Thesis supervisor: Hajnalka Laczkó-Dobos
Location of studies (in Hungarian): HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Institute of Genetics, Lysosomal Degradation Research Group Abbreviation of location of studies: SZBK
Description of the research topic:
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles within our cells, and these are responsible for degradation and recycling of different cargos (macromolecules, damaged organelles, bacteria, viruses). The cargoes can be delivered to the lysosomes by different routes: by autophagy (from the cytoplasm) or via endocytosis or phagocytosis (from the plasma membrane and outside of cells). Lysosomes show a large variation in their size and shape compared to the relative uniformity of other cellular organelles. Despite the critical role of lysosomes, regulation of their activity and the functional consequences of their astonishing heterogeneity arising specifically in animal and human cells are mostly unknown. By having different types of lysosomes, cells can efficiently break down a wide range of materials. In this project we will establish how the localization, size, pH, and degradation capacity of lysosomes influence individual fusion events, and how these parameters change because of autophagic vesicle fusions. To answer our questions, we use biochemical, molecular biological, genetic, omics, and microscopic approaches. The study of lysosomal heterogeneity is of great biomedical importance, since it is known that malfunction of lysosomal degradation can lead to numerous neurodegenerative diseases for example. Our results may contribute to the development of strategies to preserve cognitive abilities.
Required language skills: English Number of students who can be accepted: 3
Deadline for application: 2024-08-31
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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