Ala Altaie

Dr. Ala Altaie is a Research Fellow in the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds, specializing in regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal tissue repair. His primary focus is on leveraging minimally manipulated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for improving cartilage, bone, and soft tissue repair in joints. He investigates the role of resident stem cells in natural repair processes and their manipulation using novel devices, particularly through the Aura trial (NCT02696876) and intraoperative stem cell mobilization techniques. His work emphasizes the interplay between stem cell function, their microenvironment, and clinical outcomes.

Research interests include cytokine signaling in enthesis (bone-tendon/ligament interface) biology, with studies on IL-17, TNF, and IL-23 pathways. He explores how these molecules affect MSC differentiation and tissue homeostasis, contributing to spondyloarthritis pathogenesis research. His device-based approaches aim to achieve one-stage surgical procedures for cartilage repair by mechanically releasing synovial MSCs with autologous platelet concentrate, eliminating the need for in vitro expansion.

Professional affiliations include the International Society for Cell Therapy (ISCT) Early Stage Professionals Committee. Collaborations involve the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and the Regenerative Medicine Group. His work spans from basic science (e.g., single-cell RNAseq analysis of enthesis MSCs) to translational research (e.g., synovial fluid biomarker studies for cartilage repair outcomes).

Key contributions include demonstrating the role of CD39/CD73 adenosine pathways in enthesis immunoregulation and identifying monocyte subsets as IL-23 producers at entheses. Current efforts focus on optimizing MSC mobilization devices and understanding cytokine modulation of MSC functions in musculoskeletal diseases.