-Functional analysis of the pathogenic variants implied in cardiocutaneous syndromes.-Investigation of novel desmosome-associated proteins and their implication in skin fragility.

Supervisors: prof. dr. K.N. Faber; dr. U.J.F. TietgeIt has been suggested that the miRNA-HDL association may play an important role in the transport of miRNAs. Within this project, I investigated the miRNAs export mechanisms, the association of miRNAs with lipoproteins, their transport to the target cells, the selective mechanisms of entering the cell and their potential of messenger RNA repression.

Supervisors: dr. J.L. Kluiver; Dr. R.B. Donker; Dr. A.P.A van Montfoort; Dr. A. Hoek; Prof. dr. A van den Berg; dr. U.J.F. Tietge; PhD R. Nagy.I investigated the differential miRNA profiles in cumulus and mural granulosa cells from human pre-ovulatory follicles using small RNA sequencing followed by qPCR data validation and gene ontology analysis. For this project, my role was to contribute to the design of the study, to perform the experiments, to analyze and interpret the data and write the manuscript.Laboratory techniques: small RNA sequencing; immunocytochemistry; western blot; RNA gel analysis; RNA isolation; reverse transcription; RT-qPCR; cell culture.Data analysis: GeneSpring, Genesis, miRBase, miRTarBase, DAVID database, TargetScan, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Office Excel.

Supervisors: Dr. J.W. Jonker; dr. J.K. Kruit; PhD A.H. GuevaraIt was previously described that the binding site of TR4 on human insulin promoter is located on a glucose-responsive region. My aim for this research project was to study the modulation of TR4 in glucose metabolism using luciferase reporter assays to validate TR4 connection with the insulin promoter. For this project, my focus was to become independent into laboratory work and data processing.Laboratory techniques: RNA isolation; reverse transcription; RT-qPCR; DNA plasmid transformation into E. coli; plasmid isolation; cell transfection; luciferase reporter assay; Bradford protein assay; protein microarray; cell culture.

Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Manuela Banciu, Prof. Dr. Emilia Licarete.For my bachelor’s thesis, I investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of simvastatin under hypoxic conditions in melanoma cells.Laboratory techniques: Bradford protein assay; protein microarray; cell-line culture.