Missions

The recruited staff (M/F) will be responsible for studying the role of epigenetic mechanisms in innate immune memory in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas.

Activities

The recruited person will lead a research project aimed at exploring the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the innate immune memory of oysters. More specifically, the tasks will include:

- Developing and optimizing analytical approaches for studying epigenetic marks (histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin structure) in hemocytes, the immune cells of oysters;
- Investigating the short- and long-term evolution of these epigenetic marks in individuals that have undergone stimulation of their innate immune memory;
- Analyzing the generated data using appropriate bioinformatics and statistical approaches;
- Integrating the obtained results into multi-omics approaches developed within the ANR PRIMoyster project (notably transcriptomics and metabolomics) to explore the links between epigenetics, gene expression, and metabolism;
- Writing scientific articles and presenting findings at national and international conferences;
- Exploring potential applications in aquaculture and animal health, particularly in relation to improving oyster health management strategies;
- Assessing how current epigenetic concepts can provide insights into the interactions between innate immune memory and gene expression.
In addition to these tasks, the recruited person will actively participate in the unit's collective activities, including seminars, work meetings, and scientific discussions within the laboratory.

Skills

The candidate must hold a PhD in molecular biology with related experience in immunology, multi-omics analysis, or a related field. Experience in data processing for high-throughput sequencing analysis is required. A conceptual background in invertebrate immunity and an openness to epigenetics will be appreciated. A strong team spirit and the ability to interact with collaborators within a national project are essential. Experience in writing scientific articles and delivering scientific oral presentations is required.

Work Context

This project will be carried out as part of the ANR Primoyster project (https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-22-CE20-0017). The project aims to develop an innovative method for preventing a viral disease in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, based on the properties of immune priming (IP), a phenomenon of innate immune memory.

Immune priming, also known as trained immunity, has been demonstrated over the past two decades in various invertebrate and vertebrate species. It can be described as the ability of the innate immune system to generate antigen-independent immune memory, leading to an enhanced response upon a second encounter with a pathogen or its components. While an increasing number of studies are exploring the phenomenon of immune priming, our understanding of its underlying mechanisms remains highly fragmented in invertebrates.

Moreover, numerous studies in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants highlight the key role of long-term epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of innate immune cells, which appears to be a common denominator of innate immune memory across all species. This project builds on the latest advances developed in the laboratory on innate immune memory in mollusks and integrates multi-omics approaches to explore the cellular, molecular, epigenetic, and metabolic foundations of immune priming. By doing so, it provides a new perspective on the immune response of bivalves.

This approach could offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to current prophylactic methods, which are often ineffective against the proliferation of pathogens associated with climate change.

Constraints and risks

The IHPE laboratory is located across two geographical sites. The recruited person will mainly carry out their work at the Perpignan site but will need to travel regularly to Montpellier to conduct experiments, attend meetings, and interact with other ANR partners. The Montpellier site laboratory is a level 2 microbiological safety facility, where wearing protective equipment is mandatory. Screen work is required.