Vacant PhD position at the K.U.Leuven, Belgium – Dept. Exp. Medicine & Endocrinology – Prof. Dirk Vanderschueren

For this 4 year full-time position we are looking for candidates with a master in Biomedical Sciences, Bio-engineer, Medicine or equivalent. We offer a 4 year fully funded position (no application for funding required) with possibility to attain a PhD degree.

Project: Sex steroids and the regulation of male musculoskeletal maintenance

Androgens are not only essential for maintaining sexual function, germ cell development and accessory sex glands, they also affect skeletal muscle mass and bone. In fact, during male puberty androgens stimulate periosteal bone formation along with an increase in muscle mass. Moreover, a progressive decline in bone mineral density (osteoporosis) and muscle strength (sarcopenia) is a main feature of the aging process, and is generally attributed to declining sex steroid levels in men. However, the cause-and-effect nature of these relationships and the underlying mechanism of action have not yet been fully elucidated.

To further enhance our understanding of the role of androgens in bone and muscle loss, this project aims to identify the target cells and molecular mechanism of action androgens on androgen receptor (AR) mediated bone turnover and bone remodeling. In order to achieve these objectives, transgenic mice with ubiquitous loss of AR protein and primary bone cell cultures will be used to determine the effects and mechanisms of action of androgens on bone turnover (i.e. formation and resorption). In addition, mice with specific loss of AR in bone cells (i.e. osteoclasts and osteocytes) will be generated and characterized to unravel the specific function of AR signaling in these cells. Also, mechanical manipulation of these mice (by direct mechanical stimulation and/or exercise) will be used to study the regulation of the male musculoskeletal response to loading by androgens. Since androgens affect both muscle and bone strength, this project will also assess the impact of androgens on the possible crosstalk between muscle and bone, by studying skeletal growth in mice with a muscle-specific deletion of the AR. Finally, the preclinical potency and the mechanism of action of a synthetic androgen (7-alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone, MENT) will be evaluated as a potential treatment for age-related bone and muscle loss in both aged rats and mice.

Together, these studies will allow to assess the cause-and-effect relationships between androgens and the regulation of muscle mass, providing an unique opportunity to gain major new insights in the development of osteoporosis and sarcopenia and, ultimately, to reveal new therapeutic strategies.

To apply to this position, please send by email a cover letter and CV to Prof. Dirk Vanderschueren at dirk.vanderschueren@med.kuleuven.be

Closing date of this application is 30/06/2010