Phd topics -
Employing integration of retroviral vectors to study nuclear architecture and topology50000403v52465038
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Promoter: Prof. dr. Zeger Debyser More info: jobsite
More info: https://icts.kuleuven.be/apps/jobsite/vacatures/id/52465038/lang/en
ProjectLike other viruses, HIV employs the host cell machinery to complete all steps in its replication cycle. Our lab identified LEDGF/p75 as an essential cellular co-factor of HIV integration. HIV integration is a non-random process: integration occurs near specific loci in the genome and within the nuclear sphere, integration appears to occur primarily in the nuclear periphery. During HIV infection, LEDGF/p75 functions as a molecular tether that escorts the virus to the chromatin, targeting integration into the body of active genes. We exploit LEDGF/p75 as a tool in a synthetic virology approach where we replace the LEDGF/p75 chromatin binding domain. Using this approach we showed retargeted integration to loci on the genome bound by these domains. In this project we continue to study the mechanism of lentiviral integration and the role of LEDGF/p75 therein in an effort to better understand the relationship between integration site selection, chromatin structure and subnuclear positioning. We defined a genome wide interaction map of LEDGF/p75 and will correlate this information with genomic features, epigenetic marks, 3D-positioning experiments in the nucleus (FISH, HiC) and HIV integration sites. Recommended reading:
ProfileWe are looking for motivated students to join a highly dynamic, research team willing to work in close collaboration with other research teams inside and outside of KU Leuven. Techniques: virology, vectorology, molecular and cell biology, bioinformatics Interested?For more information please contact Mr. Rik Gijsbers, tel.: +3216332170, mail: rik.gijsbers@med.kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than August 31, 2013 via the Click here to apply to this project |
Role of LEDGF/p75 during haematopoiesis and the development of acute leukemia50000403v52457790
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Promoter: Prof. dr. Zeger Debyser More info: jobsite
More info: https://icts.kuleuven.be/apps/jobsite/vacatures/id/52457790/lang/en
ProjectLike other viruses, HIV employs the host cell machinery to complete all steps in its replication cycle. Our lab identified LEDGF/p75 as an essential cellular co-factor of HIV integration. HIV integration is a non-random process: integration occurs near specific loci in the genome and within the nuclear sphere, integration appears to occur primarily in the nuclear periphery. During HIV infection, LEDGF/p75 functions as a molecular tether that escorts the virus to the chromatin, targeting integration into the body of active genes. We exploit LEDGF/p75 as a tool in a synthetic virology approach where we replace the LEDGF/p75 chromatin binding domain. Using this approach we showed retargeted integration to loci on the genome bound by these domains. In this project we continue to study the mechanism of lentiviral integration and the role of LEDGF/p75 therein in an effort to better understand the relationship between integration site selection, chromatin structure and subnuclear positioning. We defined a genome wide interaction map of LEDGF/p75 and will correlate this information with genomic features, epigenetic marks, 3D-positioning experiments in the nucleus (FISH, HiC) and HIV integration sites. Recommended reading:
ProfileWe are looking for motivated students to join a highly dynamic, research team willing to work in close collaboration with other research teams inside and outside of KU Leuven. Techniques: virology, vectorology, molecular and cell biology, bioinformatics Interested?For more information please contact Mr. Rik Gijsbers, tel.: +3216332170, mail: rik.gijsbers@med.kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than August 31, 2013 via the ProjectSystems biology/Interactomics is a discipline at the intersection of bioinformatics and biology that deals with the interactions between proteins and other molecules in a cell. The network of such interactions is called the interactome and determines the normal physiological functions of a cell or organism. Inborn or acquired malfunctioning of the interactome results in human disease (infectious diseases, cancer,..). The Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy focuses on major human health challenges like HIV infection and Leukemia. With an emphasis on interactome studies we try to identify new targets and small molecules to treat these diseases. In 2003 we identified the 'Lens Epithelium Derived Growth Factor' (LEDGF/p75) as an important cellular interaction partner of HIV integrase targeting the viral DNA to the host cell chromatin. Today this interaction is considered as an important new antiviral target. Subsequently it was shown that LEDGF/p75 performs a similar function during the development of certain forms of Leukemia. Recommended reading: Schrijvers et al., PLoS Pathogen, 2012 Mereau et al., Leukemia, 2013 ProfileWe are seeking a highly motivated PhD student willing to do cutting edge research in a highly dynamic team. The candidate will investigate the function of LEDGF/p75 in health and disease in close collaboration with at least one Post-doc and two PhD students. The proposed project will combine biochemical, cellular, and molecular techniques as well as animal experiments. Interested?For more information please contact Mr. Jan De Rijck, tel.: +3216332176, mail: jan.derijck@med.kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than August 31, 2013 via the Click here to apply to this project |
