Description du sujet de thèse

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterised by selective loss of dopaminergic neurons, probably due to exacerbated cell death. The loss of dopaminergic neurons leads to severe motor deficits, but also to a large number of non-motor symptoms, including loss of cognitive ability. Several proteins responsible for familial forms of PD, including Parkin, have been associated with synaptopathies. The molecular mechanisms responsible for cognitive impairment, and more specifically the role of parkin, remain to be determined. We have identified a new function for parkin as a transcription factor. We have shown that parkin, a protein responsible for the majority of autosomal recessive forms of PD, is capable of repressing p53 (da Costa et al., 2009) and other genes involved in memory formation (Duplan et al., 2013). The aim of the thesis is to examine the role of parkin in the process of neuroplasticity and memory in the context of PD.
All the tools and know-how are currently available in the laboratory and provide the methodological credit for the project. It should provide a better understanding of the signalling mechanisms exerted by parkin and their dysfunctions in gliomas in order to assess their therapeutic potential.

Contexte de travail

The applicant will benefit from a highly collaborative and international environment at IPMC (79 researchers, 20 teams). IPMC provides access to state-of-the-art platforms and technical support. IPMC is located at Valbonne, a scientifically and culturally rich and unique environment.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Not applicable