Rôles des voies TGF-beta et FGF dans la formation du système nerveux de l'embryon d'oursin (M/F=OK)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

A three-year doctoral position, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), is available from April 2026 within the "Gene Regulation Networks, Axis Specification and Morphogenesis of the Sea Urchin Embryo" team, led by Thierry Lepage at the Valrose Institute of Biology in Nice (http://ibv.unice.fr/research-team/lepage/). The research will focus on the formation of the sea urchin larva's nervous system and the role of transcription factors and signals from the FGF superfamily, isolated in the laboratory, in the development of this nervous system. More specifically, the project will investigate the mechanisms of formation of a particular neurogenic domain of the sea urchin larval nervous system, called the ciliary band, and the role of FGF family members in this process. For this study, we will use a model we proposed in 2010 to explain ciliary band formation. This model suggests that most of the ectoderm differentiates by default into a hair band and that the repression of this differentiation by Nodal, and subsequently by the BMP signaling pathway in the ventral and dorsal regions, is responsible for hair band positioning. We will test this model and analyze the role of FGF and TGF-β signals in early hair band positioning by overexpressing and inactivating the expression of these ligands. Experience in molecular biology is essential, and training in neuroscience would be an asset. Related publications:

Your Work Environment

The research conducted in our laboratory focuses on how morphogens of the TGF-β superfamily, such as Nodal and BMPs, determine the dorsoventral and left-right axes of the sea urchin embryo (see Molina et al., “Nodal: master and regulator of the dorsoventral and left-right axes in the sea urchin embryo,” 2013, Curr Opin Genet Dev, 23, pp. 445–453; Lapraz et al., 2015, “A deuterostome origin of Spemann's organizer suggested by the functions of Nodal and ADMPs in echinoderms,” Nature Communications; and Haillot et al., 2015, “The maternal Maverick/GDF15-like ligand of TGF-β, Panda, directs dorsoventral axis formation by restricting Nodal expression in the embryo”). of sea urchin”, PLoS Biology). See also: Viswanathan PK, Chessel A, Molina MD, Haillot E, Lepage T. The maternal TGF-β ligand, Panda, breaks the radial symmetry of the sea urchin embryo by antagonizing the type II Nodal receptor ACVRII. PLoS Biol. 2024; 22(6): e3002701. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002701. Our internationally recognized institute comprises 28 teams working on various model organisms. It also offers access to state-of-the-art platforms and equipment in a dynamic international research environment. Qualifications: Applicants must hold a Master's degree. Both national and international applications are encouraged. Interested candidates are requested to send a single PDF document containing a curriculum vitae, a summary of their research interests and objectives, as well as the names and contact details of two references to: Dr. Thierry Lepage*: tlepage@unice.fr

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

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