A post-doctoral position is available in the ‘Molecular and physiopathological bases of osteochondrodysplasia’ laboratory in IHU Imagine for the FANTASIA project dedicated to understand FGF signaling to treat spinal defects.
The Fantasia project, recently co-funded by ANR (France) and RGC (Hong Kong) is headed by Dr Laurence Legeai-Mallet. This project aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3) in axial skeleton formation with a focus in deciphering the pathogenic mechanism resulting from a gain-of-function outcome in the intervertebral disc defects.
FGFR3 gain-of-function mutations are responsible for the most common form of dwarfism achondroplasia (ACH) and the less severe form of dwarfism hypochondroplasia (HCH). These rhizomelic dwarfisms are characterized by short stature, kyphosis and lordosis. The axial skeleton is affected, and spinal stenosis is frequently reported, leading to neurological complications such as paralysis, and back and leg pains. These significant spinal defects are not well understood and its response to potential drug treatments remains unclear that need to be addressed.
Objectives of Post-doctoral position in Molecular and Physiopathological
- Characterize the cellular defects in the spine of mouse models for achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia.
- Decipher the regulatory network of FGFR3 function in the spine in health and disease.
- Determine the role of endplate hypertrophic chondrocytes in intervertebral disc pathogenesis for achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia patients.
- Preclinical assessment of drug efficacy for treating spine defects in achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia mouse models.
Team
The “Molecular basis and therapeutic approaches of FGFR3-related chondrodysplasias” laboratory focuses on skeletal disorders. Their activities range from the identification of disease genes involved in cartilage and bone pathologies, to the understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanism of normal and pathologic bone development up to the clinical development of therapeutic approaches.
Candidate
Looking for a highly motivated research scientist with a proven track-record of independent working. Candidates with a background in molecular biology, mouse models and multiomics approaches are encouraged to apply.
Application Details
Applications in English including a letter of motivation, a detailed CV, and contacts of referees should be sent to Laurence Legeai-Mallet
