Overview
Neuropeptides, e.g. anorexigenic prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) or cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CARTp), are promising therapeutics for the treatment of obesity or neurodegeneration. After central intracerebroventricular application, both peptides significantly decreased food intake in fasted mice. However, no observable effect was monitored after their peripheral administration. Peripheral application of lipidized analogs of the mentioned neuropeptides significantly decreased food intake in mice, and lowered body weight of obese mice after chronic application, pointing to their blood-to brain transport.
PhD project will explore the mechanisms involved in the transport of the new lipidized analogs to the brain, using peptide analogs with fluorescent or 125I labels. Different in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) will be employed, such as primary endothelial cells cultivated on the transwell system. Further, interactions between the lipidized neuropeptides and tanycytes will be studied. Tanycytes are thought to play a key role in transport of nutrients and other molecules across the BBB. We plan to determine whether peptides are transported to the brain by the tanycytes in vivo, using mice with a selectively disrupted tanycytic transport.
University:
First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University
Group:
Lenka Maletínská Group, Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Food Intake Regulation
Tutor:
Mgr. Andrea Pačesová, Ph.D.
Field of study:
Biochemistry and pathobiochemistry
How to apply:
At the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS / IOCB Prague, we are looking for talented, independent, and highly motivated PhD students with an MSc. degree or equivalent in life sciences or related fields. We offer exciting new projects in organic and medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular and structural biology, and analytical and physical chemistry.
- Online registration deadline: 3 March 2025
- Interview Day: 20 March 2025
Learn more and apply at www.uochb.cz/en/call-for-phd-applications.
