Master Project 4 (100 %):

Background:
Myelomeningocele (MMC) is one of the most severe forms of spina bifida characterized by incomplete closure of the lumbosacral neural tube during the first weeks of pregnancy. Consequently, the spinal cord remains open (non-neurulated), protrudes beyond the level of the skin forming a cystic sac on the back of the fetus. Due to its severity, MMC is a devastating malformation causing irreversible and life-long disabilities in affected individuals. Researchers have already recognized the use of stem cells for the treatment of MMC. With regards to this, amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) emerged as clinically relevant cell source due to their broad multipotency, unique ability to differentiate into derivatives of all 3 germ layers, and low immunogenicity. When considering the application of MMC-AFSCs in clinics, it becomes crucial to elucidate their immunomodulation properties. Therefore, the main goal of the master thesis is the in-depth characterization of immune modulation properties of MMC-AFSCs in comparison to the AFSCs derived for healthy pregnancies.

Objective:
To investigate the immunomodulation properties of stem cells isolated from amiotic fluid derived from spina bifida pregnancies.

Methods:
Stem cells will be isolated from amniotic fluid of healthy and spina bifida pregnancies based on cKIT expression. Subsequently, co-culture experiments involving T-cells and macrophages will be conducted in vitro to investigate whether the healthy and MMC derived AFSCs can suppress the proliferation of effector immune cells and induce the differentiation of T-cells and macrophages towards anti-inflammatory phenotypes.

Your responsibilities:

1.    Isolation of T-cells and macrophages from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
2.    Co-culture of cKIT+ AFSCs with T-cells and macrophages
3.    Characterization of the proliferation status of T-cells following co-culturing them with cKIT+ AFSCs
4.    Characterization of differentiation status of T-cells and macrophages following co-culturing them with cKIT+ AFSCs by analysis of specific markers on gene transcript and protein levels
5.    Applying statistical analysis, interpreting results and presenting data
6.    Supervised planning and writing of final report.

Your profile:
Interested and motivated student. Background in life sciences.

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 Start of employment

Earliest start:
As of now, duration of Master thesis: 6-12 months.

For further information and applications, please contact

Dr. Katarzyna Micka
katarzyna.micka@kispi.uzh.ch