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2 PhD fellowships in Computational Systems Biology We offer 2 PhD fellowships for the following projects (supervised by the specified faculty members): 1. Integrative dynamic modelling of Wnt/β-catenin signalling and energy metabolism in cancer cells. (Jana Wolf/ Hermann-Georg Holzhütter) Mutations in signaling pathways, resulting in a constitutive activation of these pathways, have been linked to numerous types of cancer. In addition, it is known that the transition from a normal to a tumor cell requires significant changes in the cellular metabolism in order to serve for the increased need of the cancerogenous cell with energy and precursors of biosynthetic pathways. The link between changes in signal transduction and those in the cellular metabolism has recently become the focus of intensive experimental research. Interestingly, a number of known oncogenes have been described as metabolic regulators. Important examples can be found in the Wnt/b-catenin pathway with a broad range of metabolic target genes (Sethi et al., 2010). A well-studied example is the Wnt-target gene c-myc that controls the ratio of two isoforms of pyruvate kinase. Moreover, GSK-3, one of the central signaling molecules of the Wnt pathway is also involved in metabolic processes, e.g. glycogen metabolism or protein synthesis (Patel et al., 2004). So far, the metabolic and signaling layers have been analyzed separately. The project aims for an integrative mathematical modeling of energy metabolism, gene expression and Wnt/b-catenin signaling. Such an integrative model will be the basis to analyze the hierarchical regulation properties of the overall system. Experimental data are generated by Dr. Stefan Kempa (BIMSB/ MDC Berlin) by mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics and proteomics. Sethi, J.K. and Vidal-Puig, A. (2010). Wnt signalling and the control of cellular metabolism. Biochem J 427, 1-17 2. Spatiotemporal modelling of contraction, membrane potential and calcium concentration dynamics in cardiac myocytes (excitation contraction coupling ECC). (Martin Falcke/ Hanspeter Herzel) The model will be established in close collaboration with several experimental groups at the MDC and else-where. The modelling aims at understanding of basic as well as disease mechanisms in ECC. The student will be introduced to myocyte cell biology and multiscale techniques in modelling. Basic knowledge about finite element methods for simulation of partial differential equations is desirable but not a condition for acceptance. We are looking for highly-motivated students with a strong interest in systems biology and mathematical modelling. Successful applicants must hold the equivalent of a master's level degree in life sciences, mathematics, physics or computer sciences. The PhD fellowship comprises a monthly stipend which is initially granted for 2 years and which can be extended for another 12 months. We offer an excellent training program in computational systems biology, supervision by at least two experienced scientists, and multifarious opportunities for developing local and international collaboration. For online application see here. News: Because of the problems with the CSB online application system the application deadline will be extended until April 8th, 2013 !! Contact: GRK Computational Systems Biology email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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| Last Updated on Friday, 15 March 2013 14:43 |
