite protease, leads to decreased mRNA stability and shows a significant association with atopic dermatitis.. Allergy, 62(5), 514-519.
Cork MJ, Robinson DA, Vasilopoulos Y, Ferguson A, Moustafa M, MacGowan A, Duff GW, Ward SJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2006) New perspectives on epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis: gene-environment interactions.. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 118(1), 3-21.
Lench N, Iles MM, Mackay I, Patel R, Sagoo GS, Ward SJ, Dechairo B, Olavesen M, Carey A, Duff GW , Cork MJ et al (2005) Single-point haplotype scores telomeric to human leukocyte antigen-C give a high susceptibility major histocompatibility complex haplotype for psoriasis in a Caucasian population.. J Invest Dermatol, 124(3), 545-552.
Vasilopoulos Y, Cork MJ, Murphy R, Williams HC, Robinson DA, Duff GW, Ward SJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2004) Genetic association between an AACC insertion in the 3'UTR of the stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme gene and atopic dermatitis.. J Invest Dermatol, 123(1), 62-66.
Tazi-Ahnini R, di Giovine FS, Cox A, Keohane SG & Cork MJ (1999) Corneodesmosin (MHC S) gene in guttate psoriasis.. Lancet, 354(9178), 597.

All publications

Journal articles

Almaghrabi S, Lovewell T, Azzouz M & Tazi Ahnini R (2023) Characterisation of APS-1 experimental models is crucial for development of novel therapies. BioMed Research International, 2023.
Crooks L, Cooper-Knock J, Heath PR, Bouhouche A, Elfahime M, Azzouz M, Bakri Y, Adnaoui M, Ibrahimi A, Amzazi S & Tazi-Ahnini R (2020) Identification of single nucleotide variants in the Moroccan population by whole-genome sequencing. BMC Genetics, 21(1).
Almaghrabi S, Azzouz M & Tazi Ahnini R (2020) AAV9‐mediated AIRE gene delivery clears circulating antibodies and tissue T‐cell infiltration in a mouse model of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type‐1. Clinical & Translational Immunology, 9.
Schlaweck AE, Tazi-Ahnini R, Ü. Basmanav FB, Mohungoo J, Pasternack-Ziach SM, Mattheisen M, Oprisoreanu A-M, Humbatova A, Wolf S, Messenger A & Betz RC (2019) Autosomal-dominant hypotrichosis with woolly hair : novel gene locus on chromosome 4q35.1-q35.2. PLOS ONE, 14(12). View this article in WRRO
Hamed FN, Åstrand A, Bertolini M, Rossi A, Maleki-Dizaji A, Messenger AG, McDonagh AJG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2019) Alopecia areata patients show deficiency of FOXP3+CD39+ T regulatory cells and clonotypic restriction of Treg TCRβ-chain, which highlights the immunopathological aspect of the disease. PLoS ONE, 14(7). View this article in WRRO
Hamed FN, McDonagh AJG, Almaghrabi S, Bakri Y, Messenger AG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2018) Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate Inhibits STAT-1/JAK2/IRF-1/HLA-DR/HLA-B and Reduces CD8 MKG2D Lymphocytes of Alopecia Areata Patients. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(12). View this article in WRRO
Abu-Duhier F, Pooranachandran V, McDonagh AJG, Messenger AG, Cooper-Knock J, Bakri Y, Heath PR & Tazi-Ahnini R (2018) Whole genome sequencing in an acrodermatitis enteropathica family from the Middle East. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2018. View this article in WRRO
Lovewell TRJ, McDonagh AJG, Messenger AG, Azzouz M & Tazi-Ahnini R (2018) Meta-analysis of autoimmune regulator-regulated genes in human and murine models: A novel human model provides insights on the role of autoimmune regulator in regulating STAT1 and STAT1-regulated genes. Frontiers in Immunology, 9(JUN). View this article in WRRO
Abu-Duhier F, Lovewell T, McDonagh A, Messenger A, Ibrahimi A & Tazi-Ahnini R (2017) First report of SLC39A4 mutation in acrodermatitis enteropathica family from the Middle East. International Journal of Dermatology, 56(5), e97-e100. View this article in WRRO
Nuwaihyd R, Redler S, Heilmann S, Drichel D, Wolf S, Birch P, Dobson K, Lutz G, Giehl KA, Kruse R , Tazi-Ahnini R et al (2014) Investigation of four novel male androgenetic alopecia susceptibility loci: no association with female pattern hair loss. Archives of Dermatological Research, 306(4), 413-418.
