Register now After registration you will be able to apply for this opportunity online.
This opportunity is not published. No applications will be accepted.
Master thesis project on iron-sulphur proteins and genome stability
A master thesis project in the area of molecular cancer research is available in our lab. We use a combination of techniques, such as biochemistry, and molecular, cellular, and structural biology in order to understand the role of iron-sulphur clusters in DNA replication and repair.
Keywords: Cancer, Molecular Cancer Research, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, DNA, Genome Stability, Iron-sulphur Clusters, FeS Clusters, DNA Replication, DNA Repair, DNA Helicases, Master Thesis, IMCR, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich
Over the last years, a considerable number of proteins involved in DNA replication and repair have been identified to bind to an iron-sulphur (FeS) cluster as a cofactor, amongst them several DNA helicases, and proteins essential for DNA replication, such as DNA primase and all three replicative DNA polymerases.
Considering that – upon FeS cluster oxidation – free iron atoms can generate reactive oxygen species and damage DNA, the abundance of FeS proteins in DNA replication and repair has come as a surprise, and the function of FeS clusters in these processes has remained largely elusive to date.
Over the last years, a considerable number of proteins involved in DNA replication and repair have been identified to bind to an iron-sulphur (FeS) cluster as a cofactor, amongst them several DNA helicases, and proteins essential for DNA replication, such as DNA primase and all three replicative DNA polymerases. Considering that – upon FeS cluster oxidation – free iron atoms can generate reactive oxygen species and damage DNA, the abundance of FeS proteins in DNA replication and repair has come as a surprise, and the function of FeS clusters in these processes has remained largely elusive to date.
During your master thesis you will try and understand how FeS clusters influence the function of DNA helicases and nucleases, such as FANCJ and DNA2. You will learn a variety of techniques in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, such as protein purification using Sf9 insect cells, in vitro assays with purified proteins and DNA substrates, and work with tissue culture cells (siRNA and/or CRISPR/Cas9).
During your master thesis you will try and understand how FeS clusters influence the function of DNA helicases and nucleases, such as FANCJ and DNA2. You will learn a variety of techniques in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, such as protein purification using Sf9 insect cells, in vitro assays with purified proteins and DNA substrates, and work with tissue culture cells (siRNA and/or CRISPR/Cas9).
Kerstin Gari, Assistant Professor, University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research (web: http://www.imcr.uzh.ch/research/Gari.html)
Apply via e-mail: gari@imcr.uzh.ch. Your application should include your CV and a short motivation letter stating your research interests.
Kerstin Gari, Assistant Professor, University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research (web: http://www.imcr.uzh.ch/research/Gari.html)
Apply via e-mail: gari@imcr.uzh.ch. Your application should include your CV and a short motivation letter stating your research interests.