Nanobody-aided crystallization and structure determination of CFTR Start date : march 1st 2013
The project: Cystic Fibrosis (CF or mucoviscidosis), is a fatal genetic disorder affecting one in 2500 newborn. It is caused by mutation in the CFTR, a chloride channel, leading to destabilization, degradation and malfunctioning of the protein. Obtaining the molecular structure of CFTR will represent a major breakthrough both for our understanding of the protein function /dysfunction but also to provide new avenues for therapeutic strategies. The project aims at obtaining the crystal structure of CFTR by combining cutting edge methodologies such as Lipidic Cubic Phase-based crystallography and nanobody stabilization of CFTR. Host laboratories: As a joint effort between 3 laboratories, the project is coordinated by Dr C. Govaerts at the Structure and Function of Membrane Biology Laboratory (SFMB,) affiliated with the Université Libre de Bruxelles and is located in Brussels, Belgium, the capital of Europe. A large part of the training and of the crystallization work will take place in the laboratory of Prof Martin Caffrey, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, a pioneer in the LCP methodology. Finally, part of the work will be performed in the laboratory of Prof John Riordan, a discoverer of CFTR, located at University of North Carolina in Chappell Hill, USA. Profile: Candidates should have a PhD and have a background in biochemistry, protein expression and purification, preferably with membrane proteins. Experience with structural biology, specifically protein crystallization is a plus. The successful candidate must be creative, self-motivated, persistent, resourceful and be willing to travel between the different labs and enjoy working both independently and in a collaborative setting. Applications: Send a CV, a list of publications, a short overview of research activities and the name of two or more references to cedric.govae...@ulb.ac.be. Preselected applicants will be requested to travel to Brussels for a lecture and an interview.
