PhD student: The role of phase separation in epigenetic inheritance by Polycomb Group proteins.
In recent years, the role of phase separation in organizing macromolecules in cells is increasingly appreciated. This includes the organization of chromatin into physical and functional domains. We are studying how Polycomb Group proteins can mediate phase separation with chromatin, how this is modulated by histone modifications. We and others have found that a Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) in Polyhomeotic, which can form polymers, is important for organizing PcG proteins into clusters and large “bodies” in cells. Ph SAM is also important for repression of gene expression and long range chromatin interactions. The Ph SAM, in conjunction with other sequences in Ph, forms phase separated condensates with chromatin in vitro. In vivo, formation of PcG foci depends on the SAM, and these foci are regulated through the cell cycle. The project involves dissecting the mechanism of phase separation mediated by Ph, determining the role of Ph SAM-dependent phase separation in vivo, determining how phase separation may occur in the context of PRC1, understanding the interplay between histone modifications and phase separation, and how phase separation may be important for propagation of epigenetic information through the cell cycle.
The project involves genome engineering in Drosophila tissue culture cells, in vivo analysis of chromatin (microscopy and molecular biology-based methods like ChIP and 3C), and in vitro biochemical reconstitution (protein purification, biochemical and microscopy based analysis).
Background in molecular biology and biochemistry or biophysics and/or Drosophila genetics is highly recommended, but the most important characteristics are motivation, ability to work independently, and willingness to learn. We would also welcome students with more theoretical or computational backgrounds.
This is a funded project. Students in the Francis lab can enroll at the University of Montreal or McGill University.
Seif, E., Kang, J.J., Sasseville, C., Senkovitch, O., Kaltashov, A., Boulier, E.L., Kapur, I., Kim, C.A., and Francis, N.J. (2020). Phase separation by the Sterile Alpha Motif of Polyhomeotic compartmentalizes Polycomb Group proteins and enhances their activity. Nature Communications, 11, 5609. https://rdcu.be/b9L1P
Wani, A.H.*, Boettiger, A.N.*, Schorderet, P., Ergun, A., Munger, C., Sadreyev, R.I., Zhuang, X., Kingston, R.E., and Francis, N.J. (2016) Chromatin topology is coupled to Polycomb group protein subnuclear organization. Nat. Commun. 13:10291 PMID 26759081 https://rdcu.be/cHPJl
To apply for this position, please email Dr. Francis with a brief description of your research interests, a current CV, and relevant transcripts. Applications will be evaluated as they are received until the position is filled.
Research Assistant
A Research Assistant position is available in the Laboratory of Nicole Francis in the Department of Biochemistry of epigenetic inheritance at the Institut de Recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), a clinical and biomedical research center affiliated to the Université de Montréal:
Summary of responsibilities
The candidate will be responsible for ordering and keeping track of supplies, preparing solutions and reagents, and general lab management. She/he will work on research projects that study how chromatin based information is transmitted through cell division. She/he will carry out a variety of molecular biology and biochemistry experiments under supervision of the lab head. Techniques include DNA cloning, protein expression and purification, assembly and analysis of chromatin, biochemical assays, insect cell culture, flow cytometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation and microscopy. Responsibilities include data analysis and record keeping.
Characteristic duties and responsibilities:
1. Prepare biochemical and molecular biology reagents and carry out biochemical experiments
2. Analysis of data and record keeping
3. Lab management, including ordering supplies
Requirements:
Working conditions:
Full time position with an initial one (1) year contract (renewable).The IRCM offers a competitive range of benefits.
