We are looking for a junior researcher to join our Telethon-sponsored research project: "Broad-spectrum rescue of secretion of T-dark glycoprotein mutants: www.telethon.it/cosa-facciamo/ricerca/progetti-finanziati/recupero-ad-ampio-spettro-della-secrezione-di-glicoproteine-t-dark-mutanti.

The project will provide a unique training opportunity that will transfer key multidisciplinary skills to the young researcher hired for the Project. They will be introduced to the senior researchers’ international network of collaborators, have the opportunity to present their work at international meetings (such as the European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products (ECRD) and the World Orphan Drug Congress) and author publications in international peer-reviewed journals. All these aspects will significantly improve the career prospects of the young researchers in both academia and industry.

The position is for 24 months (Sept. 2023- August 2025).

Most of the research will be carried out in the laboratories at the CNR Research Area 1, in Via Corti 12, 20133 Milano.
High-throughput cloning and small/medium protein expression trials will be carried out in two visits of 3 weeks each (one scheduled for  November 2023, the second one in 2024), thanks to already secured Instruct funding - at the Membrane Protein Lab in Harwell, Oxford, England, UK.

Requirements: a degree in a scientific subject. An interest in learning Molecular Biology,  in vitro Biochemistry and Public Engagement.

Contact Dr. Pietro Roversi [email protected]

Molecular biology and protein purification

The WT Tdark glycoproteins (as controls) and their Td mutants will be cloned in vectors for expression in mammalian cells and expressed and purified from HEK293F cells.

In vitro biochemistry

In vitro assay of UGGT-mediated reglucosylation assays will be carried out with either isoform of human UGGT ( also
expressed and purified recombinantly from mammalian cells). For Td mutants that prove to be in vitro UGGT substrates, the interaction with UGGT will be characterised (kinetics and thermodynamics) with biophysical methods.

Public engagement

3D models will be produced for community engagement. All components will be reproduced at the scale of ten million times, which is the best proportion for human perception. Proteins will be made in soft rubber. The shape of the 3D model will correspond to the molecular surface, excluding co-factors or other non-peptidic changes. This shape is the basis for the design of the mould, which will be used to cast several copies of each model. The models will be provided to patients and their families, so that they will better understand the molecular basis of their condition, and will be able to explain it to others. Printed material to accompany the models will be prepared in collaboration with patient associations.