27 Mar 2024
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Universite de Montpellier- Department
Human Resources- Research Field
Neurosciences » Neurobiology
Neurosciences » Neurophysiology
Biological sciences » Laboratory animal science- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Country
France- Application Deadline
18 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
38- Offer Starting Date
1 May 2024- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
HE- Reference Number
2024-R0205- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Main mission:
A pathological link between epilepsy and neurodegeneration, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD), has been clinically reported and has sparked some debate. Seizures are more likely to induce cognitive dysfunction in older patients than in younger subjects. Individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) exhibit an increase in certain markers associated with AD, such as amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, as well as comorbidities such as cognitive impairment. This connection between epilepsy, neurodegeneration markers, and aging supports the notion of an epileptic prodrome. However, preclinical studies are needed to understand the impact of epileptic seizures on the aging brain and to determine the effect of the age of onset of first epileptic seizures on aging and associated pathologies, particularly AD.
As part of the "EpiNeurAge" project, we will define (WP1) and target (WP2) the pathological link between experimental epileptic seizures, age, and AD-associated neurodegeneration. Building upon our recent and published data showing a functional role of epilepsy in INDUCING AD markers in young adult mice, in WP1, we will attempt to understand how molecular and pathophysiological trajectories are differently impacted depending on the age of onset of first seizures. Subsequently, we will employ two relevant transgenic models for AD to examine how status epilepticus (SE) and epileptogenesis ACCELERATE neurodegeneration. Finally, in WP2, we will endeavor to assess the involvement of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) as an entry point to converging pathways of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, testing the possibility of a novel PHARMACOLOGICAL MODULATION relevant for slowing age-related pathology.
Primary Mission: Within the framework of the EpiNeurAge project, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for in vivo experiments and ex vivo analyses (WP1 & WP2): recording and analysis of electroencephalograms (EEG) in transgenic Alzheimer's mice (J20) raised in the laboratory; behavioral studies; immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis of brain repercussions induced by various treatments.
Secondary Mission: Additionally, they will be involved in managing the breeding of J20 transgenic mice to facilitate the execution of the "EpiNeurAge" project.
Activities:
WP1: Will epileptic seizures promote neurodegenerative markers associated with AD, and is this influenced by age in wild-type mice? Two experimental models will be tested: a temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) model (Task-1) and a model inducing generalized seizures (Task-2). Finally, the impact of aging and age of onset of the first seizure will be assessed in an amyloidogenic AD transgenic model, the J20 model (Task-3).
WP2: Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of pharmacologically targeting glucocorticoid receptors (GR) during epileptic seizures (TLE & generalized seizure), neurodegenerative, and neuroinflammatory processes during aging. After comparing the impact of epileptic seizures (TLE and generalized seizure) and the Alzheimer's genotype on GR dysfunction (Task 1) depending on age, we will evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting GR with selective modulators of these receptors (sGRm) on neurodegenerative pathways induced by epileptic seizures (TLE and generalized seizure) in wild-type mice (Task-2) and Alzheimer's mice (Task-3).
Requirements
- Research Field
- Neurosciences » Neurobiology
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Training in Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Study of brain activity in rodents (EEG)
- Stereotaxics
- Immunohistochemistry
- Biochemistry (Western blot, ELISA...)
- Authorization to experiment on animals and Surgical Training.
- Research Field
- Neurosciences » Neurobiology
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
PhD level
Selection process
Send your CV and cover letter by email at : [email protected] before April 18th of 2024.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Mécanismes Moléculaires dans les Démences Neurodégénératives (MMDN)
- Country
- France
- City
- Montpellier
- Postal Code
- 34090
- Geofield
Where to apply
[email protected]
Contact
- City
Montpellier- Website
http://www.umontpellier.fr/- Street
163 rue Auguste Broussonnet- Postal Code
34000
[email protected]
STATUS: EXPIRED