Connectionists: Post-doc position in Paris: cAMP/PKA imaging in neurons

[Pierre Vincent]

Spatial and temporal integation of neuromodulatory signals through  
the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade in neurons
A 2-year postdoctoral position funded by the « Agence Nationale pour  
la Recherche » (ANR) is available in the team of Pierre VINCENT in  
the laboratory "Neurobiology of Adaptive Processes" UMR 7102 in Paris  
(http://npa.snv.jussieu.fr), starting in january 2008.
Our team is interested in the cellular processing of neuromodulatory  
signals impinging on neurons. While conventional methods have  
demonstrated the physiological role played by cyclic nucleotides in  
controlling neuronal properties, little is known about the  
integrating processes involved in these responses. This is  
particularly important in the case of neurons, which have several  
distinct cellular compartments with different biological functions.  
We use genetically-encoded FRET probes to directly monitor dynamic  
changes in cyclic nucleotide signaling at the subcellular level in  
real time and in morphologically-intact neurons. We have demonstrated  
that activation of the 5-HT7 serotonin receptor sequentially  
activates PKA in different cellular compartments (membrane, cytosol,  
nucleus) with different efficacies and time-courses. We have also  
demonstrated the importance of phosphodiesterases in regulating  
signal amplitude. Using advanced optical methods, we now want to  
study signal integration in other subcellular compartments (dendritic  
tree and spines) and monitor the modalities of signal propagation  
between compartments. Our studies will focus on the post-synaptic  
integration of the dopamine signal in the striatum and Nucleus  
accumbens in brain slice preparations, where the release of  
endogenous dopamine will be triggered by addictive drugs known to  
produce massive increases in extracellular dopamine concentration.  
This project will be carried out in parallel with our ongoing in vivo  
imaging project.
Profile : The candidate will have a solid experience in intracellular  
signal integration, not necessarily in the field of neurosciences.  
Quantitative analysis planned in this project implies a basic  
knowledge of physics. Experience in electrophysiology is a plus.
Application should include a letter of motivation, CV and summary of  
current and past research experience. The salary will be determined  
following ANR guidelines.
Contact : Pierre VINCENT; e-mail: pierre.vincent at snv.jussieu.fr;  
phone: 33 1 44 27 25 88
Related publications:
Gervasi et al, J Neurosci, 27:2744, 2007
Hepp et al, J Neurochem, 102:1875, 2007
Vincent et al,: EMBO Rep, 7:1154, 2006