Missions

The recruited personnel (M/F) will study the role of epigenetic mechanisms in innate immune memory in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Activités

The recruited person will lead a research project aimed at exploring the epigenetic mechanisms involved in innate immune memory in oysters. More specifically, his task will include:
• Developing and optimizing analytical approaches for studying epigenetic marks (histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin structure) in hemocytes, the immune cells of the oyster;
• Studying the short- and long-term dynamics of these epigenetic marks in individuals that have undergone stimulation of their innate immune memory;
• Analyzing the generated data using appropriate bioinformatics and statistical methods;
• Integrating the obtained results into the multi-omics approaches developed as part of the ANR PRIMoyster project (notably transcriptomics and metabolomics), in order to explore the links between epigenetics, gene expression, and metabolism;
• Writing scientific articles and presenting the results at national and international conferences;
• Exploring potential applications in aquaculture and animal health, particularly in relation to improving oyster health management strategies;
• Assessing to what extent current epigenetic concepts can shed light on 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.

Compétences

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

Contexte de travail

• The project will be developed within the UMR IHPE, which uses multi-scale approaches (from molecules to natural populations) to study the mechanisms (molecular, evolutionary) governing interactions between hosts, their pathogens, and their environments. Our objective is to gain an integrated understanding of the emergence of infectious agents, their evolutionary dynamics, their appearance, and their extinction in natural environments, with the aim of contributing to the development of a global health approach summed up as "One Planet – One Health – One Ocean."
Our unit is recognized nationally and internationally for its contributions in the fields of aquaculture, coral reefs, and neglected tropical diseases. We place particular emphasis on creating synergies among all members of the UMR and with our national and international collaborators (South America, Africa, and Oceania/Pacific), as well as on Quality of Life and Working Conditions (QLWC) and equal opportunities.
Our unit is based on two sites: Perpignan and Montpellier. We also work on Ifremer infrastructures in Sète and Palavas. The activities of the recruited agent (M/F) will be primarily based in Perpignan, with travel to Montpellier.
• This project will be carried out as part of the ANR PRIMoyster project (https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-22-CE20-0017). This project aims to develop an innovative method to prevent 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, and 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 a growing 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 species.
This project builds on recent advances made in the laboratory on innate immune memory in mollusks and on integrative multi-omics approaches to explore the cellular, molecular, epigenetic, and metabolic bases of immune priming, thereby offering a new perspective on the understanding of the immune response in bivalves.
This approach could offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to current prophylactic methods, which are often ineffective in the face of pathogen proliferation linked to climate change.

Contraintes et risques

The IHPE laboratory is located on two sites. The recruited person will carry out their work primarily at the Perpignan site but will be required to travel regularly to Montpellier to conduct experiments, attend meetings, and exchange with other ANR partners.
The Perpignan (LSB2) and Montpellier sites are biosafety level 2 laboratories, requiring strict adherence to hygiene and safety regulations, particularly regarding chemical and biological risks. Wearing protective equipment is mandatory.
The candidate (M/F) will receive all technical training required by law. Work involves the use of computer screens.