For a long time, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was considered a detrimental by-product of oxidative metabolism. However, during the last decades, this molecule has moved into the forefront as a central second messenger in many biological processes. Peroxisomes are important sites of cellular H2O2 metabolism. However, their role in redox signaling has long been overlooked. By employing a unique and powerful study design, we recently identified over 400 proteins that can be directly oxidized by peroxisome-derived H2O2. As many of the identified targets are at the crossroads of key cellular processes, it can be expected that genetic-, age-, and environment-related changes in peroxisomal H2O2 metabolism contribute to disease pathogenesis. The aim of this project is to further improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying peroxisome-mediated changes in the cellular H2O2 signaling network.

• The project runs from 1 February 2024 - 30 June 2024.
• Number of placements available: 1 per semester.
• Interested candidates are welcome to contact the PI for more information.

Prerequisites

• Strong basic knowledge of molecular cell biology.
• Strong interest in organelle biology.

Faculty Department

Faculty of Medicine / Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine combines expertise in techniques of biochemistry, electrophysiology, molecular biology, cell imaging, proteomics, bioinformatics, and animal model development to acquire novel insights into cellular signaling and communication processes. An additional aim is to decipher the molecular basis for human signal transduction-related diseases and to identify novel therapeutic targets.