1 PostDoc Position in Role of PCSK9 in Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in France | University of Nantes

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability over the world. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process of arteries that contributes significantly to the disease and is initiated and sustained by low-density lipoprotein associated cholesterol (LDL-C). The observation that lifelong reduction of LDL-C in patients deficient for the proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is associated with a considerable reduced risk for coronary heart disease, provides us with new arguments that it is safe to reduce more agressively this risk factor. Statins a widely prescribed class of LDL-C lowering drugs offered new therapeutic opportunities but fail too often to reach the therapeutic goal for these patients. In this context, identifying new safe ways to reduce plasma LDL cholesterol is extremely desirable. Discovered in 2003, PCSK9 is a natural inhibitor of the LDL receptor and specific PCSK9 inhibitors (human monoclonal antibodies) have been developed and show promising results in clinical trials.

However, little is known on PCSK9 molecular physiology and extra-hepatic PCSK9 functions remain largely unexplored. The research program funded by the Leducq network aims to define the functions and physiological roles of PCSK9 by identifying PCSK9 interactors, trafficking components and regulators that modulate its function, expression and circulating levels in health and disease, studying both mouse models and human subjects.

Our project aims to better understand the specific function of PCSK9 in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, with a special focus on intestinal function.

Requirements

Applicant will hold a PhD in a relevant biological science and ideally will have a strong background in lipoprotein metabolism and glucose homeostasis. He is experienced in in vivo metabolic mouse phenotyping and outstanding skills in cellular and molecular biology. He will closely interact with the members of the team as well as with international collaborators. Candidate will require a complete autonomy and very good organization skills.