Name and Surname of the Supervisor: Giulio Preta
Institution (Company), Department: Institute of Biochemistry, Life Science Center, Vilnius University
Preliminary Topic : Statin-Mediated Modulation of PCSK9 and Its Impact on LDL Receptor Levels
Short Description of the Internship Work: Statins are worldwide used drug for lipid-lowering therapy. They reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) primarily by increasing hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression and enhancing the clearance of circulating LDL particles. However, statin therapy also induces the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of LDLR degradation. This compensatory response may attenuate the LDL-C-lowering effect of statins and contribute to interindividual variability in treatment response.
The student will investigate the relationship between statins, PCSK9 and LDLR expression, using specific inhibitors of PCSK9 as well as siRNA. Interested students can send CV and motivation letter to:
Useful links: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37887310/
Qualification Requirements (Degree): BSc, MSc
Application Deadline: 2026-10-31