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Yasir Ahmed Syed

Dr Yasir Ahmed Syed

Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Teams and roles for Yasir Ahmed Syed

  • Senior Lecturer

    School of Biosciences

Overview

I am a neuroscientist specializing in the biological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. My research focuses on understanding how genetic risk factors disrupt brain development and function, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets.

In my lab, we use patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model human brain development in vitro. By differentiating these cells into neural lineages and 3D brain organoids, we investigate disease mechanisms at both the cellular and molecular levels.

Our work is driven by a multidisciplinary approach, integrating cellular, genetic, electrophysiological, behavioural, and material science techniques to study disease initiation and progression. Ultimately, we aim to uncover reliable drug targets that can inform future therapeutic strategies for complex brain disorders.

 

Publication

2025

2024

2023

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2021

2020

2019

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2016

2013

2011

2009

2008

Articles

Book sections

Conferences

Websites

Research

Research Overview

Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, and schizophrenia are complex, and often debilitating conditions with profound social emotional and economic consequences. Recent advances in genetics have identified high-risk mutations and chromosomal alterations at loci including 1q21.1, 3q29, and 16p11.2, which significantly increase susceptibility to these disorders across the lifespan.

Despite these discoveries, the mechanisms by which these genetic risk factors disrupt brain development and function remain poorly understood. My research aims to uncover the neurobiological basis of genetic risk in these disorders, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel drug targets for future therapeutic interventions.

Current Research Objectives

1. Neural and Molecular Basis of Microcephaly and Macrocephaly: We study brain size abnormalities associated with 1q21.1 copy number variants (CNVs), focusing on genes such as HYDIN2 and NOTCH2NL. Using iPSC-derived cortical organoids from individuals with 1q21.1 deletions or duplications, we investigate defects in cortical architecture, neural proliferation, and differentiation.

2. Mechanisms of White Matter Changes in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Using 2D and 3D stem cell models of developmental myelination, we explore how 16p11.2 CNVs — linked to autism and psychiatric conditions — disrupt white matter integrity. We aim to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying altered myelination during early brain development.

3. Contribution of Neuroinflammation to Brain Development: We examine how perinatal inflammatory exposures interact with genetic risk factors to alter neurodevelopmental trajectories. Using iPSC-derived astrocytes and microglia from individuals with high-risk CNVs, we assess changes in inflammatory signaling and their impact on neuronal function.

 

Teaching

I teach across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and supervise final-year dissertation projects at both levels. My supervision broadly focuses on topics within developmental biology, clinical neuroscience, and cellular biology.

 I am contributing to the following modules:

  1. BIT002 Research Techniques in Biosciences
  2. BI3451 Neurobiology of Brain Disorders (Assessment Lead)
  3. BI3351 Contemporary Topics in Disease
  4. BI3001 Bioscience Final Year Project
  5. BI4001 Advanced Research Project
  6. BI4002 Advanced Research Methods
  7. BI9999 Professional Training Year

Biography

Academic positions

  • Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff
  • Group Leader: Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate: Welcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
  • PhD: Max-Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Germany and Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

 

Professional memberships

  • The Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
  • Research Committee, Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER)
  • Genetics Society, UK
  • International Society for Stem Cell Research.

Committees and reviewing

Editorial board member

  • Frontiers in Neuroscience
  • BMC Neurosceince
  • Biomed Reseaarch International
  • Journal for Reattach Therapy and Developmental Diversities.

Grant reviewer

  • MRC
  • ERC
  • British council-Newton fund
  • Leverhulme Trust

Supervisions

I am interested in supervising PhD students in the following areas:

  • Neuron and Glial Cell Biology
  • Neurodevelopmental Psychiatric Disorders
  • Neuroinflammation
  • Drug Discovery
  • Heart–Brain Developmental Axis

If you're interested in discussing ideas, joining my lab as a postgraduate student or postdoc, or applying for a fellowship, please feel free to contact me by email

Current supervision

Engagement

Some recent engagement activities include:

  • Academic Lead for Engagement, Cardiff School of Biosciences
  • Judge: British Brain Bee (Neuroscience Olympiad for teenagers)
  • Speaker: Awakening Oligodendrocyte Precursor, The Scientist
  • Patient focused meetings-1q21.1 deletion and duplication syndrome

     

Contact Details

Email [email protected]
Telephone +44 29206 88314
Campuses Hadyn Ellis Building, Floor 3, Room 3.34a, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ

Specialisms

  • Molecular medicine
  • Multimorbidity
  • Myelination
  • Psychiatric Genetics
  • Neurodevelopment