PhD candidate Parkinson’s disease

PhD candidate Parkinson’s disease 

Erasmus MC (University Medical Center Rotterdam), Netherlands 

This project will study how genetic variants in the DJ-1 and MPAN genes lead to neurodegenerative disease. To address the research questions, the candidate will use a multi-omics approach to study the pathogenic pathways activated by these genetic variants in patient iPS derived midbrain organoids. Midbrain organoids closely recapitulate the physiology and complexity of the human midbrain, and this technology has recently been introduced in our lab. Using these models, the lab anticipates to increase knowledge about important molecular changes associated with these neurodegenerative diseases that may contribute to the development of biomarkers as well as novel therapeutic opportunities.

To this end, the candidate will employ a multidisciplinary approach, including but not limited to iPS cell differentiation and organoid culture protocols, use various molecular biology assays, (sc)RNA sequencing, and (super resolution) microscopy.