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Postdoctoral Position in Biochemistry and Biophysics
Summary
Description
The hallmark of cancer biology is the uncontrolled growth of cells. This transformation relies on mutant cell signaling proteins such as Src, Raf-1, Erb, Her2, Bcr-Abl and others that are constitutively active and/or hyperactive leading to uncontrolled proliferation. In contrast to their normal counterparts, the activity of these mutant oncogenic proteins is highly dependent upon interaction with the molecular chaperone Hsp90. In normal cells, Hsp90 oversees the folding of client proteins. In cancer cells, Hsp90’s essential role is subverted to stabilize mutated oncogenic proteins resulting in neoplastic transformation. Hsp90 binds and hydrolyses ATP, an activity that is inhibited by the ansamycin antibiotic geldanamycin. Geldanamycin binds to the nucleotide binding pocket of Hsp90, displaces ATP and inhibits activation of numerous Hsp90 dependent oncogenic clients, making it an ideal candidate for broad spectrum cancer treatment. This project funded by TI-3D (Texas Initiative for Drug Discovery and Development) will focus on the characterization of newly designed synthetic derivatives of Geldanamycin, analyze their interaction with Hsp90 and test their potency to inhibit the Hsp90 dependent activation of oncogenes. For further information see our website: www.utmb.edu/ncb/Faculty/ObermannWolfgang.html
Requirements
The successful candidate will an expert in the generation of recombinant proteins and must be experienced in the analysis of protein-drug interactions by biophysical methods such as SPR (surface plasmon resonance) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and ITC (isothermal calorimetry).
Please forward your application letter stating clearly how you pertain to the requirements for the position together with a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and the names and contact information of three referees to wmoberma@utmb.edu
Contact:
Wolfgang M. J. Obermann, PhD, Associate Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Research Building 17, Rm. 5.212A
Galveston, TX 77555-0620
USA
Phone: ++1-409-747-1214
Email: wmoberma@utmb.edu
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