Cardiovascular development: Understanding how biomechanical forces regulate heart valve morphogenesis in the embryo

About the Project

The Project

In the developing embryo, the heart begins as a simple, straight tube that pumps blood inefficiently. As the embryo grows, the heart twists and grows and morphs into a four-chambered organ with intricate cardiac structures. Some of the most important cardiac structures are the heart valves, which increase pumping efficiency by preventing blood from flowing backwards through the heart chambers.

How do heart valves form? And to what extent do mechanical forces caused by heartbeat and blood flow help sculpt the valves?

Using the zebrafish as a model organism, the Chow lab has previously shown that mechanical forces generated by heartbeat and blood flow are essential for transforming round cellular cushions between heart chambers into thin, tapered valve leaflets that open and close during heartbeat. This project aims to determine how mechanical forces alter valve cell-cell adhesion and polarity during this transformation process, and how errors in this process may affect valve cell composition and atrial morphology.

The fundamental knowledge gained from this project will contribute towards the development of new therapies for congenital heart valve disease.

This project will be performed in collaboration with Dr David Bark from Monash Engineering.

Techniques: Confocal/light sheet imaging, computational image analysis, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, zebrafish husbandry, and microsurgery.

Find out more about the Chow Lab: https://armi.org.au/our-groups/chow-group/, https://reneechow.wixstudio.com/armi

Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute

The Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) is one of the world's largest developmental biology and regenerative medicine research hubs. Located on Monash University's Clayton Campus, ARMI offers state-of-the-art facilities and an enriching postgraduate program. Find out more here: https://armi.org.au/.

Eligibility

The candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a Master's or Honours degree in Biology, Medical Science, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Biophysics, or related fields. They must have received (or expect to receive) a high distinction or equivalent for their Master's or Honours degree, or have a first-author publication in a Q1 journal.

Application Process

Applicants should send the following to renee.chow@monash.edu:

1. A cover letter outlining their motivation and suitability.
2. A CV outlining skills and experience.
3. A copy of their academic transcripts.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Funding Notes

The Monash PhD Scholarship covers both course fees and provides a stipend for living expenses. The total scholarship value is AUD$ 37,145 p.a (2026 rate).

More information on Monash PhD Scholarships can be found here: https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/study/apply#tabs__2347545-02.

By applying for this PhD position, the candidate will simultaneously be applying for a Monash PhD Scholarship.