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Max Planck Institute for heart and lung research

Research Fellowship Program: Understanding Epigenetic Inheritance and Its Applications in Human Health

About the Gu Lab: The Gu Lab is dedicated to exploring how epigenetic information is inherited across generations and leveraging these fundamental mechanisms to enhance human health and cure diseases. Our research focuses on several innovative directions:

Computational Methods for Epigenome and Transcriptome Reconstruction:

Developing advanced computational methods using generative artificial intelligence to reconstruct cellular epigenomes and transcriptomes.
Identifying meaningful biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers and other complex diseases.

Mechanisms of Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance:

Investigating the underlying mechanisms of how epigenetic information is passed from one generation to the next.

Novel Epigenetic Modifications and Enzymes:

Identifying new epigenetic modifications and enzymes.
Studying their functions in different biological contexts.

Main Areas of Interest

he Gu Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research:

Research Areas:

Bioinformatics
Epigenomics
Cancer Biology
Fly Genetics
Mass Spectrometry

Research Focus:

Identifying and investigating the roles of novel epigenetic modifications and their regulating enzymes in:
- Aging
- Development
- Diseases
Exploring novel mechanisms in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance

Techniques You Will Learn

Bioinformatics: Computational analysis of biological data to understand complex biological systems.
Epigenomics: Comprehensive study of epigenetic modifications across the genome.
Cancer Biology: Research on the molecular and cellular basis of cancer to identify new therapeutic targets.
Fly Genetics: Use of Drosophila (fruit fly) models to study genetic functions and inheritance.
Mass Spectrometry: Analytical technique to identify and quantify molecules based on their mass and charge.

Curriculum

2-Week Program: The 2-week program offers an intensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques used in the Epigenomics and Health Research Lab. Participants will engage in hands-on training and workshops designed to provide a solid foundation in epigenetics and bioinformatics.

Week 1: Introduction to Epigenetics and Bioinformatics
- Overview of epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in health and disease.
- Basic bioinformatics tools and data analysis techniques.
- Laboratory safety and protocol training.
Week 2: Practical Applications and Techniques
- Hands-on training in DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility assays.
- Introduction to computational analysis of sequencing data.
- Group discussions and presentations on current research topics.

6-12 Week Program: The 6-12 week program provides an in-depth exploration of specific research areas within the lab. Participants will work on a mini-project, gaining experience in experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Weeks 1-2: Comprehensive Training
- Detailed overview of the lab's research focus areas.
- Intensive training in advanced laboratory techniques and bioinformatics tools.
Weeks 3-6: Mini-Project Development
- Design and initiation of a mini-project under the guidance of a lab mentor.
- Data collection using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
- Regular progress meetings and feedback sessions.
Weeks 7-12: Data Analysis and Presentation
- Data analysis and interpretation using computational tools.
- Preparation of a research report and presentation of findings.
- Participation in lab meetings and seminars to discuss research progress.

48-Week to 1-Year Program: The 48-week to 1-year program offers a comprehensive research experience, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in a major research project. This program is ideal for those seeking to contribute significantly to ongoing research and gain extensive expertise in epigenetics and bioinformatics.

Months 1-3: Initial Training and Project Design
- Extensive training in all relevant laboratory and computational techniques.
- Development of a detailed research proposal with specific objectives.
- Literature review and identification of key research questions.
Months 4-9: Experimental Work and Data Collection
- Execution of the research project, including data collection and analysis.
- Regular meetings with mentors to discuss progress and troubleshoot issues.
- Participation in collaborative projects and interdisciplinary research.
Months 10-12: Data Analysis, Manuscript Preparation, and Presentation
- Comprehensive data analysis and interpretation of results.
- Preparation of a research manuscript for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Presentation of research findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences.
- Final project report and evaluation.

Participants in all programs will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers, contribute to cutting-edge research, and develop valuable skills for their future careers in science and medicine.

Accommodation

"Guest apartments at our institute are available for booking."

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Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$875.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00
12 weeks	$2,750.00
24 weeks	$5,259.00
48 weeks	$9,890.00

This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.

Who Can Apply

Physicians, biomedical students, and individuals seeking research careers before commencing medical school or residency programs in the USA.

Host Details

Host Name: Lei Gu

Affiliation: Max Planck Institute for heart and lung research

Address: parkstreet 1, 61231 Bad Nauheim

Website URL: https://gulaboratory.com/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.