Within the Ion Transport group of the department of Physiology, we are seeking a Postdoc for a combined genetic, molecular and physiological project entitled "Mineral balance in nephrolithiasis". We offer a challenging postdoc project in a well-organized, international, and high-profile department within the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences.
Nephrolithiasis is the formation of renal stones, which is a common problem in primary care practice. Patients with kidney stones often present with renal colic, hematuria or vague abdominal pain, acute abdominal or flank pain, nausea, difficulty urinating, penile pain or testicular pain. Of all patients, about 80% forms Ca2+-containing stones and the cause is generally unknown.
The successful cloning by our group of the new calcium channel TRPV5 offers a realistic approach to study the physiological, functional and regulatory aspects of the renal calcium balance, which contributes to nephrolithiasis. Knowledge of TRPV5 functioning will, in particular, provide a molecular basis for achieving a better understanding of calcium related disorders in which (re)absorption processes are disturbed. TRPV5 is uniquely regulated by the anti-aging hormone klotho which hydrolysis the N-glycan to stabilize the channel in the membrane. Alterations in calcium (re)absorption are present in many physiological and pathophysiological states including hypercalciuric stone disease, osteoporosis, chronic renal failure, diabetes, chronic administration of diuretics and immunosuppressors.
In this Postdoc project, we aim to elucidate the role of renal calcium transport proteins, like TRPV5, in the development of nephrolithiasis. Therefore, we will study the genetic abnormalities and cell biological and physiological consequences of renal calcium transport proteins. You will be employed by the Department of Physiology of the Radboudumc, Nijmegen and part of the project will be executed in collaboration with international partner including the
Charles Pak Center in Dallas, USA.
Tasks and responsibilities
- The postdoc will design and perform scientific research in the area of genetics, molecular biology and physiology;
- Generates and analyses the data and writes scientific publications and presents findings at scientific meetings;
- Works in a team with other scientists to discuss, plan and perform research in a stimulating environment;
- Works in a highly international research group with fellows from many countries.