Redler S, Birch P, Drichel D, Hofmann P, Dobson K, Böhmer AC, Becker J, Giehl KA, Tazi-Ahnini R, Kruse R , Wolff H et al (2014) The oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) gene in female-pattern hair loss: replication of association with rs10137185 in German patients. British Journal of Dermatology, 170(4), 982-985.
Redler S, Dobson K, Drichel D, Heilmann S, Wolf S, Brockschmidt FF, Tazi-Ahnini R, Birch P, Teßmann P, Giehl KA , Kruse R et al (2013) Investigation of six novel susceptibility loci for male androgenetic alopecia in women with female pattern hair loss. Journal of Dermatological Science, 72(2), 186-188.
Mahmoudi H, Redler S, Birch P, Drichel D, Dobson K, Tazi-Ahnini R, Teßmann P, Giehl KA, Kruse R, Lutz G , Hanneken S et al (2013) Selected variants of the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) do not confer susceptibility to female pattern hair loss. Archives of Dermatological Research, 305(3), 249-253.
Tsoi LC, Spain SL, Knight J, Ellinghaus E, Stuart PE, Capon F, Ding J, Li Y, Tejasvi T, Gudjonsson JE , Kang HM et al (2012) Identification of 15 new psoriasis susceptibility loci highlights the role of innate immunity. Nature Genetics, 44(12), 1341-1348. View this article in WRRO
Knight J, Spain SL, Capon F, Hayday A, Nestle FO, Clop A, Barker JN, Weale ME & Trembath RC (2012) Conditional analysis identifies three novel major histocompatibility complex loci associated with psoriasis. Human Molecular Genetics, 21(23), 5185-5192.
Redler S, Brockschmidt FF, Tazi-Ahnini R, Drichel D, Birch MP, Dobson K, Giehl KA, Herms S, Refke M, Kluck N , Kruse R et al (2012) Investigation of the male pattern baldness major genetic susceptibility loci AR/EDA2R and 20p11 in female pattern hair loss. British Journal of Dermatology, 166(6), 1314-1318.
Redler S, Tazi-Ahnini R, Drichel D, Birch MP, Brockschmidt FF, Dobson K, Giehl KA, Refke M, Kluck N, Kruse R , Lutz G et al (2012) Selected variants of the steroid-5-alpha-reductase isoforms SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 and the sex steroid hormone receptors ESR1, ESR2 and PGR: No association with female pattern hair loss identified. Experimental Dermatology, 21(5), 390-393.
Lovewell T & Tazi-Ahnini R (2011) Models to explore the molecular function and regulation of AIRE. Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, 12(2), 107-115.
Vasilopoulos Y, Sagoo GS, Cork MJ, Walters K & Tazi-Ahnini R (2011) HLA-C, CSTA and DS12346 susceptibility alleles confer over 100-fold increased risk of developing psoriasis: evidence of gene interaction.. J Hum Genet, 56(6), 423-427.
Redler S, Birch MP, Drichel D, Dobson K, Brockschmidt FF, Tazi-Ahnini R, Giehl KA, Kluck N, Kruse R, Lutz G , Wolff H et al (2011) Investigation of variants of the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) in female pattern hair loss. British Journal of Dermatology.
Vasilopoulos Y, Sharaf N, di Giovine F, Simon M, Cork MJ, Duff GW & Tazi-Ahnini R (2011) The 3'-UTR AACCins5874 in the stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme gene (SCCE/KLK7), associated with atopic dermatitis; causes an increased mRNA expression without altering its stability.. J Dermatol Sci, 61(2), 131-133.
Genetic Analysis of Psoriasis Consortium & the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 , Strange A, Capon F, Spencer CCA, Knight J, Weale ME, Allen MH, Barton A, Band G, Bellenguez C , Bergboer JGM et al (2010) A genome-wide association study identifies new psoriasis susceptibility loci and an interaction between HLA-C and ERAP1.. Nat Genet, 42(11), 985-990.
Cork MJ, Danby SG, Vasilopoulos Y, Hadgraft J, Lane ME, Moustafa M, Guy RH, Macgowan AL, Tazi-Ahnini R & Ward SJ (2009) Epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis.. J Invest Dermatol, 129(8), 1892-1908.
Tazi-Ahnini R, McDonagh AJG, Wengraf DA, Lovewell TRJ, Vasilopoulos Y, Messenger AG, Cork MJ & Gawkrodger DJ (2008) The autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE) is strongly associated with vitiligo.. Br J Dermatol, 159(3), 591-596.
