Overview

Supervisor: Meritxell Alberich Jordà

Project description

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are a rare population of cells in the bone marrow responsible for the production of mature blood cells through life of an individual. Preserving the HSPCs and their function is critical for hematopoiesis, since alterations in this population are linked to the development of leukemia and bone marrow failure. We recently published that chronic inflammation affects HSPCs, mostly depriving them from their essential characteristics. In this project, we will explore the regulatory mechanisms that protect and maintain HSPCs, determine how they are altered under inflammatory conditions, and investigate how to reverse the negative effects. We will employ in vitro cell cultures, murine models, and -omic screenings to address these questions.

Candidate profile

The laboratory of hemato-oncology is searching for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working Ph.D. student. The candidate should hold a master degree in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, or in a related field. Bioinformatic skills or basic knowledge of large dataset analysis will be positively evaluated. The candidate should be willing to work with murine models. Excellent English is required. The candidate should be a team-player and willing to work with other lab members and international collaborators.

We offer a friendly and supporting environment in a state-of-the-art institution.

Suggested reading

Grusanovic S, Danek P, Kuzmina M, Adamcova MK, Burocziova M, Mikyskova R, Vanickova K, Kosanovic S, Pokorna J, Reinis M, Brdicka T, Alberich-Jorda M: Chronic inflammation decreases HSC fitness by activating the druggable Jak/Stat3 signaling pathway. EMBO Rep 2022, e54729. [pubmed] [doi]
Burocziova M, Grusanovic S, Vanickova K, Kosanovic S, Alberich-Jorda M: Chronic Inflammation Promotes Cancer Progression as a Second hit. Exp Hematol 2023.
Vanickova K, Milosevic M, Ribeiro Bas I, Burocziova M, Yokota A, Danek P, Grusanovic S, Chiliński M, Plewczynski D, Rohlena J, Hirai H, Rohlenova K, Alberich-Jorda M: Hematopoietic stem cells undergo a lymphoid to myeloid switch in early stages of emergency granulopoiesis. EMBO J 2023, e113527.
Pavliuchenko N, Kuzmina M, Danek P, Spoutil F, Prochazka J, Skopcova T, Pokorna J, Sedlacek R, Jorda MA, Brdicka T: Genetic background affects neutrophil activity and determines the severity of autoinflammatory osteomyelitis in mice. J Leukoc Biol 2024.

APPLY AT: img.cas.cz/phd