phd placements in finland
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About Us
Research
Selected
Publications
Team
Members
Contact
Information
GPCRs RESEARCH TEAM
RESEARCH AREA
GPCRs (G Protein-Coupled Receptors) Research Team is focused on investigating biosynthesis,
processing and degradation of G protein-coupled receptors. These cell surface proteins mediate
extracellular signals into cellular responses and constitute the largest known protein family in the
human genome. They control vital physiological processes, both in health and disease, and are
immensely important drug targets.
Development of more specialized drugs requires further knowledge on functional characteristics
of GPCRs and on mechanisms that regulate their activity. Our aim is to provide comprehensive
information on these aspects at the cellular level.
MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS
We have made significant contributions to GPCR research field by observing that not only
mutant, disease-causing receptors, but even wild-type ones may have difficulties in finding the
correct functional conformation during biosynthesis. We have also been among the first to
describe a novel paradigm for ligand-mediated GPCR up-regulation (increase in receptor levels).
The pharmacological chaperone activity of membrane-permeable GPCR ligands allows them to
bind and stabilize immature intracellular receptors and enhance their transport to the cell surface.
This property is independent of their signaling activity, proposing that drugs that are in clinical
use may have previously unknown properties that affect their usefulness and efficacy.
RESEARCH TEAM
At present, GPCRs Research Team consists of a post doctoral fellow, four Ph.D. students, a
medical student and a technician led by Ulla Petäjä-Repo, Ph.D, University Researcher. Ph.D
students participate in Biocenter Oulu Graduate School and Glycoscience Graduate School. We
are located at the University of Oulu, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell
Biology at Aapistie 7, Oulu, Finland.
Research is funded by Academy of Finland, Sigrid Juselius Foundation and University of Oulu.
OPEN POSITIONS
Applications for a PhD studentship are welcome. The position, funded by the Academy of
Finland, is available immediately.
Undergraduate students preparing Master Thesis are welcome to join the team at any time.
For enquiries and applications, please contact group leader Ulla Petäjä-Repo, tel. 08-5375011,
extension 5193, mobile 040-7247328, e-mail: Ulla Petaja-Repo(at)oulu.fi