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Dr Magdalena Kaneva

Lecturer in Regenerative Pharmacology

Email: m.kaneva@qmul.ac.uk

Profile

ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3822-749X

Dr Kaneva graduated in 2007 with a BSc in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from Jacobs University Bremen, Germany. That same year, she was awarded a PhD studentship at the University of Westminster (supervisor, Dr SJ Getting). Her doctoral research focused on understanding the interplay between inflammation and traumatic joint injury in driving cartilage destruction. During this time, she uncovered the significant role melanocortin peptides play in maintaining cartilage health by activating pro-anabolic pathways within chondrocytes.

In 2011, Dr Kaneva joined Prof Mauro Perretti’s group at the William Harvey Research Institute as Postdoctoral Fellow on a discovery science project. Her work enabled identification and validation of cartilage-reparative molecules for the treatment of joint disorders. In 2018, she joined Prof Francesco Dell’Accio’s team on an MRC grant, where she spearheaded the production of a recombinant Agrin molecule, contributed to defining its receptor repertoire and elucidating the downstream mechanisms of action responsible for its chondrogenic properties.

Currently, Dr Kaneva’s team efforts are dedicated to developing innovative therapies for osteoarthritis and cartilage repair: the angle is the harnessing of the regenerative properties of endogenous pro-resolving molecules. By investigating the roles and mechanisms of these molecules in maintaining cartilage homeostasis and facilitating tissue repair, her group aims to create targeted pharmacological strategies to restore cartilage integrity and improve joint health.

Professional associations

Research

Group members
Ms Nia Sciucca, MSc
Dr Marilena Christoforou, MSc, PhD
Ms Alice Lefever, MSc
Ms Heba Abdel Aziz, MSc

Past members
Ms Zara Khan
Ms Foram Ashwin Parajiya
Mr Naseem Adeniran

Dr Magdalena Kaneva research focuses on developing innovative therapies for osteoarthritis (OA) and cartilage repair by leveraging the therapeutic potential of endogenous pro-resolving and chondroprotective molecules. By understanding roles and mechanisms of action of specific endogenous molecules in maintaining cartilage homeostasis and promoting tissue repair, Magdalena aims to design tissue-regenerative interventions to restore cartilage integrity and improve overall joint health.

Dr Kaneva’s research is supported by multiple grants, including funding from the Medical Research Council and commercial collaborations, including BioAegis Therapeutics, Inc and Grifols S.A.

Her current research examines the role of endogenous alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) in joint injury and explores the therapeutic potential of plasma-derived AAT as a disease-modifying drug for post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

In partnership with BioAegis Therapeutics, Magdalena leads a research programme on rhu-pGSN, a protein with anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties. This collaboration focuses on preclinical studies to evaluate rhu-pGSN as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis.

Dr Kaneva’s research program is underpinned by three critical themes:

  1. Mechanistic Insights into Cartilage Repair: her studies aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which endogenous proteins drive healing of joint tissues. These efforts include identifying receptor interactions and signalling pathways critical for maintaining cartilage and bone homeostasis.
  2. Preclinical Validation of Therapeutics: Leveraging preclinical models of post-traumatic osteoarthritis, osteochondral injury, and inflammatory arthritis, her work evaluates the efficacy of these molecules in reducing cartilage degradation, alleviating joint pain, and promoting tissue repair.
  3. Accelerated Translation to Clinical Applications: By repurposing clinically approved molecules, a central focus of Dr Kaneva’s work is to accelerate translation of findings into clinical applications, offering new hope for patients who currently lack effective treatment options.

Publications

 

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    Teaching

    • SSC Supervisor – Medicine MBBS
    • PBL Tutor – Medicine MBBS
    • Academic Advisor – BSc Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics, Medicine MBBS
    • Project supervisor – BSc Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics, Medicine MBBS
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