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University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

1 Post Doc and 3 PhD-positions (temporary) in Experimental Oncology
Institute for Cell Biology (Tumour Research), Department of Molecular Cell Biology
available in following projects

• Role of the microenvironment for growth and therapy resistance of prostate cancer
• Molecular basis of radiation-induced pneumopathy

“Role of the microenvironment for growth and therapy resistance of prostate cancer”
Malignant cells of patients suffering from solid tumour, e.g. prostate cancer are often characterised by deregulated activity of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signalling pathway with up-regulated activity of the survival kinase protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). Apart from genetic alterations within the tumor cells such as loss or inactivation of PTEN, environmental factors (inflammation, growth factors, tumour- stroma interactions) are suggested to contribute to upregulated activity of this survival kinase and may therefore contribute to tumorigenesis and therapy resistance.
Aim of the proposed project is to analyse the impact of the microenvironment on growth, survival signaling and therapy response of human solid tumor cells in vitro with a focus on inflammation- and adhesion-related events as well as tumour-stroma interactions.

“Molecular basis of radiation-induced pneumopathy”
Radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis constitute dose-limiting side effects of total body irradiation and of radiotherapy for thorax associated neoplasms. However, the network of pathophysiologic events is not completely understood. In particular, the molecular mechanisms linking acute tissue damage to chronic inflammation and sustained repair processes remain to be defined. Moreover, it is still controversial whether the inflammatory reaction is a prerequisite for progression to lung fibrosis. Aim of the proposed project is to study the putative connection between radiation-induced tissue damage, inflammation and the development of lung fibrosis in vitro and in a mouse model. The role of specified signaling molecules suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of this process shall be studied by using genetically defined mouse strains. The detailed knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is a prerequisite for the design of radioprotective treatment approaches.

ÞApplication:
We search for highly motivated young researchers with an excellent scientific record and a strong interest in interdisciplinary projects. A backgound in molecular biology, immunology and/or animal experiments is favorable. Please send your application including  CV, academic record, tow potential referees and an indication of the preferred field of research to:

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. V. Jendrossek
Institute of Cell Biology
Department of Molecular Cell Biology
University of Duisburg-Essen
Virchowstrasse 173
45122 Essen
Phone: +49-201-7233380
Fax: +49-0201-7235904

E-mail applications should be sent to  verena.jendrossek@uni-duisburg-essen.de

 

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