Internship Project
Biology

Cyclic nucleotide signaling in response to extracellular stimuli in Toxoplasma gondii

Institution
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin,
Departments of Experimental Biophysics and Molecular Parasitology
Subject Area
Biology
Availability
Summer Term Internship 2023:
08 May – 28 July
 22 May – 11 August
 05 June – 25 August
 
Individual Timeframe Internship:
The dates are arranged individually according to the project's and the student's availability.
 
Internship Modality:
On-site internship in Berlin
Project Supervisor(s)
Prof. Peter Hegemann and Dr. Özlem Günay-Esiyok
Academic Level
Advanced undergraduate students (from third year) 
Master's students 
Ph.D. students 
Language
English
Project Type
Academic Research
Project Content
To understand the role of cyclic nucleotide signaling in response to extracellular stimuli in the intracellular protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, we have identified several ion channels that may be regulated by cAMP or cGMP. The proposed work plans to characterize the function of selected ion channels in conjunction with light-activated adenylate or guanylate cyclases. We will use Xenopus oocytes and neuronal cells as the model and apply optobiology and electrophysiology methods. Selected proteins will be co-expressed with bPAC or Rho-GC and tested by patch-clamp recording to assess the ion flux. It is expected that candidate is familiar with the cell culture and genetic engineering techniques.
Tasks for Interns
Wet-lab research in molecular biology (cell biology, biochemistry, genetic engineering) and molecular parasitology
Academic Level
Advanced undergraduate students (from third year) 
Master's students 
Ph.D. students 
Requirements
Hands-on experience in cell culture, genetic engineering and cell biology methods
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For more information on the Humboldt Internship Program or the project, please contact the program coordinator.