Toxicity of blue light and ultraviolet radiation on the eye and skin

Description

MSc and PhD student positions are available to study the cellular response to genotoxic stress generated by ultraviolet (UV) and blue light from natural (sun) or artificial sources (lighting, backlighting electronic). Our laboratory specializes in the study of this cellular toxicity on the eye and skin. Several projects are underway in the laboratory and the project on which the student will be associated will depend mainly on the interest of the latter.

Here is a summary of the current projects:

Skin:
- Analysis of different cell death pathways induced by UV rays
- Involvement of mitochondria in the response of cells to UV-induced stress
- Consequence of exposure to chronic doses of UV radiation on cellular response
- Synergy between atmospheric pollutants and UV rays on skin cells

Eye:
- Involvement of mitochondrial disorders in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
- Mechanisms of protection of the cornea against UV / blue rays
- Involvement of blue light and cigarette smoke in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Research Field

- Cellular biology
- Molecular biology
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Photobiology
- Response to genotoxic stress

Research Supervisor

Patrick J Rochette

Research Environment

Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Axe Médecine Régénératrice - Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement

Our laboratory is part of the Regenerative Medicine Axis of CHU de Quebec research center. Vision health research is a major theme of the Regenerative Medicine Axis. Researchers of this theme are associated with the Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO) at the Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement. The CUO brings together the largest number of ophthalmologists and researchers in vision in Quebec in one site, which favours collaboration between research and the clinic. The National Eye Bank of the CUO is attached to this group, which gives access to human eyes for our research. Our laboratory, specialized on the effects of UV and blue light on the skin and eyes, is equipped with cutting edge irradiation systems (UVA, B, C, blue light, solar simulator) and a complete range of apparatus allowing advanced analyzes in cell and molecular biology.

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Biology

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

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)	$1,500 to $3,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with thesis

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

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)	$1,500 to $3,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Desired Profile

- Biomedical Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology

Required Documentation

- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Find Out More

Patrick J Rochette
Professeur/Chercheur
Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec
Patrick.rochette@orlo.ulaval.ca