Thesis supervisor: Péter Vilmos
Location of studies (in Hungarian): ELKH, Biological Research Center 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 exploration of the nuclear functions of actin and Moesin. We have shown so far that Moesin is imported into the nucleus by tightly regulated, active transport mechanism. In the nucleus, Moesin participates in mRNA export and in the transcription of heat shock genes. The investigation of the biological significance of nuclear actin led us to the conclusion that the nuclear localization of actin is over-secured, e.g. multiple mechanisms are responsible for the nuclear import of actin. This strongly suggests that the nuclear functions of actin are essential.
Our main objective is to understand the cooperation between Moesin and actin in the nucleus. We would like to explore also whether these mechanisms have been conserved during evolution, if they exist for example in mammals. We apply molecular biological and biochemical methods, cell culturing, fluorescent microscopy techniques and transgenic animals to answer these questions.
Required language skills: English Recommended language skills (in Hungarian): English Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2021-09-01
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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