Missions

This project aims to characterize the morphology and molecular regulation of contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and lipid droplets (LD) in astrocytes and brain cells derived from hiPSCs. The objective is to better understand how these structures influence cholesterol transport and metabolism in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Activités

- Perform ultrastructural analysis of ER-mitochondria-LD contacts using super-resolution and electron microscopy in astrocytes.
- Study the effect of genetic modulations (CRISPR, siRNA) of candidate lipid transfer proteins on the morphology and organization of these contacts.
- Contribute to molecular characterization through biochemical and proteomic approaches.

Compétences

PhD in cell biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
Proven expertise in 3D and super-resolution imaging and/or electron microscopy.
Experience in cell culture (ideally hiPSC models), imaging, and molecular biology.
Interest in neurodegenerative diseases and lipid metabolism.

Contexte de travail

The postdoctoral fellow will join Francesca Giordano's group, which specializes in the study of membrane contact sites and lipid trafficking using electron microscopy (EM) and advanced cellular imaging. The work is part of a collaborative project with a team experienced in human stem cell–derived and Alzheimer's disease models (astrocytes, neurons).

Contraintes et risques

Detailed morphological analysis of contact sites requires strong technical precision and quantitative interpretation.
The complexity of lipid interactions calls for a multidisciplinary approach combining structural and functional analyses.