MSc Thesis Project: Imaging Activity-dependent Blood-Brain interAction (ABBA) during Learning

Centre for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen

About the project

Exploring how the brain dynamically regulates blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability during learning will have profound implications for understanding memory formation and brain plasticity. This MSc project will investigate how learning alters BBB brain-wide permeability using a novel transgenic mouse model, molecular tools and advanced imaging techniques.

Students will perform behavioural experiments such as contextual fear conditioning. Brains will then be processed using tissue clearing techniques (e.g. PEGASOS, iDISCO) and whole-brain imaging using light-sheet microscopy to visualize and quantify the spatial distribution of bloodborne biomolecules that cross the BBB in response to memory formation.

Techniques Involved

  • In vitro cell biology: Production of viral tools for studying vasculature function (optional)
  • Behavioral neuroscience: Fear learning paradigm (contextual fear conditioning)
  • Tissue extraction/processing: Transcardiac perfusion/fixation, tissue clearing
  • Advanced imaging: Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy
  • Image analysis: 3D reconstruction and quantification of BBB permeability

Details

  • Supervisors: Prof. Hajime Hirase & Dr. Antonis Asiminas
  • Location: Centre for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen
  • Start Date: Flexible
  • Duration: 9 months

About you

We are looking for highly motivated MSc students with an interest in neuroscience, imaging, and blood-brain barrier dynamics. Ideal candidates should have:

  • Experience or strong interest in neurobiology and imaging techniques
  • Experience in in vitro cell biology techniques (optional)
  • FELASA certification for working with laboratory animals (strongly preferred)
  • Good communications skills in English

MSc students with in vitro cell biology experience who do not hold FELASA are also encouraged to reach out to discuss variations of this project not involving animal experiments.

About us

We are based in Panum, at Centre for Translational Neuromedicine. We are an international research team focusing on the interactions between neurons, glia and vasculature in health and disease.

To apply or inquire about the project, please contact:
a.asiminas@sund.ku.dk or hirase@sund.ku.dk