The Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School is looking for a talented and motivated PhD candidate (m/f/d) with an interest in muscle physiology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. We welcome applications from candidates with an MSc-degree in life sciences.
The relevance of the SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) pathway in muscle physiology is an emerging aspect of biology, which remains poorly understood. Muscle atrophy/cachexia - an end stage muscle wasting disorder associated with cancer and several other diseases- severely perturbs muscle mass and function. Recently, we showed that epigenetic regulatory features of the SUMO pathway are involved in correct organization of the sarcomere, the fundamental structural and functional unit of striated muscle cells. Our studies showed that distinct SUMO-governed pathways are targeted in cachexia. Besides, specific chemotherapeutic agents also affect muscle cell organization and function through deregulating SUMO-regulated molecular mechanisms. Critical insight about association of SUMO pathway with muscle organization and cachexia remained poorly characterized. By employing ChIPseq, RNAseq and proteomic tools, the proposed PhD project aims to investigate further crucial roles of the SUMO isopeptidases in muscle cell organization and cachexia. For more information on the project background, check the following references.
Khan B, Lanzuolo C, Rosti V, Santarelli P, Pich A, Kraft T, Amrute-Nayak M and Nayak A*. Sorafenib induces cachexia by impeding transcriptional signaling of the SET1/MLL complex on muscle-specific genes. (2024). iScience. Sep 10;27 (10). (* Corresponding author).
Khan B, Gand LV, Amrute-Nayak M, and Nayak A*. (2023). Emerging mechanisms of skeletal muscle homeostasis and cachexia: The SUMO perspective. Cells. Feb 17;12 (4):644. (* Corresponding author).
Amrute-Nayak, M., Gand, LV., Khan, B., Holler T, Kefalakes, E., Kosanke, M., Kraft, T., and Nayak A*. (2022). SENP7 deSUMOylase-governed transcriptional program coordinates sarcomere assembly and is targeted in muscle atrophy. Cell Reports. Nov 22;41(8):111702. (* Corresponding author).
Amrute-Nayak, M., Pegoli, G., Holler, T., Lopez-Davila, AJ., Lanzuolo, C., and Nayak, A*. (2020). Chemotherapy triggers cachexia by deregulating synergetic function of histone-modifying enzymes. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. Dec 10. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.12645. (* Corresponding author).
We expect excellent academic scores and prior research experience.
Good knowledge in bioinformatics (R, Galaxy, IPA, etc.) and proteomics data analysis (MaxQuant, Cytoscape) is a strong plus.
Theoretical knowledge and practical experience in cell and molecular biology and biochemistry.
Analytical and goal-oriented approach towards project.
Preparedness to work independently, as well as in a team and take project and lab-related responsibilities.
We welcome applications from candidates with an MSc-degree in life sciences.
A Ph.D. position initially for three years with possibility of extension.
An exciting project with defined objectives of potential clinical significance.
An international working atmosphere.
State-of-the-art research facilities and possibilities of collaborative research including working with human-derived muscle cells/tissue.
Participation in academic teaching activities.
Opportunities for further research-related and teaching-related skill development.
Applications that match the above listed criteria are welcome. The application should include a complete CV, a short summary of previous research exposure, all previous degrees/transcripts and a short description on why the candidate is interested in this project. The MHH is committed to promoting women in professional life. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Disabled applicants will be given preference if they have the same qualifications.