PhD in Systems Biology
Morphogenesis in Fission Yeast
European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe maintains a cylindrical shape by alternating polarized growth at the cell ends with divisions in the middle. The localized growth is established during interphase by bundles of microtubules that deposit growth factors specifically at cell ends. The bundles are also attached to the nucleus, keeping it near the cell-center. This is because bundles are anti-parallel, align along the main cell axis and transmit the microtubule polymerization
forces from both sides to the nucleus. We have modelled the nucleus and microtubules with simulated Langevin dynamics in three dimensions. We could match most of the experimentally measured microtubule features, using a fix cylindrical cell shape.
We propose now to study how S. pombe determines its shape. The student will have to extend the existing model to include abitrary convex shapes. He/her will have to model the transport and deposition of growth factors by the microtubules, and their effects on cell growth. The work will be done in collaboration with Damian Brunner (EMBL). Together, we will test the model using fluorescence recordings of both wild type and mutant cells followed on multiple generations. The proposed work is a systems' level approach of morphogenesis in a simple cell, and the student will combine experiments and theory during his/her PhD.
Applicants with prior training in Physics, Mathematics, I.T. or engineering, and a willingness to explore the opportunities offered in Biology are encouraged to apply. EMBL is a renowned international research laboratory, with more than 60 nationalities represented. The working language is English.
The deadline for application is November 1st, 2006.
To apply online: www.embl.de/ training/ phdprogramme
Important: select Cell Biology and Biophysics in your `Programme preference'
For more information: www.cytosim. org
François Nédélec, BioMS Group leader
EMBL, Cell Biology and Cell Biophysics
Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Email: nedelec@embl. de
Telephone: (+49) 6221 387 597
Telefax: (+49) 6221 387 512
[sursa beasiswa]
