POSTDOCTORAL POSITION, CELL BIOLOGY/ SIGNALING
Our laboratory investigates signal transduction mechanisms with the ultimate goal of elucidating the molecular basis of human diseases and developing novel therapeutic approaches. Our main interest is in heterotrimeric G proteins, which are molecular switches primarily activated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) located at the plasma membrane. In the recent years, we have pioneered the characterization of novel mechanisms of G protein regulation that deviate from the canon and that have important implications in cancer, embryonic development, and neurotransmission. Our multidisciplinary approach includes in vitro biochemistry to characterize protein complexes, culture cells and model organisms (yeast, frog embryos) for functional studies and synthetic biology tools to manipulate and monitor signaling with exquisite spatiotemporal resolution and fidelity.
There are several open projects in the laboratory that could accommodate new postdoctoral fellows. These involve the study of spatiotemporal control of GPCR/ G protein signaling with live-cell biosensors and other synthetic biology tools, and investigating the role of GPCR-independent G protein signaling in epithelial tissues in vitro and vertebrate embryos (zebrafish, Xenopus) in vivo. It is also expected that the applicant will be engaged in related secondary projects and collaborative efforts within and/or outside our laboratory.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED– We are looking for candidates with a recent Ph.D. and experience in Cell Biology and Biochemistry, as demonstrated by a strong publication record. Prior knowledge of GPCR/G protein signal transduction is preferred but not essential. We are looking for motivated and creative individuals with a commitment to academic research who can work independently as well as in team-based projects. Good oral and written communication skill are a must.
The atmosphere in the laboratory is collaborative and multidisciplinary. The successful candidate will interact on a daily basis with colleagues carrying out studies on different areas of research (cancer, development, neurobiology) and approaches (purified proteins, structural biology, primary and cell line cultures, BRET, mice, frogs, etc). Our laboratory is highly committed to the career development of trainees.
The Department of Biochemistry at Boston University offers a highly collegial atmosphere and a first rate research environment.
Skills: Experience with several of the techniques listed below is required:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology: Cell culture, confocal and live cell fluorescence microscopy, molecular cloning, genetic manipulation of cell lines by CRISPR and RNAi, lentivirus production, etc
- Biochemistry: Protein purification, protein-protein interaction assays such as pulldowns and immunoprecipitations, immunoblotting, enzymatic assays, etc.
- Animal Models: zebrafish and/or Xenopus
Interested candidates should send a CV, cover letter and contact information for 3 references.
Mikel Garcia-Marcos, PhD. Associate Professor. mikel.garcia.marcos@gmail.com
RECENT RELATED PUBLICATIONS
- Maziarz M, Park J-C, Leyme A, Marivin A, Garcia-Lopez A, Patel PP, Garcia-Marcos M. Revealing the Activity of Trimeric G-proteins in Live Cells with a Versatile Biosensor Design. Cell: published: July 06, 2020.
- DiGiacomo V, Maziarz M, Luebbers A, Norris JM, Laksono P, Garcia-Marcos M. Probing the mutational landscape of regulators of G Protein signaling proteins in cancer. Science Signaling. 2020 Feb 4;13(617). pii: eaax8620. PMID: 32019900.
- Marivin A, Morozova V, Walawalkar I, Leyme A, Kretov DA, Cifuentes D, Dominguez I, Garcia-Marcos M. GPCR-independent activation of G proteins promotes apical cell constriction in vivo. Journal of Cell Biology. 2019; May 6;218(5):1743-1763. PMID: 30948426.
- Leyme A et al. Specific inhibition of GPCR-independent G protein signaling by a rationally engineered protein. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (PNAS). 2017 Nov 28;114(48):E10319-E10328. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1707992114. Epub 2017 Nov 13.
- de Opakua AI, et al. Molecular mechanism of Gαi activation by non-GPCR proteins with a Gα-Binding and Activating motif. Nature Communications. 2017 May 18;8:15163. doi: 10.1038/ncomms15163.
- Marivin A. et al. Dominant negative Gα subunits as a novel mechanism of trimeric G protein signaling dysregulation in human disease. Science Signaling. 2016. Apr 12;9(423):ra37. PMID: 27072656.
- Leyme A. et al. Integrins activate trimeric G proteins via the nonreceptor protein GIV/Girdin. Journal of Cell Biology. 2015 Sep 28;210(7):1165-84. PMID: 26391662.