Thesis supervisor: Elek Attila Farkas
Location of studies (in Hungarian): HAS Biological Research Centre, Institute of Biophysics Abbreviation of location of studies: SZBK
Description of the research topic:
All surfaces of our bodies are lined with thin layers of protective cellular barriers that also separate our different tissues. The endothelial cells of brain capillaries protect our neurons from various molecules that are carried by blood between organs but would be harmful in the brain and at the same time help transport nutrients into the brain. Gut epithelial cells protect us from microorganisms living in the intestine and absorb nutrients from food we digest. Examples can be continued with cells lining the lung, kidney, skin, liver etc.
Interestingly, in all these diverse tissues a single protein family, the claudins links adjacent cells to physically form the selective barrier controlling what substances can pass through. Over 20 claudins are known in human, but only smaller groups are present and define barrier properties in each tissue.
Composition of these groups is changed in disease and this causes complications.
The aim is to comprehensively study of the molecular mechanisms that decide what claudin proteins are present in a cell and how this changes in disease. An important mechanism controlling which claudin is present in a cell is the regulation of their specific genes. Our current knowledge of claudin gene regulation is generally restricted to single claudin/regulator pairs in single tissues. Mapping the network of regulator molecules that are able to control each claudin gene in all tissues not only would deepen our understanding of tissue barriers but can be useful in designing novel therapies for the many diseases in which these barriers are involved e.g.: inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, acute brain injury or a wide range of cancers.
Required language skills: English B2 Further requirements: Knowledge of biochemical and molecular biology methods and informatics affinity is advantageous.
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2018-09-26
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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