About the Project
Lipid homeostasis undergoes subtle chances during infectious diseases, which also reflects the as yet underestimated role of lipids in host pathogen interaction. While lipid homeostasis and cellular lipids composition are of importance for cellular membrane composition, metabolism and immune function of macrophages including phagocytosis or chemotaxis, lipids or its catabolic produces as propionyl-CoA can serve as nutrients or virulence factors for intracellular bacteria. Thus, alterations in lipid homeostasis and lipid anabolic/catabolic pathways in macrophages play decisive role in host-pathogen interaction. We hypothesize that alterations of cellular and systemic lipid metabolism alter the course of infections with the intracellular bacterium Salmonella typhimurium and the extracellular bacterium Escherichia coli by impacting on specific host immune responses. Building up on our expertise in lipid research and on promising results from our group this project will first employ, murine and human monocytic cell lines as well as primary cells to study the effects of altered extracellular lipid composition on the course of infection and immune response with the intracellular bacterium S. typhimurium and E.coli using protocols established in our laboratory. Along this line the impact of bacteria on lipid homeostasis and trafficking in monocytes will be analysed. Targeted deletion of critical lipid homeostasis genes in vitro (CRISP9CAS) and in vivo (Alb and LysMCre) as well as specific mouse models of hyperlipidemia will further scrutinize the importance of specific lipid pathways in monocytes for the control of infection and the control of associated immune responses by applying classical analytical and molecular methods along with functional and life imaging analyses of specific host pathogen interactions.
The programme HOROS - Host Response in Opportunistic Infections:
Scientists and physicians of the Innsbruck campus, working in the related fields of Infection, Immunity,Transplantation and/or Biogerontology, have decided to join forces and have created a structured and multidisciplinary research and training programme of excellence (DK).
Their intention is to cooperatively and synergistically investigate genetic and environmental parameters, which destroy the immune homeostasis during host-pathogen interaction, thus leading to opportunistic infections, seldom developing in healthy, but quite often in immuno-compromised subjects. Six of the 7 members of the consortium work at Medical University Innsbruck (MUI), one is heading the Institute of Biomedical Aging Research (IBA), now part of University of Innsbruck / Leopold Franzens University (LFU). It is envisaged to strengthen the cooperation between both local universities in the coming periods.
Five members of the consortium are medical doctors - one works at bedside and four mainly preclinically - two are natural scientists. All 7 contribute to various aspects of host-pathogen interaction, comprising inherited and acquired immunity. On the infection side fungal, bacteriological or virological models are in use.
Why Horos?
• Individual supervision and monitoring (students have their individual thesis steering committee)
• A highly structured HOROS-specific educational programme
• Funded research exchange with international laboratories
• Retreats and social activities
• Guaranteed salary as suggested by the Austrian Science Fund for the proposed 3-years, health insurance and social benefits
• State-of-the art facilities and resources
Desired skills and experience:
The entry requirement is a full study completing degree (Master, Magister, Diploma, MD) in medicine, natural sciences or related disciplines. Medical or science students have to show academic excellence, scientific potential, flexibility, motivation, suitability for the research project and the willingness to stay 3-6 months abroad.
Application:
To submit your application, please go to the HOROS application page (www.horos.at/content/home/application/). Documents needed:
• CV
• filled application form
• university entry permission
• university exam
• recommendation letter
• abstract of diploma/master/MD thesis
We can only accept complete applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered!
PhD students are selected on the basis of their application materials and the selected candidates will be invited to a personal interview at Medical University Innsbruck.
Selection process :
• Verification that the application is complete and that the applicant fulfils all requirements
• Obtaining candidate evaluations from referees
• Evaluation by HOROS scientists and ranking of candidates based on their qualifications, research experience, and future plans
• Invitation of preselected candidates for a hearing and personal job interviews in Innsbruck in January (justifiable expenses for travel and accommodation will be reimbursed)
• Final selection of stipendiates
Application deadline: 30. November 2018 20.00 CET
Interviews: 08. January 2019
Start of work: beginning March 2019
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