The laboratory of Prof. Dr. Oliver Gruss at the Institute of
Genetics, University of Bonn offers the opportunity for
Bachelor, Master and PhD theses in the area of Cell Division
We recently moved to the Institute of Genetics at Bonn University.
My group is interested in understanding the design principles of
mitotic spindle assembly. We are aiming at understanding when,
where and why spindle formation is initiated in vertebrate cells.
Faithful spindle formation and function is a prerequisite for proper
cell division and ensures genomic stability. In turn, defects in
spindle function interfere with proper chromosome inheritance.
They are correlated with malignant transformation of cells and
promote the progression of cancer diseases.
We recently finished two overlapping proteomic screens to survey which
key factors are generated in a developing organism to reach competence
for spindle assembly. Our screen identified several novel microtubule
associated and centrosomal proteins, which are rate-limiting factors for de
novo centrosome biogenesis and faithful spindle function (Baerenz et al,
JCB, 2013; Yokoyama et al., Nat Comm, 2014; Inoue et al, Bioarchives,
2015). The aim of our new projects in the lab is to elucidate the function
of these proteins at the molecular level. We are using a combination of
biochemical assays in cell free extracts of amphibian oocytes and CRISPRCas9-based approaches in living human cells to functionally characterise
our novel spindle assembly proteins.
We are looking for highly motivated individuals, who are seeking for a
challenging project in basic science. Insights into molecular biology and
protein biochemistry is required, and experience with cell culture and
imaging techniques is an advantage if you want to join us for your PhD
project. Those candidates should have a MSC in Biology, Molecular
Biology, Biochemistry or Biophysics. We are also offering projects for
Bachelor and Master students. Please send informal inquiries to Prof. Dr.
Oliver Gruss ([email protected]).
Methods:
•
Monitoring cell division after inducible knock-out of human gene
products,
•
Live-cell imaging in human cells using centrosomal and microtubule
marker proteins,
•
Reconstitution of cell division functions in cell free extracts,
•
Protein purification and protein activity assay development.
Selected references:
Inoue, D., M. Stemmer, T. Thumberger, J. Wittbrodt and Gruss OJ:
Maternal expression of the novel centrosome assembly factor Wdr8 is
required for vertebrate embryonic mitosis and development, bioRxiv beta
12 Nov 2015, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/031336 (2015)
Yokoyama H, Koch B, Walczak R, Ciray F, Gonzsales JC, Devos D, Mattaj
IW and Gruss OJ. The nucleoporin MEL-28 enables timely nuclear pore
complex or mitotic spindle formation, Nat. Commun, Feb 10;5:3270. doi:
10.1038/ncomms4270 (2014)
Baerenz F, Inoue D, Yokoyama H, Tegha-Dunghu, J, Freiss S, Draeger S,
Mayilo D, Cado I, Merker S, Hoeckendorf B, Pilz S, Steinbeisser H, Lorenz
H, Ruppert T, Wittbrodt J and Gruss OJ. The centriolar satellite protein
SSX2IP promotes centrosome maturation. J Cell Biol, 202 (1), 81-95
(2013)