PhD Position (M/F): Role of Bioelectricity in the Activity of Signaling Pathways in Non-Excitab[...]

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 38 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The European Commission is seeking a Researcher to explore intracellular signaling pathways at the Institute of Biology Valrose in Nice, France. The role focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms linking membrane depolarization to Wnt/β-catenin signaling using techniques such as biochemistry, optogenetics, and electrophysiology. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of Dr. Raphael Rapetti-Mauss and contribute to groundbreaking research in this dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in biochemistry and cell biology.
• Experience with electrophysiology and optogenetics preferred.
• Research experience in signaling pathways.

Responsabilités

• Investigate the link between membrane depolarization and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
• Utilize various approaches including biochemistry and cell biology techniques.
• Conduct experiments with colon-derived organoids.

Connaissances

Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Optogenetics

Electrophysiology

Formation

PhD in Biological Sciences or related field

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de Biologie Valrose Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 16 Jul 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The successful candidate will work under the guidance of Dr. Raphael Rapetti-Mauss at the Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV) in Nice. iBV is a dynamic and multidisciplinary research center located on the French Riviera, with over 200 researchers across 27 groups.

Summary: Intracellular signaling pathways are controlled by chemical signals, but physical signals have recently emerged as important regulators of signal transduction. Currently, our understanding of the molecular events that connect changes in membrane electrical potential (Vm) to signaling pathways in non-excitable cells is limited. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is activated during membrane depolarization. However, how this change in Vm contributes to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling remains unknown.
In this project, we aim to address this question at the molecular, cellular, and multicellular levels by investigating the following issues. (1) What is the molecular mechanism that establishes the link between membrane depolarization and the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling? (2) What are the molecular effectors responsible for the depolarization-induced activation of the Wnt pathway? (3) How does a change in membrane potential (Vm) influence the regulation of Wnt pathway activity? To answer these questions, we will combine various approaches, including biochemistry, cell biology, optogenetics, and electrophysiology.
To understand the effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation associated with membrane depolarization, we will use colon-derived organoids. These results will shed light on a novel regulatory mechanism of Wnt signaling in non-excitable cells, thereby enhancing our understanding of the involvement of this signaling pathway in epithelial physiology and associated pathologies.
Selected Publications:
Rapetti-Mauss et al. PNAS 2017
Rapetti-Mauss et al. Gut 2023
Berenguier et al. Oncogene 2025