Treating right-heart failure from an energetics perspective

Over the last decade particularly in recent pandemic years, there has been an increased focus on the diagnosis and treatment of right-ventricular disease and failure (RVF). RVF can result from multiple disease conditions, including pulmonary arterial hypertension, which in New Zealand, the prevalence is greater than the worldwide average.

Reduced energy efficiency of the heart in RVF has been consistently reported. Our data reveal the disease mechanisms underlying the reduced energy efficiency, creating a new opportunity for therapeutic strategies for improving cardiac efficiency in RVF.

This PhD project aims to explore therapeutic interventions to improve cardiac efficiency in RVF. Experiments will be conducted on heart muscles using our world’s only devices. Measurements include energy liberation of the muscles, and cellular ion transporting within the muscles.

Project Objectives:

1. Investigate a therapeutic intervention to reduce cellular energy expenditure in transporting ions
2. Investigate a therapeutic stabiliser to reduce cellular ion leakage
3. Investigate a therapeutic antioxidant to reduce cellular oxidative stress

• Bachelor or Masters degree in Bioengineering, Physics or equivalent
• Interests in heart muscle experiments
• Some experience with programming
• Enjoy working with bioengineers and physiologists
  

Subject to eligibility criteria & funding availability.

Page expires: 18 June 2025