Dr. Naveed Akbar

Biography

I obtained my BSc (Hons) in Human Biology and completed MSc research in Biomedical Sciences, developing an interest in vascular biology and undertaking interdisciplinary training to synthesize and fabricate nanoparticles for vascular targeting. I went on to obtain my PhD in Medicine and Therapeutics from the University of Dundee, where I investigated the role of innate immune signalling cascades in vascular inflammation using in vivo imaging. As a British Heart Foundation Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellow, my lab investigates the role of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular and metabolic inflammation. These cells in the body transcribe, package, and deliver messages to other cells through nano-sized bubble-shaped envelopes known as extracellular vesicles (EVs). The enclosed messages contain potent instructions that alter the behavior and biological function of recipient cells, including sensitive immune system cells. We are uncovering how these shielded messages provoke immune system action during heart attacks, which directly contributes to further injury and impacts patient health and well-being. Extracellular vesicles also provide diagnostic potential to stratify patients and target treatments for heart injury. I have coordinated public engagement activities in Oxford for the past 8 years, bringing scientists to the public in an engaging way.

Research Interests