Fostering and understanding, through epigenetic modifications, the lipid production in P. tricornutum.

17 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Le Mans University

Department

BiOSSE

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

17 May 2024 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Socio-economic and scientific context:

Today’s society faces different challenges. In the field of health, sedentarity leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In terms of ecology, fossil fuels lead to an increase emission of greenhouse gas. In this context, microalgae become an important research stake mainly for the synthesis of high added value molecules such as pigments, antioxidants and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. These molecules, used as food supplements or as biofuels, would improve the health of consumers or reduce the human ecological footprint. However, to produce them, microalgae need to be cultivated under stressful conditions, which are incompatible with industrial use.

Assumptions and questions :

Epigenetic studies the mechanisms inducing stable and heritable phenotypic modifications without modifications of the DNA sequence. At least three types of epigenetic regulations are present in microalgae (i) DNA methylation on cytosines, (ii) chromatin remodeling by histone modifications and (iii) RNA interference mediated by microRNAs. In microalgae, epigenetic regulates gene expression and is involved in adaptation to stress and in the production of metabolites. The aim of this thesis is to manipulate epigenetic in our model microalga, P. tricornutum, in order to improve the production of lipids of interest. In addition to the applied side, this thesis aims to study the involvement of epigenetic regulations in the lipid metabolism of microalgae under normal culture conditions and during abiotic stress such as nitrogen deficiency.

The main steps of the thesis and scientific procedure :

In this context, molecules exhibiting the capacity to modify the epigenome will be chosen on a bibliographic basis. Then their application conditions will be optimized during conventional cultures and during nitrogen stress. Thus, different concentrations of molecules will be applied to P. tricornutum and the effects on the phenotype (shape, size), on growth and on the epigenome (global DNA methylation level) of the microalga will be evaluated. Secondly, P. tricornutum will be cultivated under the previously optimized conditions. From these cultures, biochemical parameters, such as the assay of the identified lipid classes will be carried out in order to identify the conditions allowing an increase their production. In parallel, molecular parameters such as the expression level and methylation of lipid metabolism genes as well as histone modifications will be evaluated in order to link a modification of epigenetic regulation and lipid production.

Methodological and technical approaches considered :

Cutlures of P. tricornutm will be developped to optimize the production of molecules with molecules that can modify the epigenome during nitrogen stress. Microscopy and molecular biology tools will be used to estimate the level of methylation and of gene expression (qPCR, Methylation Specific PCR, MSP) of lipid metabolism. HPLC and cytometry will be used to assay the lipid production by modified microalgae.

Scientific and technical skills required by the candidate :

The candidate will have a background in epigenetic, cell biology and molecular biology. He must be able to carry out in vitro culture of microalgae, gene analysis technics (qPCR and MSP) and molecule’s assays (HPLC).

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Le Mans University - BiOSSE Laval

Country

France

City

Laval

Postal Code

53000

Street

52 rue des Dr Calmette et Guérin

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://theses.doctorat-bretagneloire.fr/vaame/campagne-2024

Contact

City

Laval

Website

https://www.univ-lemans.fr/fr/recherche/panorama-de-la-recherche/les-laboratoires/mer-molecules-sante-ea-n-2160.html

Street

52 rue des Dr Calmette et Guérin

Postal Code

53000

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED