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Dopamine and dopamine transporter availability in ADHD and control iPSC-derived neural cells upon methylphenidate treatment
We are seeking a highly motivated Master student (for a master thesis lasting 6-12 months) who is interested in conducting research on disease modeling using cells from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients. The approach includes acquiring proficiency in handling human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), and mature neuronal culture. The aim of the present work is to clarify the impact of methylphenidate on the release of dopamine and the alterations in the dopamine transporter availability, in conjunction with the sigma-1 receptor, in ADHD lines, as compared to controls. This may elucidate the discrepancies in response to methylphenidate between individuals with ADHD and those without the condition.
ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental mental disorder. The disorder is characterized by a combination of several causes, with genetics playing a significant part in its cause, along with environmental factors. Methylphenidate (MPH), widely known as Ritalin, is a psychostimulant that is commonly used as a medical therapy for ADHD. It works by inhibiting monoamine transporters, including the transport of dopamine. Nevertheless, the complete comprehension of its paradoxical effect on ADHD patients remains elusive. MPH has been discovered to regulate the sigma-1 receptor in recent research. The Sigma-1 receptor is known to modulate the availability of dopamine transporters. As a result, these two factors may be modified in individuals with ADHD, leading to a distinct reaction to MPH in comparison to control individuals. To clarify, you will evaluate the presence of dopamine and dopamine transporter in a patient's cell culture. Then, you will examine the impact of MPH on the simultaneous presence of dopamine transporter and sigma-1 receptor. In order to confirm that the impact is indeed caused by modification of the sigma-1 receptor, a specific agonist will be subsequently tested and results will be compared to MPH treatment.
ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental mental disorder. The disorder is characterized by a combination of several causes, with genetics playing a significant part in its cause, along with environmental factors. Methylphenidate (MPH), widely known as Ritalin, is a psychostimulant that is commonly used as a medical therapy for ADHD. It works by inhibiting monoamine transporters, including the transport of dopamine. Nevertheless, the complete comprehension of its paradoxical effect on ADHD patients remains elusive. MPH has been discovered to regulate the sigma-1 receptor in recent research. The Sigma-1 receptor is known to modulate the availability of dopamine transporters. As a result, these two factors may be modified in individuals with ADHD, leading to a distinct reaction to MPH in comparison to control individuals. To clarify, you will evaluate the presence of dopamine and dopamine transporter in a patient's cell culture. Then, you will examine the impact of MPH on the simultaneous presence of dopamine transporter and sigma-1 receptor. In order to confirm that the impact is indeed caused by modification of the sigma-1 receptor, a specific agonist will be subsequently tested and results will be compared to MPH treatment.
The objective of this project is to examine the potential of methylphenidate and a signa-1 receptor agonist to regulate the levels of dopamine and dopamine transporter in ADHD lines, in comparison to control cells.
Required skills
Prior proficiency in mammalian cell culture and/or fundamental molecular biology techniques would be preferred, although not essential. Possessing a certain level of neuroscience understanding is beneficial.
You learn
• Generation and culture techniques of iPSC, NSCs and forebrain cortical neurons
• Quality control techniques, such as: immunocytochemistry, mycoplasma testing, DNA/RNA extraction, RT-qPCR
• ELISA assays and immunocytochemistry for co-localization assays.
• Data analysis and statistics
• Critical thinking and independence on conduct their own project
• How to effectively work in a team
The objective of this project is to examine the potential of methylphenidate and a signa-1 receptor agonist to regulate the levels of dopamine and dopamine transporter in ADHD lines, in comparison to control cells. Required skills Prior proficiency in mammalian cell culture and/or fundamental molecular biology techniques would be preferred, although not essential. Possessing a certain level of neuroscience understanding is beneficial. You learn • Generation and culture techniques of iPSC, NSCs and forebrain cortical neurons • Quality control techniques, such as: immunocytochemistry, mycoplasma testing, DNA/RNA extraction, RT-qPCR • ELISA assays and immunocytochemistry for co-localization assays. • Data analysis and statistics • Critical thinking and independence on conduct their own project • How to effectively work in a team
The applicant should submit a CV, bachelor and master transcripts, including grades, and a motivation letter. Any laboratory knowledge and experience should be listed.
The applicant should submit a CV, bachelor and master transcripts, including grades, and a motivation letter. Any laboratory knowledge and experience should be listed.