Thesis supervisor: Attila Gergely Végh
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Biological Research Centre Szeged, Institute of Biophysics Abbreviation of location of studies: SzBK
Description of the research topic:
The most life-threatening aspect of cancer is metastasis; roughly 90% of cancer patient mortality is due to metastasis. It is still not understood why some primary tumors metastasize and thus have a worse outcome compared to others that do not metastasize. In most cases, dissemination of cancer cells relies on lymphogenous or hematogenous routes. The interface between blood flow and surrounding tissue, built by endothelial cells, is the first defense line encountered by metastatic cancer cells. The key step in this process is the establishment of firm adhesion between the blood-traveling cell and the endothelial layer.
Our research is focused on nanomechanical characteristics which are essential for metastatic cancer cells to be able to migrate through the tight layer of endothelial cells. In our laboratory, we perform morphological and nano-mechanical investigation of living cells which are enrolled in the above mentioned process, with an atomic force microscope and side view optical microscope. Our investigations are based on specific nanomechanical techniques such as high resolution 3D topography, stiffness maps and the whole arsenal of single-cell force spectroscopy.
The collected data during this research proposal relying on the wide spectrum of intra (stiffness, viscosity etc.) and intercellular (adhesion force, detachment work, tether formation dynamics etc.) parameters would lead to better understanding of metastasis formation, pointing towards potential pharmacological or therapeutic possibilities.
Required language skills: English Further requirements: participation on Student Research Conferences of natural and/or life sciences is priority
Number of students who can be accepted: 2
Deadline for application: 2020-12-31
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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