http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science
3D Cell Culture & Microfluidics: New insights in Prostate Cancer : GRENOBLE, France
A three-year PhD position starting in October 2014 and financed by the Grenoble Alpes University is available in the Biomics Team (Biomicrotechnology and Functional Genomics) of the Large Scale Biology Laboratory, CEA/Grenoble (Rhône-Alpes region, France).
CEA’s research endeavor focuses on high-tech and innovation, representing the forefront of technology with possible application from medicine to industry, computer science, life sciences and nanobiotechnologies.
PhD project summary
Acini are the basic 3D structures constituting a secretory epithelium. The mechanisms regulating acini development and lumen formation are poorly understood. Moreover, the disruption of apical polarity and the progressive transformation of acini into spheroids are key events in tumor progression. Therefore, the analysis of acini morphogenesis and cell polarity is critical to assess epithelial development, integrity and homeostasis and to study the pathogenesis of epithelial tumors.
The PhD subject focuses on the study of epithelial cell morphogenesis and tubulogenesis. The aim is to construct in vitro 3D structures: encapsulated prostatic acini in Matrigel beads and duct-like structures, using co-cultures approaches (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts..). Microfluidic devices that have been developed in the lab will be used to spatially and temporally control the 3D microenvironment and to handle acini separately. The dynamic visualization of acini development and intercellular communication between acini (branching process) will be performed using real-time lens-free imaging, in collaboration with CEA/Leti, experienced in lens-free imaging devices and holographic image reconstitution (1). In the course of this project, we expect having new insights in understanding the mechanisms involved in prostate development and/or carcinogenesis.
The candidate will study the acini development and tubulogenesis (branching) process upon variation of the 3D culture conditions to better understand the signals involved. On the basis of the results obtained in the lab, particular interest will be focus on: i) the matrix properties (2), ii) the inter-cell communication (co-cultures), iii) the cell density (formation of acini from single cells).
The candidate will be also involved in the development of an instrumentation dedicated to microfluidics in order to adapt the current device to 3D cell co-cultures.
Eligible candidates
should be experienced in cell biology, cell culture (2D and/or 3D), immunostaining, cell imaging (videomicroscopy, confocal, spinning-disk…). Lab-on-a-chip experience is welcome for using and designing devices for cell encapsulation and sorting. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary group active on the development of 3D cell culture and novel imaging microscopy techniques, and will have access to technologically advanced instrumentation for research.
Selected publications:
(1) Dolega et al. Label-free analysis of prostate acini by lensfree imaging. Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 49: 176-183 (2013).
(2) Picollet-D'hahan N. et al. The modulation of attachment, growth and morphology of cancerous prostate cells by polyelectrolyte nanofilms. Biomaterials, 34: 10099-1010 (2013)…
Job details
Employer:CEA French Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission
Website:http://www-dsv.cea.fr/en/inst...
Location:17 rue des martyrs, 38054 cedex 9, GRENOBLE, France
Expires:June 10, 2014
Job type:PhD Studentship
Salary:Unspecified
Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree
Employment type:Contract
Job hours:Full-time