Additional recruitment to the Doctoral School of Natural Sciences  beyond the limit of places  

Project description: 

The in vitro generation of pancreatic β-cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) holds significant potential for diabetes treatment. While substantial progress has been made in recent years in pancreatic differentiation, a major challenge remains: efficiently converting human pancreatic progenitors into fully functional β-cells. This limitation stems from an incomplete understanding of the key factors that drive β-cell differentiation and maturation.

We have analyzed primary human mesenchymal and endothelial cells from pancreatic tissue at developmental stages between weeks 9 and 20 and observed dynamic changes in their composition over time. Additionally, we demonstrated that co-culturing hPSC-derived pancreatic progenitors with stage-specific mesenchymal and endothelial cells enhances the generation and functional competence of INS⁺ cells.

Through RNA sequencing and interactome analysis, we identified unique secreted factors that promote endocrine progenitor development in vitro. Among them, WNT5A was particularly effective in improving β-cell differentiation. We also discovered a novel factor involved in the induction of SST⁺ cells from human pancreatic progenitors.

Building on these findings, we propose further functional analyses of in vitro-derived INS⁺ cells. Specifically, we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying WNT5A-mediated INS expression using gene editing, single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell flow cytometry, and various molecular and cellular biology techniques. Additionally, we will investigate the interplay between WNT5A, BMP, and other signaling pathways during β-cell specification, as well as the mechanisms driving δ-cell differentiation in vitro.

Overall, our study will demonstrate how factors derived from the pancreatic microenvironment can replicate in vivo conditions in an in vitro system, facilitating the generation of fully functional β-cells for translational applications. The newly identified signals may enable the robust production of human β-cells and other pancreatic endocrine cells, ultimately leading to the creation of human islets containing multiple endocrine cell types for regenerative medicine.     

Required Qualifications:
• A completed Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, or Biochemistry
• Laboratory experience, including basic skills in molecular biology techniques and cell culture, is highly desirable
• Knowledge in the fields of biotechnology and developmental biology
• Scientific curiosity, strong motivation, enthusiasm, independence, and reliability
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) sufficient for reading and writing scientific papers as well as fluent verbal communication

Principal investigator: prof. UAM dr hab. Małgorzata Borowiak UMO- 2020/37/B/NZ3/01917  

Recruitment:

Selection Committeee       

• dr hab. prof. UAM Małgorzata Borowiak– chairwomen
  dr hab. prof. UAM Maciej Łałowski
  dr hab. prof. UAM Magdalena Arasimowicz-Jelonek 
  dr hab. prof. UAM Anita Szwed
  dr Katarzyna Błaszczyk  
  dr Wojciech Szlachcic - secretary

Recruitment fee

The recruitment fee is 75 EUR. 

Form of the selection procedure

Two-stage procedure.

Language of the selection procedure, including interviews:

Polish or English language. 

Required documents:

 1.        Candidates who have obtained the necessary education outside the territory of the Republic of Poland, shall additionally submit:

1)    a photocopy of a document which confirms their education, certified to be a true copy of the original document, i.e. a diploma with a supplement confirming completion of first cycle studies (Bachelor degree) and a diploma with a supplement confirming completion of second cycle studies (Master degree, MSc, MA) in the original language and in a certified translation into English or into Polish,

            2)    a photocopy of their passport. 

 Evaluation criteria

 1)    the grade awarded for the diploma of the second cycle studies or single cycle five year master’s studies - maximum 10 points; in the case of candidates who seek admission on the basis of superior academic achievements ("Pearls of Science") - 10 points;

 2)    evaluation of the candidate's scientific activity and scientific achievements; the candidate indicates for evaluation up to three documented scientific achievements, in accordance with the achievement criteria adopted by the selection committee for a given discipline - maximum 15 points;

 3)    evaluation of the candidate's other documented activity, based on a maximum of three achievements consistent with the achievement criteria adopted by the selection committee for a given discipline - maximum 5 points

 4)    the result of the interview, with the scope of the interview including:

 a)    the candidate's knowledge and competencies relevant to the planned research and appropriate to the indicated scientific discipline,

 b)    elements of research methodology appropriate for the discipline indicated.

 No more than 50 points can be awarded for the interview; the maximum duration of the interview is 30 minutes.

 5)    evaluation of the research project prepared and submitted for assessment to the selection committee (maximum 20 points), with particular emphasis on:

 a)    the ability to formulate the research objective and present the research problem;

 b)    research idea and the ability to propose a solution;

 c)    methodology appropriate to the discipline indicated;

          d)    knowledge of the state of research with a basic bibliography. 

Condition of admission to the Doctoral School 

Education Program

Education at the doctoral school lasts 8 semesters. Education at the Doctoral School  is offered on the basis of a framework curriculum and an individual research plan and ends with the submission of a doctoral dissertation.

The framework curriculum at the doctoral school includes a catalogue of modules of compulsory classes, elective compulsory classes and optional classes. It also:

1)    defines their schedule

2)    defines the way in which the classes are taught

3)    defines how learning outcomes are verified.  

Supervisors

A doctoral student works under the supervision of a supervisor or supervisors, or a supervisor and auxiliary supervisor, who will be appointed by the Deputy Rector at the request of a doctoral student (within 3 months of the start of his or her studies at the Doctoral School).

Scholarships  

The scholarship is PLN 5,000 (gross-gross).