DC10: Antisense oligonucleotide-based intervention to combat age-related macular degeneration

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Supervisors: Prof. R. Collin, Dr. M. Kaltak

Host Institute: Astherna (www.astherna.com)

Secondments planned: University of Ghent, Belgium; University College London, UK

Doctoral program: PhD program of the Radboud University

Anticipated starting date: September 1st, 2025

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Project description:

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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most recurrent diseases in the elderly, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide. AMD is a multifactorial disorder influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. From a molecular point-of-view, several pathways have been implicated in its pathophysiology and progression. Advances in research have identified candidate genes within these pathways whose expression could be targeted for therapeutic interventions.

In this project, we aim to combine state-of-the art molecular technologies and disease-relevant model systems to identify antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that can regulate the expression of selected genes, with the incentive to slow down or halt the progression of AMD. This position offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment between industry and academia, as the candidate will be primarily based at Astherna but will closely collaborate with scientists from the Department of Human Genetics of the Radboudumc.