Unraveling the multifaceted roles of Meox2 as a major player and a possible therapeutic target in glioblastoma

Silvia Anna Ciafrè’s lab
Dept. of Biomedicine and Prevention
University of Rome Tor Vergata
Via Montpellier, 1 00135 Rome

The focus of our lab’s research has been for many years the study of the molecular basis of glioblastoma, a strongly aggressive primary brain tumor, for which no treatment has proven successful so far. Our choice has been to perform most of our studies in patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), which are considered responsible of tumor onset, progression, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence. Through transcriptome profiling of a small cohort of glioblastoma stem cell lines, we demonstrated that the transcription factor MEOX2 is significantly overexpressed in GSCs compared to non-stem glioblastoma cell lines. Moreover, we found that it is crucial for preserving GSC traits, including self-renewal capacity and viability. However, the precise mechanisms by which Meox2 exerts its function remain poorly understood.

The project to which the recruited PhD student will contribute aims at dissecting the transcriptional targets of Meox2 in GSCs, but also to investigate a different way through which this protein may contribute to drug resistance of GSCs. In fact, we have recently collected data indicating that Meox2 may be involved in the DNA repair mechanism together with PARP1.

Interested Ph.D. candidates should hold a Master Degree (Laurea Magistrale) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences or any related fields. Motivated students with a strong commitment to basic research are invited to apply. Any experience in molecular biology, cellular biology, transcriptomic analysis, cell culture, DNA damage and repair, etc. is an advantage. The candidate should have well-developed social skills and be able to work in a team. Interest in the field of molecular oncology will be an additional asset. Applicants should have good communication skills in spoken and written English.

If interested, please write to ciafre@uniroma2.it for a meeting