Available positions

ESR02

WP2. Optimizing TRP channels for use as stable thermosensors.

Recruiting institution: VIB-KU Leuven

Location: Leuven, Belgium

Supervisor: Thomas Voets

Project description:

Development of TRP channel-based sensors for temperature with optimization of their properties, such as sensitivity, sustained response, selectivity and stability. This will be achieved by site-directed mutagenesis of naturally occurring temperature-sensitive TRP ion channel proteins (e.g. TRPM8, TRPV1), recombinant expression of mutants, and characterization of their properties using electrophysiological and imaging techniques. Aim is to develop channels that are selectively tailored to sense different ranges of temperature. The best channel constructs will be expressed in cells for purification and insertion in lipid bilayers.

Secondments:

  1. Zymvol Biomodeling S.L. (Spain). In silico study of TRP mutagenesis.

  2. University of Teramo (Italy). Live cell imaging of TRPV1 ion channels.

PhD awarding entity: KU Leuven

Qualifications: Those beside of the general call.

Skills: Those beside of the general call.

Experience: Those beside of the general call.

Expected start day: October 1st, 2021