PhD Position ”S-acylation switches during T cell activation”

Organisation/Company

Heidelberg University

Research Field

Biological sciences » Other
Chemistry » Biochemistry
Medical sciences » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Germany

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2025 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Permanent

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Project ID: TRR186/A05, Prof. Dr. Britta Brügger Institution: Biochemistry Center Heidelberg (BZH)

Application deadline: March 31st, 2025

Start of PhD: April, 1st, 2025

Funding Information: DFG funding 

Project description:

Reversible protein palmitoylation is a dynamic post-translational modification that positions soluble proteins or cytosolic loops of transmembrane proteins near membranes, facilitating processes like membrane fusion and signaling. This crucial process, mediated by DHHC enzymes, involves the attachment of palmitoyl groups to proteins, often triggering conformational changes. In T cells, palmitoylation patterns shift significantly upon T cell receptor activation, highlighting its role in cellular responses. Our research aims to advance our understanding of T cell signaling mechanisms through two key approaches. Firstly, we will investigate the functional significance of selected DHHC substrate proteins that exhibit dynamic palmitoylation changes in response to T cell stimulation. Our study will characterize these proteins' impact on crucial T cell processes, including cytokine expression, adhesion, and calcium signaling. Secondly, we will examine how the proximal lipid environment influences protein activities within the T cell signaling cascade. By comparing functionally distinct palmitoylation candidates, the research will elucidate both shared and unique mechanisms of palmitoylation-dependent regulation in T cell signaling, potentially extending to other cellular processes modulated by this posttranslational modification. The project will also challenge the emerging connection between palmitoylation and calcium channel regulation through molecular interference with DHHC-target interactions. This comprehensive approach promises to significantly advance our understanding of how protein palmitoylation and the lipid environment fine-tune T cell function and may reveal new therapeutic targets for immunological disorders 

Personal qualifications:

The candidate should have a strong background in biochemistry and/or cell biology

Find out more under “Open PhD Positions” on: http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/main_application.html

Application Enquiries:

Please submit your application exclusively through the HBIGS application system: http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/main_application.html

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/heidelberg-university/2025/phd-position-s-acyl…

Research Field

Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Medical sciences

Years of Research Experience

None

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Heidelberg University

Country

Germany

City

Heidelberg

Postal Code

69117

Street

Grabengasse 1

Geofield

City

Heidelberg

Website

http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/index_e.html

Postal Code

69117

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