To investigate this, we study mice that have a particular protein, called TMEM16A, in their blood vessel cells and mice that are missing this protein. Proteins are molecules that perform important jobs throughout our bodies. TMEM16A is a protein involved in vascular rhythmicity.
Previous research suggests that mice without TMEM16A can experience more severe strokes. We want to understand why this happens. One possibility is that removing the protein changes how blood vessels narrow and widen, which could affect blood flow in the brain during a stroke.
By comparing the two groups of mice, we hope to better understand the relationship between vascular rhythmicity and stroke severity.
My lab team and I use the scientific method in our research: we start with a question or observation → we study background information on the topic → we develop a possible explanation (called a hypothesis) → we design experiments to test our hypothesis → we analyze the results → we draw conclusions → finally, we share our results.
Why do we study mice?
Although mice are much smaller than humans, their brains and blood vessels share many similarities with ours. This makes mice useful for studying biological processes that also occur in humans.
Scientists use animal models to investigate questions that would be difficult or unsafe to study directly in humans. Research involving animals must follow strict rules to protect their welfare and ensure they are treated responsibly.
How do we measure blood flow?
One of the main technologies I use is called Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI).
