The aim of this project is to understand a novel signaling network controlling insulin secretion, fat accumulation and energy balance centered around Activins A and B, GDF-3 and their receptors ALK7 and ALK4. Recent results from our laboratory indicate that these molecules are part of paracrine signaling networks that control important functions in pancreatic islets, adipose tissue and hypothalamus through feedback inhibition and feed-forward regulation (see Bertolino et al. and Andersson et al., PNAS 2008). These discoveries have open up a new research area with important implications for the understanding of metabolic networks and the treatment of human metabolic syndromes, such as diabetes and obesity.
The project encompasses in vitro and in vivo approaches, and involves the characterization of conditional genetic models in mutant mice and studies of novel TGF-beta signaling pathways in pancreatic beta-cells, adipocytes and hypothalamic neurons.
Experience in metabolic research, molecular biology, intracellular signaling and mouse genetics will be important for consideration.
The laboratory is located amid other 10 high-profile groups of the Strategic Center on Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine (www.dbrm.se), one of the most vibrant and productive research environments in Scandinavia. Additional information on the work of our group can be found in our webpage at http://zephyr.neuro.ki.se, from which our articles can also be downloaded.
Funding is available for an initial period of 2 years, starting any time during the Spring of 2009.
Applications, including i) CV, ii) list of publications and iii) statement of future interests, should be sent to Prof. Carlos Ibáñez by email to carlos.ibanez@ki.se. Applicants should arrange to have at least two confidential letters of reference to be sent directly by referees.
Deadline for the application is 15th February 2009.
