on ‘The role of hypomethylating agent-induced interferon response in acute myeloid leukemia'.
DNA-hypomethylating agents (HMAs) induce DNA-demethylation of repetitive regions, leading to transcription of Endogenous Retroviruses, with resultant overflow of dsRNA in the cytoplasm causing induction of interferon (IFN, so-called “viral mimicry”, Chiappinelli et. al., Rolouis et al., Cell 2015). Extensive literature demonstrates that certain modules of IFN result in antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity, but which module is responsible for antileukemic activity induced by HMAs still needs elucidation. This has important clinical implications for innovative treatment of leukemia, specifically, a combination of epigenetic treatment and immunomodulation by checkpoint inhibitors.
We are looking for a highly motivated Master’s student (m/f/d) with a background in biology (particularly epigenetics or immunobiology). The student will receive training in cell culture, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and will have a chance to work in a translational research setup with state of art technologies at her/his disposal.