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SlovenčinaPhD programs
Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences participates on PhD study of 5 Faculties of 3 Slovak Universities, it is an external educational institution of the following study programmes:
| Faculty of Medicine Comenius University in Bratislava | Normal and Pathological Physiology |
| Oncology | |
| Faculty of Natural Sciences Comenius University in Bratislava | Molecular Biology |
| Genetics | |
| Microbiology and Virology | |
| Animal Physiology | |
| Biochemistry | |
| Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Comenius University in Bratislava | Sport Sciences |
| Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava | Biochemistry |
| Faculty of Science Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice | Zoology and Animal Physiology |
| Biophysics |
Theses for PhD study at the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences for the academic year 2023/2024
Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice
Deadline for application: 31. 5. 2023
More information on website of the faculty here.
| Study programm: | Zoology and Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Activation of endogenous mechanisms leading to neuroprotection after stroke |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Petra Bonová, PhD. |
| Email: | bonova@saske.sk |
| Keywords: | Brain ischemia, ischemic tolerance, conditioning |
| Annotation: | Stroke represents a serious socio-economic problem with limited treatment options. Recently, the phenomenon of ischemic tolerance, i.e. endogenous stimulation of the mechanisms with the ability to induce neuroprotection, has become an attractive solution for the prevention and treatment of such conditions. Objectives: 1. Study of mechanisms of ischemic tolerance 2. Defining the role of peripheral blood cells in inducing ischemic tolerance 3. Testing of in vivo and ex vivo conditioning methods 4. Testing of conditioning methods in animal models of ischemic-reperfusion injury of nerve tissue |
| Study programm: | Zoology and Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Mechanisms of peripheral neuropathy caused by antitumor therapy |
| Supervisor: | MVDr. Ivo Vanický, PhD. |
| Email: | vanicky@saske.sk |
| Keywords: | Antitumor treatment, peripheral neuropathy, axonal damage |
| Annotation: | Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an unwanted side effect of anticancer treeatments. In the present project, we plan to test the hypotheses of the presumed mechanisms of the development of peripheral neuropathy in experimental models. In in vivo experiments, we want to detect axonal degeneration at doses of Paclitaxel that cause hypersensitive changes and to document the accumulation of macrophages in peripheral nerves and in spinal ganglia at different time periods of CIPN onset. |
| Study programm: | Biophysics |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Biological and binding properties of selected viral and human glycoproteins and their clinical importance in immune response |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Ivana Nemčovičová, PhD. |
| Email: | ivana.nemcovicova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | virus, glycoprotein, cellular receptor, protein interaction, immunomodulation, recombinant expression system, genetic manipulation, crystallization, structural analysis |
| Annotation: | The main thesis objective is to closely examine the molecular basis of immune recognition of clinically relevant glycoproteins encoded by human viruses. In this regard, we are planning a preparation, characterization, expression and purification of selected set of recombinant viral and human genes that are associated with cytotoxicity and viroprotectivity processes in the cell. |
| Study programm: | Biophysics |
| Form of study: | externally |
| Thesis: | Effects of electromagnetic fields from building technology on burnout syndrome and sleep complaints |
| Supervisor: | doc. Ing. Igor Beliaev, DrSc. |
| Email: | igor.beliaev@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Electromagnetic fields, EMF shielding, autonomous nervous system, heart rate variability, burnout syndrome |
| Annotation: | The influence of electromagnetic fields (EMF) in sleeping areas on the burnout syndrome will be investigated. For this purpose, the EMF emissions in the frequency range from 0 – GHz will be measured and compared with medical guideline values. EMF at the sleeping areas will be reduced by a shielding canopy. The state of the ANS (autonomous nervous system) of the test persons will be examined by measuring HRV (heart rate variability) before EMF shielding and after four and eight weeks in the exposure-reduced condition. The subjective changes will be surveyed. The data will show whether the reduction of EMF in sleeping areas influences the ANS as well as the ability to regenerate and whether there are improvements in existing burnout syndrome. |
| Study programm: | Biophysics |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Mitochondrial metabolism in selected lifestyle diseases assessed by modern methods of biophotonics |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Michal Cagalinec, PhD. |
| Email: | michal.cagalinec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Biophotonics, fluoerscence, mitochondria, confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy |
| Annotation: | Mitochondria are key organelles both in terms of energy production and intracellular signaling. Both of these processes can be monitored by modern methods of biophotonics including fluorescence indicators and optogenetics direcly in living cells using confocal and super-resolution microscopy. The aim of this work is to use these modern methods of biophysics to determine the function and calcium signalling of mitochondria in experimental models of selected lifestyle diseases. |
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava
Deadline for application: 31. 05. 2023
More information on website of the faculty here.
