Decoding how cells sense and mark intracellular pathogens
How do mammalian cells recognize that a bacterium has escaped into its cytosol and how does it mark the bacterium for removal? Our research focuses on RNF213, a large ubiquitin ligase that plays an important role in the cellular defense against intracellular pathogens. RNF213 can recognize bacteria that have gained access to the host cell and mark them with ubiquitin, thereby initiating an antibacterial response. However, we still do not understand what RNF213 recognizes on a bacterium and which cellular factors help control this process.
In this Master’s project, you will investigate how RNF213 recognizes intracellular bacteria and how this recognition triggers a cellular defense response.
You will use a combination of modern approaches to:
- infect human cells with bacteria and follow RNF213 recruitment by fluorescence microscopy
- use molecular cloning and bacterial genetics to manipulate both host and bacterial components
- apply state-of-the-art proximity labeling and quanitative proteomics to identify proteins acting together with RNF213
- test candidate proteins and pathways using cellular and biochemical experiments
The project therefore combines cell biology, microbiology, ubiquitin biology and proteomics to address a fundamental question in innate immunity.
What we offer
You will work as part of a collaborative research team at the IMP/Vienna BioCenter. The project provides you with the opportunity to work at the interface of ubiquitin biology, innate immunity and bacterial infection. You will receive close scientific supervision and hands-on training in modern molecular, cellular and infection biology techniques, including advanced imaging, proximity labeling and proteomics.
Your profile
We are looking for a student with a strong interest in mechanistic biology. Previous experience in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology is advantageous but not required.
To apply please send a cover letter and CV to
AG Clausen
Anton Meinhart
anton.meinhart[at]imp.ac.at
https://www.imp.ac.at/groups/tim-clausen
Further information
IMP: https://www.imp.ac.at/
VBCF: https://www.viennabiocenter.org/vbcf/