The role of the extracellular matrix in cardiomyocyte developme

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.