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Function of GPR180 signalling in regulation of energy metabolism and pathogenesis of metabolic diseases |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Lucia Balážová, PhD. |
| Email: | lucia.balazova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | GPR180 receptor, hormone CTHRC1, pancreatic beta cells, insulin secretion, diabetes, hepatocytes, fatty liver |
| Annotation: | Prevalence of metabolic diseases is alarming worldwide. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the role of recently discovered GPR180-CTHRC1 receptor ligand pair in the regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Phenotyping of pancreatic B cells and liver hepatocytes specific GPR180 knockout mice in combination with functional in vitro studies will allow to understand the importance of this signaling pathway in the regulation of physiological function of metabolically active organs. Part of the experimental work can be carried out at ETH Zurich (Switzerland) in laboratory of prof. Wolfrum if the doctoral student receives scholarship for research mobility. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Role of lactate in the control of energy metabolism |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Miroslav Baláž, PhD. |
| Email: | miroslav.balaz@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | lactate, energy metabolism, adipose tissue, intracellular signaling, cellular crosstalk, cold |
| Annotation: | Nowadays we know that lactate is not just an unavoidable by-product of glycolysis, but also an important energy source, substrate for gluconeogenesis and it serves also as a signaling molecule mediating intercellular crosstalk. The main aim of this PhD project is to study the role of lactate in the control of energy metabolism, focusing primarily on uncovering its regulation, signaling function and physiological role under cold. Experimental work on fat cells, genetic mouse models and human fat samples will be carried out at the Biomedical Research Center SAS, with the option to visit ETH Zurich for a short-term study stay. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | The role of gut metabolites in the development of cardiometabolic disorders |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Lenka Tomášová, PhD. |
| Email: | lenka.tomasova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | gut microbiota, hydrogen sulfide, obesity, diabetes, hypertension |
| Annotation: | Accumulating evidence suggest that metabolites produced by the gut microbiota are involved in the regulation of patho/physiology of the organism. However, the role of the gut products in the development of cardiometabolic disorders remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the thesis is to study the changes in the production and metabolism of gut products in the organism of obese, diabetic and hypertensive individuals. Aims of the project: Determine the levels and monitor changes in the signaling pathways of gut products in the development of cardiometabolic disorders. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Posttraumatic stress disorder: detection of the molecular-biological and morphological-functional changes in the selected brain areas in the animal model |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Jana Osacká, PhD. |
| Email: | jana.bundzikova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | posttraumatic stress disorder, dopaminergic system, aripiprazole, CRH system, CRHR2 agonist |
| Annotation: | Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop as a result of exposure to a severe traumatic event (e.g. stress). In PTSD, alterations were observed in several brain areas, and PTSD was shown to be related to changes in monoamine neurotransmitters and the CRH system, too. In addition to psychotherapy, PTSD therapy also includes medication. The aim of the PhD. thesis will be to determine how influencing the activity of the dopaminergic system by the administration of the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole or the CRH system by the administration of a CRHR2 agonist will affect the development of PTSD. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Neurobiological basis of mental diseases: hormonal dysregulations |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Nataša Hlaváčová, PhD. |
| Email: | natasa.hlavacova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Mood disorders, neuroendocrine system, stress, animal models |
| Annotation: | The PhD thesis will be focused on the study of regulatory mechanisms underlying the development of mental disorders, especially depression and schizophrenia. Research will be conducted both in human and animal studies to find new knowledge for better prevention and treatment of mood disorders. Atypical effects of hormones such as aldosterone, oxytocin, copeptin, testosterone will be investigated. In addition to neuroendocrine mechanisms and atypical effects of hormones on brain functions, indicators of brain plasticity and neurogenesis, whose changes contribute to the development of mental disorders, will be studied. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Inhibitory neurotransmission in neurodevelopmental disorders |
