Available research topics:
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Expression and role of asprosin in the regulation of mouse ovarian cells function
Supervisor: dr hab. Agnieszka Rak, prof. UJ (agnieszka.rak@uj.edu.pl)
Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research
Background information:
Obesity and overweight are increasing worldwide and have detrimental influences on several human body functions including the reproductive health. In particular, obese women undergo perturbations of the ‘hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis’, and frequently suffer of menstrual dysfunction leading to anovulation and infertility. Besides the hormone disorders and subfertility that are common in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The adipose tissue indeed, releases a number of bioactive molecules, namely adipokines, that variably interact with multiple molecular pathways of insulin resistance, inflammation, hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Obesity is conditions that alter the profiles of specific hormones such as insulin and adipokines and, thus, definitely impair the women fertility. Many reports indicate that adipokines regulate the female reproduction on ovaries level. In the present project we will focus on description of adipokine – asprosin – as new regulator in female reproduction - on the ovarian physiology. Asprosin is a fasting-induced glucogenic hormone, which stimulates appetitive behavior by OLFR734 receptor. It has been highlighted that elevated asprosin levels are observed in humans and mice with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, however the role of asprosin in female reproduction is currently unclear.
The main question to be addressed in the project:
- mRNA and protein expression as well as immunolocalization of asprosin/OLFR737 in the mouse (obese vs control) ovaries,
- the role of asprosin in the regulation of ovarian cells physiology: hormone secretion, proliferation, apoptosis and signalling pathways
- involvement of OLFR737 in asprosin action on ovaries as well as oocyte maturation.
Information on the methods/description of work:
real time PCR, Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, in vitro culture of ovarian cells and oocyte, genes silencing, proliferation and apoptosis assays, statistical tests.
Additional information: (eg. Special requirements for the student)
ability to use planned methods, using basic statistical analysis programs, knowledge of English in speech and writing, readiness to work in a team and openness to new challenges.
Place/name of potential foreign collaborator:
INRAE, Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France / Professor Joëlle Dupont.
References:
[1] Rak A, et al., Adiponectin and resistin: potential metabolic signals affecting hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis in females and males of different species. Reproduction. 2017;153(6):R215-R226. [2] Reverchon M, et al., Adipokines and the female reproductive tract. Int J Endocrinol. 2014;2014:232454. [3] Dupont J, et al., Involvement of adipokines, AMPK, PI3K and the PPAR signaling pathways in ovarian follicle development and cancer. Int J Dev Biol. 2012;56:959-67.
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PhD Programme in Biology
Admission to the PhD Programme in Biology
in the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
language of education: English
The PhD Programme in Biology is carried out in English, in a full-time, eight-semester system.
This PhD programme covers courses representing various areas of biological sciences, including training in modern methodology and mastering skills useful in professional academic and non-academic careers. Choice of facultative classes and the possibility of gaining credits for courses offered outside of the University ensures flexibility and helps to adjust participation in courses to the individual research plan of the student.
For everyone who will be accepted for the PhD programme in Biology, a scholarship is guaranteed.
PhD students are recruited for the specific research topics offered by the faculty members. We kindly ask you to follow the recruitment rules described in each competition.
Each year, PhD students and their advisors/promotors write an individual research plan for a given year. Until the end of four semesters, students’ achievements are evaluated (mid-term evaluation) by the committee.
Doctoral dissertations are prepared under the supervision of a scientific staff of the Faculty of Biology (members of the Institute of Botany, Institute of Environmental Sciences or Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research). PhD programme in Biology leads to the scientific Doctoral title in the discipline of biology. More information about the programme can be found here.
See also:
Faculty of Biology website.
A subpage dedicated to this education programme.
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Nested Portlets
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How to apply?
- Check the admissions schedule.
- Read the rules and detailed conditions of admission.
- Collect the required documents.
- Apply in the Online Application System (IRK).
- see instructions on how to apply in IRK,
- please note: registration will start on 21st May, before this date no enrolments for our School are displayed in the IRK system.
- Take the exam.
- Make an enrolment in the Doctoral School.
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Admission schedule
for PhD Programme in Biology education programme
1st round
- 21. May 2024 – Opening of registration in IRK System
- 23. June 2024 – Closing of registration in IRK System
- 28. June- 4 lipca 2024 – Entrance exams
- 4. July 2024 – Committee meeting
- 8. July 2024 – Announcement of results
- 9-30. July 2024 – Enrollment to the Doctoral School*
- 31. July 2024 – Enrolment in the Doctoral School from the reserve list*
*enrollment possible during working hours of Secretariats of the Education Programmes
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Admission limits
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1st round – 10 doctoral students
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Contact
Secretariat of the Education Programme
mgr inż. Anna Stec
tel.: (0048) 12 664 6752
e-mail: wb.doktoranci@uj.edu.pl
Head of the Education Programme
dr hab. Joanna Kapusta, prof. UJ
tel.: (0048) 12 664 5206
e-mail: joanna.kapusta@uj.edu.pl
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The information presented on this subpage applies to admission for the academic year 2024/25. Documents such as admission rules, list of required documents, education programme and others may change in the next admission. Most documents differ for each education programme. Always check the documents on the sub-page of the programme to which you are applying.