Testimonials

Programme

Molecular Life Sciences

"This is an interesting but challenging programme for science students who want to contribute to socially relevant solutions," says Lieke Wouters about the Molecular Life Sciences programme. She started at Radboud University in 2016 and is currently completing her Master's in Chemistry of Life.

Looking back on her choice, Lieke Wouters says: "In secondary school, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted. Something with science subjects and healthcare. When I was in years 5 and 6 of pre-university education, I participated in Radboud University's Excellence Programme. There, I was introduced to various aspects of physics, chemistry and biology."

Lieke Wouters mentions the modules Atoms and Quantum Mechanics, Evolution and the Origin of Species, and Molecules, Solid State and Chemistry as examples. "There was a pleasant atmosphere and I liked the combination of biology and chemistry. That's how I came to choose Molecular Life Sciences."

International students 

"When I started in 2016, the programme was taught in English for the first time. That took some getting used to, but you adapt very quickly. In the following years, more international students joined, which made English as the language of instruction feel very natural."

In the first year, all Molecular Life Sciences students take the same courses, some together with Chemistry and Science students. "You attend lectures with about 120 fellow students," Lieke Wouters explains.

"In subsequent years, you choose which courses to take. It helps if you already know what you want to do with your degree. I chose laboratory courses with lots of chemistry, but directly linked to medical applications. You work with a larger group, but everyone conducts their own experiments."

Prostate cancer research 

Lieke Wouters notes that she enjoys the systematic and practical work in the laboratory. "I did my Bachelor's internship at Radboud University. I researched diagnosis and therapy for prostate cancer. This involved creating a molecule with, among other things, a radioactive 'marker' that detects prostate cancer cells."

Better rheumatism diagnosis 

After her Bachelor's, Lieke Wouters decided to pursue her Master's in Chemistry of Life in Nijmegen. "This Master's programme aligns well with my previous Bachelor's degree. I'm currently participating in a larger project, where my research focuses on facilitating and expediting rheumatism diagnosis. For this, I'm practically 'building' molecules that bind to red blood cells, based partly on previous research. It's trial and error - you only know if something works when you apply it."

Now Lieke Wouters is working on her research to complete her Master's degree. And after that? "I've always chosen a broad field in terms of topics and techniques. I don't know exactly what I'll do yet, but definitely something that contributes to better healthcare."

Published on TechGelderland

Programme

Molecular Life Sciences

Klaas Mulder is an associate professor of Molecular Developmental Biology at Radboud University Nijmegen. Together with a colleague, he heads the Radboud Single Cell Center (RSCC). There, he supervises scientists who are researching the mapping of errors in individual cells. In the long term, this should aid in combating certain types of cancer and immune disorders.

"Single cell technology is quite new. The first measurements at the level of the cell were performed in 2009. It then became possible to carry out such measurements because the technology became available to research institutes" says Klaas Mulder. 

Biologist by training

Mulder is a biologist by training, educated in Groningen. "Since my high school days, I have been interested in everything related to cell division and DNA. After my biology studies, I pursued a PhD. Among other places, I conducted fundamental molecular biological research in Utrecht and Cambridge on how a cell turns certain functions on and off. If you can figure that out, in principle, it should be possible to influence that mechanism in some way."

Bridging role

The Radboud Single Cell Center fosters collaboration between the academic hospital and the university. "We serve as a bridge between fundamental scientific research at Radboud University and patient-oriented research at Radboudumc," outlines Mulder.

"Our research focuses on tumor cells, where we try to understand why one tumor cell responds to treatment while another does not."

Mapping the gene pattern

Mulder has been using single cell technology for about eight years now. Before that time, it was possible to map the DNA of a group of cells, but to know exactly what happens, individual cells need to be mapped.

"With single cell technology, we can measure which genes are 'on' and which are 'off' in each individual cell. By mapping cells with the same gene pattern, you can very precisely distinguish between tumor cells and normal cells and also identify the defect in the tumor cells. With that knowledge, you can look for a way to influence the defect in those cells."

Collecting tissue

How does such research work in practice? "It's quite complex," Mulder thinks. "In addition to knowledge of biology, you also need chemistry." He describes the single cell technology in steps.

"The first step is to collect tissue, or a biopsy. The second step is that in the laboratory, we break down all the intercellular connections between cells with enzymes. This creates a fluid with individual cells. These then go into a machine, where each cell is placed in a tiny droplet of water. Each droplet is actually a separate reaction vessel, allowing us to determine in tens of thousands of cells at the same time which genes are on or off."

Measuring dozens of proteins

"As one of the few groups in the world, we can also combine this with measuring dozens of proteins in each cell," Mulder explains. "Then, using the computer and special search and selection software, we look for proteins and genes that help a tumor cell survive treatment."

Theory and practice

Mulder's research group currently consists of six people and works interdisciplinary with other departments at the university and in the hospital.

"In single cell research, different research directions are involved, as is the case with any scientific research. Our team includes biologists, chemists, data analysts, and laboratory analysts. These are both university-educated individuals as well as those with vocational and technical education. The strength of the team lies in the close collaboration between those with theoretical and practical training."

Better results

Klaas Mulder expects that single cell research will lead to better results in the treatment of certain types of cancer and immune disorders in the future.

"Although it will still take at least ten years before the research leads to initial results in patient care." 

This testimonial was previously published on TechGelderland.nl

Photo: Linda Verweij

Programme

Molecular Life Sciences

Miriam Porzberg, a postdoctoral researcher at Radboud University, is working on the development of new medications against the coronavirus.

Curious about her research and what her workday looks like? We spent a day with Miriam at work at the Faculty of Science!