| Supervisor: | doc. RNDr. Ján Bakoš, PhD. |
| Email: | j.bakos@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Brain, GABA, development, autism |
| Annotation: | Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most important inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Increasing number of studies indicate that the formation of GABA-producing neurons, the differentiation of their subtypes, as well as the action of GABA on the postsynaptic membrane are important factors in brain development. The aim of the PhD project is to study markers and changes in inhibitory neurotransmission in brain areas relevant for the development of social behavior. The project includes use of transgenic mouse model of autism, immunostaining for postsynaptic proteins and behavioral evaluation for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms leading to neurodevelopmental diseases. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Metabolic flexibility as a determinant of metabolic response to complex lifestyle intervention in obesity – whole body, tissue specific and cellular mechanisms |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Jozef Ukropec, DrSc . |
| Email: | jozef.ukropec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Metabolic flexibility, obesity, physical activity, exercise, acute and adaptive response. |
| Annotation: | Response to the lifestyle intervention programs in patients with obesity could vary. Here we will examine cellular and molecular mechanisms determining whole-body tissue and cell specific response to intervention by examining molecular and cellular determinants of metabolic flexibility as well as the capacity to modulate energy metabolism in energetically demanding situations such as nutritional stress (overload), cold stress, fasting vs euglycemic hyperinsulinemia or exercise. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Effects of ageing and exercise on skeletal muscle and brain plasticity in humans: integrative physiology, in vitro and in vivo studies |
| Supervisor: | prof. MUDr. Barbara Ukropcová, PhD. |
| Email: | barbara.ukropcova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | regular exercise, healthy ageing, skeletal muscle, metabolism, primary muscle cell culture, brain structure (volumetry), cognitive unctions, neuronal cultures |
| Annotation: | Regular exercise is effective in prevention & treatment of chronic diseases and supports healthy ageing. We will study mechanisms of the systemic adaptive response to regular exercise and specifically its integration at a level of skeletal muscles (organ of movement) and brain (cognition/memory). We hypothesize that bioactive molecules released from contracting muscles are not only involved in improvements of muscle integrity and functional capacity but could also modulate brain functional and structural characteristics. Muscle biopsies and muscle cell cultures derived from individuals with different phenotypes will be used to test our hypotheses. All the data will be interpreted in relationship with the results of the long-term exercise intervention study in seniors where we have also collected volumetric brain parameters. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Mitochondrial morphology and function in selected civilization and genetic disorders |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Michal Cagalinec, PhD. |
| Email: | michal.cagalinec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Mitochondria, heart failure, Wolfram syndrome, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy |
| Annotation: | Mitochondria are key organelles both in terms of energy production and intracellular signaling. Disruption of these processes in pathological condition such as heart failure, but also rare genetic disorders such as Wolfram’s syndrome is associated with changes in mitochondria metabolism, dynamics and morphology. All these factors significantly affect the course and prognosis of these diseases. The aim of this work is to use modern methods of confocal and electron microscopy to determine the function and morphology of mitochondria in experimental models of heart failure, Wolfram syndrome and others. |
| Study programm: | Animal Physiology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Diabetic cardiomyopathy – impact of obesity and diabetes in female Zucker-diabetic fatty rats |
| Supervisor: | RNDr. Michal Cagalinec, PhD. |
| Email: | michal.cagalinec@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Diabetes, cardiomyopathy, calcium signalling, ultrastructure, Zucker-diabetic fatty female rats |
| Annotation: | The aim of the work is to characterize cardiac myocyte calcium dynamics and ultrastructure in Zucker-diabetic fatty female rats and compare these characteristics in lean and obese variants with/out developed cardiomyopathy to distinguish pathomechanisms induced by diet, obesity and dibetic condition. |
| Study programm: | Genetics |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Reprogramming pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment towards immunotherapy |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Božena Smolková, PhD. |
