Research Summary
Cerebrovascular diseases are a leading cause of death and disability in Canadian adults and often lead to dementia and psychiatric disorders. Yet no disease-modifying therapies exist. As Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Cellular Neurovascular Interactions, Dr. Ayman ElAli aims to change that.
He is focusing on how neurovascular interactions—between blood vessels, neurons, glial cells and immune cells—shape both brain damage and recovery. He and his research team are looking at how vascular responses influence brain health, particularly the molecular mechanisms that guide endothelial and perivascular cell adaptation after injury. Using clinically relevant models, genetic tools, and advanced imaging and molecular techniques, they are identifying how vascular systems can be modulated to promote brain repair. This research will generate new insights into how the brain’s vascular system contributes to disease progression. It could lead to new treatments to help restore brain function following stroke and other cerebrovascular conditions.