| A postdoctoral position is available to study structure and function of integral membrane proteins - nucleoside transporters. Equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) facilitate diffusion of nucleosides and related compounds across plasma membranes. In mammals these transporters are responsible for the fluxes of adenosine, an important cellular regulator and neuro-modulator. Moreover, due to their broad specificity they serve as entry points for many anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-parasitic drugs, which are chemical analogues of nucleosides. The study in our lab is focused on understanding of the structure and mechanism of ENTs (and other membrane transporters). We are interested in (a) determining the crystal structure of an ENT homolog; (b) understanding the thermodynamic and structural basis of ENT broad substrate specificity, in order to identify principles that would permit us to design ENT-targeted drugs that are either readily transported, or serve as blockers; (c) studies of the dynamics of the transporter in order to understand the molecular mechanism of the transport reaction. The work will involve substantial efforts towards expression and purification of an ENT homologue; characterization of the protein by biochemical and biophysical means; and crystallization and structure determination by X-ray crystallography. The successful applicant will have a PhD in biochemistry, biophysics or a related discipline. Experience with large-scale protein expression and purification is essential. Familiarity with crystallography is not necessary. |
