Mots-Clés

ChIP, neurodegenrative diseases, multiple sclerosis, oligodenrocytes, retinoid receptors

Description

Title: Long non-coding RNAs and epigenetic-dependent mechanisms of oligodendrocyte differentiation.

Oligodendrocytes are neural cells providing structural and molecular support essential for development and functions of the nervous system. They are endowed with a capacity of regeneration which, when compromised, leads to a number of neurodegenerative disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS). Retinoid X receptor gamma (RXRg) is a master regulator of several hormonal signaling pathways and a key positive regulator of oligodendrocyte differentiation during the regeneration process in MS and during development. The objective of the project will be to investigate mechanisms of such activities, focusing on the role of lncRNAs, epigenetic factors, and super enhancers. The relevance of a newly discovered vitamin acting as an endogenous RXR agonist will also be tested for its potential to modulate oligodendrocyte differentiation and the myelination process.

The project will be carried out at the IGBMC (Strasbourg-Illkirch), an international research institute located in the heart of a dynamic research region at the crossroads of France, Germany and Switzerland. It will benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructures, as well as ongoing international collaborations.

Relevant references from the team:

DOI: 10.1038/nn.2702

DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2019.101443

DOI: 10.3390/nu13030925

Requirements and benefits

Highly motivated candidates with a PhD degree skilled in genomic (ChIP, CoIP, ATACseq, …) and/or epigenetic analyses are welcome to apply. Expertise in developmental biology and cell cultures will be useful, but can be acquired during the project. English will be the work language. We offer a renewable contract on a yearly basis, with a long-term objective of recruiting a future tenured researcher.