Strokes are most commonly caused by blockages in the blood vessels supplying the brain which cause parts of the brain to become starved of oxygen and die. Cells in the neighbouring brain tissues experiencing low blood flow (the ischaemic penumbra) may survive for some time, and current stroke therapies work by restoring the local circulation to rescue the penumbra. These therapies are only indicated for use in a tight time frame following stroke onset, however, trials have shown that their effective window can be doubled for late-presenting patients with intact penumbra. We seek to understand the cellular processes which determine penumbra death or survival, aiming to identify proteins which may act as novel drug targets to preserve the penumbra and blood markers to identify patients who would most benefit from treatment. We will induce mild or severe stroke in model systems, followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and measure the ischaemic penumbra. We will utilise a technique called mass spectrometry imaging to generate a map detailing the proteins present within stroke-affected tissues, and will link this with MRI data to identify molecules specifically associated with the ischaemic penumbra. We will employ computational approaches to characterise the key processes governed by these proteins and will use blood samples from our models and an established patient cohort to investigate the potential for proteins released from the penumbra to diagnose stroke, and predict clinical outcomes.
This project will provide the first detailed analysis of the proteins produced by the ischaemic penumbra representing a significant contribution to the scientific field. Findings will be support subsequent larger studies to further our research by linking with other centres to determine whether our findings are upheld in independent patient groups. Data from this project will also inform experiments which may lead to trials assessing whether drugs targeting key proteins can preserve the penumbra in patients experiencing stroke. We will utilise our local, national and international networks to share findings with scientists and clinicians through scientific presentations and publications. We will actively seek opportunities to engage with the community via the traditional media and public seminars, explaining the importance of this research. Ultimately we aim to increase the number of patients receiving best care following a stroke by developing new medicines to protect the brain, and blood tests to identify patients likely to benefit from current treatments, regardless of the time of their stroke.
Last updated26 May 2026