Postdoctoral Position
Center for Magnetic Resonance in Biology and Medicine (CRMBM),
University of the Mediterranea, Marseille, France
The Center for Magnetic Resonance in Biology and Medicine (Centre de Résonance
Magnétique Biologique et Médicale : CRMBM), located at the University Hospital of la
Timone in Marseille (Director: P.J. Cozzone) is offering a post-doc position (18-24 months)starting January-May 2008. The position is in the "Muscle Group" headed by D. Bendahan and is funded by the ANR (National Agency for Research).
The CRMBM is located on the Campus of the Medical School in Marseille, adjacent to the University Hospital of la Timone, the largest medical facility in Southern Europe. It is jointly operated and funded by CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), University of the Mediterranea and the Public Hospital System of Marseille.
The research project is devoted to the role of uncoupling proteins (UCP3) in skeletal muscle energetics. Several experimental measurements are planned including muscle energy metabolism, muscle performance, whole body fatty acid metabolism, UCP3 gene expression and mitochondrial electron chain transport.
Experiments will be conducted in UCP3-knockout mice and in rats chemically treated in order to reduce UCP3 expression. Muscle function will be studied strictly noninvasively in a 4.7 T Bruker Avance MR system, using 31P-MRS, MRI and measurements of muscle performance.
Whole body fatty acid metabolism will be investigated through measurements of body fat accumulation using MRI and plasmatic level of free fatty acid. Expression of UCP3 gene will be evaluated using quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. Mitochondrial electron chain transport activity will be measured using oxygraphy in biopsy samples.
This multiparametric study will give major information related to the control of energy expenditure in relation to UCP3 expression. Future potential applications related to body weight maintenance might be developed.
The successful applicant should have experience in muscle research preferably with MR
techniques. Applicants should send a Statement of Research Interests, a Curriculum Vitae, and 3 references to :
D. Bendahan
Centre de Resonance Magnetique Biologique et Medicale
UMR CNRS 6612
Faculte de Medecine de la Timone
27, Bd Jean Moulin
13005 Marseille
david.bendahan@univmed.fr
http://crmbm
