Dr. Alexander Medvinsky

Biography

Alexander Medvinsky is a professor of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the generation and expansion of definitive haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the mammalian embryo. He aims to phenotypically characterize and visualize primary definitive HSCs in early embryos, identify embryonic ancestor cells that develop into HSCs, and elucidate the routes and mechanisms of HSC migration. Additionally, his work delves into the transcription factors, growth factors, and extracellular signaling molecules that initiate, expand, and facilitate the migration of HSCs. Medvinsky has identified the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region as a specific niche for HSC development in both mouse and human. He employs various experimental methods in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and embryo manipulation to understand early HSC development, aiming to develop protocols for generating definitive long-term repopulating HSCs from embryonic stem (ES) cells. Medvinsky's recent research explores the inductive interactions and asymmetric signaling within the AGM region during embryogenesis, with the ultimate goal of generating HSCs for transplantation in clinical settings.

Research Interests

Experience