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4D force map of Cardiomyocytes contractility
This Project combines two innovative force sensing technique in order to resolve the Cardiomyocyte contractility with high sensitivity. The aim of the this project to study the mechano-electric coupling of the Cardiomyocyte during various stimulation.
Cardiomyocytes (CMs) contraction is a fascinating biochemical reaction of the cells transforming the flux of ions into the mechanical contraction. This process represents the physiological state of cells and highly relates to the fundamental of cardiac diseases. Therefore, quantifying the contractile forces becomes critical in pursuance of understanding and characterizing the cardiomyocytes contraction. In this project, we aim to investigate the mechano-electrical coupling of hPSC-CMs (human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes) and isolated mice cardiomyocytes. Combining FluidFM and TFM (Traction Force Microscopy) we can realize a time resolved force map of the cardiomyocytes contraction with nano Newton sensitivity in both basal and vertical direction. In the meantime, FluidFM could mechanically or electrically apply stimulations. After having realized the simultaneous recording of xyz contraction forces, we are entering the stage of focusing on answering meaning biological quesiton.
In this project, the student will learn about various techniques, FluidFM, Cardiomyocyte, and Electric Field Stimulation. Also the student will be exposed to biological side of the project, such as Primary Cardiomyocyte and hPSC-CMs culture. And finally the student will be able to analyze statistical data to draw meaningful conclusions.
Cardiomyocytes (CMs) contraction is a fascinating biochemical reaction of the cells transforming the flux of ions into the mechanical contraction. This process represents the physiological state of cells and highly relates to the fundamental of cardiac diseases. Therefore, quantifying the contractile forces becomes critical in pursuance of understanding and characterizing the cardiomyocytes contraction. In this project, we aim to investigate the mechano-electrical coupling of hPSC-CMs (human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes) and isolated mice cardiomyocytes. Combining FluidFM and TFM (Traction Force Microscopy) we can realize a time resolved force map of the cardiomyocytes contraction with nano Newton sensitivity in both basal and vertical direction. In the meantime, FluidFM could mechanically or electrically apply stimulations. After having realized the simultaneous recording of xyz contraction forces, we are entering the stage of focusing on answering meaning biological quesiton. In this project, the student will learn about various techniques, FluidFM, Cardiomyocyte, and Electric Field Stimulation. Also the student will be exposed to biological side of the project, such as Primary Cardiomyocyte and hPSC-CMs culture. And finally the student will be able to analyze statistical data to draw meaningful conclusions.