Personal profile
Research Interests
- Vascular regeneration
Biography
Dr Saif's background is in immunotherapy (from PhD studies) and therapeutic angiogenesis. Her research interest in vascular biology and angiogenesis was developed under the mentorships of Prof. Aicher and Prof. Heeschen. Dr Saif has worked on reparative angiogenesis in different labs in Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre in Spain, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University in UK.
Dr Saif spent 4 years as a post-doctoral scientist in the lab of Prof. Emanueli, who is a pioneer in the field of reparative angiogenesis. During this time she was investigating the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cell derived endothelial cells in mouse models of hindlimb ischemia and diabetes mellitus (published in Molecular Therapy). She also worked on characterisation and functional assessment of mechanisms guiding mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation into endothelial cells, with focus on the neurotrophin system (published in ATVB). Another project that she worked on during this period was investigating the role of human pericardial fluid exosomes in vascular complications of diabetes (manuscript in preparation).
Dr Saif joined the Vascular Regeneration Team, led by Prof Asif Ahmed, at Aston in 2018 looking at the etiology and developing new therapies for pre-eclampsia, which is one of the deadliest maternal hypertensive disorder. She is a PhD scientist but most of her past mentors were clinical academics which helped her to be part of translational research to influence the clinical practice. She currently works as Senior Lecturer in Aston Medical School, leading Cardiovascular and Respiratory System Blocks in Phase I of the MBChB Programme at Aston Medical School. She also works as the Phase I Assessment Implementation Lead.
Qualifications
SFHEA, Aston University, 2024
MED, Aston University, 2024
PGDip, Aston University, 2020
PGCert, Aston University, 2019
PhD in cancer immunotherapy, Nottingham Trent University, 2014
MSc in stem cell technology, University of Nottingham, 2008
BSc in Biotechnology, Bangalore University, 2007
Employment
Senior Lecturer, Aston University, 2024-current
Lecturer, Aston University, 2020-2024
Teaching Fellow, Aston University, 2019-2020
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Aston University, 2018-2019
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Bristol, 2014-2018
Graduate Research Assistant, Nottingham Trent University, 2011-2014
Research Assistant, Nottingham Trent University, 2008-2011
Contact Details
- Telephone: 0121 204 5052
- Email: [email protected]
- Room Number: MB418
Education/Academic qualification
SFHEA
Award Date: 1 Dec 2024
PhD, Cancer immunotherapy, Nottingham Trent University
2 Jul 2011 → 2 Jul 2014
Award Date: 2 Jul 2014
MSc, Stem cell technology, University of Nottingham
21 Sept 2007 → 29 Sept 2008
Award Date: 29 Sept 2007
External positions
2025, University of Dundee College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing
1 Jun 2025 → 1 Jun 2027
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
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Enhancing Early Medical Education Through Patient Engagement: Creation of a Toolkit Informed by Experts by Experience
Saif, J., Rogers, D. & Stocker, C., 1 Feb 2026, In: The Clinical Teacher. 23, 1, 6 p., e70328.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Integrating expert patients perspectives on the processes of engaging them in early medical education
Saif, J., Mellor, D., Rogers, D. & Stocker, C., 19 Nov 2024, In: Research Involvement and Engagement. 10, 1, 7 p., 124.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter, comment/opinion or interview › peer-review
Open AccessFile5 Link opens in a new tab Citations (SciVal)11 Downloads (Pure) -
Hydrogen sulfide releasing molecule MZe786 inhibits soluble Flt-1 and prevents preeclampsia in a refined RUPP mouse model
Saif, J., Ahmad, S., Rezai, H., Litvinova, K., Sparatore, A., Alzahrani, F. A., Wang, K. & Ahmed, A., Jan 2021, In: Redox Biology. 38, 101814.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile28 Link opens in a new tab Citations (SciVal)86 Downloads (Pure) -
BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) Promotes Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiation to Endothelial Cells Via a Molecular Pathway, Including MicroRNA-214, EZH2 (Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2), and eNOS (Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase)
Descamps, B., Saif, J., Benest, A. V., Biglino, G., Bates, D. O., Chamorro-Jorganes, A. & Emanueli, C., 26 Jul 2018, In: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular biology. 38, 9, p. 2117-2125 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile42 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)65 Downloads (Pure) -
Robust Revascularization in Models of Limb Ischemia Using a Clinically Translatable Human Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cell Product
MacAskill, M. G., Saif, J., Condie, A., Jansen, M. A., MacGillivray, T. J., Tavares, A. A. S., Fleisinger, L., Spencer, H. L., Besnier, M., Martin, E., Biglino, G., Newby, D. E., Hadoke, P. W. F., Mountford, J. C., Emanueli, C. & Baker, A. H., 5 Jul 2018, In: Molecular Therapy. 26, 7, p. 1669-1684 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile55 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)86 Downloads (Pure)