Master Project 2 (100 %):

Background:
The lack of blood capillaries in tissue-engineered skin represents a serious problem in regenerative medicine. To overcome this limitation, “prevascularization“ has emerged as a promising concept in tissue engineering. In this project, a preformed vascular plexus will be developed in the dermal component in vitro using primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) and human dermal fibroblasts. In particular, both blood and lymphatic capillaries will be generated using blood (BEC) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC), respectively. Following seeding of keratinocytes on top, those prevascularized human dermo-epidermal skin substitutes (vascDESS) will be examined by immunofluorescence and whole mount stainings.
In addition, specific endothelial biomarkers such as CD31, VEGF-receptors and PDGF-B will be evaluated by flow cytometry, qPCR, and immunofluorescence analysis using HDMEC.

Objective:
To develop a human 3D prevascularized human dermo-epidermal skin substitute in vitro that contains both blood capillaries and lymphatics.

Hypothesis:
The proposed 3D skin model will mimic the cellular complexity of the vascular system of human skin.

Your responsibilities:

• Isolation and culturing of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC)
• Separation of blood endothelial cells (BEC) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC)
• Phenotypic characterization of BEC and LEC
• Co-culturing of BEC and LEC with fibroblasts in 3D hydrogel based system
• Co-culturing of BEC and LEC with blood-derived immune cells  
• Immunofluorescence staining of 3D hydrogels with cells for confocal/light sheet microscopy
• Performing cell-based in vitro assays such as live/dead staining, cell proliferation assay
• Analysis of cytokine/chemokine secretion by BEC and LEC cultured in 3D hydrogels
• Analysis of specific markers on gene transcript and protein level of vascular maturation using bulk RNA next generation sequencing
• Applying statistical analysis, interpreting results and presenting data

Your profile:
Interested and motivated master student. Background in life sciences. Cell culture experience is highly apprecianted but not required.

What we offer:
We offer a varied and interesting work in an inspiring and socially relevant environment. Place of work University of Zurich, Schlieren Campus, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland

Earliest start:
February 2024, duration of Master thesis: 9-12 months.

For further information and applications, please contact

PD Dr. Agnes Klar
agnes.klar@kispi.uzh.ch