Bachelor/Master thesis:
Reactions between Malondialdehyde and Proteinogenic Amino Acids
Starting date: January 2016
The diploma thesis
Malondialdehyde (MDA) is one of the most abundant lipid peroxidation products that
is generated during oxidative breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids. As such, it is
well established as a biomarker for oxidative stress in various conditions such as
cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases. As a di-aldehyde, MDA has a strong
reactivity towards amino groups on proteins, nucleic acids, and membrane lipids.
Reactions with these molecules have been reported in vitro. Although MDA adducts
have been shown to occur in vivo, the exact reactions and resultant structures have
not been fully characterised.
The offered thesis includes comprehensive mapping of the reactivity of MDA towards
several amino acids in model peptides under various reaction conditions. Reaction
products will be monitored by LCMS and the reactive sites confirmed by detailed
interpretation of fragmentation spectra. This comprehensive approach will enable
prediction of which reactions are most likely to occur in a living system. A selection
of candidate reaction products can then be assessed for biological activity in several
protein- and cell-based assays.
The successful applicant will receive hands-on training on state-of-the-art mass
spectrometric equipment and data analysis and will perform experiments
independently.
The institute and the lab
The diploma thesis will be performed in the research group of Dr. Keiryn Bennett at
CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
CeMM is an interdisciplinary research institute committed to advancing the
understanding of human diseases through basic biomedical research. The goal of
CeMM is to assist in preparing predictive, preventive and personalized medicine by
focusing on diseases like cancer and inflammation / immune disorders. Over 100
scientists from 37 nations take interdisciplinary approaches utilizing a variety of
genomic technologies including proteomics, chemical biology, and bioinformatics,
which have been established in-house. The Bennett laboratory develops and applies
novel mass spectrometric methods to study post-translational modifications in health
and disease.
The diploma candidate
The ideal Bachelor or Master candidate should be studying chemistry or biological
chemistry and should have an interest in analytical methods such as mass
spectrometry and liquid chromatography. He/she should be highly-motivated to work
independently and possess excellent communication skills. As CeMM is an
international institute and the working language is English, very good oral and
written skills are a requirement.
Your application
Please send your full application including a letter of motivation, your CV and the
names and contact details of two referees to: application@cemm.at
Closing date for applications: 30 November 2015
CeMM Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
Lazarettgasse 14, AKH BT 25.3, 1090 Wien, Austria, Tel. +43-1/40160-70011, office@cemm.oeaw.ac.at,
www.cemm.at
Reference code: Diploma KB 2015
CeMM Forschungszentrum für Molekulare Medizin GmbH der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
Lazarettgasse 14, AKH BT 25.3, 1090 Wien, Austria, Tel. +43-1/40160-70011, office@cemm.oeaw.ac.at,
www.cemm.at