PhD Position Studentship 2010 in Molecular Pharmacology

Description PhD Position Studentship 2010 in Molecular Pharmacology
Asthma is a common disease, with an average prevalence in European countries of around 10-15% among children. In most cases, asthma is associated with an allergic response towards inhaled aeroallergens such as house dust mite or pollen that causes inflammation and remodeling of the airways. Remodeling of the airways is most prominent in severe asthmatics and is characterized by increased and altered extracellular matrix deposition in the subepithelial airway compartment, marked thickening of the bronchial smooth muscle, mucus gland hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and bronchial microvascular remodeling. There is accumulating evidence that asthmatic airway remodeling already occurs in early childhood, often precedes the onset of symptoms and determines the deficit in lung function in later life. Here, we propose that the Wnt signaling pathway, central in lung development, plays an important role in the development of airway remodeling, and provides novel opportunities for treatment.

Project aim
In this project we aim to determine the role of Wnt signaling pathways in the initiation of cell responses associated with airway remodeling in asthma. We will use cell cultures of airway fibroblasts and airway smooth muscle cells to establish the role of individual Wnt ligands and frizzled receptors in functional responses including cell proliferation, matrix protein production and cytokine secretion. Also, we will study interactions with disease triggers and dissect the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved.
We are looking for
MSc in (Cell) Biology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacy or equivalent. The candidate should have expertise with molecular and cellular techniques, ability to work autonomously and to collaborate, good communication and organization skills and good English speaking and writing capacities.
The project has to result in a PhD thesis within 4 years. Start of the PhD studentship is as soon as possible.

To respond to this advertisement, please send your CV and letter of motivation to Dr. Reinoud Gosens, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen
r.gosens@rug.nl
+31 50 363 8177 (tel)
+31 50 363 6908 (fax)