Description du sujet de thèse

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the main causes of dry eye syndrome, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. This pathology is characterized by an alteration in the production and quality of meibum, leading to changes in the tear film, ocular irritation, inflammation, leading eventually to a dry eye disease (DED). Although MGD is frequently associated with DED, it is not systematically the primary cause. It can result from other alterations, particularly hormonal or immune disorders such as allergies and Sjögren's syndrome—an autoimmune disease affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands.
Our laboratory has generated a murine model in which certain macrophage populations have been permanently eliminated. Interestingly, these mice spontaneously develop MGD, characterized by excess meibum and tears, the presence of crusts, and repeated eye blinking. However, the precise identity of the macrophage subtype responsible for the phenotype and the mechanisms involved in maintaining ocular homeostasis remain to be elucidated.
For this project, the recruited candidate will need to elucidate the role of macrophages in the establishment of this pathology through the use of various techniques, including confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and high-throughput transcriptomic profiling (Single cell RNAseq, spatial transcriptomics).

Contexte de travail

The position is based at the Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), a world-renowned research institute located on the Luminy campus in the south of Marseille, France. The CIML is a joint research unit of the CNRS, Inserm, and Aix-Marseille University, bringing together around 200 people across 16 research teams.
The recruited individual will join the "Immunobiology of Stromal Cells" team led by Marc Bajenoff and will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Bonnardel.

Contraintes et risques

biological agents, animal-related hazards, ionizing radiation, and the use of an autoclave.