Supervisor View Full Details 2nd

• genetics, genomics and molecular biology
• physiology and non-communicable disease
• neuroscience and mental health

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

• Geriatric Medicine
• Neurology
• Neurophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

Our work focuses on translational, collaborative research for the development of diagnostic, prognostic and novel protective agents in clinical intervention for neuroprotection in ischaemic stroke. Our research is focused on gene regulation and elucidation of signalling networks involved in mediating neuronal injury and cell death. We utilise molecular and translational approaches to identify and advance our understanding of clinically relevant biomarkers of neuronal damage and develop new effective therapeutic targets in the treatment of acute brain injury following ischaemic stroke.

We welcome applications from interested candidates to discuss specific available and potential projects which can be designed with the candidate. The candidate would be joining a translational multidisciplinary team and there are opportunities to tailor the research with greater clinical or molecular emphasis in line with the strengths and research interests of the candidate.

Current projects: microRNA as Novel Diagnostics in Ischaemic Stroke

Ischaemic stroke is a leading cause of death and major disability resulting from death of brain tissue and focal neurological deficits; however, despite decades of research, treatment options remain limited to a small proportion of patients and clinical outcomes are time-dependent. Cerebral ischaemia triggers a complex series of physiological, biochemical and gene expression changes, promoting both susceptibility and resistance to neuronal injury, that pose significant challenges in the identification of clinically useful biochemical targets for intervention. To reduce the devastating impact of stroke, there is an urgent need for a greater understanding of the molecular signalling events during acute stoke for novel approaches in the field of neuroprotection and better success in translational efficacy.

This research programme aims to identify novel ischaemia-associated miRNAs as clinically relevant blood biomarkers to aid prognosis and direct specific treatment and response. The identification of a unique molecular signature associated with ischaemic stroke will provide invaluable information for the development of clinically relevant diagnostic and prognostic blood biomarkers, improving functional recovery through individualised therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, this programme will also characterise the nature of these novel targets and examine their potential for clinical translation as neuroprotective agents to limit progressive neuronal damage and death in the ischaemic penumbra, improving neurological outcome and facilitating brain recovery.

The candidate will have the opportunity to develop this within the Irish Stroke Clinical Trials Network which is co-ordinating a number of on-going studies in the field.