Edinburgh Napier University

  This doctoral research project is concerned with the molecular events that occur following brain ischaemia (stroke). It is our belief that by understanding the changes that take place after a stroke, treatments for this debilitating illness can be developed. Several studies have implicated the role played by the chloride co-transporters, NKCC1 and KCC2, in the spread of damage, both during the early and later stages after an ischaemic event. Therefore, they represent potential targets to promote neuroprotection and recovery. Our group has developed models to simulate the conditions of an ischaemic brain by i.) creating an oxygen-deprived environment in which “neuronal-like” cells can be cultured; and ii.) adopting an in vivo photothrombotic model of stroke, in mice, in collaboration with the University of León (Spain). These allow a detailed study of the diverse expression patterns of different ion transporters, focussing on NKCC1 and KCC2, as potential therapeutic targets. This research has immense potential for impact, because stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide yet, despite this, there is currently only one pharmacological strategy to reduce the damage and social burden triggered by this pathology, and this has a very small time-window of 4.5 hours after an event.