Neurosurgical Research
Identifying universal therapeutic targets in heterogeneous brain tumors
- Institute:
- Neurosurgical Research
- Subject area:
- Neuroscience and neurooncology
- Number of open position:
- 1
- Project title:
- Identifying universal therapeutic targets in heterogeneous brain tumors
- Project time plan:
- Full Doctoral Study-Model: 36 or 48 months
- Language requirements:
- Very good English and communication skills are required.
- Academic requirements:
- We invite applications from candidates that have graduated in biology, biochemistry (M.Sc. or equivalent degree) or in medicine. Prior experience with small animal models is a plus.
Project description:
The inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity of GBM is a major obstacle for successful therapy. Deciphering neurodevelopmental programs in GBM that may provide tumor-wide therapeutic targets is a general aim in the field, but has not yet been accomplished. Our unpublished data show that pathways controlling glioma stem cell (GSC) differentiation offer new treatment options with potentially broad clinical impact for neurooncology. As a preclinical model for this doctoral project we generated a transgenic, lineage-tracing mouse model for GBM in which GSCs and their differentiated progeny are readily identifiable by different fluorescent reporters. The model is genetically versatile and can generate a palette of histopathologically distinct GBM with broad differences in overall survival time. Despite this strong inter-individual heterogeneity all GBM subsets exhibited common developmental traits with strong therapeutic potential. In this project we aim at identifying signaling cues for GSC differentiation in the transgenic mouse model that have broad pathological relevance for human tumors and thereby provide impactful data for neuroscience and translational strategies for neurooncology. For this project we will use multi-omics read-outs of human and mouse brain (tumor) samples, bioinformatics, advanced microscopical technology, pharmacology and neurosurgery to fulfil our aims.
To applicants: Please send following initial application documents to LMU-CSC Office before 7th December:
- Resume and Research Motivation Letter
- Certificate of Proficiency in English, equivalent to IELTS Test Academic 6.5 (no module below 6) or TOEFL IBT 95, is required
- Two letters of recommendation directly sent from your current Supervisors/Professors to LMU-CSC Office
Contact LMU-CSC Office: csc.international@lmu.de