MRC DTP in Precision Medicine

Preventing Recurrent Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Events after Ischaemic Stroke: Cardiovascular Genetic and Genomic Approaches

Supervisors

Dr Alan C Cameron, Collage of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow

Dr Rona J Strawbridge, Collage of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow

Summary

Ischaemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality. Common causes of ischaemic stroke include atrial fibrillation (AF), small vessel disease (SVD) and large artery disease. After ischaemic stroke, people are at higher risk of recurrent cerebrovascular/cardiovascular events.  

New approaches to prevent recurrent events after stroke include prolonged cardiac monitoring to detect AF; drugs that stabilise endothelial function and prevent SVD progression; and anti-inflammatory or lipid-lowering drugs for people with large artery disease. Precision medicine with cardiovascular genetics could help identify people who will benefit from these approaches.  

Aims  

The project will use genetics and genomics to explore factors associated with stroke subtypes and recurrent events. The findings will highlight people who may benefit from interventions to improve clinical outcomes and will guide future studies assessing these in clinical trials. 

Methods 

Existing data from a cohort study of people after stroke will be used, alongside existing datasets such as UK Biobank, Generation Scotland and summary statistics from genome-wide associations studies. 

The student will be trained in genetics, genomics and statistical methods within a data science framework. They are expected to have a BSc or MSc in a relevant field. Experience in data science and/or statistical genetics is an advantage.