PhD student position in medical science

University of Gothenburg
Telefon: 031-786 0000
Hemsida: www.gu.se


The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 37 000 students and 6 000 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Arbetsplats:
Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Medicine

Titel:
PhD student position in medical science - Regulation of bone mass by the gut microbiota

Diary id: PAR 2017/81. Project title: Regulation of bone mass by the gut microbiota. Job assignments: Osteoporosis is a public health concern and fractures are associated with mortality and morbidity. We have recently shown that the gut microbiota (GM) is a crucial regulator of bone mass. We showed that absence of GM in mice raised in a germ-free environment resulted in increased bone mass that was normalized by colonization with GM from conventionally raised mice. The pronounced effect of GM on bone mass was associated with changes in the immune status and osteoclastogenesis but the precise mechanism for the effect of the GM on bone mass is unclear. The overall aim of this PhD project is to determine how the effect of the GM on bone mass is mediated using different mouse-models. The hypothesis is that different components of the immune system are crucial for the effect of the GM on bone mass. The PhD student will study the possible role of the innate immune system using genetically targeted mouse models raised germ-free with inactivation of component s that are important for bacterial recognition in the gut (Myd88-/-, Nod1-/- and Nod2-/- mice) and compare their skeletal phenotype with conventionally raised mice. In addition, the possible role of T cells, the inflammatory cytokine TNF? and specifically regulatory T cells will be evaluated in germ-free and conventionally raised mice treated with different available blocking antibodies. Increased knowledge about the mechanisms behind how GM regulates bone mass may lead to new treatment strategies for osteoporosis in 5-10 years' time.

Eligibility:
To be admitted to third-cycle studies you must fulfill both the general and the specific entry requirements. The general entry requirements is fulfilled if you have: 1. completed a degree at a second-cycle level, or 2. completed at least 240 credits worth of studies of which at least 60 credits must be at a second-cycle level, or 3. acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. The specific entry requirement is fulfilled if you have completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies.


KONTAKTPERSON

Funktion: Project supervisor
Namn: Klara Sjögren
E-post: klara.sjogren@medic.gu.se

Telefon: 031 342 6311