PhD Research Studentships

The role of Actin Assembly Proteins in Cardiomyocyte Rigidity Sensing

Supervisor:	Thomas ISKRATSCH
Apply by:	31 January 2019

Description

Project Details
The composition and the stiffness of the cardiac extracellular matrix are changing during development or after myocardial infarction and in other heart diseases. Cardiomyocytes (CMs), the contractile cells of the heart can sense these changes, which influences CM differentiation, maintenance and function. Previously we identified a novel rigidity sensing mechanism in CMs (Pandey et al, Dev Cell, 2018). Our data indicated a feedback mechanism that leads to increased activity of certain actin nucleators on higher ECM stiffness, while others are inhibited. Because some of the activated actin nucleators favour non-muscle actin over sarcomeric actin isoforms this could shift the balance from myofibril formation or maturation to non-myofibrillar actin assembly and as a result, affect the mechanical sensing and signalling, as well as the maturity of the CM. However, the mechanism is still elusive. Here we want to study the cross-regulation and cooperation between the different actin assembly proteins in cardiomyocytes of different maturity, as well as the impact on the CM function, for a deeper understanding of CM rigidity sensing. For this, we will analyse actin isoforms, actin turnover as well as localisation and activity of actin assembly proteins in response to stiffness, matrix composition, and CM maturity, using micro and nanofabricated substrates, force and activity sensors or advanced imaging methods in primary and induced pluripotent stem cell derived CM.

QMUL Research Studentship Details

Available to Home/EU Applicants only.
Full Time programme only.
Applicant required to start in Spring 2019.
The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set as £16,777 in 2018/19).
The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Please note that this studentship is only available to Home/EU Applicants. (See: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details).

Supervisor Contact Details
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Thomas Iskratsch
Tel: 020 7882 3674
E-mail: t.iskratsch@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method
To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the PhD Medical Engineering programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Research degrees in Engineering: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/engineering.html

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2018 SEMS QMRS TI’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Eligibility

The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Thomas ISKRATSCH.