Overview
My lab has a long-standing interest in the regulation of growth and metabolism. This interest stems from our early work on the pathway anchored by mTOR protein kinase, which we now appreciate is a major regulator of growth and anabolism responds to nutrients.
Because we found that lysosomes play a key role in the activation of mTORC1 by nutrients, we began to study lysosomes as well as other organelles, like mitochondria. We developed methods for the rapid isolation and profiling of these organelles (e.g., Lyso-IP), and used them to deorphan the functions of disease-associated genes. Because mTORC1 senses nutrients, we also became interested in the metabolic pathways that cells to use incorporate biomass and generate energy.
(1) Nutrient sensing by mTORC1 in vitro and in vivo. We seek to identify the glucose sensor for the mTORC1 pathway; discover nutrient sensors in animals beyond mammals; understand how the nutrient sensors function in vivo.
(2) Lysosomes in normal physiology and disease.We seek to understand how common and rare neurodegenerative diseases impact lysosomal function and identify the contents of lysosomes in specialized cells.
(3) In collaboration with chemists, we will develop drug-like molecules that target mTOR pathway components as well lysosomal proteins.
University:
Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, UCT Prague; Faculty of Science, Charles University, LF UK
Group:
David Sabatini Group, Molecular analysis of growth regulation in animals
Tutor:
David Sabatini,MD/PhD
Field of study:
Biochemistry, Cell biology, Biology
How to apply:
At the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS / IOCB Prague, we are looking for talented, independent, and highly motivated PhD students with an MSc. degree or equivalent in life sciences or related fields. We offer exciting new projects in organic and medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular and structural biology, and analytical and physical chemistry.
- Online registration deadline: 3 March 2025
- Interview Day: 20 March 2025
Learn more and apply at www.uochb.cz/en/call-for-phd-applications.
