SUMMARY
Ahad M. Siddiqui, Ph.D., leads innovative research focused on regenerative neuroimmunology, an emerging field at the intersection of neural repair and immune system modulation. Regenerative neuroimmunology investigates how targeted manipulation of the immune response can create a supportive environment for neural regeneration while promoting tissue repair, axonal regrowth and functional recovery.
Dr. Siddiqui's work integrates biomaterials engineering, precision cell and gene therapy, extracellular vesicle (EV)–based theranostics, neuromodulation, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics to reconstruct damaged neural tissue and restore functional circuitry after spinal cord injury. By merging regenerative strategies with immune modulation, he develops synergistic, personalized therapeutic platforms to overcome the complex biology of spinal cord injury. Dr. Siddiqui aims to shape the future of translational therapies that restore function and improve long-term outcomes for individuals with paralysis.
Focus areas
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Combinatorial regenerative therapies for spinal cord injury. Dr. Siddiqui and his team investigate how complementary therapy modalities — such as biomaterials, stem cell technologies, targeted gene delivery and electrical stimulation — can be strategically combined to address the distinct phases of spinal cord injury pathology. His team maps mechanistic synergy, timing windows and dosage interactions to develop treatment blueprints that move beyond single-target strategies.
- Biomaterial and scaffold engineering. His laboratory develops microstructured and extracellular matrix-enhanced hydrogel scaffolds that guide axonal regeneration, support Schwann cell alignment and promote neurovascular reconstruction within injured spinal tissue. These platforms are optimized for surgical handling and designed to integrate with cellular, gene or EV-based therapeutics.
- Cell- and gene-based immunomodulation. Postinjury inflammation is a key barrier to neural repair. Dr. Siddiqui creates targeted strategies to recalibrate the neuroinflammatory environment using mesenchymal stromal cells, cytokine-modulating constructs and localized vector-based gene delivery. His team works to establish precise, sustained control over pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways, creating a microenvironment that supports regeneration rather than chronic degeneration.
- EV theranostics. Dr. Siddiqui's laboratory is developing EVs as theranostic agents. These engineered vesicles are capable of delivering targeted molecular therapies while simultaneously serving as biomarkers to monitor treatment response. They enable minimally invasive, real-time biological readouts that advance precision and personalized regenerative medicine.
- AI-driven histologic and imaging analytics. Dr. Siddiqui integrates machine learning, computer vision and high-throughput imaging to accelerate and strengthen the rigor of preclinical spinal cord injury research. These tools allow unbiased, scalable analysis of tissue regeneration, cellular dynamics and therapeutic efficacy, supporting robust datasets for translational applications.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Siddiqui's research helps create new treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. His laboratory works to restore meaningful movement and sensation using therapies that are effective, safe and compatible with today's rehabilitation care. His team studies advanced approaches — including EV‑based treatments and neuromodulation — to support more personalized care and bring emerging therapies closer to everyday clinical use. Together, these efforts aim to increase independence, reduce long‑term complications and improve quality of life for people with paralysis.
Professional highlights
- Member, Early Career Committee, American Spinal Injury Association, 2025-present.
- North American Spine Society:
- Member, Section on Spinal Cord Injury, 2025-present.
- Member, Section on Biologics & Basic Research, 2025-present.
- Member, Early Career Advisory Committee, 2022-present.
- Senior chair, Early Career Advisory Committee, 2025-2026.
- Honoree, SpineLine's 20 Under 40, 2025.
- Annual Meeting Work Group Leader, Early Career Advisory Committee, 2022-2023.
- Mayo Clinic:
- Co-chair, Associate Consultants Council, 2024-present.
- Pilot Award, RNA Therapeutics Discovery and Translation Program, 2025-2026.
- Neuro-Regenerative Medicine Award, Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, 2023-2026.
- Career Development Award, Regenerative Medicine Initiative, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, 2020-2024.