ESOC 2022 | Analyzing the proteome profile of cardioembolic and large artery atherosclerotic stroke clots

Rosanna Rossi, PhD, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland, discusses a proteomic study of acute ischemic stroke blood clots, aiming to identify novel markers for stroke etiology. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the proteome of 16 cardioembolic and 15 large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) clots using paraffin-embedded samples. The study identified 14 proteins there were significantly differently abundant between cardioembolic and LAA clots. Proteins more abundant in LAA clots involved the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), the unfolded protein response (UPR), or the plasminogen-activating cascade. Cardioembolic clots contained proteins related to platelet adhesion and structure, as well as UPS and UPR. With further validation, it is hoped that these findings will enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and provide biomarkers for rapid diagnosis. This interview took place at the ESOC 2022 congress in Lyon, France.