Projects for students

Bachelor theses

There are currently no calls for bachelor theses.
Initiative applications to the working group leaders are welcome and possible at any time.

Master theses

Project for master’s thesis in the Heinzel lab

"Regulation of hepatic immune response and metabolism by glucocorticoids"

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ubiquitously expressed, ligand-activated transcription factor. Cellular effects of the stress hormone, cortisol or other synthetic glucocorticoids (GC) such as dexamethasone are mediated by GR.  GR-dependent gene expression programs are involved in the regulation of stress, inflammation and metabolism. The liver represents not only the major metabolic organ but also a key innate immune mediator of the body. We are interested in understanding the impact of glucocorticoids on the inflammatory response in hepatocytes and the consequential metabolic outcome.

The project will entail mammalian cell culture (mouse and human hepatic cell lines), CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, protein-protein interaction studies by APEX2-proximity labeling, molecular cloning, biochemical and molecular biology techniques such as SDS-PAGE, western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and RNA analysis by qPCR.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or a similar program. Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and application to  Dr. Aishwarya Iyer-Bierhoff.

Project for master’s thesis in the Kosan lab

“Analysis of T-cell subpopulations in aged wild-type and Miz-1-deficient mice”

Aging leads to reduced immune competence, indicated by a defect in efficient removal of pathogens. In aged mice, remodeling of immune cell populations such as B- and T-cells occurs. Our lab was able to show that the transcription factor Miz-1 is crucial in maintaining B-cell homeostasis and immune competence during aging. However, it is unclear if Miz-1 impairs T‑cell development as well during aging.

To analyze the role of Miz-1 in T cell development we are using a tissue-specific functional knock-out of Miz-1 in mice (loxP/cre-system). Moreover, we have different aged cohorts of wild-type and Miz-1-deficient mice available for analysis. Multi-color flow cytometry is used to identify specific T cell sub populations in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. In addition, we will use cell culture of primary T cells to check for appropriate T cell responses. Additional analyses include measurement of cytokine release, Western blot and qRT-PCR.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with basic knowledge in immunology and molecular biology. Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and application to PD Dr. Christian Kosan.

Initiative applications to the working group leaders are welcome and possible at any time.