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A PhD student position is available at the University of Bern, Switzerland, to join the research group of Meike Mevissen (Vet. Pharmacology & Toxicology).
A leading area of pharmaceutical research is based on neuroscience therapeutics with vast resources applied to the discovery and development of drugs for disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 8 out of 10 disorders in the 3 highest disability classes are neurological problems and they account for about 12% of deaths worldwide. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Despite the severity of the disease and the rapidly increasing prevalence of PD, the pathogenesis of PD is not sufficiently understood, the therapy is mostly symptomatic, and there are no treatments to cure the disease or slow down the progression of the neurodegeneration. It is therefore crucial to better define the mechanisms leading to the disease and identify targets for therapeutical intervention.
The neurite growth inhibitor A (NogoA) was found to co-localize with dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SNpc) of the brain. Antagonization of NogoA was shown to increase survival of transplanted human dopaminergic neurons in a PD rat model, suggesting a role of NogoA in PD. Based on these findings, we therefore created NogoA-deficient (RTN4-KO) cells. The RTN4-KO clone showed a significant reduction of α-synuclein and a visual tendency of more dopaminergic neurons. In this project, we will address the effects of NogoA during neuronal development and neurodegeneration using unique 2D and 3D models that we have established. These analyses will be complemented by the quantitative assessment of key players in cellular pathways involved in neuronal differentiation and degeneration and mitochondrial function.
In the scope of this PhD position, we intend to use a variety of advanced models and biochemical, genetic, state-of-the-art microscopy technologies of stem cell- and neuronal-markers combined with high-content analysis, and functional approaches to understand the impact of the neurite growth inhibitors NogoA in neuronal development and neurodegeneration. To this purpose, we use various model systems, including wild-type and disease models, and CRISPR-Cas9-created NogoA-deficient 2D cell lines and 3D midbrain organoids suitable for investigating the effects of NogoA in neuronal development and neurodegeneration.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a solid background in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. You should have a strong interest in neuroscience, especially pathogenesis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
We offer a young and enthusiastic research group, state-of-the art research facilities at the attractive working location in Bern. The remuneration is in accordance with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) regulations (annual brutto salary of CHF 47,040 - 50,040).
This position is a 3-4 year appointment and is available from September 1st, 2023 onwards.
How to apply: please send your application as a single pdf document including a motivation letter, CV and references (letters or contact information of two references) by email to Dr. Angélique Ducray (angelique.ducray@unibe.ch) and (meike.mevissen@unibe.ch). For questions regarding the position, please contact Prof. Meike Mevissen (meike.mevissen@unibe.ch). More information about the research can be found under Research: Research Projects - Division of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology (unibe.ch).
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