Research

Thesis title: "Identification of the metabolites associated with a dietary intervention that protect against hypertension-induced cerebrovascular injury"

Thesis outline: Hypertension (HT) is a leading risk factor for death and disease worldwide, including brain injury such as stroke and cognitive impairment. Reducing HT pharmacologically only partially protects patients from cognitive impairment and the occurrence of new strokes and current treatment options for these diseases are limited. This results in high burden for the patients, their families, and societies. Hence, there is a tremendous need for the development of novel interventions to prevent HT-induced brain injury.

We aim to assess 1) which metabolites from a high-fibre diet can cross the BBB, an important physical and metabolic barrier in the body that separates the systemic circulation from the central nervous system, and/or bind to receptors on the vasculature, 2) how these metabolites affect intracellular signalling leading to cytoprotection, regeneration, and recovery, and 3) validate these findings in a mouse model of hypertension-induced injury.

To achieve these goals, we plan to use a multi-method approach consisting of mouse and human BBB cells as well as an in vitro triculture transwell BBB model that closely mimics the human condition and facilitates faster translation of the findings to the clinic while still allowing mechanistic studies.

Supervisor & Co-Mentor: Marietta Zille 

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