The Ogris Lab is dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms of Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) biogenesis in eukaryotic cells. We are currently seeking a talented and motivated Master's student to join us in a project aimed at understanding the molecular mechanism of DT-061, an anti-cancer drug, proposed to exert its anti-cancer activity by acting as a small-molecule activator of specific PP2A holoenzymes.
PP2A comprises a large family of trimeric holoenzymes, each of which consist of a catalytic C (PP2Ac), a structural A (PP2Aa) and a regulatory, substrate-targeting B-type subunit. PP2A dysfunction has been implicated in numerous cancer types, contributing to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor progression. Therefore, targeting and restoring PP2A activity holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The assembly of PP2A trimers with tumor-suppressive functions is regulated by the reversible methylation of the PP2A catalytic subunit. A small molecule compound (SMAP), was reported to restore PP2A’s tumor-suppressive role by enhancing methylation and stabilizing PP2A-B56α complexes, leading to tumor cell death. However, cells lacking the PP2A methyltransferase or the targeted PP2A holoenzyme were not resistant to DT-061 and died at similar drug concentration as wild-type cells. Interestingly, DT-061 lead to the destruction of mitochondria, alterations of the Golgi and ER organelles and apoptotic cell death.
The project’s main goal is to decipher the mechanism how the anti-cancer drug DT-061 affects Mitochondria, Golgi and ER. In the frame of this project, you will gain expertise in the following techniques: mammalian tissue culture, cell metabolic assays, fluorescent activated cell sorting, protein analysis methods like, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, quantitative western blot and immunofluorescence analysis, DNA modification with CRISPR/Cas9.
The Master’s thesis will be carried out in the Ogris Lab at the Max Perutz Labs. The start date is preferably May 2026 for the duration of 10-12 months. The student will receive a stipend of about € 550,- per month.
Please send your CV and motivation letter to egon.ogris@meduniwien.ac.at and ingrid.frohner@meduniwien.ac.at until April 19, 2026.
You can find more details on the research topics on the page of the Ogris Lab.