Developing exosomes as detection system for maligant B-cells
Project Summary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and long COVID are associated with extreme ehosting with the presence of regulatory autoantibodies against G protein coupled receptors involved in blood pressure and flow regulation. It order to identify the autoantibody and their respective B-cells thet make them, we will develop a system consisting of exosome, a small vesicle secreted by cells, loaded with fluorescent GPCRs. The exosomes provide the natural membrane environment for the receptors, while their small size make them attractive as detection reagents. The student will genetically fuse fluorescent proteins to GPCRs we have identified as being recognised by autoantibodies (eg, beta2 adrenoceptor), and study the secretion of exosomes using fluorescent microscopy. In the second phase of the project we will study binding of antibodies to these engineered exosomes.
The student will learn advanced molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, and fluorescent microscopy technique. The project will be based at the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptor, an internationally leading centre for GPCR research, and a vivid community of over Masters and Phd students, postdocs and scientists.
Training: Molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, fluorescent microscopy, data analysis, presentation and paper writing skills.