Supervisor: Dr. Ingrid Langer
Supervisor: Ingrid Langer
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate the gastrointestinal tract in normal conditions and during diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. We pay special attention to the molecular mechanisms underlying the multiple roles of the VIP/PACAP pathway (website: https://www.iribhm.org/ingrid-langer).
Project – IBD – Cancer biology – Organoids
Unravelling the multifaceted role of the VIP pathway in homeostasis and diseases of the colonic mucosa
Context:
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) are two neuropeptides that regulate many physiological functions such as development, growth, circadian rhythms, smooth muscles tone, endocrine and exocrine secretions. Their effects are mediated through the interaction with three GPCRs widely expressed in the body: VPAC1, VPAC2 and PAC1. In the intestine, VIP, through VPAC1, regulates secretions of water and electrolytes as well as contractions of the intestinal smooth muscles. VIP also regulates the development and the homeostasis of the intestinal barrier. As well, VIP and PACAP have been implicated in the regulation of immune response and carcinogenesis.
Chronic gut diseases and cancers are typically multifactorial, including dysfunction and dysregulated communication between different cell compartments. Therefore, understanding of signalling pathways and microenvironmental regulations that orchestrate homeostatic and pathologic conditions in epithelial tissue is a key milestone for new diagnostics and therapeutics discovery, and ultimately satisfy unmet medical need.
Project:
The main objective of our project is to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the multifaceted role of the VIP pathway in both the homeostasis and disease states of the colonic mucosa by using adult stem cell (ASC)-derived organoids as disease models. We aim to characterize the precise contribution of the different actors of the VIP pathway both at the epithelial and the mesenchymal cell level by combining transcriptomic and proteomic approaches.
All together, we anticipate that our results will: 1) Allow better understanding of the contribution of VIP/PACAP in IBD and colorectal cancer, shedding light on critical aspects of the pathogenesis of these diseases; 2) Deliver new in vitro models to test drug candidates.
Joining our laboratory offers:
– a dynamic international research environment with strong expertise in pharmacology, organoid systems, and state-of-the-art technologies.
– collaborative projects within the GHoPaT group (GPCR in Homeostasis & Pathology),
– weekly scientific meetings for PhD students of the GHoPaT group
– personalized mentoring for career development.
Candidate profile:
Highly motivated, independent organizational skills, with strong collaborative abilities
Strong interest in cancer biology, stem cells, and molecular mechanisms.
Skills in cell culture, molecular biology, or bioinformatics are a plus.
Excellent English level