Thesis supervisor: Péter Vilmos
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics Abbreviation of location of studies: SZBK
Description of the research topic:
Actin is one of the most abundant, multifunctional protein in every eukaryotic cell. One of the most important novel findings in the past decade is the discovery of actin and actin-binding proteins in the nucleus. Nuclear activities including transcription, editing and nuclear export of mRNAs, chromatin remodeling and DNA repair all depend on actin. It also became clear that there is a fine-tuned equilibrium between cytoplasmic and nuclear actin pools and that this balance is ensured by an export-import system dedicated to actin.
In the Laboratory of Drosophila Nuclear Actin Research of the Biological Research Centre we investigate the biological significance of this surprising nuclear localization in the case of actin and an actin-binding protein, Moesin. The candidate will participate in the investigation of the nuclear export and in the exploration of the nuclear function of Moesin. In the first phase of the work he/she will use fluorescent microscopy techniques to analyze the dynamics of the nuclear export of Moesin and the factors influencing the export process. Next, with the help of cultured cells and transgenic animals, the candidate will identify the exportin and the protein motif responsible for the nuclear export of Moesin. To uncover the nuclear functions of Moesin, the experiments will focus on the interaction between nuclear actin and Moesin.
Required language skills: English B2 complex Further requirements: Participation on the National Scientific Students' Associations Conference
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