Research Assistant: Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Introduction to the topic:

Lars Jørn Jensen’s group (Cerebrovascular Physiology) studies arteriolar function in health and disease. We investigate fundamental mechanisms in regulation of arteriolar tone involved in the control of blood pressure and organ perfusion (with emphasis on the brain). We specialize in myogenic tone, flow-mediated vasodilatation, and structural remodeling, which are key determinants of vascular function in vivo.

We strive to describe new molecular mechanisms, and to apply this research using animal models of hypertension, aging and obesity/diabetes. In collaboration with the LifePharm In Vivo Pharmacology Centre (UCPH), we assist in development of porcine models of obesity and diabetes through our expertise in microvascular function.

Project details:

Basic characterization of the proteome expressed in small resistance arteries of the pig brain.

We are interested in mapping the following family of proteins: Multi-drug resistance proteins (PGP; MRP; BCRP); Claudins; Occludin; ZO-1; ROCK1/2; Rho-GEFs; Ga12; Ca_V3.X channels (T-type); Ca_V2.1 channels (P/Q-type); TRPA1; TRPC6; TRPV4; SK_Ca/IK_Ca channels; Kir2.x channels; K_ATP channels; Insulin-R; IGF₁-R; TGFBR_1-2; MCR_1-4Receptors. We want to map the expression and localization of these targets using standard molecular biological tools coupled with Mass Spectrometry in order to use the pig brain as a translational model to study human cerebrovascular function and disease. The experiments will be focused on immunofluorescence microscopy using specific antibodies recognizing epitopes of the expressed proteins mentioned above, and will clarify the cellular localization and the relative expression levels compared to a positive control sample. As such an exhaustive characterization has not previously been performed in the pig brain the results are likely to be published eventually (although not necessarily right after the course).

Selected relevant publications:

Hansted AK, Jensen LJ, Olesen J, and Jansen-Olesen I. Localization of TRPA1 channels and characterization of TRPA1 mediated responses in dural and pial arteries in vivo after intracarotid infusion of Na₂ Cephalalgia (accepted) (2020) (IF 4.438).
Ludvigsen TP, Olsen LH, Pedersen HD, Christoffersen BØ, and Jensen LJ (Corr.). Hyperglycemia-induced transcriptional regulation of ROCK1 and TGM2 expression is involved in small artery remodeling in obese diabetic Göttingen Minipigs. Clinical Science 133, 2499-2516 (2019) (IF 5.237).
Hansted AK, Bhatt DK, Olesen J, Jensen LJ, and Jansen-Olesen I. Effect of TRPA1 activator allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) on rat dural and pial arteries. Rep. 71, 565-572 (2019) (IF 2.787).

Prerequisites

One year each of biology and chemistry at university level.

Additional application required

You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.

All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your application through Student Registration.

Recommended experience

Basic knowledge of physiology and molecular biology is recommended.

Faculty

Lars Jørn Jensen

Faculty

Ph.D. in Physiology at the August Krogh Institute, University of Copenhagen (UCPH). Experience in the pharmaceutical industry (Lundbeck; development of anti-depressants). University researcher and teacher of cardiovascular physiology at UCPH from 2002 to present (currently associate professor). International research experience from Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (1997-98) and Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan (2004-2006).

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Prerequisites

Additional application required

Recommended experience

Faculty

Lars Jørn Jensen

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?