Nouran Al-Banaa

Nouran Al-Banaa

Friend or foe? The immune system. Friend or foe? Stem cells.

Ancient philosophies speak of balance as the essence of the universe, our solar system, our planet, our bodies, and even our cells, which orchestrate every imperative microscopic process that keeps us healthy. Balanced. In type 1 diabetes, the orchestra of our immune system turns on us when an imposter joins the symphony: rogue immune cells attacking the pancreas, ruining its melody by killing off the insulin-producing cells. How do we restore balance? How do we keep those harmful immune cells from ruining the harmony again? I work with a special kind of stem cell called multipotent stromal cells (MSC). These cells are tireless protein factories producing factors that fight off unwanted immune attacks and help the pancreas regenerate new insulin-producing cells. The best of both worlds. My research explores how to harness the full potential of MSC and restore pancreatic balance at the cellular level, where health begins.

Nouran Al-Banaa
PhD candidate, Physiology and Pharmacology
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - Western University

Supervisor
Dr. David Hess

Nouran Al-Banaa obtained her BMSc from Western University in 2023 and is currently pursuing her PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology. She has always been interested in the physiological interplay between body systems and how it shapes health, disease, and medicinal development. Her work focuses on employing regenerative therapies, using stem cells, for Type 1 Diabetes. Currently, Nouran is investigating the regenerative and immunomodulatory proteins secreted by multipotent stromal cells (MSC) and how they may be leveraged to protect pancreatic islets and modulate autoimmunity in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. By analyzing protein signatures via proteomics screenings, and assessing in vivo treatment efficacy, her research aims to pave the way for cell-free, accessible therapeutics for autoimmune diabetes. Nouran is driven by a deep commitment to translating scientific discovery into meaningful change and has a strong dedication to mentorship, science communication, global health, and education equity. Her long-term vision is to establish her own research program and advance the development of novel therapeutics for complex immune diseases. She also aspires to contribute to the global advancement of healthcare and education, particularly in Iraq and across the broader Southwest Asian region.

You can connect with Nouran on LinkedIn.

View Nouran's work as it appears in the Inspiring Minds Digital Collection.