Carol Morris
Boosting Brain Recovery: Blocking a Key Protein to Improve Stroke Outcomes
Summary
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients and leading to brain cell death. When blood flow is restored, further damage occurs due to an imbalance in harmful molecules, a condition known as oxidative stress. The process of clearing away these dead cells is crucial for brain recovery, but it is not well understood. Normally, dying cells display signals that prompt their removal by immune cells. However, the protein CD47 acts as a “don’t eat me” signal, preventing this cleanup. Our research has shown that CD47 levels increase in the brain after ischemic stroke, leading to an accumulation of dead cells and inflammation. We hypothesize that blocking CD47 will restore the clearance of dead cells, reduce brain damage, and improve recovery. Our study will test this hypothesis to understand the role of CD47 during recovery after ischemic stroke, potentially leading to new treatment options for stroke recovery.
I am honored to receive one of PhRMA Foundation's 2024 predoctoral fellowships. Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. This award has emboldened my mission to develop a novel therapeutic to treat this condition and contribute to the field. Furthermore, this grant will assist me with obtaining the necessary training to reach my future goals as a neuroscientist.
