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UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science

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Yaqob Taleb

PhD Project Title: Modelling Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy with Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Picture of Yaqob Taleb


Supervisors: Professor Pier Lambiase and Professor Andrew Tinker

Lay summary:

We have generated a number of control human iPSC cells lines and have a number of robust protocols for differentiating these to cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). Initially, we would characterise the expression and subcellular localisation of the various desmosomal proteins. Our initial studies indicate these proteins are expressed but intercalated discs do not form. We would explore whether substrate patterning on the coverslip and\or various novel chemical modifiers developed in other collaborations improves the development of intercalated discs. We would use siRNA to knockdown DSP and examine the effects on membrane excitability and ion channels currents. We would use CRISPR\cas9 gene editing to make DSP (+\-) and DSP (-\-) cell lines and examine the long-term effects on cell electrophysiology and viability. Finally, we would explore if CRISPR activation technology can improve the phenotype by targeting DSP in (+\-) cells or Cx43 and SCN5A in DSP (-\-).


My Background 

I am originally from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I completed my undergraduate studies in Applied Medical Sciences at the University of Dammam (2009-2013).  Then I obtained my Master of Science degree in Medical Physiology from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA (2016-2018). I joined
Dr. Lambiase’s team in November 2018 and begun exploring methods to produce an in vitro cellular model of ARVC using patient specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cardiomyocytes and then determine whether the model could recapitulate key features of the disease phenotype. I became interested in ARVC at the time when I completed a two months clinical observership in the cardiac electrophysiology lab at University Hospitals (UH) Cleveland Medical Centre in the USA where I spent some time reviewing the clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria for ARVC patients. Furthermore, I worked as a volunteer in ARVC project with Dr. Kenneth Laurita and co-workers at MetroHealth campus, USA. These previous experiences has developed my interests to explore more in ARVC. In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching football.    


Qualifications

  •     BSc 
  •     MSc

Awards

Postgraduate research scholarship from the Saudi government 

Publications 

S. K. Vasireddi, M. T. McPheeters, D. M. Maleski, Y. S. Taleb, M. W. Jenkins, K. R. Laurita. Optical mapping of anisotropic propagation in human cardiomyocyte monolayers during infrared pacing. Heart Rhythm Society. Oral presentation at 39th Annual Scientific Sessions. Boston, MA, May 2018.

Appointments 

  •    PhD student at Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, UCL 
  •    Research Fellow at William Harvey Heart Centre, Queen Mary University of London  
  •    Teaching Assistant of Physiology at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences 

Contact details

    Yaqob.Taleb.18@ucl.ac.uk
    @YaqobTaleb –twitter