STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY OF WOUND HEALING A 2 year postdoctoral position, funded by the French National Research Agency, is available at the Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines in Lyon (www.ibcp.fr) to study the molecular mechanisms of wound healing and to develop novel anti-scarring strategies. The work will focus on the functions of the increasingly important family of tolloid metalloproteinases, and associated proteins, involved in several aspects of tissue repair (see below for further information).
Candidates should have a strong background in structural biology. Net salary (after insurance deductions) : 2039 euros/month. Start date flexible. To apply, send full CV, list of publications and names and contact details of at least two scientific referees to: David Hulmes Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines 7 passage du Vercors 69367 Lyon cedex 7 Tel : +33 472722667 Fax : +33 472722604 e-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Further information Research project - The project is funded by the French National Research Agency. It involves 3 research groups, two based in Lyon and the third in Toulouse. The idea is to study the role of tolloid proteinases and associated proteins in the process of wound healing, and to develop novel anti-scarring strategies. Scarring frequently accompanies wound repair following events such as surgery, burns and infections. Several structural proteins, enzymes and growth factors are involved in wound repair. It has recently become apparent that members of the tolloid family of metallo-proteinases play several important roles in wound healing and development (Ge and Greenspan, 2006), either by processing structural proteins or by activating enzymes and growth factors in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The activities of tolloid proteinases can be stimulated several fold by other ECM proteins, called PCPEs. We have recently shown that PCPE-1 can stimulate the activity of one of the tolloid proteinase BMP-1, in a substrate specific manner, to selectively accelerate procollagen processing (Moali et al., 2005) and we have identified structural features in PCPE-1 required for stimulating activity (Blanc et al., 2007). The aims of the project are to determine the 3D structures of PCPEs and their interacting partners in order to develop novel inhibitors to be tested in both an animal model and using reconstructed corneas. Blanc G, Font B, Eichenberger D, Moreau C, Ricard-Blum S, Hulmes DJ, Moali C (2007) J Biol Chem 282, 16924-16933. Ge G, Greenspan DS (2006) Birth Defects Res C Embryo Today 78: 47-68. Moali C, Font B, Ruggiero F, Eichenberger D, Rousselle P, Francois V, Oldberg A, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Hulmes DJS (2005) J Biol Chem 280: 24188-24194. Working environment - The research will be carried out in the group of David Hulmes, in collaboration with the group of Richard Haser, at the Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines (IBCP), which is a joint CNRS/ University of Lyon institute located in the Gerland region of Lyon. The institute (www.ibcp.fr) consists of 160 staff (including postdocs and students), organised in three scientific departments and 14 research groups as well as common facilities for protein production and characterisation. The department of matrix biology and tissue engineering consists of 6 research groups, with interests ranging from structural biochemistry, cell biology, development and tissue repair. Structural biology and bioinformatics are also major areas of expertise. The IBCP is part of a grouping of local institutes in the Gerland area, the IFR 128 Biosciences Lyon- Gerland (www.ifr128.prd.fr). Lyon is one of the major cities in France (www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/ en) and is ideally located in the centre of Europe within two hours of Paris, the Alps and the Mediterranean. It has a strong cultural and intellectual tradition, is widely known as the gastronomic centre of France, and the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Profile - Candidates should have a strong background in structural biology. Knowledge of the French language would be helpful but not essential. There are no restrictions on nationality.
