Postdoctoral Position – Alcedo Lab
Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Sensory mechanisms that influence the aging process
To optimize survival, the animal’s sensory system interprets complex environments to generate the appropriate behavioral and physiological responses. Interestingly, sensory neurons have also been shown to influence the lifespan of C. elegans and Drosophila, although the molecular and physiological changes elicited by sensory cues that ultimately affect lifespan remain unclear. Our recent finding that sensory neurons affect lifespan through a neuromedin U neuropeptide signaling pathway provides an excellent opportunity to elucidate this process. Indeed, we already show that this pathway regulates lifespan through recognition of food quality, and not through calorie restriction.
We are currently looking for a highly motivated individual to join us in further elucidating this process. Candidates should have expertise in genetics and molecular biology. Interested individuals should please send their CV, a brief cover letter describing their research experience and 3 references to:
Joy Alcedo, PhD
Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research
Maulbeerstrasse 66
CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
Joy.Alcedo@fmi.ch
Recommended readings:
Alcedo, J., and Kenyon, C. (2004). Regulation of C. elegans longevity by specific gustatory and olfactory neurons. Neuron 41, 45–55.
Alcedo, J., Maier, W., and Ch’ng, Q. (2010). Sensory influence on homeostasis and lifespan: molecules and circuits. In Protein Metabolism and Homeostasis in Aging, N. Tavernarakis, ed. (Austin, TX, Landes Bioscience), E-Pub ahead of print. http://www.landesbioscience.com/curie/chapter/4546/.
Maier, W., Adilov, B., Regenass, M., and Alcedo, J. (2010). A neuromedin U receptor acts with the sensory system to modulate food type-dependent effects on C. elegans lifespan. PloS Biol 8, e1000376.