13.1. 2020, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology

Laboratory of Molecular neurobiology

PhD project: Collapsin response mediator proteins in microtubule dynamics and neural development

Precise regulation of neural development is essential for normal function of the adult nervous system and defects in its key parts - neuron migration, growth and guidance - have been linked to several neurodevelopmental disorders as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia or epilepsy. While regulation of microtubules and their dynamics is central to these processes, molecular mechanisms and genes controling it remain largely unknown.  The aim of the PhD project is to characterize the isoform-specific role of microtubule-associated proteins of CRMP (collapsing response mediator protein) family in neural development and to demonstrate how their deregulation, together with changes of tubulin post-translational modifications, lead to altered microtubule dynamics and defects in neural development in vitro and in vivo.

Candidate’s profile (requirements):

We are seeking outstanding, motivated candidates with master's degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, medicine or related fields, or those expecting to obtain their degree this year. Candidates should be fluent in English. Experience with in vivo models (mouse, rat), as well as with in vitro cell cultures and molecular biology techniques are advantage.

Relevant publications:

Ziak J, et al, CRMP2 mediates Sema3F-dependent axon pruning and dendritic spine remodeling, EMBO Rep, (2019) accepted, BioRxiv DOI: 10.1101/719617

Magiera MM, et al,. Excessive tubulin polyglutamylation causes neurodegeneration and perturbs neuronal transport. EMBO J. 2018 Dec 3;37(23).

Balastik M, et al., Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 Regulates Axon Guidance by Stabilizing CRMP2A Selectively in Distal Axons. Cell Rep. 2015 Oct 27;13(4):812-28.

Supervisor: Martin Balastik, Ph.D. (martin.balastik@fgu.cas.cz)