Keywords: Micronucleus test, genotoxicity, in vitro, nanomaterials, mammalian cells Internship Duration: 30/11/-1 - 30/11/-1
Head of the hosting team: Sonia Fraga
Website: Click here
Address of the host laboratory: ISPUP Team Nanomaterials: Safety and Health Lab Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321 4000-055 Porto Portugal
Supervisor 1: Ana Teresa ReisE-mail: ana.reis@insa.min-saude.pt Phone: +351223401147
Supervisor 2: Sonia FragaE-mail: sonia.fraga@insa.min-saude.ptPhone: +351223401147
Nanomaterials are increasingly used in a variety of applications, and plenty of nano-enabled products are already placed on the market. Nanomaterials often display novel and enhanced features compared to conventional materials, raising concerns about their safety. Genotoxicity testing represents an important step in the safety assessment of a substance, being required for regulatory purposes. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines the in vitro micronucleus test as a "genotoxicity test for the detection of micronuclei (MN) in the cytoplasm of interphase cells", hence constituting a tool to assess chromossome damaging potential in cells exposed to test chemical(s) and that have undergone cell division. This assay has proved to be robust in cultures of cell lines or primary cell cultures of human and other mammalian origin. We are offering a six-month internship to a Doctoral student for carrying out a study on the genotoxic potential of nanomaterials, in the framework of his/her PhD project. The internee will learn how to handle and disperse nanomaterials’ suspensions according to harmonized Standard Operating Procedures and will become familiar with the most advanced techniques for in vitro toxicity assessment of nanomaterials, with a special focus on the evaluation of MN induction in exposed cells. Requirements: Very good academic record; good writing and presentation skills; good social and organizational skills; very good proficiency in spoken and written English. Previous training in cell culture and/or in vitro testing of nanomaterials will be valued but are not a requirement. Applications should include the following information: i) a cover letter, including a description of your research interests and motivation for this project; ii) a curriculum vitae; iii) an official transcript of grades issued by your home institution; and iv) a list of three references. For other opportunities or additional information, please contact the supervisor.
Our Lab investigates how nanomaterials interact with biological systems, behave inside organisms, and modify biochemical processes and cell function. Our goal is to generate sound knowledge that can contribute to the prevention of potential adverse health effects of exposure to nanomaterials, to the revision of their regulation, and to the design of more efficient, sustainable and safe nanomaterials. Using biochemical, molecular biology, and imaging tools, in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies are carried out to assess various aspects related to internalisation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and genomic and non-genomic responses associated with exposure to nanomaterials in different models.
Nanomaterials are increasingly used in a variety of applications, and plenty of nano-enabled products are already placed on the market. Nanomaterials often display novel and enhanced features compared to conventional materials, raising concerns about their safety. Genotoxicity testing represents an important step in the safety assessment of a substance, being required for regulatory purposes. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines the in vitro micronucleus test as a "genotoxicity test for the detection of micronuclei (MN) in the cytoplasm of interphase cells", hence constituting a tool to assess chromossome damaging potential in cells exposed to test chem
