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Project Overview

Project Code: MH 10

Project name:

Molecular Genetics in Atherosclerosis

TUM Department:

MH - Medicine

TUM Chair / Institute:

German Heart Centre

Research area:

Cardiovascular Research

Student background:

BiochemistryBiologyMedicine

Further disciplines:

Participation also possible online only:

Planned project location:

TUM Klinikum Deutsches Herzzentrum, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636 München, Germany

Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Dr.

Given name:

Carla

Family name:

Abrahamian

E-mail:

carla.abrahamian@tum.de

Phone:

+49 (0) 89 1218 2356

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Family name:

E-mail:

Phone:

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Family name:

E-mail:

Phone:

Project Description


Project description:

Background and Aim:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex disorder caused by the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of risk loci associated with CAD, yet the functional mechanisms by which these variants contribute to disease development are often unknown. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for translating genetic discoveries into potential therapeutic strategies.
This project aims to investigate CAD-associated risk variants identified in GWAS datasets. By integrating genetic data with functional annotations, we will prioritize candidate variants and genes that may play a causal role in disease.

Individual Student Tasks:
The student will contribute to a clearly defined sub-project within the overall research framework. Specific responsibilities may include:
• Cell Culture: Maintaining and handling primary cardiovascular-relevant cell types under standardized laboratory conditions.
• Molecular Biology: Performing molecular cloning, or RNA extraction, qPCR, and/or Western blotting to assess gene and protein expression of selected targets.
• Functional Assays: Evaluating phenotypic changes in cultured cells using established in vitro assays.
• Data Analysis: Compiling experimental results, performing basic statistical analyses, and preparing figures for discussion and presentation.

Expected Outcomes:
By the end of the project, the student is expected to:
• Generate a dataset linking CAD-associated genetic risk variants to molecular readouts in relevant cell types.
• Provide experimental evidence on how selected candidate genes may influence cellular phenotypes.
• Summarize and interpret results in the context of GWAS findings.
• Present their work in a short presentation to the supervising team and submit a structured written summary of their findings.

Working hours per week planned:

40

Prerequisites


Required study level minimum (at time of TUM PREP project start):

3 years of bachelor studies completed

Subject related:

Other:

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