Within the Molecular Physiology group of the department of Physiology, we are seeking a PhD for a combined molecular, physiological, and clinical project entitled "Klotho in the kidney: a hormone goddess or still a myth". We offer a challenging PhD project in a well-organized, international, and high-profile department within the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences.
Our group has a long-standing history of investigating the (patho)physiology of calcium homeostasis and our team identified the TRPV5 calcium channel in 1999. Following studies focused on understanding the biology and regulation of the TRPV5 channel and, amongst others, led to identification of Klotho as a novel calciotropic factor influencing TRPV5 channel function. The link between Klotho and calcium homeostasis has provided the field of renal calcium handling with an interesting angle towards the relation between aging and calcium imbalance. Indeed, mice with severely reduced αKlotho have a significantly reduced lifetime and display renal calcium wasting, whereas overexpression of Klotho results in prolonged lifespan. In humans, Klotho serum levels decrease with age, and its deficiency is also associated with chronic renal failure. Although Klotho was identified nearly two decades ago, its function and possible actions of the soluble fraction of Klotho remain incompletely understood. Mechanisms explaining the regulation of TRPV5 by (urinary) Klotho, as well as its physiological relevance for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis, are largely unknown and form the central focus in this research project. To this end, a wide variety of cutting-edge techniques will be applied including cell and molecular biological, biochemical and physiological procedures.
Tasks and responsibilities
- The PhD candidate will design and perform scientific research in the area of molecular transport physiology in health and disease.
- Generates and analyses the data that will contribute to scientific publications, and presenting findings at scientific meetings.
- Works in a team with other scientists to discuss, plans and performs research in a stimulating environment.
- Completes the project with a scientific dissertation.