Chronic inflammation is a main driver of the development of
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most frequent and dismal
human malignancies. Employing mouse models of inflammation-driven cancer
including squamous cell carcinoma and HCC, our Division has identified
the damage molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules S100A8/A9 and HMGB1, as
well as the receptor RAGE as important players of chronic inflammation
and cancer development (Hummerich et al., 2006, Oncogene 25:111-21;
Gebhardt et al., 2008, J Exp Med 205:275-85; Nemeth et al., 2009,
Hepatology 50:1251-62; Wiechert et al., 2012, Cell Comm Signal, 10:40;
Pusterla et al., 2013, Hepatology, in press). The current project aims
at analysing the function of S100A8/A9 and HMGB1, as well as the
receptor RAGE in hepatocellular cancer and metastasis. In addition, the
impact of these molecules in the link between cancer and metabolism will
be explored. The candidate will apply gain-of-function and
loss-of-function approaches in genetically modified mice and in vitro
cell cultures to define the role of these molecules in chronic liver
damage, inflammation, tumor cell formation and invasion using
state-of-the-art transgenic and shRNA/ siRNA technologies.
Your Profile:
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious Postdoc with a
Ph.D. to complement our team. The candidate should have a strong
background in molecular and cellular biology demonstrated by
peer-reviewed publications and a strong interest in liver tumor biology.
Excellent experimental and analytical skills in advanced cell culture
techniques and mouse genetics including animal experimentation are
mandatory.
http://www.dkfz.de/en/stellenangebote/index.php?id=049/2013