Doctorat en biologie moléculaire ou en biochimie / PhD position in molecula

at  Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montral

DOCTORAT EN BIOLOGIE MOLÉCULAIRE OU EN BIOCHIMIE / PHD POSITION IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OR BIOCHEMISTRY

Réf ABG-125746
Sujet de Thèse
10/09/2024
Autre financement public
Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal
Lieu de travail
Montréal - Canada
Intitulé du sujet
Doctorat en biologie moléculaire ou en biochimie / PhD position in molecular biology or biochemistry

Champs scientifiques

• Biochimie
• Biologie
• Biotechnologie

Mots clés
Beta cell, diabetes, proteins, calcium signalling, metabolism, cell biology

DOCTORAL STUDIES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OR BIOCHEMISTRY

The Montreal Clinical Research Institute’s (IRCM) Molecular Physiology Research Unit, headed by Dr. Mathieu Ferron, is seeking to recruit at least one PhD student to carry out exciting projects on the role of the post-translational modification gamma-carboxylation in pancreatic beta cell function and in diabetes.
Gamma-carboxylation targets glutamic acid residues, occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and affects the function of secreted proteins. Our group recently discovered that gamma-carboxylation prevents beta cell dysfunction (Cell Reports 2023). We have identified endoplasmic reticulum Gla protein (ERGP) as a novel gamma-carboxylated ER-resident Ca2+-binding protein expressed in beta cells. Our findings suggest that gamma-carboxylated ERGP protects cells against Ca2+ overfilling by restraining store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE).
Our current aim is to decipher the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which ERGP and its gamma-carboxylation regulate calcium flux and insulin secretion in mouse and human beta cells. In addition to ERGP, we have discovered several new gamma-carboxylated proteins in beta cells, which are possibly involved in protein folding and quality control in the ER. Therefore, we are also seeking to understand how gamma-carboxylation intersects with the protein folding machinery in the ER. Our long-term goal is to identify new potential targets for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes.
This project is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The Ferron laboratory has an internationally recognized expertise in the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUISES

Licence et/ou Master en biochimie, biologie ou biologie moléculaire (ou un domaine connexe)
Intérêt marqué pour la recherche et la découverte
Expérience passée en recherche est un atout
Indépendance, autonomie et productivité dans les expériences de laboratoire. Savoir générer de nouvelles hypothèses de recherche pour répondre aux questions scientifiques du projet et pour mener le projet à terme
Maîtrise minimal de l’anglais (écrit et verbal); maitrise du français est un atout
Le laboratoire Ferron est un environnement de travail respectueux, agréable et sans discrimination. Ce comportement est requis du ou de la candidat.e.
(English version)

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Undergrad (licence) and/or Master degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology (or related field) with good GPA;
Very strong interest in research and discovery;
Previous experience in research laboratories is an asset;
Independence, autonomy and productivity in laboratory experiments; ability to generate new research hypothesis;
Although French is the official langage of Québec, minimal fluency in English (written and verbal) is required for this position;
The Ferron laboratory is a respectful, friendly, and non-discriminatory working environment. This behavior is required from the candidate.

The project will take advantage of a broad range of approaches to uncover the cellular, molecular, and physiological functions of ERGP and gamma-carboxylation in beta cells. The PhD student will need to master and/or be willing to learn basic molecular and cell biology methods such as molecular cloning, cell culture, immunoprecipitation and immunoblot techniques, and microscopy (Ca2+ imaging, FRET, etc.). This project will also require proteomics analyses (e.g. BioID, post-translational modifications, etc.) and the use of genetically engineered mouse models. Important findings will be further validated using human pancreatic islets. Under the supervision of the lab director (Dr Ferron), the PhD student will be responsible for independently designing and executing experiments, analyzing data, presenting results at laboratory meetings and conferences (local and international), and writing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. In-person work is mandatory for this position.