Description du sujet de thèse

Characterization of ParA-ParB interactions in bacterial DNA segregation.
In bacteria, DNA segregation mainly relies on active partitioning systems, known as ParABS systems. They ensure the faithful segregation of chromosomes and most low-copy number plasmids. The ParA and ParB proteins function as molecular switches that exhibit collective behaviors. ParA forms dynamic gradients or oscillates over the nucleoid, while ParB auto-assembles into a large nucleoprotein complex at the centromere site, parS. This ParB clustering may involve phase separation, leading to the formation of biomolecular condensates1,2.
This Ph.D. project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms governing the ParABS system through an integrative and multidisciplinary approach, combining genetics, genomics, cell biology, and biochemistry, in collaboration with theoretical physicists. Specifically, we will characterize the interactions between CTP-mediated clamped-ParB, the ParA ATPase, and apo-ParB (CTP-free). The candidate will develop biochemical assays to selectively capture the clamped-ParB state and implement an optogenetics-based strategy to dissect these interactions at the molecular level.
This study will provide critical insights into the molecular mechanism of DNA partitioning and contribute to a broader understanding of phase separation and the ParA patterning involved in bacterial DNA segregation.

Contexte de travail

This project will be carried out at the CBI within the Bacterial Genome Dynamics (GeDy) team led by Jean-Yves Bouet and François Cornet. It is part of a collaboration with a group of theoretical physicists from the University of Montpellier, funded by the ANR (National Research Agency).

Contraintes et risques

The position does not involve any specific constraints or particular risks.