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This is one of two research projects studying anabolic treatments for osteoporosis. KU Leuven is the home institution for this project. To view the Melbourne-based partner project, click here.
With ageing our bones become brittle and prone to fractures, known as osteoporosis. Despite widespread use of therapies blocking bone loss, osteoporosis represents a major public health concern. There is a large clinical need for bone-building (osteo-anabolic) treatments that sustainably improve bone mass in patients. Only very few osteo-anabolic treatments are currently clinically used, including intermittent parathyroid hormone and anti-sclerostin antibodies. While they effectively stimulate bone formation, suspected side-effects and limited long-term information unfortunately limit their use. Increasing our in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of action of the currently available drugs at the cellular-molecular levels is needed to identify strategies for improved therapeutic use of existing drugs or for developing even more powerful and/or safer new treatments.
In the KU Leuven SCEBP laboratory, the research team led by Prof Maes studies the genetic and molecular control of bone development, homeostasis, repair, and disease treatment, with a key focus on the interplay between skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) and the vasculature of the bone and marrow environment. In their previous work, they have characterized the importance of specific molecules and signaling pathways that stimulate angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) and that drive bone formation during growth and fracture repair. In the currently vacant PhD project, the student will investigate whether these pathways and the cellular communication between SSPCs and endothelial cells within the bone may work together to stimulate bone formation therapeutically.
To analyze the functional involvement of specific molecules and cells in osteo-anabolic therapy actions, the student and team will use genetically modified mouse models, including inducible and site-specific mouse mutants and transgenic mice carrying fluorescent reporters for lineage tracing and cell fate mapping in vivo, complemented with in vitro systems. The student will apply basic and advanced bone phenotyping methods, such as micro-/nano-CT, histomorphometry, high-resolution 3D confocal microscopy and image analysis, and transcriptomic profiling by single cell and bulk RNA-seq.
Overall, this work could lead to the development of improved anabolic treatment approaches for osteoporosis.
The University of Melbourne: Professor Natalie Sims
KU Leuven: Associate Professor Christa Maes
*Click on the researcher's name above to learn more about their publication and grant successes.
We are looking for a bright and highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team. Fitting candidates are expected to be very engaged, pro-active and creative, eager to drive their research project, and with good critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities. The work of a PhD student includes designing research protocols, planning and performing experiments (both independently and as part of a team, with thorough training provided by experienced researchers), analyzing data, reporting results to supervisors and colleagues and discussing the findings to shape and outline the next steps. Therefore, good organisational skills, time and project management and ability to work to priorities, are required.
Good knowledge of cell and molecular biology, physiology and the basic biomedical research methodologies is necessary. Fitting candidates will hold a Masters degree in a relevant area (with a final ‘cum laude’ grade), or an equivalent diploma (e.g. Honours degree). Skills and experience in cell culture, histology, microscopy, molecular biology, transcriptomic data analysis, and/or in vivo work (especially with mice) is not expected but certainly a plus.
Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential. Demonstrated ability to write research reports (e.g., a master thesis) or other manuscripts to a publishable standard (even if not published to date) is expected.
We offer a PhD position in an international research team, with training and supervision at multiple levels, an interesting project and state-of-the-art techniques, and numerous possibilities to further grow scientifically, including by designing and performing research, writing papers as first author, participating in international meetings, collaborating with other scientists, etc. Specifically:
For more information on this project please contact Professor Christa Maes (christa.maes@ kuleuven.be). For information on both projects, contact Professor Maes and Professor Sims. Applicants for this position will be required to apply via the online application tool on the KU Leuven jobsite: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60132364
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