Vasilopoulos Y, Walters K, Cork MJ, Duff GW, Sagoo GS & Tazi-Ahnini R (2008) Association analysis of the skin barrier gene cystatin A at the PSORS5 locus in psoriatic patients: evidence for interaction between PSORS1 and PSORS5.. Eur J Hum Genet, 16(8), 1002-1009. View this article in WRRO
Simon M, Tazi-Ahnini R, Jonca N, Caubet C, Cork MJ & Serre G (2008) Alterations in the desquamation-related proteolytic cleavage of corneodesmosin and other corneodesmosomal proteins in psoriatic lesional epidermis.. Br J Dermatol, 159(1), 77-85.
Wengraf DA, McDonagh AJG, Lovewell TRJ, Vasilopoulos Y, Macdonald-Hull SP, Cork MJ, Messenger AG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2008) Genetic analysis of autoimmune regulator haplotypes in alopecia areata.. Tissue Antigens, 71(3), 206-212.
Cork MJ, Danby S, Vasilopoulos Y, Moustafa M, MacGowan A, Varghese J, Duff GW, Tazi-Ahnini R & Ward SJ (2008) Gene-environment interactions in atopic dermatitis. Drug Discovery Today: Disease Mechanisms, 5(1).
Vasilopoulos Y, Cork MJ, Teare D, Marinou I, Ward SJ, Duff GW & Tazi-Ahnini R (2007) A nonsynonymous substitution of cystatin A, a cysteine protease inhibitor of house dust mite protease, leads to decreased mRNA stability and shows a significant association with atopic dermatitis.. Allergy, 62(5), 514-519.
Raymond A-A, Méchin M-C, Nachat R, Toulza E, Tazi-Ahnini R, Serre G & Simon M (2007) Nine procaspases are expressed in normal human epidermis, but only caspase-14 is fully processed.. Br J Dermatol, 156(3), 420-427.
Cork MJ, Robinson DA, Vasilopoulos Y, Ferguson A, Moustafa M, MacGowan A, Duff GW, Ward SJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2006) New perspectives on epidermal barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis: gene-environment interactions.. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 118(1), 3-21.
Kemp EH, McDonagh AJG, Wengraf DA, Messenger AG, Gawkrodger DJ, Cork MJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2006) The non-synonymous C1858T substitution in the PTPN22 gene is associated with susceptibility to the severe forms of alopecia areata.. Hum Immunol, 67(7), 535-539.
Cork MJ, Robinson D, Vasilopoulos Y, Ferguson A, Moustafa M, Mac Gowan A, Ward SJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2005) Predisposition to sensitive skin and atopic eczema.. Community Pract, 78(12), 440-442.
Lench N, Iles MM, Mackay I, Patel R, Sagoo GS, Ward SJ, Dechairo B, Olavesen M, Carey A, Duff GW , Cork MJ et al (2005) Single-point haplotype scores telomeric to human leukocyte antigen-C give a high susceptibility major histocompatibility complex haplotype for psoriasis in a Caucasian population.. J Invest Dermatol, 124(3), 545-552.
Sagoo GS, Cork MJ, Patel R & Tazi-Ahnini R (2004) Genome-wide studies of psoriasis susceptibility loci: a review.. J Dermatol Sci, 35(3), 171-179.
Vasilopoulos Y, Cork MJ, Murphy R, Williams HC, Robinson DA, Duff GW, Ward SJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2004) Genetic association between an AACC insertion in the 3'UTR of the stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme gene and atopic dermatitis.. J Invest Dermatol, 123(1), 62-66.
Sagoo GS, Tazi-Ahnini R, Barker JWN, Elder JT, Nair RP, Samuelsson L, Traupe H, Trembath RC, Robinson DA & Iles MM (2004) Meta-analysis of genome-wide studies of psoriasis susceptibility reveals linkage to chromosomes 6p21 and 4q28-q31 in Caucasian and Chinese Hans population.. J Invest Dermatol, 122(6), 1401-1405.
Tazi-Ahnini R, Cork MJ, Wengraf D, Wilson AG, Gawkrodger DJ, Birch MP, Messenger AG & McDonagh AJG (2003) Notch4, a non-HLA gene in the MHC is strongly associated with the most severe form of alopecia areata.. Hum Genet, 112(4), 400-403.
Tazi-Ahnini R, Timms JM, Cox A & Wilson AG (2003) Identification of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms within the NOTCH4 gene and determination of association with MHC alleles.. Eur J Immunogenet, 30(2), 101-105.
Cork MJ, Timmins J, Holden C, Carr J, Berry V, Tazi-Ahnini R & Ward SJ (2003) An audit of adverse drug reactions to aqueous cream in children with atopic eczema. Pharmaceutical Journal, 271(7277), 747-748.
