The role of the extracellular matrix in cardiomyocyte developmental (SMITH_U24DTP1)
Key Details
- Application Deadline
- 9 May 2024
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Competition Funded (Home)
- Start date
- October 2024
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- PhD
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Project Overview
Primary Supervisor: Dr James Smith
Secondary Supervisor: Dr Iain Macaulay (EI)
Cardiomyocytes are the muscle cells of the heart, responsible for the production of contraction forces. During development, cardiomyocytes withdraw from the cell-cycle and switch from proliferative, growth to non-proliferative, hypertrophic growth. It is becoming clear that the extracellular matrix molecules play a key role in regulating this switch, and specifically heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). In this project, the student will investigate how HSPGs facilitate differential growth factor signalling to promote the switch from proliferation to maturation in cardiomyocytes.
This project will use state-of-the-art gene edited pluripotent stem cell models, to gain new insights relating to the mechanisms involved in regulating cardiomyocyte function. Training will be provided in the areas of stem cell biology, cardiac biology, differentiation, advanced flow cytometry, single cell sorting, RT-qPCR, and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing.
As well as the specific training detailed above, students will have access to high-quality training in scientific and generic skills, as well as access to a wide-range of seminars and training opportunities. The project will be carried out at the Smith Lab at the Bob Champion Research and Education building, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia.
The Norwich Research Park (NRP) Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) is offering fully-funded studentships for October 2024 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will potentially be interviewed on 4, 5, and 6 June 2024.
For further information on eligibility and how to apply visit here.
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2023/4 stipend rate: £18,622), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
Johnson BB, Reinhold J, Holmes TL, Moore JA, Cowell V, Bernardo AS, Rushworth SA, Vassiliou V and Smith JGW. Modelling Metabolic Shifts during Cardiomyocyte Differentiation, Iron Deficiency and Transferrin Rescue Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Metabolites. 2022;12:9.
Denning C, Borgdorff V, Crutchley J, Firth KS, George V, Kalra S, Kondrashov A, Hoang MD, Mosqueira D, Patel A, Prodanov L, Rajamohan D, Skarnes WC, Smith JGW and Young LE. Cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells: From laboratory curiosity to industrial biomedical platform. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016;1863:1728-48.
Lord MS, Tang F, Rnjak-Kovacina J, Smith JGW, Melrose J and Whitelock JM. The multifaceted roles of perlecan in fibrosis. Matrix Biol. 2018;68-69:150-166.
Singh BN, Yucel D, Garay BI, Tolkacheva EG, Kyba M, Perlingeiro RCR, van Berlo JH, Ogle BM. Proliferation and Maturation: Janus and the Art of Cardiac Tissue Engineering. Circ Res. 2023 Feb 17;132(4):519-540.