Research summary
Recently, our view of pericytes (cells that are embedded within the walls of capillaries throughout the body) has been revolutionized: we now know they have multi-functional properties at the neurovascular level. Dr. Ayman ElAli, Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Cellular Neurovascular Interactions, is trying to determine how pericytes regulate the interactions between blood vessels in the brain and their adjacent neurons after vascular and traumatic brain injuries.
He and his research team are using cutting-edge molecular, cellular and imaging approaches to understand how pericytes help restore the neurovascular system after stroke, cerebral small-vessel disease and traumatic brain injury. Ultimately, their work will support the design of new treatments that harness the restorative properties of pericytes to treat these brain injuries.