Stroke, Vascular Biology and Neuroprotection

Professor Christian Waeber 

Professor Waeber’s research is centred around the study of the effects of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P, a lipid mediator) signalling on the vasculature, the brain and the immune system. His studies have therapeutic implications for the management of stroke and other cardiovascular disorders. Prof Waeber’s team has performed extensive preclinical characterization of the effects of the S1P receptor modulator fingolimod (FTY720) on various rodent models of stroke (haemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke, modelled using filament occlusion of the proximal Middle Cerebral Artery, or distal occlusion of the MCA using a thromboembolic or electrocauterization model).  These studies specifically investigated the mechanisms of action of fingolimod in experimental stroke, with special emphasis on the role played by the immune system, and more specifically regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs). Prof Waeber’s team is also involved in clinical stroke studies aimed at characterizing the temporal leukocyte profiles following stroke in order to understand the beneficial or deleterious effects of various lymphocytes population on recovery in stroke survivors. 

I welcome enquires from students interested in discussing MSc or PhD opportunities and post-doctoral researchers wishing to join the research group. If you have ideas for collaborations on existing work or would like to discuss your own research interests then there are a number of PhD studentships, Postdoctoral fellowships and other funding schemes available which I am more than happy to discuss this with you in the first instance by email c.waeber@ucc.ie