PhD position available: Laboratory of Virology – BIOCEV
Author nivbeditor
Published October 16, 2023
Project: Exploring the molecular mechanisms of activation and regulation of the innate immune response to BK polyomavirus
The field of sensing of DNA from pathogens or mislocalized cellular DNA by the innate immune system has progressed enormously during the last years. Although detailed structures of some of the DNA sensors and adaptor proteins were deciphered, crucial questions remain unanswered, such as the interplay between viral genomes and DNA sensors.
Our recent studies revealed that in host cells MPyV and BK genomes are sensed in cytosol by cGAS-STING pathways. However, polyomaviruses, heavily regulated the IFN responses since moderate levels of IFN and cytokines are produced.
The proposed PhD project will directly follow the above research by studying the mechanisms of modulation of the cGAS-STING pathways during BKPyV infection. For this research the student may use among others techniques: mass spectrophotometry to understand possible PTM of cGAS and STING during BKPyV infection, co-immunoprecipitation, and confocal and super-resolution microscopy will follow possible interaction between viral proteins and DNA sensors or adaptors. During the development of the project, the viral mutants and KO and KD cells will be prepared to confirm hits or
interactions.
Head of the lab and supervisor: Sandra Huerfano-Meneses (Huerfano@natur.cuni.cz)
In our lab we study at the molecular level i) interactions between viruses and host proteins that define the outcome of the infection and ii) the mechanism by which viruses are sensed by the host’s innate immune system.
We use Mouse polyomavirus (MPyV) as model virus and the human pathogen BK polyomavirus (BKPyV).
The polyomaviruses cause in their hosts primary asymptomatic infections but under conditions of immunosuppression, enhanced viral replication leads to severe diseases.
Candidate profile: MSc degree in biochemistry or molecular/cellular biology, or related field, good English, strong interest in basic research and experimental work. Experience in molecular and immunological techniques such as ELISA, western blotting, PCR, and cell culture is an advantage.
What we offer: excellent working environment, well-equipped labs in BIOCEV with state-of-the-art technologies, access, and cooperation with the core imaging and proteomics facilities at Biocev, tuition by leading experts junior and senior virologist and molecular biologist, Competitive salary of 0.5 FTE (contract as an employee) + the scholarship offered by the university.
Applications deadline in the faculty is 15.12.2023
November 27, 2023
Scientific Writing Workshop
On Saturday, November 25, NIVB PhD students participated in a Scientific Writing Workshop led […]
November 16, 2023
Antibiotic resistance
Why is antibiotic resistance dangerous? Antibiotic resistance has become one of the greatest […]
November 16, 2023
Open Day at the IOCB
As part of the Week of the Czech Academy of Sciences, an Open Day […]
November 10, 2023
National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology as a platform for public health institutions
Representatives of major public health institutions and scientists from the National Institute of […]
November 2, 2023
PhD or Postdoc position available: Vácha lab – CEITEC
Project: Regulation of protein liquid droplets during transcription Cells employ protein liquid […]
October 31, 2023
Petr Těšina in an interview in Studio ČT24
“Back in high school, I was fascinated by biology, which is why I decided to study […]
October 31, 2023
Zděněk Kameník from the Microbiological Institute in the media
Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has been one of the most dreaded […]
October 12, 2023
Best lecture and best poster awards at NIVB meeting 2023
Best Lecture Awards Ondřej Bulvas and Alžběta Dostálková have received awards for […]
October 10, 2023
NIVB meeting 2023
We are excited to share the highlights of the second NIVB meeting held from October […]
September 26, 2023
NIVB Meeting 2023: The Second Annual Meeting
The second annual NIVB meeting will be held in Kutná Hora from 2nd […]
September 26, 2023
NIVB methodology – Brno workshop
The Brno NIVB Workshop, held on the 14th of September, brought together experts from […]
September 6, 2023
His research team will investigate the role of translational control in neural tissue
The European Research Council (ERC) has announced the awarding of 400 Starting Grants […]
August 24, 2023
NIVB methodology – Prague workshop
The Prague NIVB Workshop, held on the 21st of August, brought together experts […]
August 18, 2023
Markéta Pimková Polidarová was awarded for the best poster
Markéta Pimková Polidarová from the group of Klára Grantz Šašková (Department of Genetics […]
We would like to invite you to the NIVB methodology-oriented Networking workshops in Prague and Brno. […]
August 1, 2023
IMIC seminar (29.8.2023 at 11 am): Christopher S. Hayes
We would like to invite you to the seminar, the talk will be given by […]
June 27, 2023
Spoluřešitel a vědecký koordinátor NIVB Pavel Plevka se 1. července stane ředitelem významné vědecké instituce CEITEC MUNI
Ředitelem CEITEC MUNI se od 1. července z pověření rektora MU Martina Bareše stane Pavel […]
“Despite the difficult beginnings, I gradually felt that the direction of the company was so clear […]
June 15, 2023
STRATEGIC COOPERATION IN SCIENCE AND RESEARCH WILL LINK MEDICAL AND SOCIAL DISCIPLINES
Scientistits fromfive elite national health research institutes will join forces. The aim is […]
June 15, 2023
IMIC seminar (23.6.2023 at 11 am): Veronika K. Pettersen
We would like to invite you to the regular IMIC seminar, the talk will be given […]
June 15, 2023
Symposium: Unraveling the Intricacies of Host-Pathogen Interplay: Insights into SARS-CoV-2 and Beyond
Summer BIOCEV (MINI) SYMPOSIUMThe complexity and dynamic nature of the relationship between hosts […]
Introduction of methods available in our service laboratory with an emphasis on advanced […]
We would like to invite you to the regular IMIC seminar, the talk will be given […]
NIVB scientists at Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemstry in Prague deciphered the structure […]
April 25, 2023
Daniel Růžek on Czech Television (Hydepark Civilizace)
Virologist Daniel Růžek from the Institute of Parasitology of the Czech Academy of Sciences […]
April 21, 2023
Experts discussed the influence of science on political decisions at the IOCB in Prague
A panel of experts, including scientists from the NIVB project involved in anti-pandemic strategies […]
February 17, 2023
Biology Center: Scientists have discovered rare antibodies that block all variants of SARS-CoV-2
More information to find: on this link and this link
February 16, 2023
Zdeněk Hostomský in the media: Drastic, deadly, but with a key weakness.
An expert describes the Marburg virus. More info to be found: on this link
December 26, 2022
Iva Pichová was awarded by Josefa Hlávky medal
On October 16TH was Iva Pichová awarded by Josefa Hlávky medal. See […]
December 26, 2022
NIVB Meeting 2022
The first annual NIVB meeting took place from 30 November to 2 December […]
