Thesis supervisor: Tibor Kovács
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary Abbreviation of location of studies: ELTE
Description of the research topic:
"Autophagy is a conserved lysosomal degradation process which is required for the degradation of toxic cellular components. Therefore, the activation of autophagy is a promising pharmaceutical target for the treatment of age-associated disease. One of the most exciting points of my planned research is exploring the new regulatory points of autophagy. Although the role of small-G proteins in autophagy has been partially explored, enhancing autophagy with their activation is still a completely new field. Based on my preliminary experiments, it can be stated that the continuously GTP-bound Rab2 protein can activate autophagy in neurons and thus improve cognitive ability and extend lifespan.
We intend to explore functions of small-G proteins in the adult nervous system (based on the literature, it may show tissue-specific features) and to study the effect of their activation in neurodegenerative models. In the case of promising results, we would like to continue our research by looking for pharmacological targets that can be inhibited to activate G-proteins proteins and thus enhance autophagy. The formation of inactive GDP-bound form of G-proteins is catalysed by GAP enzymes. Therefore, for drug development, we consider it worthwhile to study which silenced GAP proteins can promote relevant G-protein activation. We intend to test potential GAP interactive partners with G-proteins by yeast two-hybrid and turboID techniques to detect protein-protein interaction. The study of activation points can be of great medical significance. We would also like to investigate the significance of my results on human cell lines. From our results, we expect a more thorough understanding of the regulation of autophagy in the nervous system, which may help to find new neurodegenerative drug targets. Enhancement of autophagy in the nervous system in case of many human neuronal diseases may help preserve tissue function and cell survival in the future.
"
Required language skills: English Further requirements: Expertise in molecular work: PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2023-05-31
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).
Login
