PhD in Role of chromatin condensates in CPs: from LLPS to molecular dynamics

The Chrom-Rare Consortium

Chrom_Rare is a EU-funded consortium relying on a collaborative effort of multi-disciplinary research teams all around Europe, that share the aim of working towards unveiling the molecular basis of chromatinopthies to delineate innovative therapeutic solutions

The goal

Chromatinopathies (CPs) are a group of rare genetic diseases, which share clinical features as well as causal genetic alterations, leading to the inactivation of chromatin regulators involved in gene expression control and 3D chromatin organization. Within the framework of Chrom_Rare, our main goal is to set up an intra-sectoral, cross-disciplinary training program that would prepare the next generation of researchers equipped with advanced theoretical, technical, and computational skills to study fundamental aspects of chromatin biology and their impact on chromatinopaties (CPs). In parallel, Chrom_Rare will devise new strategies to translate molecular findings into new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients affected by CPs. We are thus looking for Doctoral Candidates that will join this Ph.D. program and that will work towards understanding the molecular basis of chromatinopathies, specifically aiming to define the role ofmolecular dynamics in determining the abberant organization of chromatin condensates in CPs.

The project

Mutations in chromatin regulators can lead to multiple pathological conditions which are commonly referred to as chromatinopathies (CPs). The project funded by the EU within the MSCA-DN action- is centered on determining the functional implications of the alteration in chromatin regulators characterizing the CPs. The herein program aims to define the role of chromatin-associated condensates in determining the nuclear mechanical properties and their impacts on nuclear architecture in CPs. The Ph.D. student will combine Genome editing approaches with live imaging of chromatin condensates to assess the nuclear response to mechanical challenges in a pathological setting. His/Her project will benefit from working within an interdisciplinary framework, to identify novel drugs to restore mechanical responsiveness in CPs.

The candidate

We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates, willing to challenge an innovative project by adopting a proactive attitude and an analytical approach. The candidate is requested to have a vivid interest in investigating the molecular mechanisms governing the dynamic assembly of chromatin condensates and their impacts on mechano-signaling. The successful candidate will be involved in an interdisciplinary project with research being conducted at the crossroad between molecular biology, biophysics, and mechanobiology. Given the international framework, the candidate should also have good communication skills and a team-oriented working attitude. For further information, please contact PI Alessio Zippo (alessio.zippo@unitn.it).