The Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, KU Leuven, Belgium is looking for a motived PhD student in Biomedical Sciences with an interest in using mouse models to study human disease.
Project :
- In developed countries, colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks second to lung cancer in both incidence as mortality. Clinical responses to specifically targeted drugs are not very successful, which can be attributed to the heterogeneity in this disease and the rapidly escaping drug sensitivity, probably through activation of parallel or downstream signaling pathways.
- The proprotein convertase furin activates a large variety of precursor proteins implicated at different stages of tumor development and progression. We have previously demonstrated that genetic ablation of furin in a mouse model for salivary gland tumors inhibited tumor progression. Studies in human colorectal tumor cell lines also show promising results, suggesting that furin inhibition can repress metastatic potential.
- With this project, we want to further elucidate the role of furin in the development and progression of CRC and investigate the potential of furin inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy.
Profile : Interested candidates should hold a master degree in biomedical sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, biology or similar. Candidates are expected to have excellent research skills and proficiency in the English language and good communications skills
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. John Creemers,mail: john.creemers@med.kuleuven.be.
Deadline : 31.05.14
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