Association analysis of HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) in a prospective population-based cohort study
Background and objective
HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) measures the ability of HDL particles to remove excess cholesterol, e.g., from macrophages. This seems to play an important role in atherosclerosis, with “foam cells” (macrophages overloaded with cholesterol) as an early hallmark.
As part of ongoing research at the Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, we are investigating genetic and non-genetic factors influencing CEC and whether CEC protects against atherosclerotic diseases. Therefore, we measured CEC with a cell-based assay in a prospective population-based cohort study. The next step will be to investigate, if CEC protects from atherosclerosis and optionally to identify genetic and non-genetic factors that influence CEC. Depending on your interests and prior knowledge, the exact topic of your bachelor’s thesis can be determined jointly.
Methods
Depending on the final objective of the work. In any case, statistical analysis using R/RStudio (e.g., descriptive statistics, proportional marginal variance decomposition, linear, logistic, and Cox regression) and, if applicable, genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a Nextflow pipeline and post-GWAS analysis tools (via command line).
Requirements
- Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and R/RStudio
- Interest in the analysis of large data sets and in lipoproteins/cardiovascular diseases
- Reliable, independent working style
Time frame
Start possible from fall 2025 onwards (e.g. also spring 2026), time allocation to be agreed upon
Supervision
The thesis will be supervised by Johanna F. Schachtl-Rieß, PhD at the Institute of Genetic Epidemiology.
Application
If you are interested, please send a brief informal application with your resume and current transcript by email to johanna.schachtl-riess@i-med.ac.at.
I am also happy to offer a non-binding preliminary consultation to discuss the topic and requirements together.
Contact
