PhD-student in cellular neuroscience

Project description:
Our ability to walk, talk and form memories requires that neurons in our brain form, maintain and adapt billions of synaptic connections to establish functional neuronal circuits. It is unclear how neurons supply the protein complexes required to build these synapses in the right time and place. This project aims to provide a molecular understanding of how synapses are formed with spatiotemporal precision.

While protein synthesis was long considered to occur exclusively in neuronal cell bodies, recent research from our group and others has revealed that mRNA localization allows neurons to rapidly synthesize new proteins at defined subcellular locations. Indeed, hundreds of mRNAs are found at synapses. However, we do not know how these mRNAs are precisely captured and translated at specific sites, and how this contributes to the formation of functional synapses.

Synapse formation is initiated by the interaction between cell surface proteins on both sides of a synapse. My lab has recently uncovered that specific cell surface proteins bind mRNAs and translational machinery in neurons. This provides a powerful way for neurons to regulate the localization and selective translation of mRNAs. The aim of this NWO-funded project is to investigate this exciting new mechanism and examine how mRNA capture and translated are regulated and contribution to synapse formation and function.

In this project, you will use and develop genetic and imaging tools established in the Koppers lab together with live-cell imaging and functional assays to:

1. Unravel the molecular mechanisms of synaptic mRNA capture and translation during synapse formation
2. Control synaptic mRNA localization to modulate synapse formation.

The work will be carried out in rodent neurons in culture and human iPSC-derived neurons.

You will be part of international research networks and exploit a variety of techniques and analysis tools available. All the core methodology, cell models, equipment, analysis software and viral vectors are available from the start of the project. You will be trained on site and in specialized courses on campus.

Your duties: As a PhD candidate your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Imaging of mRNA, translation and receptors at synaptic sites in cultured rodent and human iPSC-derived neurons
• Investigate and control the dynamics mRNAs and ribosomes by developing novel genetic and imaging tools with live-cell and super-resolution imaging
• Performing functional assays to study synapse formation and function
• Publishing analyses in peer-reviewed journals and provide progress reports to funding sources
• Contributing to teaching activities (~10% of your time), including supervision of BSc and/or MSc students during internships
• Presenting your work to the international research community