Dr Shireen Mentor

Neurovascular researcher, Division of Cell Biology

Research Interests

The treatment of neurodegenerative disease is limited by the blood-brain barrier and mechanisms for overcoming this barrier are poorly understood. Moreover, drug addiction is rife in South Africa, and has a negative impact on brain chemistry, exacerbating neurodegeneration. It is critical both locally and globally to advance understanding in this area, towards improved diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Mentor’s vision is to help create a world where all people with neurodegenerative disease can enjoy improved brain health. Her mission is to undertake cerebrovascular research to better understand blood-brain barrier disruption; to illuminate novel treatment strategies.

Dr. Shireen Mentor focuses on neurovascular research. Her work delves into understanding the blood-brain barrier's physiology through comparative endothelial barrier analysis. Using models in the lab, she explores the complexities of this barrier. Her work has been published in many journals and is recognized worldwide.

Research Areas

Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience • Neurophysiology and Neuroanatomy