Projects for students

Bachelor theses

Initiative applications to the working group leaders are welcome and possible at any time.

Master theses

Project for master’s thesis in the Heinzel lab

Aging is linked to the deterioration of the hallmarks of health, such as the inability to mount an adequate response to stress. A crucial effector of the stress response is the hormonal signaling via glucocorticoids (GCs) such as cortisol. GCs are anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators that orchestrate homeostatic responses to stressors. In the elderly, cortisol secretion is dysregulated resulting in increased levels of the stress hormone. Concomitantly, a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state, termed inflammaging, develops during aging and contributes to age-associated diseases. Accumulating senescent cells and their pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype are major contributors to inflammaging. We aim to dissect how high cortisol levels may permit inflammaging despite the former’s anti-inflammatory function.

Our RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry analyses indicate an altered GC signaling in senescent cells. We are currently investigating the mechanistic basis of this alteration using gain- and loss-of-function assays in various models of cellular senescence. 

The Master thesis project will include several molecular and cell biology techniques encompassing mammalian cell culture (non-immortalized human cell lines), senescence induction protocols, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, immunofluorescence, microscopy, senescence-associated beta galactosidase activity assay, and RNA analysis by RT-qPCR. To modulate GR expression levels, genetic engineering methods including cloning, transfections, lentiviral transductions will be employed.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biochemistry/Biology or a similar program. Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and application to Dr. Aishwarya Iyer-Bierhoff (Email: aishwarya.iyer-bierhoff@uni-jena.de) until June 12^th, 2026.

Project for master’s thesis in the Kosan lab

“Analysis of T-cell subpopulations in aged wild-type and Miz-1-deficient mice”

Aging leads to reduced immune competence, indicated by a defect in efficient removal of pathogens. In aged mice, remodeling of immune cell populations such as B- and T-cells occurs. Our lab was able to show that the transcription factor Miz-1 is crucial in maintaining B-cell homeostasis and immune competence during aging. However, it is unclear if Miz-1 impairs T‑cell development as well during aging.

To analyze the role of Miz-1 in T cell development we are using a tissue-specific functional knock-out of Miz-1 in mice (loxP/cre-system). Moreover, we have different aged cohorts of wild-type and Miz-1-deficient mice available for analysis. Multi-color flow cytometry is used to identify specific T cell sub populations in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. In addition, we will use cell culture of primary T cells to check for appropriate T cell responses. Additional analyses include measurement of cytokine release, Western blot and qRT-PCR.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with basic knowledge in immunology and molecular biology. Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and application to PD Dr. Christian Kosan.

Initiative applications to the working group leaders are welcome and possible at any time.