Master Thesis Project - Quantifying inflammatory and fibrotic impact via ECM biomarkers

Investigating the role of intestinal fibrosis on immune cell sustained inflammation: Quantifying inflammatory and fibrotic impact via ECM biomarkers. 

Background
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), in which tissue remodeling and fibrosis are involved. High proteolytic activity originating from a variety of immune cells further imbalances the extracellular matrix (ECM) equilibrium and disrupts intestinal barrier integrity. The inflammatory response to an impaired intestinal barrier is characterized by different inflammatory cell types, some of which could be responsible for fibrosis. By quantifying biomarkers of ECM, we can shed light on how fibrosis sustains chronic inflammation and eventually contributes to mucosal damage in patients with IBD. We aim to further explore the fibro-inflammatory concept in IBD by developing in vitro models of inflammation and fibrosis, eventually supporting the identification of novel therapeutic targets.

Project Aim
Our hypothesis is that the ECM fragments, generated from fibroblasts and immune cells, are a direct measure of fibro-inflammatory interactions. We aim to investigate how fibrosis sustains inflammation and influences the production and cleavage of collagen matrices. In vitro models of fibroblasts and immune cells will be evaluated and characterized by measuring ECM biomarkers to quantify the formation and degradation of collagens. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of how the ECM biomarkers can be used to assess mucosal damage and fibrosis in clinical studies, and how this is related to non-response to treatment for patients with IBD.   

The project includes:

1. Isolation and characterization of immune cells (T cells, monocytes) 
2. Mono- and co-culture models: fibroblasts and immune cells 
3. Stimulation of fibroblasts and immune cells with various compounds
4. Assessment of cell activation, fibrotic response, and co-culture interactions in fibro-inflammatory conditions, using Nordic Bioscience ECM biomarkers and other assays.

Methods
The learning outcomes of this project include in vitro models for translational science, as well as wet laboratory techniques such as cell isolation, cell culture, ELISA, Western Blot, and immunocytochemistry.

Duration and Start Date
A 9-12 month of project work that equals to 45-60 ECTS is expected. The start date is flexible (January/ February 2025).

Nordic Bioscience A/S 
We are a biotech company with a strong focus on developing novel biochemical markers for diagnosis and prognosis of major human diseases. Nordic Bioscience measures samples with a carefully selected marker panel of tissue turnover to identify patients with disease progression or who responds best to treatment compared to traditional technologies. English is used at all meetings. 

How to apply
If you think this master thesis project sounds interesting, please send your CV and a short letter of motivation as soon as possible, since we are conducting applications on an ongoing basis. 

If you have any questions, please contact PhD student Thomai Tsapanou Katranara on e-mail [email protected]