Modulation of atrial function by common gene variants on chromosome 4q25: A study in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derived cardiomyocytes

This studentship will generate cutting-edge information deciphering the genomic predisposition to AF combining the expertise in stem cell technology and atrial fibrillation research of two world-leading research groups. Approximately 30% of AF patients, especially those with early onset of the disease, carry a genomic predisposition to the arrhythmia. This studentship will use induced pluripotent stem cells to assess the atrial dysfunction predisposing to AF based on this genomic predisposition. You will learn and apply Cas9/CRISPR technology in the group of Professor Denning to edit healthy hPSCs, such that the only change to the genome is addition of a damaging set of genetic variants with high and low risk of developing AF. Using validated protocols, the cells will be matured into atrial cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. You will learn and apply high-end phenotyping of these cells in the lab of Professor Kirchhof e.g. cellular electrophysiology, patch clamp and/or optical mapping of calcium and voltage release, as well as by calcium transients and contractility, with metabolic changes examined by mitochondrial analysis. You will work within international research consortia funded by Leducq Foundation and horizon2020. For details see Kirchhof group web page http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/cardiovascular-sciences/research/heart-failure-arrhythmias/index.aspx and Denning group web page http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/stemcellbiology/.

Deadline 28th May 2017.

By this date you should have checked you eligibility, applied on-line and completed the IMPACT proforma at http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/mds-graduate-school/scholarships/mrc-impact/apply.aspx

For further Details please contact [Email Address Removed]

Stipend: RCUK standard rate plus travel allowance and a laptop.