Postdoctoral Position in Vision Research. A postdoctoral position is
available to study
molecular aspects of photoreceptor phosphodiesterase metabolism. The type 6
cGMP
phosphodiesterases (PDE6) are essential enzymes in the phototransduction
process in rod
and cone photoreceptor cells. The PDE6 enzyme in rod cells consists of
three subunits
and has a complex assembly process that is not fully understood. The
primary mode of
gene regulation is at the level of transcription and the promoters have been
partially
characterized and defined. We are using varied approaches including
promoter
characterization in transgenic animals and tissue culture cells, subunit
expression with
recombinant adenovirus, and structural studies of purified enzyme to
understand
fundamental processes involving PDE6 in photoreceptor cells. We plan to
develop an
expression system for the enzyme, to determine the basis for
photoreceptor-specific
expression, and to unravel the basis for the enzymes complex assembly.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. degree with experience in
molecular biology,
cell biology, biochemistry or related disciplines. Candidates will receive
training in
mouse transgenesis, histologic analysis, protein biochemistry, promoter
analysis and
many specific aspects of study of the eye. The laboratory is ~2000 sq. ft.
of newly
renovated space that is fully equipped for the proposed studies. There are
currently three
active grants supporting 7 students, fellows, and research technicians in
the laboratory.
The research environment is further enhanced by exceptional core facilities
in the Vision
Science Research Center and an outstanding imaging facility.
For more information, contact:
Steven J. Pittler, Ph.D., Associate Professor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Vision Science Research Center
924 18th Street South
664 WORB
Birmingham, AL 35294-4390
pittler@uab.edu
Tel: 205-934-6744
FAX: 205-934-5725
UAB Web site: "www.uab.edu"
VSRC Web site: "http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=5043"
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