Postdoctoral Position Available Immediately
Regulation of gene expression/transgenesis/protein structure function
studies:
Candidates will receive training in mouse transgenesis, histologic analysis,
protein biochemistry,
promoter analysis and many specific aspects of study of the eye.
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.
We are also working on a knockout of an ion channel gene. Recently it was
reported the patients with a defect
in this channel subunit exhibit typical retinitis pigmentosa. Our goal is
to develop and characterize the
knockout and then to introduce point mutants back using standard mouse
transgenesis.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. degree with experience in
molecular biology, cell
biology, biochemistry and/or related disciplines. 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. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Pittler by
e-mail with an enclosed CV.
Salary range 28-38+ K commensurate with experience.
Steven J. Pittler, Ph.D.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Vision Science Research Center
664 Worrell Building
Birmingham, AL 35294-4390
e-mail: pittler@uab.edu
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