News announcement

【实验室介绍】

The Wangensteen lab is investigating the mechanisms of liver repopulation in response to severe injury. We use a mouse model in which the repopulating hepatocytes are genetically traced and investigated. We have developed two highly innovative in vivo genetic screening paradigms to elucidate genetic pathways involved in regeneration and carcinogenesis in the liver, including the first-ever use of CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) screening in live mice. 

【项目介绍】

One project in the lab is to understand the role of TNF signaling in blocking liver repopulation. We are performing experiments to map the downstream pathways that mediate this phenotype, and we are investigating how the signaling could be modulated to treat liver diseases such as alcoholic hepatitis and acute liver failure.

A second project is to investigate the mechanisms of cancer initiation in the injured liver. We have found that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops when oncogenes – particularly MYC – are expressed in repopulating cells, and we have developed methods to investigate the interactions between genes during carcinogenesis. For instance, we are investigating which genes can modulate (either enhance or inhibit) MYC-driven HCC. We also aim to discover and characterize pathways that lead to drug resistance in HCC. 

In short, this lab is an exciting opportunity to address important clinical problems using innovative technology such as CRISPRa and high throughput sequencing in live mice.

【导师介绍】

The P.I. is a physician-scientist who is specialized in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and who has been at Penn for more than 9 years. The lab has funding as part of a generous start-up package from Penn and from various grants including from the NIH. The lab is situated in a highly modern facility, with natural light and easy access to equipment, reagents and cores. The environment is collegial, friendly, and open-minded; we like to explore all great scientific ideas. In addition, Penn has outstanding seminar series and provides numerous career development opportunities. 

【具体要求】

Qualifications

Ideal applicants will have a PhD or MD with experience in molecular biology or related fields at the time of hire. Candidates should have at least one first-author manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal either published or accepted. Experience with standard techniques such as molecular cloning, staining, animal models (especially mouse), tissue culture, high throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics is preferred.

【申请方式】

Please submit a cover letter with three references and CV to:

Kirk Wangensteen, MD/PhD 

Email:  wkirk@upenn.edu