Master Thesis

Background:

Novel weight-loss agents have shown considerable promise in addressing the obesity epidemic and its associated metabolic complications. While their primary mechanism of action is appetite suppression leading to reduced caloric intake, emerging evidence suggests that some compounds may also influence energy expenditure and metabolic health through direct effects on peripheral tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver.

Objective:

This thesis project focuses on the role of novel mitochondrial modulators in adipocytes and their impact on metabolic function in the context of obesity.

Techniques:

The project provides hands-on training in state-of-the-art techniques in adipocyte biology and energy metabolism. Students will gain experience in the isolation and culture of primary adipocytes, differentiation of white and brown adipocyte models, and gene expression analyses. In addition, the project includes advanced metabolic phenotyping methods such as cellular respiration measurements using Seahorse technology, assessment of mitochondrial function, and a range of protein biochemistry techniques.

Qualification:

Student in Biomedical Sciences, Food Science and Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or similar field. Applicants should have a basic understanding of molecular and transcriptional biology. Preliminary laboratory experience in cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques, including RNA and protein isolation as well as quantitative PCR (qPCR), is desirable but not required.