PhD Position - Regulation of adipogenesis (Dresden)

Obesity is characterized by increased adipocyte number and size as well as adipose tissue inflammation. The increase in adipocyte number results from the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells of the vascular stromal fraction of adipose tissue. These steps, regulated by various endocrine, paracrine and autocrine factors, are extensively studied with the hope to interfere and to inhibit weight gain in overweight patients. We could recently identify a new mechanism in the regulation of human adipogenesis and its potential involvement in the development of obesity (paper submitted).
The PhD project will now identify this adipogenic mechanism in a transgenic mouse model and in cell culture experiments of mouse and human adipocytes. This project will help identifying new regulatory pathways in the regulation of adipogenesis and the development of overweight and consequently to the development of therapeutic targets to interfere with these processes.

Methods: The work includes standard techniques such as cell culture, real-time PCR, PCR, cloning, transfection, siRNA, Western blot, FACS, ELISA, histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, work with animal models. Generation of inducible mice is also planned.

We are looking for a highly motivated student who would like to join our international research team at the University of Dresden. Requirements are Diploma or Master in Biology, Biotechnology or similar and some basic experience in lab work.
Please send your application by email. Your application should include: details on your University education (all University degrees that you are holding or expect to hold), research experience, research interests and motivation, scanned copies of University certificates and transcripts of marks (record of study). Please provide the degree certificates and transcripts of marks for each degree (e.g. BSc degree and MSc degree or Diploma degree).

Dr. Monika Ehrhart-Bornstein
monika.bornstein@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Molecular Endocrinology, Medical Clinic, Technical University Dresden
Dresden

Ansprechpartner: Monika Erhhart-bornstein, monika.bornstein@uniklinikum-dresden.de