Investigating the role of exosomal miRNAs in regulating B cell activation and autoantibody production in Malaysian individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
School
School of Medical and Life Sciences
Project Description
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by the presence of autoantibodies in the serum. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are two autoantibodies for diagnosing and classifying RA.
Although RF and/or ACPA positivity is present in 50-70% of RA patients, the remaining 30-50% may have low levels of these autoantibodies or be undetectable by either test. The discrepancy in autoantibody levels among RA patients is currently not well understood, making the RA diagnosis more challenging. Based on our preliminary data, it appears that exosomal miRNAs have a significant association with the disease activity of RA patients. However, the mechanisms by which exosomal miRNAs exert their regulatory functions are still unclear. Therefore, our hypothesis is that exosomal miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating B cell activation and controlling the production of undesired autoantibodies from plasma cells.
The proposed study aims to identify exosomal miRNAs in specific B-cell subsets derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients using RNA-seq, and determine their target genes through the use of bioinformatic tools and an in vitro dual luciferase reporter system.
Vacancy For
Graduate Research Assistant
Number of Vacancies
1
Duration
3 years
Requirements
- Completed a Masters degree in the relevant and related field with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 and with one non-review publication
- For Malaysian applicants only
- Successful candidates will be provided with a monthly allowance of RM2,500
- Full-time enrollment into PhD in Medical Science in School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University. (Full Tuition Fee Waiver provided)
