Grant for Scientific Research in MediCity Research Laboratory (application period 2.-21.7.2025)

The project integrates both basic and applied research to uncover the underlying causes of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive brain tumor, for which no effective therapy currently exists.

Our research has shown that 99% of glioblastomas (GBMs) are positive for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that can enhance tumor aggressiveness. We have demonstrated that high viral activity in GBM is correlated with poor outcomes and that antiviral therapy, when combined with standard treatment, shows promise in extending survival time by 10–12 months. We found that radiotherapy induced reactivation of HCMV in about 50% of patients who have very high risk for early tumor recurrencies. Preliminary evidence implies that a novel HCMV variant may be associated with glioblastoma.

The primary focus of this project is to identify key mechanisms that initiate HCMV reactivation in within the tumor. Additionally, we will study the interplay between viral reactivation and host cell alterations in metabolism and genome instability, which promote GBM progression.

We will investigate how HCMV reactivation is regulated by DNA damage, inflammation, and metabolic changes in both experimental systems and in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Furthermore, we will explore metabolic modifiers and assess the effects of antiviral drugs and an HCMV vaccine in a mouse model to enhance GBM therapy.

Key goals of the project:

• Identify key cellular activation signals that triggers metabolic rewiring to the Warburg effect that appears essential for HCMV reactivation, and how this controls activation of immune cells and cellular fate via epigenetic regulation of gene expression.
• Determine which metabolic alterations promote HCMV reactivation from latency and how this affects tumor progression.

Successful applicant should have a PhD in a relevant field and a strong background in virology, cell or molecular biology, epigenetics, immunology or metabolic research. Hands-on experience in working with methods related to virology, intracellular signaling, mitochondrial biology, or cellular metabolism as well as experience in virus expression systems is of advantage, as well as international research experience.

Please submit your application by 21 July 2025 at the latest (23.59.59 Finnish time) via the electronic application form: https://link.webropol.com/s/HCMV-grant1

Applications must include a personal statement or a motivation letter, CV (max. 2 pages) a list of publications with impact factors and contact information for 2–3 professional references. The top candidates will be interviewed.

The amount of the grant is 2800€/month. The grant is for two (2) years with a possibility for extension up to four (4) years, and the period starts as soon as possible.

The applicant should familiarize with pension insurance and taxation regulations for recipients of scientific grants and scholarships.

For inquiries, please contact Professor Cecilia Naucler by email to cecilia.naucler(at)utu.fi

The MediCity Research Laboratory, part of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, is located in the BioCity building. MediCity Research Laboratory is a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment, and it provides laboratory, infrastructure, and office space for approximately 100 scientists and technicians. MediCity is situated near the Turku Bioscience Centre, which offers cutting-edge core facilities and the state-of-the-art technologies, including:

• Flow cytometry: LSR Fortessa, BD FACSAria IIu cell sorter, CyTOF
• Imaging: Zeiss LSM780, 3i CSU-W1 spinning disk, Zeiss LSM510 META, Leica TCS SP5 Multiphoton
• RNA sequencing: HiSeq3000
• Animal housing: IVIS

InFLAMES Research Flagship is a joint initiative of University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Finland. The goal of the Flagship is to integrate the immunological and immunology-related research activities to develop and exploit new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for personalised medicine. InFLAMES is part of Research Council of Finland´s Flagship Programme.

The University of Turku is a dynamic and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff, located in Southwest Finland. Committed to building a sustainable future, the University advances multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration across regional, national, and international levels.