Developement of a platform for in vivo ophthalmic drug delivery

Description

Our laboratory develops gene-therapy and antibody-based therapeutic approaches to treat retinal cells in ophthalmic diseases. A collaboration has been established between our laboratory and Feldan Therapeutics, a biotech start-up, in order to find new ophthalmic applications for the Shuttle platform, a new cell-transducing system able to deliver peptide- and protein-based molecules into cells. The goal of the project will be to characterize the delivery of antibodies and peptides by this platform in the mouse eye. A master or doctoral position is thus open to carry out this project at the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, under the supervision of Dr. Vincent Pernet.

Research Field

- Vision
- Retina
- Nneuro-opthalmology
- Treatment vector,
- Industry

Research Supervisor

Vincent Pernet

Research Environment

Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec

Our laboratory is located in the CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center and is part of the regenerative medecine axis, which regroups eminent specialists in gene and cellular therapies, as well as experimental organogenesis. We are also members of the Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO)-recherche of the Université Laval Faculty of Medecine. Our research focuses on the mechanisms involved in the development and the physiology of the mammal retina, with the objective to elaborate new therapies for frequent ophtalmic diseases such as glaucoma. To do so, our laboratory possesses sophisticated equipment, such as a ganzfeld ERG system and a retinal microscope (Micron IV), to study the neuronal degeneration of the retina in murine models of ophtalmic diseases. In the animal facilities of our research center, which were entirely renovated, we have a room dedicated to the animal protocols, including microsurgeries and functional tests. Classic biomolecular techniques, like immunofluorescence, Western Blot and qRT-PCR, are also used in our research projects, studying: 1) the development of blood vessels and glial cells in the retina; 2) axonal regeneration and neuron survival in the retina after axonotomy; 3) the neurodegenerative mechanisms involved in glaucoma; 4) the development of Alzheimer's disease in the visual system; 5) the retinopathy of prematurity. Usually, our experimental approach consists in modifying the expression of the gene of interest in vivo with intraocular injections of adeno-associated viruses and with genetically modified mice.

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Molecular Medicine

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$18000 per year for 3 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Doctorate in Neurosciences

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$18000 per year for 3 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Molecular Medicine with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$15000 per year for 2 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Neurosciences with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$15000 per year for 2 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Biomedical Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Endocrinology and Metabolism

Requirements and Conditions

As most of the work will be done in the mouse eye, candidates with experience with animal use are welcome to apply. Candidates will need to learn how to carry out eye microsurgeries and visual function tests in mice, including intravitreal injections, electroretinogram recordings, behavior tests applied to the visual system. Previous experience with these techniques will be considered as an asset. To monitor molecular changes in the retina, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses will be required. Good communication skills in French and English are recommended to adapt to our lab and to report results at weekly meetings. This position is supported by a Mitacs fellowship obtained by Feldan Therapeutics.

Required Documentation

- Lettre de recommandation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

We need two letters of recommendation for PhD candidates.

Find Out More

Vincent Pernet
Directeur de recherche
Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Axe Médecine régénératrice
vincent.pernet@fmed.ulaval.ca