China Scholarship Council – University Maastricht

PhD Programme Application form

Title of research plan for CSC-UM PhD Programme

Glaucoma theranostics using annexin A5 and annexin A1

Short summary of research plan (max. 250 words) (A full plan has to be submitted later)

Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible visual loss, characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis. Annexin A5 and A1 belong to a multigene family of phospholipid binding proteins, the annexins. Annexin A5 was discovered as an anticoagulant protein with antithrombotic activity in vivo. To date, several other biological properties of annexin A5 have been described, including Ca2+-channel activities, phospholipase A2 regulation, inhibition of phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, and immune modulation. This molecule also has a high calcium-dependent affinity for phosphatidylserine, a cell membrane phospholipid externalized to the outer cell membrane in early apoptosis. In glaucoma, fluorescently-labelled annexin A5 has been developed as a tool for detecting rates of glaucomatous degeneration in vivo. Annexin A1 has a well-defined anti-inflammatory role in the innate immune system. In primary glaucoma, the protein expression of annexin A1 has been found to increase. However, the exact biological function of annexin A5 and A1 and their relationship with RGCs apoptosis and glaucoma are still unclear.

Study objective: The objective of this project is to study the potential neuroprotective effect of annexin A5 and A1 in RGCs apoptosis (or other type of cell death) and their potential use to treat glaucoma.

Selection criteria

•    MSc degree in neuroscience, cell biology, biomedical, pharmacology, or related fields within life sciences and pharmaceutical sciences;

•    Excellent proficiency in English;

•    Wet-lab biochemical experience;

•    The ideal candidate should be talented, highly motivated, excellent communication and organizational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.

Applications:

Please send your application to Theo Gorgels <theo.gorgels@mumc.nl> and Wenting You <w.you@maastrichtuniversity.nl> including the following documents:

•    A letter of motivation;

•    An updated CV;

•    Copy of master’s thesis or any other publication (if available).

Research team

The University of Maastricht and the University Eye Clinic Maastricht have great expertise in the field of glaucoma research, Annexins, and biomedical optics.

Prof. Dr. Carroll Webers is director of the University Eye Clinic Maastricht. He is a leading expert on fundamental and applied research in glaucoma and has been involved in a number of intervention trials. Publications: 306; H-Index: 34; number of citations 4539.

Prof. Dr. Chris Reutelingsperger established proof of concept of annexin A5 to recognize apoptotic cells in vitro and in vivo and has initiated the first clinical study in which annexin A5 is used as a radio-diagnostic probe to visualize and localize apoptosis in patients in order to guide diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Hence, he covered successfully the entire process from discovery at the laboratory bench until use in the clinic for proof of concept and as a product. Chris is co-founder of the biotech companies Biosynt BV and PharmaTarget BV. He published over 100 scientific papers and is currently considered one of the leading experts in the field of apoptosis in physiology and pathology. Publications: 279; H-Index: 68; number of citations 25908.

Dr. Theo Gorgels, he is trained in biology and has over 25 years of experience in eye research. Recently, he identified new disease genes for myopia, AMD and glaucoma and studied molecular pathways mechanisms of AMD and glaucoma. Publications: 158; H-Index: 36; number of citations 4457.

Dr. Tos Berendschot studies the functional morphology of the human retina by non-invasive optical techniques and has developed devices for quickly and easily measuring Macular Pigment in the human eye, based on the objective technique of fundus reflectance spectroscopy. He further has used time resolved spectroscopy, including the development of femtosecond laser systems. Publications: 344; H-Index: 43; number of citations 6545.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 22,000 students and about 5,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.