Genetics of Musculoskeletal Disease – Prof. David Karasik
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Email: david.karasik@biu.ac.il
Phone Number: +972-54-478-8805
Office: +972-722644958
Location: Building B, Room 003 (click for full location details)
The Musculoskeletal Genetics Lab was established in 2011 at the new Faculty of Medicine. The Lab’s research focuses on the heritable musculoskeletal disorders of aging, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, muscle loss (sarcopenia), and fatty infiltration of muscle and liver. Our search for genes underlying variation in risk of these common diseases, which began with the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in human populations, is reinforced by validation using functional experiments in animal models (murine and piscine), based on homology between the species and evolutionary theory.
We are active in a GEMSTONE consortium:
https://cost-gemstone.eu/working-groups/wg4-functional-investigations/
As well, we contribute to the zebrafish community:
https://zfin.org/ZDB-PERS-210223-1
Positions available:
1: Doctoral student in the field of bone-muscle molecular interactions.
For an exciting and unique study, recently funded by the Israel-China collaboration grant, we are looking for a candidate who will join our team in the Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University.
We aim to produce gene targets for pharmacological treatments for human disease. In particular, we will explore the evolutionary conserved genetic aspects of bone-muscle interactions in vertebrates, by in-vitro and in-vivo experiments in zebrafish model.
In particular, the student will be responsible for the design of the experiments and will be the main author on the papers published from this project. S/he will:
– detect effects of the genes newly identified by association study on the musculoskeletal system by tracing expression levels in bone and muscle cells in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
– estimate effects of silencing and knocking-out potentially pleiotropic genes in Zebrafish, by generation of CRISPR/Cas9 mutant fish.
Characterization of muscle and bone phenotypes will be performed by histology staining and advanced imaging techniques (microCT, fluorescent microscopy etc.). The position requires an experience in general molecular biology protocols.
The research is performed in collaboration with the EU and US-based colleagues; there is a possibility of training in China. Doctoral position is for 4 years, with an option for extended year. Annual stipend is very competitive.
The position is at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of BIU in Safed, in the Galilee region of Israel (http://research.md.biu.ac.il/labs/david-karasik/ ). For additional information please send your CV and introduction letter to Prof. David Karasik (david.karasik@biu.ac.il).
2: M.Sc. position in bone biology and homeostasis.
M.Sc. position is now available at the laboratory of musculoskeletal disease genetics at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine of Bar-Ilan University.
The successful applicant will focus on the molecular, cellular, and in vivo mechanisms regulating bone cell biology and bone homeostasis. The project includes molecular and cellular biology, signal transduction and pathway analysis, high-resolution microscopy, as well as in vivo assays in zebrafish. The applicant must demonstrate excellent teamwork capabilities and collaboration skills. Annual stipend is very competitive.
The Faculty of Medicine is dynamic and expanding and includes several groups focusing on a variety of subjects such as cell biology, development, neurobiology, genomics, and molecular modeling. The faculty benefits from state-of-the-art core facilities such as an excellent microscopy unit, fully equipped animal facility, and an advanced genomic center.
Interested candidates should send a Curriculum Vitae including past research experience, a full grades transcript, and names and contact details of referees to Prof. David Karasik (david.karasik@biu.ac.il).
Updated: September 2022
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