| Email: | bozena.smolkova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, tumor microenvironment, reprogramming, immunotherapy, epigenetic drugs, combination therapy |
| Annotation: | The dissertation will be aimed at understanding the complexity and heterogeneity of the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment by identifying critical components that control the progression and response of these tumours to treatment and identifying new therapeutic targets sensitive to epigenetic drugs. Response to combination therapy will be tested in preclinical platforms. |
| Study programm: | Genetics |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Detailed characterization of newly identified splicing factors |
| Supervisor: | Ing. Ľuboš Čipák, PhD. |
| Email: | lubos.cipak@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | pre-mRNA splicing; regulation of gene expression; affinity purification; post-translational modifications; S. pombe |
| Annotation: | The aim will be to characterize and reveal the biological functions of so far uncharacterized factors associated with the spliceosome of the fission yeast S. pombe. |
| Study programm: | Molecular Biology |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Biological and binding properties of selected viral and human glycoproteins and their clinical importance in immune response |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Ivana Nemčovičová, PhD. |
| Email: | ivana.nemcovicova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | virus, glycoprotein, cellular receptor, protein interaction, immunomodulation, recombinant expression system, genetic manipulation, crystallization, structural analysis |
| Annotation: | The main thesis objective is to closely examine the molecular basis of immune recognition of clinically relevant glycoproteins encoded by human viruses. In this regard, we are planning a preparation, characterization, expression and purification of selected set of recombinant viral and human genes that are associated with cytotoxicity and viroprotectivity processes in the cell. |
| Study programm: | Biochemistry |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | Biological and binding properties of selected viral and human glycoproteins and their clinical importance in immune response |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Ivana Nemčovičová, PhD. |
| Email: | ivana.nemcovicova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | virus, glycoprotein, cellular receptor, protein interaction, immunomodulation, recombinant expression system, genetic manipulation, crystallization, structural analysis |
| Annotation: | The main thesis objective is to closely examine the molecular basis of immune recognition of clinically relevant glycoproteins encoded by human viruses. In this regard, we are planning a preparation, characterization, expression and purification of selected set of recombinant viral and human genes that are associated with cytotoxicity and viroprotectivity processes in the cell. |
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
Deadline for application: 31. 05. 2023
More information on website of the faculty here.
| Study programm: | Biochemistry |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | The role of gut metabolites in the development of cardiometabolic disorders |
| Supervisor: | Mgr. Lenka Tomášová, PhD. |
| Email: | lenka.tomasova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | gut microbiota, hydrogen sulfide, obesity, diabetes, hypertension |
| Annotation: | Accumulating evidence suggest that metabolites produced by the gut microbiota are involved in the regulation of patho/physiology of the organism. However, the role of the gut products in the development of cardiometabolic disorders remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the thesis is to study the changes in the production and metabolism of gut products in the organism of obese, diabetic and hypertensive individuals. Aims of the project: Determine the levels and monitor changes in the signaling pathways of gut products in the development of cardiometabolic disorders. |
| Study programm: | Biochemistry |
| Form of study: | daily (full-time) |
| Thesis: | LncRNA signature of metastatic colorectal cancer as a possible biomarker of liver metastasis recurrence |
| Supervisor: | Ing. Martina Poturnajová, PhD. |
| Email: | martina.poturnajova@savba.sk |
| Keywords: | Biomarker, colorectal carcinoma, long non-coding RNA |
| Annotation: | Colorectal cancer is frequent in the Slovak republic and 60% of patients are diagnosed as having liver metastases. Their surgical resection leads to better clinical outcomes for patients, however 5-year overall survival (OS) rates range from 31–60%. To select high-risk patients with resectable CRC liver metastasis, there is a need for a marker to predict poor prognosis. LncRNAs belong to the class of non- coding RNAs with regulation function, being potential disease biomarkers. Aims: 1.Examination of the expression levels of lncRNAs in patient samples of liver metastatic CRC 2. The establishment of a lncRNA signature that can potentially be linked to CRC‘s poor survival and outcome. 3. Functional analysis of lncRNA and validation of proposed biomarker/s |
