The Blanco-Suárez lab is interested in the study of region-specific astrocyte contributions to neuroprotection and synaptic restoration. To do this we use mouse models of ischemic stroke to identify astrocyte proteins involved in synapse and spine remodeling and comparing brain regions with known differential vulnerability. We use a wide range of biochemical techniques, molecular biology and imaging in both in vivo and in vitro models of stroke. Our overall goal is to define the importance of region-specificity of astrocytic proteins in synaptic plasticity using ischemic stroke as a model, and harness the therapeutic potential of astrocytic proteins.