1. Master’s degree in “Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology”, with a specialization in “Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology”
2. Experience in:
- Membrane protein production, purification and reconstitution in proteoliposomes
- Mammalian cell culture (cell models, including iPSC-derived cell lines)
- Biochemical analysis using functional assays like ATPase and phosphorylation quantification
- Biophysical analysis of purified and reconstituted membrane proteins in artificial membrane environments
- Targeted mutagenesis and protein structure analysis in PyMOL/Discovery studio
3. Enthusiastic team player, correct and organised, strong problem-solving skills and proactive mindset
4. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common and fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease. Unfortunately, there is no treatment to halt or reverse disease progression. Loss-of-function of the lysosomal polyamine exporter ATP13A2 is causative for aggressive early and juvenile onset parkinsonisms, whereas impaired polyamine homeostasis has been reported in sporadic PD. Hence, activation of ATP13A2 has emerged as a prioritized therapeutic strategy for PD, but the regulation of ATP13A2 in lysosomes remains unclear. This project will explore the mechanism by which ATP13A2 is regulated by co-factors such as lipids and proteins i) in vitro on purified ATP13A2 protein and ii) in cells with modulated expression of ATP13A2. Insights into the regulatory mechanisms of ATP13A2 will connect ATP13A2 to other lysosomal pathways implicated in PD, and offer novel therapeutic strategies for ATP13A2 modulation. The lab is actively involved in drug discovery research in collaboration with biotech and the M.J.Fox Foundation.Experimental techniques include:
5. Protein production, purification and reconstitution
6. Targeted mutagenesis and protein structure analysis
7. Biochemical characterization of ATPase and phosphorylation activity
8. Cellular imaging/staining (fluorescence and electron microscopy)
9. Flow cytometry
10. Mammalian cell culture (cell models, including iPSC-derived cell lines)
11. Lysosomal immunoprecipitation for multi-omics analysis
12. Chemical synthesis
13. Integration of biochemical, cellular and chemical biology approaches
The Laboratory of Cellular Transport Systems (https://www.labcelltransport.com/), led by Prof. Peter Vangheluwe, and the Laboratory of Chemical Biology (https://www.verhelstlab.net/), led by Prof. Steven Verhelst, part of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, invites applications for a PhD candidate position. The candidate will conduct a joint PhD project investigating Parkinson’s disease under the supervision of Prof. Peter Vangheluwe and Prof. Steven Verhelst.
14. A stimulating, internationally renowned research environment
15. The opportunity to contribute to high-end research on Parkinson’s disease
16. A close collaboration with international research consortia and funding agencies, generating extra opportunities for future career development
17. Access to training and expertise for laboratory techniques