EXCITING POSTDOCTORAL OPPOTUNITIES - CELL SIGNALING (BOSTON UNIVERSITY)

Would you like to join our laboratory? Please submit a cover letter explaining your interests and goals, and the type of projects you envision doing with us. Also include your CV and names/contact for 3 reference letters.

WHAT WE DO: Our laboratory investigates signal transduction mechanisms with the 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). In the recent years, we have pioneered the characterization of novel mechanisms of G protein regulation that deviate from the traditional views in the field, and that have important implications in cancer, embryonic development, and neurotransmission. We also have an interest in creating new technologies to interrogate and manipulate GPCR/ G-protein cellular communication, including optical biosensors, and opto/chemo-genetic tools. We cover a wide range of experimental disciplines and approaches, from biochemical and structural studies in vitro, to cell biology, to animal studies in mice or aquatic model organisms (Xenopus, zebrafish). Please check the recent representative papers and the link to the complete list of publications provided below for more details.

WHO WE ARE: The atmosphere in the laboratory is collaborative and multidisciplinary. The successful candidate will interact on a daily basis with a group of international colleagues carrying out studies on various research areas with diverse approaches. The laboratory is highly committed to the career development of trainees. Boston University offers a highly collegial environment in a first rate research institution.

OPPORTUNITIES: There are several projects in the laboratory that could accommodate new postdoctoral fellows. Examples of ongoing projects include the characterization of a small molecule inhibitor of atypical G protein signaling in cancer, developing viral vectors and transgenic mice for the expression of optical biosensors, characterizing the relationship between cell polarity and epithelial function in development and in homeostasis, or defining new ways in which GPCR-mediated neuromodulation is regulated, among others. Please detail your specific interests in the cover letter.

Mikel Garcia-Marcos, PhD. Professor. mikel.garcia.marcos@gmail.com

PUBLICATIONS

Complete list: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1ZIXmzi80H8Q6/bibliography/public/

Representative work:

Garcia-Marcos M. Complementary biosensors reveal different G-protein signaling modes triggered by GPCRs and non-receptor activators. eLife. 2021. Mar 31;10:e65620. PMID: 33787494
Garcia-Marcos M, et al. Optogenetic activation of heterotrimeric Gi proteins by LOV2GIVe, a rationally engineered modular protein. eLife. 2020. Sep 16;9:e60155.. PMID: 32936073
Maziarz M, et al. Revealing the activity of trimeric G-proteins in live cells with a versatile biosensor design. Cell. 2020. Jun 27:S0092-8674(20)30752-2. PMID: 32634377
DiGiacomo V, et al. 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, et al. 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. PMID: 29133411
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. PMID: 28516903