ZEBRAFISH FORWARD and REVERSE GENETIC MODEL for CHOLERA TOXIN ENTRY INTO HOST CELLS

An NIH-supported Post-doctoral position is available in the Gastrointestinal Cell Biology Research Program at Children?s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston. The project uses cholera toxin to examine the molecular mechanisms of membrane dynamics and retrograde trafficking from PM to ER, protein unfolding in the ER and retro-translocation to the cytosol.

Cholera toxin binds a membrane lipid that carries the fully folded toxin backwards from the cell surface to the ER of host cells. Once in the ER, a portion of the toxin is unfolded by ER chaperones and retro-translocated to the cytosol to cause disease.

We recently modeled these pathways in zebrafish and have 15 mutants resistant to intoxication.

I am seeking a scientist with strong skills in Genetics, Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry to join this project, map 3 mutant fish, and study the cell biology of the genes identified. The results of the project can form the basis of an independent research program.

Experience in Genetics, or Cell Biology, Membrane trafficking or Microbial Pathogenesis/Host Defense is highly desired.

Relevant publications:
Cell Microbiol 10:67-80; J Biol Chem 280:28127-28132;. 5:596-601, 2004; Mol Biol Cell. 15:3631-41, 2004; Mol Biol Cell. 14:4783-93, 2003; Trend Biol Chem. 28:639-645, 2003; Cell 2001,104, 937-948; EMBO Rep 2002 3, 1222-1227; J Cell Biol 1998 141, 917-927.

For further information, please contact:

Wayne I. Lencer, MD Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School and Children?s Hospital Boston c/o anneka.werner-gavrin@childrens.harvard.edu