PhD POSITION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY - BORDEAUX – FRANCE.
Protein-protein interactions are a central issue in biological processes, and represent relevant therapeutic targets for the treatment of many diseases. The design of antagonistic molecules directed towards the disruption of these interactions requires the specific recognition of important protein surfaces. Aromatic oligomers present all the properties (high functionalization, stability and easy predictability of the structure, length flexibility) to reach that point. The thesis will be devoted to the optimization of the design of quinoline-derived aromatic amide foldamers (see http://www.iecb.u-bordeaux.fr/teams/HUC/), using structural tools (X-ray diffraction, molecular modelling). It lies within the scope of a european multidisciplinary project associating private sector (UCB-Pharma, Belgium) and universities (Bordeaux, Wurzburg). The proteins which will be used as a basis for this study have been chosen according to their therapeutic relevance. They crystallize easily and the interaction geometry between each partner is perfectly known. The crystallization of the aromatic oligomers tethered to the protein and their structure determination will be led in close cooperation with the private sector, which will imperatively welcome the student during the twelve months of his PhD second year. The chemical synthesis and the evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the studied molecules will be approached by the partner groups. A background in structural biology and some concepts in crystallography are strongly wished.
KEYWORDS: protein-protein interactions, aromatic oligomers, protein crystallography, protein foldamer complexes, protein surface recognition
PROFILE*: *Biologists and/or biochemists with a background in structural biology are strongly encouraged to postulate. Additional experience in protein crystallography and X-rays diffraction would be an asset.**
APPLICATIONS* *(including CV, research experience, and two names and contact information for references) should be sent to b.gall...@cbmn.u-bordeaux.fr. Successful candidates will be interviewed in Bordeaux early in July and will be expected to join the program in September 2010.
-- **************************************************************** Bernard Gallois UMR CNRS 5248 - Chimie et Biologie des Membranes et Nano-objets (C.B.M.N) ------------------------------- Université Bordeaux I Avenue des Facultés, Bât. B8, 33405 - Talence Cedex France ------------------------------- tel: 33 (0)5 40 00 24 52 fax: 33 (0)5 40 00 22 00 e-mail: b.gall...@cbmn.u-bordeaux.fr
