The Section of Experimental Vitreoretinal Surgery (Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute of Ophthalmic Research, Tübingen) invites biologists to apply for a PhD student position on experimental ophthalmology. The position (TV-L E13 / 50%) is available Initially for two years with The Possibility of a third year.

The topic of the work will be the prevention of radiotherapy-induced secondary tumors in retinoblastoma mouse models. The retinoblastoma is a tumor in the eye Which appears in early childhood and if left untreated, can cause death. Based on the current treatment options including radiotherapy, the chances of recovery are Relatively good if the tumor is discovered early. However, the residual risk of a recurrence and development of treatment-induced secondary tumors still remains. This residual risk Considerably detracts from the quality of life of retinoblastoma patients. This is especially draining because retinoblastoma is a disease of early childhood, and the adverse effects mentioned above stretch over the entire lifetime of the patients. Therefore, the aim of the proposed preclinical animal study is to investigate the occurrence of secondary tumors after radiotherapy and possible ways of Preventing them by the application of the normal cell specific radio protector or
 tho-phospho-L-tyrosine (pTyr). Therefore in the first part of the project, retinoblastoma cells of the human cell lineY79 will be implanted into the eye of immune-deficient nude mice through intravitreal injection to induce tumor growth. Development and spread of the tumor will be dadurch vivo and by histology. Which tumors have developed in to Appropriate size will be treated with fractionated radiotherapy with and without pretreatment of the animals with the radio protector pTyr. Comparing the tumor probability with and without treatment will pTyr Ooops detailed information Whether Or Not retinoblastomas will be protected from radiation toxicity. A significant aspect of the project will be to analyze the ability of the radio protector pTyr to prevent radiation therapy-induced secondary tumors. Therefore in the second part of the project, the eyes of heterozygous Rb + / - mice will be irradiated with and without pretreatment of the animals with pTyr and radiation
 -Induced tumor induction as well as normal tissue radiation toxic
 will be Evaluated as function of pTyr treatment. Preclinical findings Indicating that pTyr Significantly can inhibit radiation-induced tumors and normal tissue damage could Significantly contribute to development of clinical treatment strategies to improve the quality of life of retinoblastoma patients.

The experimental radiotherapy approach of the project will be supported by The Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research in Tübingen (Prof. Rodemann).

The successful candidate should be interested in histology. Ideally, he / she should have some background and some experience in ophthalmic cellular techniques. Please note that experience or at least strong interest in mouse studies is required.


Start date: 1 January 2013

Estimated duration: 2 years (+ 1 year)

Subjects: Biology
Topic: Thesis: Prevention of radiotherapy induced secondary tumors in animal models retinoblastoma
Contact: Dr. rer. nat. Sylvie Julien
Reply to: Sylvie.Julien @ med.uni-tuebingen.de
Institution: Center of Ophthalmology, Institute of Ophthalmic Research
Location: 72076 Tübingen, Schleichstr. 12/1