Marie Sklodowska- Curie Action Individual Fellowhip (IF)

Brief Description of the Group/ Department

The Laboratory of Myocardial Remodelling and Heart Failure (HF) is focused on HF translational research from the precision medicine perspective. We study the mechanisms involved in structural myocardial remodeling (namely, interstitial fibrosis) to characterize new diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. In this conceptual framework, our work has resulted in the identification and validation of some molecular targets and circulating biomarkers of myocardial interstitial fibrosis useful in the differential phenotyping and personalized treatment of HF patients.

The group consists of about 15 basic scientists and clinicians. The team uses both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, as well as biological samples and data bases from cardiac patients. Additionally, the group also has access to the research facilities of the CIMA, including platforms of imaging, genomics, bioinformatics, etc…

The team maintains a high rate of publications in scientific journals included in the first quartile/first decile of the cardiovascular field. During the last 10 years the group has obtained funding from national and international public and private institutions, including the participation in 7 European Commission-funded multinational consortiums (InGenious HyperCare; MEDIA; EU-MASCARA; HOMAGE; FIBRO-TARGETS; LIPCAR-HF ERA-CVD JTC2016; LYMIT-DIS ERA-CVD JTC2016). Additionally, the group currently leads the Spanish Network National Program on Cardiovascular Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers and Precision Medicine.

Research / Project Description

Chronic heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of mortality and hospitalization, imposing a heavy burden on the Healthcare Systems. This syndrome includes cardiopathies of different etiologies and a number of co-morbidities. It is well-known that a reciprocal influence exists between HF and chronic kidney disease (CKD), aggravating the evolution of the disease. Despite the therapeutic advances performed in the last years, the prognosis of these patients is still dire, with their clinical management more focused on mitigating the symptoms than on treating the underlying pathophysiological causes. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet medical need to deeply phenotype HF patients with CKD to identify the specific mechanisms involved. In this context, the implementation of personalized medicine approaches through genomic analysis, will allow to advance towards this objective.

In this conceptual framework, our project proposes to perform RNA sequencing in plasma extracellular vesicles (EV) from large cohorts of HF patients (of ischemic and hypertensive origin) with and without CKD to identify specific biomarkers of the progression of the disease. A complete bioinformatics analysis of the results in combination with the clinical data available will lead to the development of a panel of biomarkers to be validated in larger populations and translated to clinical practice. Additionally, in a substudy, the origin of the altered biomarkers will be analysed by sorting the EV according to their cellular origin in order to understand the pathophysiological relevance of these molecules. Those candidates with potential therapeutic value will be further studied in cardiac cells and in animal models of HF and CKD to evaluate their impact as potential targets.

Elegibility criteria 

The candidate must have a solid background in genomic and bionformatics analysis. Additionally, previous experience in cell culture, animal handling, histological, molecular biology and biochemical methodologies is highly desirable. Although it is preferable that the candidate possesses a background in cardiac experimental research, this aspect is not mandatory as he/she will receive training on the major clinical and pathophysiological aspects related to HF and CKD, as well as on the key experimental issues of cardiac research developed in our labs.

General requirements:

At the deadline for the submission of proposals (12/09/2018), researchers:

• Shall be in possession of a doctoral degree or have at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience.
• Must not have resided or carried out their main activities in the country of Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years (36 months) immediately prior to the abovementioned deadline.

Specific requirements:

• A Curriculum Vitae (maximum extension 5 pages)
• Summary presentation of the candidate’s research proposal and expertise that he/she would bring to the institution (maximum extension 10 pages).
• A motivation letter (1 page)
• Contact information of 3 referees.

Research Area

• Life Sciences
• Cardiovascular Disease

For a correct evaluation of your application, please send the required documents below to Professor Javier Díez Martínez (jadimar@unav.es)