
TU Braunschweig
Who are we?
The dynamic young group of Pathometabolism of Myeloid Cells (group leader: Dr. Wei He), located at the Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systemsbiology (BRICS), investigates cellular metabolism of myeloid cells in the context of tumor development and obesity-associated conditions. In particular, we focuses on cellular metabolites associated with pathologic conditions-triggered myeloid cell activation.
Project description
This project is focused on obesity-associated intracellular metabolites in macrophages. In preliminary experiments, we have identified multiple metabolites accumulating in macrophages of obesity-related models in vitro and in vivo. The PhD candidate will investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the accumulation of these metabolites, discover how these metabolites affect macrophage metabolism and functions in the context of obesity, and reveal these metabolites-initiated intercellular crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes/hepatocytes. Expectedly, this study will provide a vital basis for the development of novel dietary/pharmaceutical intervention in obesity and its associated complications such as insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, fatty liver, etc. This project is in a close collaboration with Prof. Zeinab Abdullah (Institute for Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn). The in vivo part of this project will be performed in her lab.
Methodology
We combine a variety of immunologic, metabolic and multi-omics methods to understand the phenotypic changes and mechanistic actions in macrophages themselves and crosstalk with adipocytes/hepatocytes, triggered by disease conditions-associated metabolites. Notably, mass spectrometry will be one of the central methodologies – we utilize non-targeted metabolomics to discover potential metabolites, and apply stable isotopomer-assisted flux analysis to uncover specific metabolic pathways. Obesity-associated models will be implemented with in vitro cell-based studies and in vivo mouse studies.
References:
Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2021 Apr;68:231-239. Nat Metab. 2022 May;4(5):524-533. Front Mol Biosci. 2022 Dec 21;9:1084060. J Neuroinflammation. 2024 Aug 20;21(1):207.
Your profile
•Recently or about to obtain master degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology or similar.
•Strong interests in metabolism, immunology and diseases.
•Working experiences in biochemistry, cell biology and immunology are required. Experiences in bioinformatics and animal handling are not required but will be a plus.
•Strong speaking/writing skills in English. Knowledge in German is not required but will be a plus.
Expected project start: April 2025
Interested?
Please send your CV and cover letter including summary of your master thesis and other lab experiences to Dr. Wei He, wei.he@tu-braunschweig.de before 28th Feb. 2025.
To apply for this job email your details to wei.he@tu-braunschweig.de