Project Title:

Liver-specific endothelial mechanisms of melanoma metastasis

Project leader: Prof. Dr. S. Goerdt / Dr. C. Géraud

Application Deadline: open

Start of PhD project: immediately

Source of Funding: SFB/TR23

Project Description:

Hematogenous metastasis is remarkably organ-specific. The liver with its unique sinusoidal vascular system is one of the preferred sites of malignant melanoma (MM) metastasis. Organ-specific metastasis is likely caused by tumor cell heterogeneity as well as by organ-specific stromal factors. Among these, EC heterogeneity may impact on tumor-EC interactions by modulating the well-known general adhesive mechanisms or by providing organ-specific pathways. Liver-specific, endothelial-dependent mechanisms of MM cell dissemination will be analyzed by scrutinizing liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC)-specific candidate molecules such as Stabilin-1 and Stabilin-2 identified by us as well as other scavenger and lectin-like receptors. Their role in tumor cell adhesion and transmigration will be investigated in a microfluidic chamber model in vitro using over-expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as well as by using LSEC from the respective KO animals. A spec!

 ial focus will be on hyaluronan (HA)-mediated interactions.

Methods that will/can be used:

•       Cell culture and primary cell isolation, molecular biology (cloning, qRT-PCR), retro- and lentiviral transfection, western blotting

•       Endothelial cell adhesion in vitro (microfluidic chamber)

•       in vivo models of melanoma metastasis (B16F10, Ret, and others)

Collaboration Partners:

•       Laboratories within the SFB/TR23 and collaborating laboratories at the DKFZ

Profile of candidate’s qualification:

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student interested in the field of vascular biology and metastasis, who will get the chance to learn a broad spectrum of molecular and cellular biology methods in a stimulating scientific environment.

Prof. Dr. S. Goerdt

sergij.goerdt@umm.de

Universitäts-Hautklinik Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg

Mannheim

SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

Postdoc Fellowship Biochemistry/Biology, 2 years, Heidelberg (Heidelberg)

My lab focuses on the subcellular targeting of proteins and lipids in mammalian cells.

We are looking for a Postdoc interested in the transport and metabolism of fatty acids and lipid droplets. Experience in microscopy, thin layer chromatography and cloning would be great but is not essential. For an introduction to our work please see

http://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/JF.116338.0.html

Please submit your CV including relevant certificates before May 14th by email. The date of obtaining your PhD should not be more than 3 years in the past. The fellowship will be awarded by the Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg and is subject to competition. For details see

http://www.medizinische-fakultaet-hd.uni-heidelberg.de/Postdoc-Programm.105497.0.html

Please, focused applications only.

Joachim FĂĽllekrug

Joachim.Fuellekrug@med.uni-heidelberg.de

University of Heidelberg

Heidelberg

Joachim FĂĽllekrug, Joachim.Fuellekrug@med.uni-heidelberg.de