Postdoctoral Position in Structural Enzymology, University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
A postdoctoral research position is available at the University of
Michigan to study enzymes that regulate chromatin structure and
function. The enzymes under investigation govern gene expression and
other genomic functions by catalyzing post-translational modifications
of target proteins such as histones and transcription factors. Specific
examples of enzymes that are being studied include histone
methyltransferases and histone demethylases. Aberrant expression,
genetic rearrangements, or deletions of genes encoding histone-modifying
enzymes frequently occur in cancer; thus, many of these proteins are
targets for therapeutic intervention. Utilizing a combination of X-ray
crystallography and biochemistry, we are characterizing the structure
and function of these enzymes to gain insight into the mechanisms by
which they regulate gene expression and how their dysregulation
contributes to human diseases.
Research Facilities: Our laboratory is equipped with standard
instrumentation for protein purification, characterization, and
crystallization, including two AKTA chromatography systems, a VP-ITC
isothermal titration calorimeter, and a Tecan microplate reader. In
addition, we have access to the University’s Center for Structural
Biology that hosts X-ray diffraction equipment and automated facilities
for high-throughput cloning, protein expression screening, and protein
crystallization
(http://lsi.umich.edu/facultyresearch/centers/structuralbiology).
Finally, the University of Michigan is a partner in the LS-CAT beamline
at the Advanced Photon Source Synchrotron (located 4 hours away),
providing us with access to a state-of-the-art beamline for
macromolecular crystallography (www.ls-cat.org).
Qualifications: Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in
biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, or a related field with 0-2 years
postdoctoral research experience; prior training in X-ray
crystallography and/or enzymology is desirable. Funding for this
position is available through 2011, although applicants will be
encouraged to apply for external support.
Recent Publications:
1. Couture JF, Collazo E, Ortiz-Tello PA, Brunzelle JS, & Trievel RC.
(2007) Specificity and mechanism of JMJD2A, a trimethyllysine-specific
histone demethylase. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 14: 689-95.
2. Couture J.F., Collazo E., & Trievel R.C. (2006) Molecular recognition
of histone H3 by the WD40 protein WDR5. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 13: 698-703.
3. Couture J.F., Collazo E., Hauk G., & Trievel R.C. (2006) Structural
basis for the methylation site specificity of SET7/9. Nat Struct Mol
Biol. 13: 140-146.
4. Couture J.F., Collazo E., Brunzelle J.S., & Trievel R.C. (2005)
Structural and functional analysis of SET8, a histone H4 Lys-20
methyltransferase. Genes Dev. 19: 1455-1465.
Please Submit: Cover letter, CV, brief description of previous research
experience, and 3 reference letters to:
Dr. Raymond Trievel
Department of Biological Chemistry
University of Michigan
1150 West Medical Center Drive
5301 Medical Science Research Building III
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0606
Email address: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Fax number: 734-763-4581
