Interdisciplinary Approaches to Study Biomolecular Condensates and mRNA Local Translation

Our team is seeking a motivated PhD student to develop innovative tools in biology and biophysics using an interdisciplinary approach. Our laboratory, located in the heart of Paris, engages in interdisciplinary research, fostering a collaborative environment where biologists, physical chemists, and biophysicists work together. We benefit from a rich academic setting, close to renowned institutes such as ENS, Curie Institute, and Collège de France. This project includes significant collaborations with partners in France (IGH, IBENS) and Japan (IQB-CiRA, Kyoto University).

Context: Biomolecular condensates are crucial for RNA regulation and gene expression1, influencing processes from embryo polarization to neural development. Dysfunctions in condensates are linked to diseases such as viral infections, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite advances in understanding RNA condensate formation and localization, linking their functions remains challenging due to a lack of spatial manipulation tools. To address this, our team at ENS has developed bioengineered motor condensates to manipulate mRNA localization2,3,4. These tools will be applied to study human centrosomal mRNAs, recently discovered by E. Bertrand at IGH-Montpellier and H. Le Hir at IBENS-Paris5,6. The PhD objectives are: (i) Develop and use chemo- and optogenetic tools to perturb RNA condensates for local translation studies. (ii) Investigate how centrosome function depends on mRNA localization and local translation, in collaboration with IGH and IBENS teams.

Methods and workflow: The student will use advanced techniques in Molecular and Cell Biology, Protein and RNA Engineering, Quantitative Imaging (FRAP, Particle Tracking), Single Molecule FISH, Biophysics. Data and image analysis will utilize machine learning models.

Expected results: The PhD student will build on strong preliminary experiments. The project aims to: (i) Develop novel tools to manipulate mRNA localization and translation in cells. (ii) Establish causal links between mRNA localization, local translation, and cellular functions using centrosomal mRNAs as a model.

Our laboratory, located in the heart of Paris, engages in interdisciplinary research, fostering a collaborative environment where biologists, physical chemists, and biophysicists work together. We benefit from a rich academic setting, close to renowned institutes such as ENS, Curie Institute, and Collège de France.

Profile: Interested applicants should hold a master's degree in Quantitative Biology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, or a related field and demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary work.