We focus on a novel cardio-protective strategy that stimulates endogenous signalling pathways to protect the heart from myocardial infarction. Recently, we established a new cardioprotective regimen of cold acclimation (CA) in rats improving myocardial resistance to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury without any negative side which could be potentially applied in a clinical use (Tibenská et al. 2020a). Our further data suggest important but diverse role of β2-adrenergic signalling (Tibenská et al. 2020b)To understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the cold-elicited cardioprotection we like to use murine transgenic models. We will expose the animals to mild cold (8ºC) for 3 and 10 days end then analyse sensitivity of left myocardium to I/R and measure the expression of apoptotic markers, enzymatic antioxidants and key proteins of adrenergic signalling pathways. These experiments would increase the impact of our long-term research in this area. All equipment for mice and rat models is readily available in our laboratory. Therefore, we are searching for highly motivated student who would be happy to study with us the mechanism beyond the cold acclimation. We expect the candidate to have basic experience in surgery or a great interest in myocardial signalling and surgery. 

Five relevant publications of the research group: 

Tibenská V, Marvanova A, Elsnicová B, Hejnová L, Vebr P, Novotný J, Kolar F, Novakova O, Zurmanova JM. The cardioprotective effect persisting during recovery from cold acclimation is mediated by the β2-adrenoceptor pathway and Akt activation. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2020 Dec 17. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00756.2020. Online ahead of print.(b)

Tibenska V, Benesova A, Vebr P, Liptakova A, Hejnová L., Elsnicová B, Drahota Z, Hornikova D, Galatík F, Kolar D, Vybiral S, Alánová P, Novotný J, Kolar F, Novakova O, Zurmanova JM (2020) Gradual cold acclimation induces cardioprotection without affecting β-adrenergic receptor-mediated adenylyl cyclase signaling. J Appl Physiol (1985), 128(4):1023-1032. (a)

Kohutova J, Elsnicova B, Holzerova K, Neckar J, Sebesta O, Jezkova J, Vecka M, Vebr P, Hornikova D, Szeiffova Bacova B, Egan Benova T, Hlavackova M, Tribulova N, Kolar F, Novakova O, Zurmanova JM (2019) Anti-arrhythmic Cardiac Phenotype Elicited by Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Is Associated With Alterations in Connexin-43 Expression, Phosphorylation, and Distribution. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 9:789. 

Nedvedova I, Kolar D, Neckar J, Kalous M, Pravenec M, Šilhavý J, Korenkova V, Kolar F, Zurmanova JM (2019) Cardioprotective Regimen of Adaptation to Chronic Hypoxia Diversely Alters Myocardial Gene Expression in SHR and SHR-mtBN Conplastic Rat Strains. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 9:809.

Nedvedova I, Kolar D, Elsnicova B, Hornikova D, Novotny J, Kalous M, Pravenec M, Neckar J, Kolar F, Zurmanova JM (2018) Mitochondrial genome modulates myocardial Akt/Glut/HK salvage pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats adapted to chronic hypoxia. Physiol Genomics, 50(7):532-541.

Deadline is closed

Don’t hesitate, submit an application now!

Choose your specialization