The Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Medical school Hannover is looking for talented and motivated PhD candidate of all nationalities with an interest in biophysics, cell biology, molecular biology and nanotechnology.
We welcome applications from candidates with a master degree in above mentioned fields of Life Sciences.
Project description
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a cardiac disorder in humans affects 1 in 500 individuals worldwide. Single point mutations in the β-cardiac myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) are among the most frequent cause of HCM. Clinical phenotypes display a high variability ranging from being asymptomatic, to rapidly progressive failing heart or sudden cardiac death in young individuals and competitive athletes. Among other sarcomereic proteins, the molecular motor protein β-MHC is reported to harbour >300 single point mutations, dispersed throughout the molecule, accounting for about 40% of all HCM cases. So far, however, neither a common pattern of functional defects nor effective treatment strategies is found for the different HCM-related mutations.
Our goal is to understand the primary dysfunction of the myosin motor that leads to HCM. The project aims to investigate functional changes in the β-MHC motor properties, induced by HCM-mutations, using state-of-the-art single molecule function investigation techniques, such as Total internal Reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF) and optical tweezers.
We welcome applications from candidates with a master degree in above mentioned fields of Life Sciences.
Project description
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a cardiac disorder in humans affects 1 in 500 individuals worldwide. Single point mutations in the β-cardiac myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) are among the most frequent cause of HCM. Clinical phenotypes display a high variability ranging from being asymptomatic, to rapidly progressive failing heart or sudden cardiac death in young individuals and competitive athletes. Among other sarcomereic proteins, the molecular motor protein β-MHC is reported to harbour >300 single point mutations, dispersed throughout the molecule, accounting for about 40% of all HCM cases. So far, however, neither a common pattern of functional defects nor effective treatment strategies is found for the different HCM-related mutations.
Our goal is to understand the primary dysfunction of the myosin motor that leads to HCM. The project aims to investigate functional changes in the β-MHC motor properties, induced by HCM-mutations, using state-of-the-art single molecule function investigation techniques, such as Total internal Reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF) and optical tweezers.