Understanding how biomechanical forces regulate heart valve formation in the embryo

In the developing embryo, the heart begins as a simple straight tube that pumps blood inefficiently. As the embryo grows, the heart twists and grows and morphs into a four-chambered organ with intricate cardiac structures. Some of the most important cardiac structures are the heart valves, which prevent blood from flowing backwards through the heart chambers. How do heart valves form? And to what extent do mechanical forces caused by heartbeat and blood flow help sculpt the valves? Using the zebrafish as a model organism, the Chow lab has previously shown that mechanical forces caused by heartbeat and blood flow are essential for transforming the round cellular cushions between heart chambers into thin valve leaflets that open and close upon heartbeat. This project aims to determine how mechanical forces alter valve cell-cell adhesion and polarity during this transformation process. How to Apply We are seeking a motivated honours, Master student, or PhD candidate who is passionate about contributing to scientific knowledge and improving human health. If you are interested in this project, please send your CV, Cover Letter, and full academic transcripts to renee.chow@monash.edu. PhD candidates are required to secure external funding. Subject to the rules of the funding body, our lab will supply PhD students with an additional $5000/year top-up scholarship. For more information about the lab: https://armi.org.au/our-groups/chow-group/