Details
- Close date
- No date set
- Academic background
- Health Sciences
- Host campus
- Christchurch
- Qualification
- Honours
- Department
- Pathology and Biomedical Science (Christchurch)
- Supervisor
- Dr Sarah Appleby, Dr Rachel Purcell, Dr Annika Seddon
Overview
This is one of a number of projects on offer for the 2025 intake of BBiomedSc(Hons) at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.
Project outline
Recent research has demonstrated that interactions between the heart and the gut microbiome, referred to as the heart-gut axis, may be involved in cardiovascular disease. However, the specific role of the gut microbiome and mechanisms underlying the heart-gut interaction remain to be fully elucidated.
This project will investigate the role of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gut bacteria in triggering the inflammatory response associated with myocardial infarction (MI). We will 1) assess bacterial translocation in MI patients compared to controls, and 2) investigate inflammatory mechanisms and explore the potential functional role of gut bacteria that translocate into the circulatory system in MI-associated inflammation. This will be done with cell-culture models, flow-cytometry and ELISA.
Preferred student expertise
Enthusiastic students with a microbiology background and an interest in cardiovascular disease, will be considered. Cell culture experience is an advantage but not required.
Further information
- UOC BBiomedSc(Hons) website
- Christchurch Heart Institute website
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care website
- Mātai Hāora – Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine website
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science website
Contact
Dr Sarah Appleby
Email sarah.appleby@otago.ac.nz