Tazi-Ahnini R, Cork MJ, Gawkrodger DJ, Birch MP, Wengraf D, McDonagh AJG & Messenger AG (2002) Role of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene in alopecia areata: strong association of a potentially functional AIRE polymorphism with alopecia universalis.. Tissue Antigens, 60(6), 489-495.
Tazi-Ahnini R, Cork MJ, Gawkrodger D, Wengraf D, Messenger AG & McDonagh AJG (2002) Role of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene in alopecia areata: Strong association of a potentially functional AIRE polymorphism with alopecia universalis. J INVEST DERMATOL, 119(3), 719-719.
Henderson JK, Taylor HR, Bavik CO, Ward SJ, Cork MJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2002) Tumour necrosis factor-alpha induced up-regulation of elafin and antileukoprotease enhances the skin barrier. J INVEST DERMATOL, 119(3), 729-729.
McDonagh AJG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2002) Epidemiology and genetics of alopecia areata. CLIN EXP DERMATOL, 27(5), 409-413.
McDonagh AJG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2002) Epidemiology and genetics of alopecia areata.. Clin Exp Dermatol, 27(5), 405-409.
Chen M-H, Antoni L, Tazi-Ahnini R, Cork M, Ward SJ & Båvik CO (2002) Identification of known and novel genes whose expression is regulated by endogenous retinoic acid during early embryonic development of the mouse.. Mech Dev, 114(1-2), 205-212.
Tazi-Ahnini R, Cox A, McDonagh AJG, Nicklin MJH, di Giovine FS, Timms JM, Messenger AG, Dimitropoulou P, Duff GW & Cork MJ (2002) Genetic analysis of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and its homologue IL-1L1 in alopecia areata: strong severity association and possible gene interaction.. Eur J Immunogenet, 29(1), 25-30.
McDonagh AJG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2002) Epidemiology and genetics of alopecia areata. H+G Zeitschrift fur Hautkrankheiten, 77(7-8), 368-372.
Tazi-Ahnini R, Pearce M, Olavesen M, Cork M & Lench N (2001) Identification and characterisation of corneodesmosin single nucleotide polymorphisms. J INVEST DERMATOL, 117(2), 513-513.
Tazi-Ahnini R, McDonagh A, Cox A, di Giovine F, Messenger A, Duff G & Cork M (2001) Genetic analysis of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and its homologue IL1-L1 in alopecia areata: Strong disease associations and possible gene interaction. J INVEST DERMATOL, 117(2), 431-431.
Tazi-Ahnini R, McDonagh AJ, Cox A, Messenger AG, Britton JE, Ward SJ, Båvik CO, Duff GW & Cork MJ (2001) Association analysis of IL1A and IL1B variants in alopecia areata.. Heredity (Edinb), 87(Pt 2), 215-219.
Guerrin M, Vincent C, Simon M, Tazi Ahnini R, Fort M & Serre G (2001) Identification of six novel polymorphisms in the human corneodesmosin gene.. Tissue Antigens, 57(1), 32-38.
Tazi-Ahnini R, di Giovine FS, McDonagh AJG, Messenger AG, Amadou C, Cox A, Duff GW & Cork MJ (2000) Structure and polymorphism of the human gene for the interferon-induced p78 protein (MX1): evidence of association with alopecia areata in the Down syndrome region. Human Genetics, 106(6), 639-645.
Tazi-Ahnini R, di Giovine FS, McDonagh AJ, Messenger AG, Amadou C, Cox A, Duff GW & Cork MJ (2000) Structure and polymorphism of the human gene for the interferon-induced p78 protein (MX1): evidence of association with alopecia areata in the Down syndrome region.. Hum Genet, 106(6), 639-645.
Tazi-Ahnini R, di Giovine FS, Cox A, Keohane SG & Cork MJ (1999) Corneodesmosin (MHC S) gene in guttate psoriasis.. Lancet, 354(9178), 597.
Tazi Ahnini R, Camp NJ, Cork MJ, Mee JB, Keohane SG, Duff GW & di Giovine FS (1999) Novel genetic association between the corneodesmosin (MHC S) gene and susceptibility to psoriasis.. Hum Mol Genet, 8(6), 1135-1140.
Crooks L, Cooper-Knock J, Heath PR, Bouhouche A, Fahime EE, Azzouz M, Bakri Y, Adnaoui M, Ibrahimi A & Tazi-Ahnini R () Identification of single nucleotide variants in the Moroccan population by whole-genome sequencing.
Lovewell TRJ, McDonagh AJ, Messenger AG, Azzouz M & Tazi-Ahnini R () The AIRE -230Y Polymorphism Affects AIRE Transcriptional Activity: Potential Influence on AIRE Function in the Thymus. PLoS ONE, 10(5). View this article in WRRO

