Postdoctoral Position Available
Center of Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research
Tufts University School of Medicine-NEMC
Boston, MA
We have an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on
thrombin receptor-dependent signal transduction. The discovery of a
thrombin receptor that is activated by proteolytic cleavage and exposure
of a new N-terminal tethered ligand has generated considerable interest
because it is the first example of a protease-activated membrane
receptor. Receptor activation precipitates complex signaling events
culminating in platelet aggregation, wound healing, and cellular
proliferation. Since chronic activation of the receptor may lead to
coronary artery disease, stroke, and other vascular diseases, preventing
thrombin receptor activation is of pharmacologic interest.
The project involves genetic and biochemical studies of the thrombin
receptor expressed in yeast. Heterologous expression of a thrombin
receptor-G-protein pair will activate a defined signal transduction
pathway that leads to a distinct, unambiguous phenotype=97growth. We have
recently produced and purified affinity-tagged thrombin receptor in
yeast which can be cleaved by nanomolar thrombin. The receptor couples
to specific mammalian G proteins, however, the molecular basis for the
coupling specificity is unknown. Genetic studies of receptor, G
proteins, ligand, and downstream regulators will greatly aid in
understanding how this receptor activates mammalian signaling pathways.
The yeast expression system of the receptor coupled to the endogenous
yeast MAP kinases may provide a screening method for anti-thrombin
receptor drugs.
Our laboratory is located within the Center of Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Research, a modern, well-equipped facility supported by several core
units including automated DNA sequencing, oligonucleotide and peptide
synthesis, plasmid preparation, fermentation, and flow cytometry.
Qualifications for this position are a Ph.D. degree and US citizenship
or permanent residency. Candidates with training in yeast genetics who
would like to acquire expertise in biochemistry in the context of
cardiovascular disease are especially encouraged to apply. Interested
candidates should e-mail a description of their research interests, a
CV, and names of three references to:
Athan Kuliopulos, MD., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry
Tufts-NEMC Box 832
750 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
617-636-8482
617-636-4833 (fax)
akuliopu at opal.tufts.edu
