Cells need to carefully control their internal stores of inorganic phosphate, which is both an essential nutrient and potentially toxic. They face a phosphate challenge for several reasons. Growth requires a minimal concentration of this limiting resource because intracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi ) is a compound of nucleic acids and modifies most cellular proteins. At the same time, cytosolic Pi may not rise much, because elevated cytosolic Pi can stall metabolism. It reduces the free energy that nucleotide triphosphate hydrolysis can provide to drive energetically unfavorable reactions.
Our group undertakes a pioneering study to elucidate how cells strike this critical balance. We characterize a novel pathway for intracellular phosphate reception (INPHORS) and signaling and explore the role of acidocalcisomes in it. These studies may identify a key function of these very poorly understood organelles, provide one reason for their evolutionary conservation and elucidate a novel homeostatic system of critical importance for cellular metabolism.
We now seek to reinforce our team with highly motivated collaborators to characterize this fundamental, novel signaling and homeostasis pathway in the framework of a project funded by the European Research Council for 5 years. Candidates with training in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular or cell biology, and plant biology are particularly encouraged to apply. Knowledge of yeast genetics is advantageous but not essential.
Lausanne offers a very attractive research environment, featuring a large number of highly performant and interactive research groups, state-of-the-art technical facilities, as well as a rich cultural life and great outdoor activities. The working language is English.
Applications should contain a cv, a description of your previous work, a brief statement of your research interests and objectives, and contact information of three referees.
References:
Hothorn, M, Neumann, H., Lehnherr, E.D., Wehner, M., Rybin, V, Hassa, P.O., Uttenweiler, A., Reihhardt, M, Schmidt, A., Seiler, J., Ladurner, A.G., Herrmann, C., Scheffzek, K., and Mayer, A. Catalytic core of a membrane-associated eukaryotic polyphosphate polymerase. Science 324, 513–516 (2009).
Wild, R., Gerasimaite, R., Jung, J.-Y., Truffault, V., Pavlovic, I., Schmidt, A., Saiardi, A., Jessen, H.J., Poirier, Y., Hothorn, M., and Mayer, A.Control of eukaryotic phosphate homeostasis by inositol polyphosphate sensor domains. Science 352, 986–990 (2016).
Austin, S. & Mayer, A. Phosphate Homeostasis - A Vital Metabolic Equilibrium Maintained Through the INPHORS Signaling Pathway.Front Microbiol 11, 1367 (2020).
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