Chapters

Cork MJ, Moustafa M, Danby S, Vasilopoulos Y, Tazi-Ahnini R, Ward SJ, Hadgraft J, Lane ME, Guy R & MacGowan A (2009) Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Atopic Dermatitis, Basic and Clinical Dermatology (pp. 211-240). Informa Healthcare
Cork MJ, Danby SG, Vasilopoulos Y, Hadgraft J, Lane M, Moustafa M, Guy R, MacGowan A, Tazi-Ahnini R & Ward SJ (2009) Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction in Atopic Dermatitis In Rawlings L (Ed.), Skin Moisturization USA: Informa Healthcare USA Inc..
McDonagh AJG, Tazi-Ahnini R & Messenger AG (2003) Alopecia areata: An update on etiology and pathogenesis, Skin, Hair, and Nails: Structure and Function (pp. 359-375).

Conference proceedings papers

Lovewell TRJ, McDonagh AJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2010) Use of a novel integrated reporter system to measure the effect of polymorphisms on AIRE gene promoter activity. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 162(4) (pp 941-941)
Lovewell TRJ, McDonagh AJG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2008) Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the AIRE promoter can affect its transcriptional efficiency. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 158(4) (pp 894-895)
Kemp EH, McDonagh AJG, Wengraf DA, Messenger AG, Gawkodger DJ, Cork MJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2007) Severe alopecia areata is associated with a functional polymorphism in the PTPN22 gene. IMMUNOLOGY, Vol. 120 (pp 70-70)
Simon M, Tazi-Ahnini R, Jonca N, Cork MJ & Serre G (2006) Reduced and abnormal proteolysis of corneodesmosomal proteins in psoriatic skin. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 126 (pp 116-116)
Vasilopoulos Y, Cork MJ, Sagoo GS, Ward SJ, Duff GW & Tazi-Ahnini R (2006) A synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in human cystatin A, a candidate gene in the PSORS5 locus, confers susceptibility to psoriasis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 155(1) (pp 235-235)
Lovewell TRJ, Cork MJ, Wengraf DA, Messenger AG, McDonagh AJG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2006) A study on the effect of genetic variants of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) promoter, on AIRE activity and downstream Aire-regulated genes. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 155(1) (pp 250-250)
Cork MJ, Robinson DA, Vasilopoulos Y, Ferguson A, Moustafa M, Tazi-Ahnini R & Ward SJ (2005) Treatment of atopic dermatitis from a skin barrier perspective. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 125(3) (pp 611-611)
Cork MJ, Robinson D, Vasilopoulos Y, Ferguson A, Moustafa M, Tazi-Ahnini R & Ward SJ (2005) Skin barrier damage: Cause or consequence of atopic dermatitis?. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 125(3) (pp 605-605)
Cork MJ, Timmins J, Holden C, Carr J, Berry V, Tazi-Ahnini R & Ward SJ (2004) An audit of adverse drug reactions to aqueous cream in children with atopic eczema. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 151 (pp 57-58)
Simon M, Tazi-Ahnini R, Cork MJ & Serre G (2003) Abnormal proteolysis of corneodesmosin in psoriatic skin. JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 121(6) (pp 1568-1568)
Tazi-Ahnini R, Vasilopoulos Y, Henderson JK, Murphy R, Williams H, Ward SJ, Duff GW & Cork MJ (2003) Role of variants within genes regulating the skin barrier in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 149 (pp 4-4)
Messenger AG, McDonagh AJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2003) Genetic factors in alopecia areata. EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 12(2) (pp 224-224)
Wengraf DA, McDonagh AJG, Cork MJ, Gawkrodger D, Messenger AG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2003) Genetic analysis of the autoimmune regulator (aire) gene: potential role of aire in susceptibility to alopecia universalis. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 148(4) (pp 849-850)
McDonagh AJG, Messenger AG, Birch MP, Cork MJ & Tazi-Ahnini R (2003) Alopecia areata: age at onset, atopy & disease associations. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Vol. 148(4) (pp 866-867)

