14.1. 2020,
Laboratory of Translational Metabolism
Laboratory of Translational metabolism
PhD Project: Characterization of clubfoot fibrotic tissue and its experimental releasing
Idiopathic pes equinovarus (also referred to as clubfoot) is a congenital deformity of the foot and lower leg. It is the most often hereditary orthopedic pathology with the incidence ca 2/1000 of newborns. However, clubfoot “disc-like tissue” seems to be a variety of fibrotic tissue types, but the source of contraction in this stiff tissue, its biomechanical properties and etiology still remain unclear. The first aim of the project is to compare protein, cellular, morphological and biomechanical characteristics of tissues obtained from medial (contracted) and lateral (uncontracted) part of the foot with a congenital deformity pes equinovarus (clubfoot). The second aim is the selection and application of a compound (or compounds) that release the tension in the contracted tissue of the clubfoot.
In this PhD project, you will use a combination of biochemistry and analytical chemistry (techniques: HPLC, mass spectrometry, gel electrophoresis).
Candidate’s profile (requirements): self-motivated candidates with master's degree or equivalent in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, medicine or related fields, or those expecting to obtain their degree this year. Experience with protein separation methods and techniques (electrophoresis, HPLC, mass spectrometry) are advantages.
Cooperation: The Department of Orthopedics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bulovka, Charles University (MUDr. M. Ošťádal, PhD)
Grant support: AZV (Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic) n. 17-31564A (2017-2020)
Relevant publications:
● Ost'ádal, Martin; Eckhardt, Adam; Herget, Jan; et al. Proteomic analysis of the extracellular matrix in idiopathic pes equinovarus (2014) Molecular and cellular biochemistry 401, p.133
● Ost'ádal, Martin; Lišková, Jana; Hadraba, Daniel; Eckhardt, Adam; Possible mechanisms and new therapeutic approaches of pes equinovarus (2016) Physiological Research 66, p.403
Supervisor: Adam Eckhardt, PhD
