Download Automatization of single cell Ca++-flux measurements

Open Master Thesis Position at the IAP Biophysics Lab
Automatization of single cell
Ca++-flux measurements
T-cells trigger the response of the adaptive immune system on pathogens entering the body. When
recognizing foreign peptides on antigen presenting cells, their activation state can be read out with the
help of dyes that change their spectral properties upon an increase in the cytosolic Ca++-concentration.
Our model system uses protein loaded bilayers that mimic antigen presenting cells. T-cells are seeded
onto an inert surface and then are delivered to the bilayer using an atomic force microscope, which
allows for control of the contact time and mechanical stimulation of the cells, while simultaneously
recording the activation state of the T-cell.
As this is a single cell approach the number of cells that can be processed under human control is small.
The aim of the master thesis is to find strategies to utilize data from both the optical measurement and
AFM feedback to automatize the manipulation protocol.
The position requires profound programming knowledge (preferably Python or Matlab), an interest in
image analysis and machine control systems and willingness to learn to work with biological systems.
Height and deflection feedback from the AFM cantilever (left) and horizontal position of T-cell and cantilever and activation state
of T-cell obtained by optical imaging (right) can be used to automatize single cell Ca++-flux measurements.
Contact: Martin Fölser ([email protected]), Gerhard Schütz ([email protected])