Theses / Dissertations

Tazi-Ahnini R (2013) Screening for protein-protein interaction at the caspase recruitment domain on the autoimmune regulator protein.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2013) A study to determine the temporal changes in expression profile of Aire-regulated genes after induction of Aire expression.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2012) A study to determine the role of the JAK-STAT pathway in AIRE-regulated gene expression.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2008) A study into the regulation and function of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene.
Lovewell TRJ (2008) A study into the Regulation and Function of the Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) Gene. University of Sheffield.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2007) The role of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene in alopecia areata: genetic analysis of AIRE haplotypes.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2007) Refining the localisation of the psoriasis susceptibility locus (PSORS4) on chromosome 1q21.
Vasilopoulos Y (2007) The Role of Protease and Protease Inhibitors in the Regulation of the Skin Barrier: genetic predisposition to atopic dematitis and psoriasis. University of Sheffield.
Wegraf DA (2007) The role of the autoimmune gene (AIRE) gene in alopecia areata: genetic analysis of AIRE haplotypes. University of Sheffield.
Sagoo GS (2007) Refining the localisation of the Psoriasis susceptibility locus (PSORS4) on chromosome 1q21. University of Sheffield.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2006) The role of protease and protease inhibitors in the regulation of the skin barrier: genetic predisposition to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2005) Role of cystatin A, a cystein protease inhibitor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2004) The role of alpha-helix coiled coil rod homologue (HCR) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2003) Characterisation of psoriasis susceptibility genes within the major histocompatibility complex-epidermal gene cluster (MHC-EGC).
Tazi-Ahnini R (2003) Genetic and functional analysis of the AIRE gene promoter: determination of its role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.
Tazi-Ahnini R (2001) The genetic basis of psoriasis.

Datasets

Dunning M & Tazi-Ahnini R Alopecia areata patients show deficiency of FOXP3+CD39+ T regulatory cells and clonotypic restriction of Treg TCRbeta-chain, which highlights the immunopathological aspect of the disease.

Preprints

Åstrand ABM, Hamed FN, Bertolini M, Rossi A, Maleki-Dizaji A, Messenger AG, McDonagh AJG & Tazi-Ahnini R (2018) Alopecia areata patients show deficiency of FOXP3+CD39+ T regulatory cells and clonotypic restriction of Treg TCR?-chain, which highlights the immunopathological aspect of the disease, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Research group

Team Members

Dr Thomas Lovewell, post-doctoral Research Assistant, 2008-present, funded by The Ministry of High Education, Saudi Arabia
Dr Osama Al-Amer, post-doctoral Research Assistant, funded by The Ministry of High Education, Saudi Arabia, 2014-16,
Dr Fatma Hamed, PhD student, 2014-16, funded by the Libyan Government he Ministry of High Education
Mrs Sarah Al-Maghribi. PhD student, 2014-16, funded by The Ministry of High Education, Saudi Arabia

Teaching interests

Founder and Director of The Medical Research Summer Programme, a new teaching scheme at the University of Sheffield
I am a research project module leader for the MSc in Molecular Medicine
Other teaching activities include supervising and monitoring MB ChB, MSc and PhD students

Professional activities and memberships

Regular reviewer for several Molecular Dermatology and Human Molecular Genetics journals.
Reviewer for national and international grants.
Member of Organising Committee of the 7th World Congress for Hair Research I Edinburgh, 4-6th May, 2013; www.hair2013.org/committee.asp