Stem Cells and Organoid Biology

ESR project

1.3

Title of project

Dissecting the role of the endo-lysosomal system in tissue generation

We offered

A 4-year PhD student position in the interdisciplinary area of regenerative medicine. The goal of this project is to investigate the role of the endo-lysosomal system in cell polarization and tissue formation using 3-dimensional organ cultures. We will use a combination of advanced microscopy, cell biology and molecular biology techniques. Our ultimate objective is to enhance tissue regeneration in disease conditions.

Department

You will be based in the group of Prof. Judith Klumperman, Section for Cell Biology of the Center for Molecular Medicine at the UMC Utrecht. The group is part of a dynamic institute with international and interactive research groups and direct access to a large number of facilities. Local training opportunities include molecular cell biology, biochemistry, light and live-cell imaging techniques and correlative light – electron microscopy. The project will be carried out in close cooperation with RESCUE partner Prof. Roos Masereeuw, using organ-on-a chip models established in her group.

Description

The endo-lysosomal system plays a role in a plethora of cellular processes important for cell division, differentiation and survival. However, it is only in very few cases that we understand how a defect in endo-lysosome function leads to a pathological phenotype. To understand how changes in the endo-lysosomal system affect tissue formation we will study 3D cell cultures that functionally mimic (patient) organs. We will induce disease-related endo-lysosomal defects in established kidney and intestine models and analyze their effect on tissue generation. These studies will increase our fundamental knowledge on endo-lysosome related diseases and generate novel insights to optimize conditions for tissue regeneration.

Contact person & more information

Prof. Judith Klumperman, UMC Utrecht
j.klumperman@umcutrecht.nl

RESCUE

This project is part of RESCUE, a multidisciplinary, intersectoral and interdisciplinary PhD training programme in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells organised by UMC Utrecht (coordinator) and Utrecht University. RESCUE is partly funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND scheme. There are specific requirements with regards to English language and mobility for candidates who would like to take part in this programme. More information