Short-term practical training and pro gradu thesis projects available in the field of cellular signaling at the Research Unit of Biomedicine in the group of Senior Research Fellow Ulla Petäjä-Repo (GPCRs team Oulu)

We investigate molecular mechanisms that regulate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. The available projects relate to the orphan receptors GPR37 and GPR37L1, implicated e.g. in Parkinson's disease and glial cell differentiation, and the beta1-adrenergic receptor that regulates heart rate and contractility. The projects aim to shed light on the functional significance of two post-translational processing events involving the N-terminal ectodomain of GPCRs: limited proteolysis and O-linked glycosylation.

The work will involve multidisciplinary approaches using primarily cell culture-based assays. Depending on the project, the methods will include cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, plasmid preparation, cell culture and transfections, western blotting, confocal microscopy, radioligand binding and BRET (bioluminescent energy transfer) biosensor-based signaling and trafficking assays. The work will also include data processing and analysis. Previous experience in these methods is desirable but not mandatory.

We are looking for highly motivated science-driven students to join our team. The projects are available immediately but can also be started later in 2019. Enquiries are welcome at any time.

For more information, please contact

Ulla Petäjä-Repo (ulla.petaja-repo@oulu.fimailto:ulla.petaja-repo@oulu.fi), Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Aapistie 5B (Room F309) (https://www.oulu.fi/mrc/research-groups/petaja) Tel. 040-7247328