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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

Summary

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

 

 

  • Thomas BL, Montero‐Melendez T, Oggero S et al. (2024). Molecular Determinants of Neutrophil Extracellular Vesicles That Drive Cartilage Regeneration in Inflammatory Arthritis. nameOfConference


  • Eldridge S, Barawi A, Thorup AS et al. (2022). AB0156 INTRA-ARTICULAR AGRIN PROVIDES DIRECT PAIN RELIEF IN OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE DEFECTS. nameOfConference


    QMRO: qmroHref
  • Kaneva MK (2022). Neutrophil elastase and its inhibitors-overlooked players in osteoarthritis.. nameOfConference


  • Eldridge S, Barawi A, Wang H et al. (2021). AB0039 AGRIN REPAIRS BONE AND CARTILAGE IN VIVO. nameOfConference


  • Rossi S, Maisto R, Gesualdo C et al. (2021). Corrigendum to “Activation of Melanocortin Receptors MC1 and MC5 Attenuates Retinal Damage in Experimental Diabetic Retinopathy”. nameOfConference


  • Kaneva MK, Muley MM, Krustev E et al. (2021). Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin reduces inflammation and exerts chondroprotection in arthritis. nameOfConference


  • Eldridge SE, Barawi A, Wang H et al. (2020). Agrin induces long-term osteochondral regeneration by supporting repair morphogenesis. nameOfConference


  • Can VC, Locke IC, Kerrigan MJP et al. (2020). Novel anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of the human melanocortin MC1 receptor agonist BMS-470539 dihydrochloride and human melanocortin MC3 receptor agonist PG-990 on lipopolysaccharide activated chondrocytes. nameOfConference


  • Kaneva MK, Muley MM, Headland S et al. (2017). AAT – A Novel Cartilage‐Protective Mediator. nameOfConference


  • Kaneva MK, Greco KV, Headland SE et al. (2017). Identification of Novel Chondroprotective Mediators in Resolving Inflammatory Exudates. nameOfConference


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Sponsors

Collaborators

Internal

External collaborators

Past and current industry collaborators

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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