Master thesis available at the Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK)

Master´s thesis project available at the Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK)

The lab of Johan Duchene and Remco Megens at the Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK) is looking for an enthusiastic master student to join our team and contribute to the project “Exploring the impact of high fat diet on bone marrow physiology through organoids.”

Project background:
High-fat diet (HFD) has profound effects on health, as studies show it disrupts the immune response. Notably, HFD has been found to alter bone marrow physiology, driving enhanced production of myeloid cells and fostering a pro-inflammatory state, which in turn contributes to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
However, the precise mechanisms through which HFD influences bone marrow physiology and hematopoiesis in human remain unclear.
Our project aims to investigate these mechanisms using advanced organoid models. By leveraging organoid technology, we recreate the human bone marrow microenvironment in vitro to study how HFD-induced changes contribute to systemic inflammation. This innovative approach will enable us to uncover novel cellular and molecular pathways, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets to address HFD-associated cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

We are seeking a motivated Master's student to contribute to this innovative project. If you are passionate about exploring the intersections of diet, immunity, and organoid technology, then we invite you to join us on this exciting research journey! We provide a dynamic and inspiring research environment where you can enhance your skills, gain hands-on experience with advanced methods, and contribute to an exciting and cutting-edge scientific project.

Techniques you are going to work with include:
- Human iPSC derived-organoid culture
- Cell culture assays
- Advanced fluorescence microscopy (Thunder, confocal, two-photon microscopy)
- Optical tissue clearing of organoids
- Flow cytometry
If you have any questions or are interested in applying, please feel free to contact Savannah Fairley (savannah.fairley@med.uni-muenchen.de). We look forward to receiving your CV and to exploring how your interests and skills align with this project.