Student research project
Supervisor(s): Associate Professor David Greening
The Molecular Proteomics laboratory is focused on understanding the molecular function of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and how their intercellular signalling is important in normal physiology and pathologies; including cardiometabolic disease with the goal of identifying new deliverable therapeutic targets. We apply quantitative proteomics and various functional and molecular approaches to understand the composition, signalling, and function of EVs. The advanced approaches developed in our lab have identified novel regulators of cell function and EV biology, design of candidate drug delivery vehicles, and functional delivery of proteins. Our team has utilised this knowledge for commercial and translational potential.
Project summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted membrane-enclosed nano-sized particles (40–1000 nm) that deliver biological information between cells. Moreover, EVs possess natural biocompatibility and stability that allow them to cross biological membranes and that protect them from degradation. Recent studies have shown that EVs-mediated crosstalk between different cell types in the heart could play important roles in the maintenance of cardiac homeostasis and the pathogenesis of heart diseases. In particular, EVs secreted by different types of stem cells exhibit cardioprotective effects. However, numerous studies have shown that intravenously injected EVs are quickly cleared by macrophages of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) and preferentially accumulate in MPS organs such as the liver, spleen, and lung.
This project will investigate how to specifically load and deliver a biological payload in nano-carriers for the targeted and selective delivery to the heart, to better understand the mechanisms of proteome reprogramming target cardiac cells in cardiac dysfunction, and engineering strategies to modify EV targeting capacity. Various antibody and peptide conjugate strategies will be used for targeting. These understandings will aid in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease.
This project is suitable for a PhD student and will expose you to numerous skills and technologies, including molecular biology and proteomics.
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