Therapeutic approaches targeting no-reflow to improve ischaemic stroke outcomes

About the research project

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability caused by disrupted blood flow to the brain. The primary treatment approaches focus on acutely restoring blood flow, known as “reperfusion”. However, it has recently been identified that reperfusion therapies do not lead to complete restoration of blood flow to the affected area, a phenomenon termed “no-reflow” (1). There is evidence that no-reflow is caused by pericyte constriction of capillaries which may consequently cause capillaries to become plugged by leukocytes such as neutrophils, which then in turn promote thrombosis and subsequent blockage (2). We have recently shown that rapamycin, a drug that inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, can prevent pericyte contraction and open more capillaries for flow following reperfusion therapy (3). This suggests targeting pericytes could become a therapeutic approach to improve cerebral blood flow and stroke outcomes. This project will use different therapies to improve no-reflow and stroke outcomes by targeting mechanisms related to no-reflow. These include the use of vasodilators to promote pericyte relaxation such as adenosine, anti-oxidants or ion channel blockers to prevent pericyte swelling, and agents to prevent neutrophil-induced thrombosis such as DNase-I. Animal models of stroke such as middle cerebral artery occlusion will be used, alongside techniques to assess cerebral blood flow, microvascular perfusion and pericyte interactions with blood vessels. This study will uncover novel therapeutic approaches for limiting no-reflow following stroke to improve stroke outcomes.  

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Brad Sutherland

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with laboratory animal work and processing of brain tissue

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Brad Sutherland to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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