PhD position: Targeting megakaryocytes to generate reparative platelets in atherothrombosis (m/f/d)
Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH
Location
Worms | Germany
Job description
Thinking of doing your PhD in the Life Sciences? The International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz is offering talented, young scientists the chance to work on cutting edge research projects within the open call on “Molecular Biomedicine & Ageing” . As an IPP PhD student, you will join a community of exceptional scientists working on diverse topics ranging from how organisms age or how our DNA is repaired, to how epigenetics regulates cellular identity or neural memory.
Aufgaben:
The research group of Carsten Deppermann offers the following PhD project:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) cause one third of all deaths worldwide. With increasing incidence of metabolic diseases in industrialized nations and emerging countries, a further global increase in cardiovascular diseases is expected in the future. Atherothrombosis is the main cause of heart attack and stroke and it has been established that platelets play an important role, which is why, in addition to the treatment of hyperlipidemia, e.g. with statins, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is now an important part of the standard treatment. Despite advances in the treatment of atherothrombosis, thrombotic events continue to occur even with optimal therapy. The aim of this project is to develop a novel therapeutic approach that focuses on the thromboinflammatory component of atherothrombosis. Together with our project partners, we want to generate anti-inflammatory platelets with an increased regenerative and reparative potential through RNA-based targeting of platelet precursors in the bone marrow (megakaryocytes).
PhD Project: Targeting megakaryocytes to generate reparative platelets in atherothrombosis The aim of this project is the development of a novel therapeutic approach that specifically addresses the thrombo-inflammation component of atherothrombosis where multiple platelet functions are relevant: the local release of mediators stored in platelet granules and the stimulation/regulation of immune cells for wound healing and repair of the injured vessel wall. Together with our project partners, we aim to generate anti-inflammatory, reparative platelets by RNA-based targeting of platelet precursors (megakaryocytes). In the first project phase, our project partners will optimize nanodimensional lipid and polymer formulations for the specific targeting of megakaryocytes which will then be loaded with mRNA of selected targets. Using primary cell cultures of murine megakaryocytes and human iPSC-derived megakaryocytes, the candidate will investigate successful targeting of the megakaryocytes and transfer of the target proteins into mature platelets using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. In the second phase of the project, we are planning
in vivo experiments to verify successful megakaryocyte targeting in mice and to investigate the influence on atherothrombosis in relevant mouse models. In the long term, we plan to establish megakaryocyte/bone marrow targeting using mRNA nanoparticles as a new form of therapy and to investigate it in clinical studies.
If you are interested in this project, please select
Deppermann as your group preference in the IPP application platform.
Qualifikationsprofil:
Are you an ambitious, young scientist looking to push the boundaries of research while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then joining the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!
All you need is:
- Master or equivalent
- Interactive personality & good command of English
- 2 letters of reference
Benefits:
- Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a lively international environment, with English as our working language
- Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
- Access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
- Fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
- A lively community of more than 200 PhD students from 44 different countries
For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via our online form, please visit .
The deadline for applications is 17 April 2024. Interviews will take place at IMB in Mainz on 1-3 July 2024.
Starting date: 1 August 2024 - 1 January 2025
Job tags
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