Research
Vascular Dementia Research
Alex is Assistant Research Professor in the Stroke Research Group at Cambridge. Her primary research focus is to develop novel treatments for vascular dementia and stroke, both of which pose significant socio-economic burdens worldwide. The approach involves utilising human stem cell-based models derived from patients affected by these diseases.
Disease in a Dish Models
A pivotal aspect of the research involved the development of an innovative 'disease in a dish' models for the familial types of small vessel diseases (SVD), a major contributor to vascular dementia. One type of familial SVD is caused by mutations in the COL4A gene, responsible for encoding collagen IV, a crucial component of blood vessel extracellular matrix. In our model, She successfully replicated leaky small blood vessels observed in patients.
Innovative Treatments
Moreover, the investigations have demonstrated the potential reversal of this leakiness through the application of inhibitors targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in our lab disease models. This breakthrough opens doors to the development of promising new treatments targeting MMPs in vascular dementia.
Approach
Alex's approach to research involves utilizing cutting-edge techniques and innovative models to study vascular dementia and stroke. Her work aims to uncover new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and develop effective treatments. By collaborating with experts in the field, she continues to push the boundaries of scientific understanding and contribute to the future of healthcare.
Reading List
A selection of the lab's published works for those who wish to dig deeper.
For those who wish to see the research in a more accessible way, many of the themes and breakthroughs are covered in our videos section.
Selected Research
2025
Granata A, Al-Thani M, Goodwin-Trotman M, Smith DM, Van Agtmael T, Markus HS.
2023
Al-Thani M, Goodwin-Trotman M, Bell S, Patel K, Fleming LK, Vilain C, Abramowicz M, Allan SM, Wang T, Cader MZ, Horsburgh K, Van Agtmael T, Sinha S, Markus HS, Granata A.
2022
Goodwin-Trotman M, Patel K, Granata A.
2022
Granata A, Kasioulis I, Serrano F, Cooper JD, Traylor M, Sinha S, Markus HS.