Please submit your resume and cover letter no later than 04/25/2022 stating: Research Assistant contest at: [email protected] or mail to:
For more information about the IRCM: https://www.ircm.qc.ca/
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The IRCM provides equal employment opportunities to all
In recent years, the role of phase separation in organizing macromolecules in cells is increasingly appreciated. This includes the organization of chromatin into physical and functional domains. We are studying how Polycomb Group proteins can mediate phase separation with chromatin, how this is modulated by histone modifications. We and others have found that a Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) in Polyhomeotic, which can form polymers, is important for organizing PcG proteins into clusters and large “bodies” in cells. Ph SAM is also important for repression of gene expression and long range chromatin interactions. The Ph SAM, in conjunction with other sequences in Ph, forms phase separated condensates with chromatin in vitro. In vivo, formation of PcG foci depends on the SAM, and these foci are regulated through the cell cycle. The project involves dissecting the mechanism of phase separation mediated by Ph, determining the role of Ph SAM-dependent phase separation in vivo, determining how phase separation may occur in the context of PRC1, understanding the interplay between histone modifications and phase separation, and how phase separation may be important for propagation of epigenetic information through the cell cycle.
The project involves genome engineering in Drosophila tissue culture cells, in vivo analysis of chromatin (microscopy and molecular biology-based methods like ChIP and 3C), and in vitro biochemical reconstitution (protein purification, biochemical and microscopy based analysis).
Background in molecular biology and biochemistry or biophysics and/or Drosophila genetics is highly recommended, but the most important characteristics are motivation, ability to work independently, and willingness to learn. We would also welcome students with more theoretical or computational backgrounds.
This is a funded project. Students in the Francis lab can enroll at the University of Montreal or McGill University.
Seif, E., Kang, J.J., Sasseville, C., Senkovitch, O., Kaltashov, A., Boulier, E.L., Kapur, I., Kim, C.A., and Francis, N.J. (2020). Phase separation by the Sterile Alpha Motif of Polyhomeotic compartmentalizes Polycomb Group proteins and enhances their activity. Nature Communications, 11, 5609. https://rdcu.be/b9L1P
Wani, A.H.*, Boettiger, A.N.*, Schorderet, P., Ergun, A., Munger, C., Sadreyev, R.I., Zhuang, X., Kingston, R.E., and Francis, N.J. (2016) Chromatin topology is coupled to Polycomb group protein subnuclear organization. Nat. Commun. 13:10291 PMID 26759081 https://rdcu.be/cHPJl
To apply for this position, please email Dr. Francis with a brief description of your research interests, a current CV, and relevant transcripts. Applications will be evaluated as they are received until the position is filled.
Research Assistant
A Research Assistant position is available in the Laboratory of Nicole Francis in the Department of Biochemistry of epigenetic inheritance at the Institut de Recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), a clinical and biomedical research center affiliated to the Université de Montréal:
Summary of responsibilities
The candidate will be responsible for ordering and keeping track of supplies, preparing solutions and reagents, and general lab management. She/he will work on research projects that study how chromatin based information is transmitted through cell division. She/he will carry out a variety of molecular biology and biochemistry experiments under supervision of the lab head. Techniques include DNA cloning, protein expression and purification, assembly and analysis of chromatin, biochemical assays, insect cell culture, flow cytometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation and microscopy. Responsibilities include data analysis and record keeping.
Characteristic duties and responsibilities:
1. Prepare biochemical and molecular biology reagents and carry out biochemical experiments
2. Analysis of data and record keeping
3. Lab management, including ordering supplies
Requirements:
- Masters degree in biochemistry, chemistry or biology
- Lab experience in molecular biology /biochemistry required (a minimum of 1 year, with 2 years preferred)
- Excellent organizational, computer, analytical and problem solving skills;
- Rigor, motivation, autonomy and team spirit;
- Willing and able to learn new skills and assist to develop new approaches
- Excellent communications skills (written and spoken) in English; French is an asset but not required.
Working conditions:
Full time position with an initial one (1) year contract (renewable).The IRCM offers a competitive range of benefits.
Please submit your resume and cover letter no later than 04/25/2022 stating: Research Assistant contest at: [email protected] or mail to:
For more information about the IRCM: https://www.ircm.qc.ca/
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The IRCM provides equal employment opportunities to all