Looking for a postdoc!

Postdoctoral Fellow in lncRNA Research

The Chaker-Margot laboratory in the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine department at Université de Montréal invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position focused on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research. This position is part of a collaborative project between the Chaker-Margot lab at Université de Montréal and the Sauvageau lab at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM).

About the Project: This project aims to elucidate the functional roles of lncRNAs in cellular signaling, leveraging state-of-the-art molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics techniques. The collaborative nature of this project offers a unique opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment alongside leading experts in RNA biology.

Qualifications:

  • PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Proteomics or a related field.
  • Strong background in RNA biology, with experience in lncRNA research preferred.
  • Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis.
  • Track record of scientific productivity demonstrated by publications in relevant journals.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community at Université de Montréal and IRCM, with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources.In particular, Montréal hosts an extraordinary concentration of researchers in the field of RNA biology and new trainees will immediately be immersed in a lively community of researchers, with symposia, discussion group and conferences in and around Montréal.

Located in the heart of Montreal, Université de Montréal is a leading French-language research university known for its excellence in biomedical sciences. The IRCM is a renowned biomedical research institute with a strong focus on translating basic research into clinical applications.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing a cover letter detailing their research experience and interests, curriculum vitae (CV), and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Contact: For inquiries about the position, please contact malik.chaker-margot@umontreal.ca

Chercheur postdoctoral en recherche sur les long ARN non-codants

Le laboratoire Chaker-Margot du département de biochimie et de médecine moléculaire de l’Université de Montréal sollicite des candidatures pour un poste de stagiaire postdoctoral en recherche sur les longs ARN non codants (lncRNA). Ce poste fait partie d’un projet collaboratif entre le laboratoire Chaker-Margot de l’Université de Montréal et le laboratoire Sauvageau de l’Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM).

À propos du projet : Ce projet vise à élucider les rôles fonctionnels des lncRNAs dans la signalisation cellulaire, en utilisant des techniques de pointe en biochimie, biologie moléculaire, et en génomique. La nature collaborative de ce projet offre une opportunité unique de travailler dans un environnement multidisciplinaire avec des experts de premier plan en biologie des ARN.

Qualifications :

  • Doctorat en biochimie, biologie moléculaire, génétique, protéomique ou dans un domaine connexe.
  • Solides connaissances en biologie de l’ARN, avec de préférence une expérience dans la recherche sur les lncRNA.
  • Maîtrise des techniques de biologie moléculaire, du séquençage de l’ARN et de l’analyse bioinformatique.
  • Productivité scientifique démontrée par des publications dans des journaux pertinents.
  • Excellentes aptitudes à la communication et capacité à travailler en collaboration dans un environnement d’équipe.

Le candidat retenu se joindra à une communauté de recherche dynamique à l’Université de Montréal et à l’IRCM, et aura accès à des installations et à des ressources de pointe. En particulier, Montréal accueille une concentration extraordinaire de chercheurs dans le domaine de la biologie de l’ARN et les nouveaux stagiaires seront immédiatement immergés dans une communauté animée de chercheurs, avec des symposiums, des groupes de discussion et des conférences à Montréal et dans les environs.

Située au cœur de Montréal, l’Université de Montréal est une université de recherche francophone de premier plan, reconnue pour son excellence dans le domaine des sciences biomédicales. L’IRCM est un institut de recherche biomédicale réputé qui met l’accent sur l’application clinique de la recherche fondamentale.

Instructions pour la candidature : Les candidats intéressés doivent soumettre un seul fichier PDF contenant une lettre de motivation détaillant leur expérience et leurs intérêts en matière de recherche, un curriculum vitae (CV), et les coordonnées de trois personnes de référence. L’examen des candidatures commencera immédiatement et se poursuivra jusqu’à ce que le poste soit pourvu.

Contact : Pour toute question concernant le poste, veuillez contacter malik.chaker-margot@umontreal.ca.

Researchers determine a new mechanism for the regulation of an important tumour suppresor protein

Cellular signalling is the process by which cells sense their environment and respond accordingly. This process is coordinated by a complex machinery of molecules, and its faulty regulation can arise in, and cause a plethora of human diseases. One such disease is neurofibromatosis type I, a genetic disorder caused exclusively by mutations in the gene NF1, and is characterized by dermatological and neurological symptoms, as well as predisposition to cancers.

The NF1 gene encodes a large signalling protein called neurofibromin, a negative regulator of the small cancer-associated protein Ras. To accomplish its Ras-inhibiting activity, neurofibromin uses a small domain located at the centre of its sequence. However, this catalytic domain constitutes only about 10% of the total mass of the protein and it is flanked by large region of unknown function. Nevertheless, we know that these regions are essential in neurofibromin function given that single mutations within these regions are sufficient to cause neurofibromatosis type I.

To better understand the role of these regions, and neurofibromin regulation as a whole, we determined its structure using an emerging structure determination technique called cryo-electron microscopy. Using this technique, we were able to visualize neurofibromin at near-atomic detail, revealing that neurofibromin forms a dimer reminiscent of an “infinity symbol” Further investigation revealed that neurofibromin can adopt two states: an opened/active state and closed/inactive state. The equilibrium between these two states and therefore regulation of neurofibromin activity is modulated by the presence of specific small molecules from cellular metabolism.

Taken together, our results have shown that neurofibromin is acting as a regulated on/off switch to Ras responding to the metabolic state of the cell. This finding deepens our understanding of neurofibromin regulation and may help to formulate better treatment for people afflicted with neurofibromatosis type I or other Ras-associated disease, notably cancers. We reported our work in a publication in Molecular Cell in 2022, Chaker-Margot et al.