The Andersson lab focuses on Notch signaling and how this signaling pathway is altered during disease. We are especially interested in the mechanisms causing Alagille syndrome, a pediatric disease affecting multiple organs. We have generated a mouse model for Alagille syndrome, which recapitulates many of the symptoms observed in patients. This mouse model harbors a mutation in the Jagged1 gene. Jagged1 is a Notch ligand, and its binding to the Notch receptor triggers activation of the signaling pathway. We have discovered that the mutated form of Jagged1 is unable to activate Notch1, and we are currently investigating whether it interacts with the other members of the Notch receptor family (Notch2, 3 &4). Understanding how Notch signaling is perturbed in Alagille syndrome is essential for the development of therapies against this disease.

We are seeking a highly motivated MSc student to join our research team. This project will provide training in key basic molecular techniques such as: cell culture, transfections, cell based reporter assays, immunoprecipitation, western blotting etc. The student will obtain hands on supervision from post-doctoral scientists within the lab, both regarding the used techniques and analysis of the acquired data.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Marika Sjöqvist (post doc) by email marika.sjoqvist@ki.se for further information regarding the project.