Novel imaging approaches to understand heart function

The most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF), affecting 2-3% of the general population. If left untreated, arrhythmias can lead to heart failure, stroke, or sudden death. A better understanding of AF mechanisms is needed to improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and create new therapeutic tools. We have developed a zebrafish model that carries a mutation in one of the genes commonly affected in AF patients. This model has several characteristics that resemble AF pathophysiology. Therefore, we aim to use this model in two major objectives: (1) identify factors that contribute to disease onset and progression and (2) develop an imaging-based approach to identify new anti-arrhythmic compounds that attenuate disease. In this project, the intern will visit the host lab to learn new imaging approaches that will help define mechanisms leading to disease.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michelle Collins

Student:

Partner:

Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Life Sciences (not health); Technology

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: