We have a PhD job opening (4yr) in our lab, see below.
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Summary:
One of the most extensively studied and replicated gene-by-environment
interactions in the field of mental health is the interaction between
genetic sensitivity to stress and life-stressors, often used to
conceptualize the pathogenesis of affective and psychotic illnesses.
Recently, two candidate-genes were identified, i.e., the Catechol
O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene and the serotonin transporter promoter
region (5-HTTLPR), that increase a subjects' sensitivity to stress.
Neuroimaging studies in healthy individuals suggest that these genes are
involved in the functioning of particularly those brain areas that play
an important role in regulating the brains' response to stress, i.e.,
the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.
We hypothesize that a higher number of Met-alleles in the COMT gene is
related to an increased cortisol response after a social stress test,
which in turn is associated with reduced prefrontal functioning,
increased amygdala activation, and decreased hippocampal volumes.
Moreover, we postulate that the 5-HTTLPR gene modulates this effect.
Subjects will be selected from the general population based on their
COMT genotype and subsequently their brain function and structure will
be examined. To this end, we can use data from the
Utrecht-Health-Project (UHP), which is a large scale prospective
epidemiological study in a residential area near the city of Utrecht
(Netherlands). To date 6,500 adults from various sections of the
population have been included. DNA samples of these subjects are
available. Medical ethical approval from the METC of the UMC Utrecht has
been obtained and includes permission to contact the participants on the
basis of their DNA for further research. A total of 150 subjects, of
whom 50 are homozygous for the Met-allele, 50 are Met-carrier of the
functional variant and 50 subjects are homozygous for the Val-allele
will be selected from the UHP. Subjects will undergo the Social Trier
Stress Test (a public speaking task) and two MRI sessions (fMRI and
sMRI).
Requirements:
Ability to speak Dutch
Good clinical skills
Interest in structural and functional MRI
Good statistical and methodological skills.
When interested, please send a letter and CV to:
[log in to unmask]
or
Dr. N. van Haren
UMC Utrecht
Afdeling Psychiatrie A.01.126
Heidelberglaan 100
3584 CX Utrecht
The Netherlands
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Dr. S.F.W. Neggers
Division of Brain Research
Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neuroscience
Utrecht University Medical Center
Visiting : Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht
Room B.01.1.03
Mail : Huispost B.01.206, P.O. Box 85500
3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
Tel : +31 (0)88 7559609
Fax : +31 (0)88 7555443
E-mail : [log in to unmask]
<BLOCKED::blocked::mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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Dr. S.F.W. Neggers
Division of Brain Research
Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neuroscience
Utrecht University Medical Center
Visiting : Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht
Room B.01.1.03
Mail : Huispost B.01.206, P.O. Box 85500
3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands
Tel : +31 (0)88 7559609
Fax : +31 (0)88 7555443
E-mail : [log in to unmask]
<blocked::mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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