Two Post-doctoral Positions in Epigenetics at the Institut Pasteur

Epigenetic mechanisms governing cellular identity in normal and disease cells

Description

Two post-doctoral positions are available in the Dejean Laboratory, Nuclear Organisation and Oncogenesis Unit, to study the role of SUMOylation in the epigenetic mechanisms governing cellular identity in normal and disease cells. Cellular identity is dictated by large transcriptional programs mediated by specific chromatin configurations, yet the mechanisms by which cell fate transitions are normally constrained, or corrupted in disease, remain poorly understood. Identifying barriers to cellular plasticity is thus of key interest to dissect lineage choice mechanisms during development and has important clinical implications. While the contribution of DNA methylation and histone modifications during cell fate change has been extensively studied, the role of post-translational modifications of proteins by other proteins in this process is still enigmatic. Our lab has recently shown that, among these, SUMOylation is a key chromatin-associated mark that acts as a general safeguard of cellular identity (Cossec et al., 2018, Cell Stem Cell 23:742-757 PMID:30401455; Decque et al., 2015, Nat. Immunol. 17:140-149 PMID:26657003; Neyret-Kahn et al., 2013, Genome Biol. 23:1563-1579 PMID:23893515). The project aims to clarify the role of SUMOylation in chromatin biology and cell plasticity and to analyze the possible impact of dysregulating this pathway in cancer and muscle regeneration.

Diploma and skills of the candidate

Candidates will have a PhD with proven research skills in epigenetics and protein biochemistry. Experience in stem cell biology and/or computational biology will be a plus.

Employment

The appointments will be financed by an ERC Advanced Grant for up to five years. The starting dates will be decided in agreement with the selected candidates.

Contact

Applications in the form of a cover letter with a brief statement of technical expertise, a CV, a list of publications and contact details of two referees, should be sent to:

Anne Dejean

Nuclear organization and Oncogenesis Lab/INSERM U993

Institut Pasteur,

25 rue du Docteur Roux

75015 Paris

France

Mail: anne.dejean@pasteur.fr