Job Department of Pediatrics - PhD student: functional charact. of PCDH1, a novel gene for asthma and BHR

The candidate will perform genetic studies of PCDH1 in asthma and lung function; PCDH1 expression studies during lung development; as well as cell localization studies of PCDH1 isoforms in airway epithelial cells using confocal microscopy and electron microscopy. The role of PCDH1 in cell cell adhesion will investigated.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a Masters level qualification in (molecular) biology or a comparable background and interest in (functional) genetic research.

Minimum salary amount € 2.086,- maximum salary amount in Euro's a month € 2.673,-.
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period.
Duration of the contract: 3 years.
We offer a temporary full time appointment as a PhD student of one year with the perspective of prolongation with another 2 years.
The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Project: " Functional characterisation of PCDH1, a novel gene for asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness " This prestigious studentship will provide an opportunity for the successful applicant to work in two internationally recognised centres of research in respiratory disease; the Infection, Inflammation & Immunity Division, University of Southampton (www.som.soton.ac.uk/research/iii/) and the Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC) (http://www.griac.nl/). Further descriptions of the project can be found here: http://www.som.soton.ac.uk/research/iii/news.asp. Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), intermittent airway obstruction, and respiratory symptoms. BHR is a hallmark of asthma and is due to increased sensitivity of the airways to physical or chemical stimulants (cold air and cigarette smoke) and to pharmacological agents such as methacholine and histamine. BHR has a considerable genetic component and constitutes a risk factor for asthma development, even in subjects without respiratory symptoms. Protocadherin-1 (PCDH1) was identified as a novel BHR and asthma susceptibility gene in the Dutch population. The identification of PCDH1 as a BHR and asthma susceptibility gene may suggest that a PCDH1 plays a role in the structural integrity, the loss of which might contribute to the development of BHR and asthma. Mechanistic insight into its function may direct towards novel targets for asthma treatment. This project aims to further characterize the genetic association of PCDH1 in asthma development, as well as its expression and function in normal lung development and asthma.

Dr. Gerard Koppelman. (g.h.koppelman@bkk.ucmg.nl)
+ 31 50 3614215
Dr. John Holloway (J.W.Holloway@soton.ac.uk)