DIMITAR ZANKOV
Reasercher
Tokyo
Summary
PhD Research Scientist with more than 15 years of experience in cellular cardiac electrophysiology and molecular mechanisms of cardiac remodeling. Expertise in functional characterization of cardiac ion channels carrying point mutations found in inherited arrhythmias and animal experiments to evaluate in vivo and in vitro cardiac pathophysiology in transgenic mice that represent the models of human diseases. Experimental results are announced in a number of articles available in the records of scientific journals.
Detail-oriented Laboratory Manager highly effective at keeping laboratories running smoothly and efficiently. Knowledgeable about managing supplies, equipment, and facilities. Pursuing new professional challenges with the opportunity to make a positive impact on laboratory operations and research success.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Laboratory Chief
Medical Genome Center
11.2019 - 06.2024
- In vitro methods: Patch-clamp method and confocal microscopy applied on single native cardiac cells or cultured cells.
- Molecular techniques: Western blot, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) including quantitative PCR, Sanger sequencing of DNA, exome sequencing using next generation DNA sequencing method; RNA isolation from native or cultured cells followed by reverse transcription and generation of complementary DNA (cDNA).
- Growing and transfecting cultured cells.
- In vivo methods: Isolation of single cardiomyocytes from mice and guinea pigs using Langendorff perfusion method.
- Electrocardiographic recordings, telemetry and cardiac echography in mice; genotyping of transgenic mice carrying DNA point mutations (PCR and Sanger sequencing).
- Mice operations: transverse aorta constriction (TAC) operation, subcutaneous implantation of infusion minipumps.
- Analysis of data, preparation and revision of manuscripts.
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
- Cardiac Ion channels and inherited arrhythmias: Functional characterization and cellular localization of potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) channels carrying novel point mutations in main or ancillary subunits of the channel, discovered in patients with inherited arrhythmias like Long QT and Brugada syndromes.
- Cardiac remodeling: First description of protective effects of cardiac intercalated disk protein Afadin in remodeled mice hearts caused by pressure overload due to aortic constriction.
Assistant Professor
Shiga University of Medical Science
02.2012 - 10.2019
- Department of Biochemistry
Postdoctoral Fellow
Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2010 - 06.2011
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Research Associate
Shiga University of Medical Science
04.2009 - 12.2009
- Department of Cardiology
PhD Fellow
Shiga University of Medical Science
04.2007 - 03.2009
- Department of Cardiology
Physician
Hospital of Lung Diseases "Iskretz"
01.1996 - 06.2002
Education
PhD - Cardiac Cell Electrophysiology
Shiga University of Medical Science
Shiga, Japan03.2007
Research Student - undefined
Kyoto University
Kyoto, Japan03.2003
Specialty in Internal Medicine - undefined
Medical University of Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria03.2002
Medical Student - undefined
Medical University of Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria11.1995
Postdoctoral Phellow - undefined
American Heart Association (AHA)
Richmond, VA, USA06.2011
PhD Phellow - undefined
Japanese Society of the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Shiga, Japan03.2009
Skills
In vitro methods: Patch-clamp method, confocal microscopy
Molecular techniques: Western blot, PCR, Sanger sequencing, RNA isolation
In vivo methods: Isolation of cardiomyocytes, electrocardiographic recordings, telemetry
Data analysis and manuscript preparation
Accomplishments
- First description of protective effects of cardiac intercalated disk protein Afadin in remodeled mice hearts caused by pressure overload due to aortic constriction.
- Functional characterization and cellular localization of potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) channels carrying novel point mutations in patients with inherited arrhythmias.
Timeline
Laboratory Chief
Medical Genome Center
11.2019 - 06.2024
Assistant Professor
Shiga University of Medical Science
02.2012 - 10.2019
Postdoctoral Fellow
Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2010 - 06.2011
Research Associate
Shiga University of Medical Science
04.2009 - 12.2009
PhD Fellow
Shiga University of Medical Science
04.2007 - 03.2009
Physician
Hospital of Lung Diseases "Iskretz"
01.1996 - 06.2002
PhD - Cardiac Cell Electrophysiology
Shiga University of Medical Science
Research Student - undefined
Kyoto University
Specialty in Internal Medicine - undefined
Medical University of Sofia
Medical Student - undefined
Medical University of Sofia
Postdoctoral Phellow - undefined
American Heart Association (AHA)
PhD Phellow - undefined
Japanese Society of the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 1967-06-03
- Nationality: Bulgarian