Exploring Tumor-Endothelium Mechanobiology: Development of Advanced Imaging Technologies for 3D Cancer-Induced Thrombosis

Summary

Research Area:

Tumour spheroids, Microfluidics, Volumetric imaging, Super resolution microscopy, Thrombosis

Supervisor

Dr Lining (Arnold) Ju.

Research location

Biomedical Engineering

Synopsis

Project Description:

The intricate dance between tumors and their surrounding microvasculature holds keys to many pathological mysteries. Utilizing the foundation laid by the paper, "3D spheroid-microvasculature-on-a-chip for tumor-endothelium mechanobiology interplay," this project seeks to delve deeper into these interactions by pioneering advanced imaging technologies.

Our mission is dual-faceted:

1. Develop and refine single-molecule tracking and super-resolution imaging technologies such as TIRF, HiLo, PALM, STORM, and Lattice Light-Sheet Microscopy.
2. Implement these imaging methodologies to study the dynamic processes of thrombosis and platelet activation. This includes the analysis of molecular conformational changes in entities like integrin receptors, cytoskeletons, and mechano-sensitive ion channels, as well as protein assembly, relocation, and interactions.

One of our overarching goals is to render a comprehensive "molecular interactome" detailing the nuanced interactions between platelets in both healthy individuals and cardiovascular patients grappling with conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndromes.

Lastly, using the high-volume 2D-3D image data generated, we'll venture into the realm of anti-platelet drug screenings, aiming to find potential therapeutics that can alter these tumor-endothelium interactions beneficially.

Further information:

We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Skilled in using at least one optical design software such as ZEMAX, Lighttools, Codev, TRACEPRO.
• Master basic optical theory, diffractive optics, Fourier optics, photoelectric information processing and other basic theories, and understand the design principles of microscope imaging systems.
• Familiar with the design of optoelectronic system architecture. Experience in microscope and imaging optical system design and production is preferred.
• Responsible for optical system design and component selection, assembly and debugging of optical systems.
• Solid basic knowledge of biology and rich experience in the PC2 biological laboratory, applicants with related scientific backgrounds such as pathological imaging diagnosis, intracellular organ imaging mechanism analysis, bioprobe labeling, targeted therapy, etc.

Preferred experiences include:

• Optical microscopy imaging, optical super-resolution imaging, adaptive optics, and the principles of fluorescent materials.
• Use of spatial light modulators, deformable mirror devices, and acoustic optical deflectors.

To learn more about the Snow-Ju Lab: Mechanobiology and Biomechanics Laboratory (MBL) and our research, please visit our official website (https://snowmedical.org.au/fellow/lining-arnold-ju/). For more information on A/Prof Ju's Snow Fellowship and groundbreaking research, check out these public release news articles:

A father had a heart attack at 54. His son’s technology could have predicted it (https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-father-had-a-heart-attack-at-56-his-son-s-technology-could-ve-predicted-it-20230327-p5cvkj.html)

Additional information

How to Apply:

To apply, please email arnold.ju@sydney.edu.au with the subject line “PhD Application”, the project title in the body of the email, and attach the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

And complete an Expression of Interest Form via https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vSA2po0sooUt0i

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3501

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