Mechanotransduction in blood cells and consequences for thrombosis and inflammation
- Research Opportunity
- PhD students, Masters by Research, Honours students
- Department
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health
- Location
- Austin Health
| Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professoe Karlheinz Peter | karlheinz.peter@unimelb.edu.au |
| Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Sara Baratchi | sara.baratchi@rmit.edu.au |
Summary This project will determine the effects of blood flow on immune cell function and identify receptors that control such effects.
Project Details
This project will study the effect of shear stress and mechanotransduction in blood cells such as platelets and various immune cells to identify specific mechanoreceptors responsible for the regulation of monocyte adhesion, activation and inflammatory responses, and ultimately atherosclerotic plaque formation and instability/ rupture.
Shear stress associated with blood flow is a major determinant of vascular function and homeostasis. Different degrees of mechanical stress and blood flow dynamics regulate different aspects of immunity, cellular adhesion and migration, which are essential for the development of atherosclerosis, as well as in adaptive and innate humoral immunity.
How changes in shear stress control immune responses is an emerging area of research. However, definitive evidence showing that immunity is subject to the mechanical forces resulting from blood flow is lacking.
The aim of this project is to elucidate the mechanosensory complexes that are mediating the cellular responses to blood flow dynamics at both physiological as well as pathological levels. This will be achieved through the use of advanced imaging techniques, microfluidics, animal models and clinical samples
School Research Themes
Research Opportunities
PhD students, Masters by Research, Honours students
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department
Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health
Research Node
Austin HealthMDHS Research library
Explore by researcher, school, project or topic.