PhD Project "Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles in tumor-host communication and pre-metastatic niche formation in tumor-draining lymph nodes" (LD_001) - Heidelberg University

Date: 01/03/2023

Application Deadline: 31/12/2022

The aim of this project is to dissect the contribution of subsets of tumor EVs to the pre-metastatic niche in tumor-draining lymph nodes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are subcellular, membrane-surrounded particles that are shed by virtually any cell type and can transfer molecular information (proteins, miRNAs etc.) derived from their donor cell to a distant recipient cell. In the context of cancer, EVs derived from tumor cells can be found in the circulation and can be used for diagnostic purposes, Additionally, tumor cell-derived EVs have been found to promote tumor growth and progression. We recently found that melanoma-derived EVs shed into the interstitium are efficiently transported by tumor-associated lymphatic vessels to tumor-draining lymph nodes where they interact with lymphatic endothelial cells and nodal macrophages, resulting in lymph node remodeling, lymphatic expansion, and inhibition of tumor immunity. 
Our newly established group will be located at the European Center for Angioscience (ECAS) in Mannheim, a hub for vascular research with a highly dynamic, international and interactive research environment. The aim of this project is to dissect the contribution of subsets of tumor EVs to the pre-metastatic niche in tumor-draining lymph nodes and to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying their specific interactions with recipient cell types and their effects on the lymph node microenvironment in order to identify potential targets to therapeutically interfere with EV-mediated tumor-host communication. 
The provisional starting timepoint for the project is 1st of March 2023. However, an earlier start can be negotiated.

Personal qualifications: 

Enthusiasm for science, precision, team spirit, and high level of organizational and communication skills are essential. Previous experience in molecular cloning, CrispR-Cas, EV isolation and characterization methods and animal (mouse) handling is a plus.

Please submit your application exclusively through the HBIGS application system: http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/main_application.html

Please read more under "Open PhD Positions" on: http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de