Project
In cancer cells, perturbations of the vesicular trafficking frequently occur and impact on proteins involved in signaling, adhesion and extracellular matrix remodeling, favoring the acquisition of an invasive cellular behavior leading to metastasis formation. It is crucial to identify the molecular mechanisms whose deregulation leads to such perturbations of the vesicular trafficking.
Our team is interested by the role of two proteins named flotillins 1 and 2 that are overexpressed in many invasive carcinoma and sarcoma. We showed that upregulation of flotillins is sufficient to alter membrane remodeling and vesicular trafficking of several proteins cargos then promoting cellular invasion (Planchon et al. J Cell Science 2018). The aim of our project is to decipher the molecular mechanisms through which upregulated-flotillins deregulate the vesicular trafficking in invasive cancer cells.
Our website: http://www.crbm.cnrs.fr/en/team/adhesion-and-vesicular-trafficking-in-tumoral-invasion/
Our team is located at the Montpellier Cell Biology Research Center (CRBM) offering an excellent scientific environment and access to the onsite imaging platform with cutting edge microscopy techniques essential for the success of our project.
Candidate profile
The applicant must have a doctorate in a relevant research area with skills in cell biology (classical transfections, siRNA, immunofluorescence staining), in biochemistry (western blots, immuoprecipitations …) and most importantly a good expertise in fluorescent microscopy techniques (Widefield, confocal, spinning disk) on fixed and living cells as well as on image analysis (Metamorph, Image J). A background in vesicular trafficking and signaling will be appreciated.
We are looking for highly motivated, rigorous and creative Ph.D. The candidate must be able to work independently, as well as demonstrate a strong commitment to team based work with strong organization skills.
To extend its participation in the project after the 1-year contract, the candidate will be encouraged to apply for different post-doctoral fellowships.
Motivated applicants should send their CV, details of two/three referees and a cover letter to: cecile.gauthier@crbm.cnrs.fr
