弗吉尼亚大学细胞生物学博士后岗位

Institution

Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia (http://www.people.Virginia.EDU)

Position

Postdoctoral/Research Associate Location

Charlottesville Virginia

Date Posted

Oct 4th 2007

Description

One new Postdoctoral/Research Associate Position is available immediately to study cytoprotective signaling by a novel prosecretory mitogen in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia. The Department and University are respectively ranked #4 (by NIH among US Cell Biology) and #2 (US Public Universities).

Our research is revealing important new insights into epithelial cell death by autophagic or apoptotic mechanisms. Regulation of cell death is a rapidly expanding area of study, particularly the field of autophagy.

We study the epithelial mitogen ‘lacritin’ that targets syndecan-1 via a novel heparanase-dependent mechanism (J. Cell Biol. 174:1097-11062006). Core protein binding initiates pertussis toxin-sensitive mitogenic signaling through PKCα, NFAT and mTOR (J. Cell Biol. 174:689-7002006). Pertussis toxin sensitivity suggests the involvement of a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). One new topic ready for investigation links lacritin via NFAT and mTOR to cytoprotection from inflammatory cytokine-stimulated cell death. A major goal is to understand mechanisms underlying lacritin prosurvival activity, and to gain more insight into epithelial cell death.

The successful applicant will benefit from a Lacritin Consortium of collaborating labs from four area institutions. Data meetings are held 3 – 4 times a year with Consortium undergrads, grads, postdocs and faculty.

Contact

For further information on the Laurie lab, university and city, check out http://www.people.Virginia.EDU/~gwl6s/. If interested, send your CV and names of past advisors or mentors to Gordon Laurie at glaurie@virginia.edu.

New PhD grads with a strong grad school track record are especially encouraged to apply. Position open immediately. Experience in cytoprotective or NFAT/mTOR signaling or autophagy is helpful.