1 Pre-doctoral or 1 Post-doctoral Researcher (Laboratory for Glycobiology and
Developmental Genetics/ PDZ scaffolds)
Job description
We are looking for an interactive, enthusiastic and driven young scientist for a
research project at the junction of cell biology and biochemistry.
The project aims at investigating the role of Nuclear Phosphoinositide-PDZ protein
interactions in cellular programs. PDZ proteins are scaffold molecules that appear
crucial for the appropriate control of cell polarity. We recently found that these
molecules might integrate nuclear lipid signalling. Lipid signalling in the nucleus is
an emerging field of research. Nuclear PIP2 is implicated in chromatin remodelling
and gene transcription. Moreover, nuclear PIP2 seems to regulate pre-mRNA splicing
and controls cell growth and proliferation. The project aims to (i) elucidate whether
and how PDZ proteins interacting with nuclear PIP2 play a role in cell cycle
progression and cell survival, mRNA processing and other nuclear processes and (ii)
to identify the mechanisms that regulate nuclear targeting of PDZ proteins.
Salary is provided but successful postdoc applicants are strongly encouraged to
pursue funding (EMBO, Marie-Curie…).
A good command of English is a must. Previous experience in polarity/nuclear
processes and biochemistry/cell biology is a significant advantage. A strong
curriculum is required. Interested? E-mail your CV including the names and
coordinates of at least 2 referees to: Pascale.Zimmermann@med.kuleuven.be
* For additional info on the group and the technology available, you can refer to:
http://med.kuleuven.be/cme-mg/LabIntro/PascaleZimmermann_en.html
* For additional information on the topic, you can refer to:
Bunce, M.W., Bergendahl, K., and Anderson, R.A. (2006). Nuclear PI(4,5)P(2): a
new place for an old signal. Biochim Biophys Acta 1761, 560-569.
Mortier, E., Wuytens, G., Leenaerts, I., Hannes, F., Heung, M.Y., Degeest, G., David,
G., and Zimmermann, P. (2005). Nuclear speckles and nucleoli targeting by PIP2PDZ domain interactions. Embo J 24, 2556-2565.
Zimmermann, P. (2006). The prevalence and significance of PDZ domainphosphoinositide interactions. Biochim Biophys Acta 1761, 947-956.
* For additional info on the position you can contact:
Prof. Pascale Zimmermann
VIB, K.U.Leuven
Molecular and Developmental Genetics - Department Human Genetics
Herestraat, 49 O & N1 bus 602
B-3000 Leuven
Belgium
Phone +32-16-34 72 10
Fax +32-16-34 71 66