High-resolution 3D imaging of clarified hearts with light-sheet microscopy

"This PhD project applies cutting-edge optical microscopy techniques to push the boundaries in the life sciences. Using the latest developments in laser technologies and highly sensitive detectors, this PhD project will employ light-sheet microscopy technology to image with isotropic resolution and using the latest developments in refractive index matching techniques clarified tissue sample to obtain 3D maps of cardiac structure and study biological effects with major impacts in future medical science and treatments.

Large-scale reconstructions of cardiac tissue at subcellular resolution poses significant technological challenges, that involve both optical microscopy, tissue clearing and data analysis and management.

The focus of this PhD project in this context will be to work on a custom-made light-sheet microscope specifically designed for imaging of large cleared tissues to perform 3D high-resolution imaging of transparent heart sections. The PhD student will play a central role in the development and implementation of new strategies to manage, fuse and analyse the resulting large (TB) data sets with a view of extracting and quantifying cardiac tissue structure, for example fibre orientation, in health and after remodelling due to myocardial infarction.

The ultimate aim is to study how structural changes present in hearts that have been affected by myocardial infarction (heart attack) can give rise to functional changes. This research will have direct impact on how we treat cardiovascular diseases which are a large cause of death worldwide."