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Investigating the molecular mechanisms in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using iPSC-induced neuronal modelling
The Master candidate will learn to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) up to mature neurons studying the molecular mechanism causing ADHD and potentials of various therapy. Immunohistochemical, genetic, molecular and functional techniques will be applied.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is one of the most common psychiatric and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents with over 60% persistance into adulthood. Brain maturation delays up to 4 years compared to controls were observed, however the mechanisms is not yet known. Methylphenidate (MPH), most common treatment in ADHD, show improvement in brain maturation and function but even here its mechanism was not discovered. Omega-3 fatty acids (PUFA, e.g. fish oil) were found to have also some beneficial effects, however not conclusive. Recently, we and others have hypothesized that the canonical Wnt-signaling may be involved in ADHD and therapy approached (see https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-00999-9). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the possible etiopathology of ADHD are elusive. To study this, we have generated, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from ADHD and healthy controls to study this an in vitro manner (see https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2018.00321/abstract). The aim of this study is to investigate whether Wnt-pathways are involved in the developmental alterations found in ADHD, and the effects of MPH and PUFA.
The Master Student will learn neuronal cell culture techniques including the innovative iPSC generation, as well as immunostaining, life-cell imaging, multi-electrode array electrophysiology, pharmacotherapy, molecular genetics and biochemical techniques and to interpret scientifically the results obtained.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is one of the most common psychiatric and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents with over 60% persistance into adulthood. Brain maturation delays up to 4 years compared to controls were observed, however the mechanisms is not yet known. Methylphenidate (MPH), most common treatment in ADHD, show improvement in brain maturation and function but even here its mechanism was not discovered. Omega-3 fatty acids (PUFA, e.g. fish oil) were found to have also some beneficial effects, however not conclusive. Recently, we and others have hypothesized that the canonical Wnt-signaling may be involved in ADHD and therapy approached (see https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-00999-9). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the possible etiopathology of ADHD are elusive. To study this, we have generated, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from ADHD and healthy controls to study this an in vitro manner (see https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2018.00321/abstract). The aim of this study is to investigate whether Wnt-pathways are involved in the developmental alterations found in ADHD, and the effects of MPH and PUFA. The Master Student will learn neuronal cell culture techniques including the innovative iPSC generation, as well as immunostaining, life-cell imaging, multi-electrode array electrophysiology, pharmacotherapy, molecular genetics and biochemical techniques and to interpret scientifically the results obtained.
The aim of this study is to generate and assess iPSC-induced neurons from ADHD and controls in order to compare differentiation and maturation processes hypothesized to be altered in ADHD following by therapy options (MPH / omega-3) and to elucidate their molecular mechanism.
The aim of this study is to generate and assess iPSC-induced neurons from ADHD and controls in order to compare differentiation and maturation processes hypothesized to be altered in ADHD following by therapy options (MPH / omega-3) and to elucidate their molecular mechanism.
The candidate should have a bachelor degree in Biology/Neuroscience/Medicine/Pharmacology and some experience in cell culture, molecular genetics, and biochemistry methods. Experience with office-software, data analysis and statistics software will be of benefit. Candidates should submit a CV, all obtained certificates (transcripts of bachelor and current master courses), motivation letter and a list of his/her experience with laboratory techniques. Proficiency in English is mandatory.
Prof. Edna Grünblatt; Translational Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (KJPP), Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK); edna.gruenblatt@kjpd.uzh.ch; https://www.kjpd.uzh.ch/de/translationale-molekularpsychiatrie.html
The candidate should have a bachelor degree in Biology/Neuroscience/Medicine/Pharmacology and some experience in cell culture, molecular genetics, and biochemistry methods. Experience with office-software, data analysis and statistics software will be of benefit. Candidates should submit a CV, all obtained certificates (transcripts of bachelor and current master courses), motivation letter and a list of his/her experience with laboratory techniques. Proficiency in English is mandatory. Prof. Edna Grünblatt; Translational Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (KJPP), Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK); edna.gruenblatt@kjpd.uzh.ch; https://www.kjpd.uzh.ch/de/translationale-molekularpsychiatrie.html