Published Date: Dec 20, 2023.
| School | Perelman School of Medicine |
|---|---|
| Organization | CB-Cancer Biology-Basic Sciences Dept |
| Description | Postdoctoral researcher positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiaolu Yang at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The Yang lab studies cancer and neurodegeneration. Our current projects focus on two broad areas: (1) Tumor suppression, metabolism, and autophagy. We are interested in the regulation and functions of the preeminent tumor suppressor p53. Our results have revealed a role for p53 in modulating metabolic pathways that are critical for biosynthesis and redox balance. We are investigating the function of p53 as both a sentinel and a regulator for metabolic activities. We are also identifying and characterizing metabolic alterations that drive tumor initiation and progression. A recent extension of this research area is to define the role of metabolism and autophagy in stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells. (2) Protein quality control, aging, and neurodegeneration. Our lab recently identified two protein quality control (PQC) systems, which consist of tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins and poly-Asp/Glu (polyD/E) proteins, respectively. Unlike canonical PQC systems, these new systems are independent of ATP and are unique for animals (the TRIM system) or eukaryotes (the polyD/E system). Both systems are multifunctional and highly effective. We are investigating their mechanisms of action; their roles in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and their utility in treating these diseases. For more information on the laboratory and its research, please see the following publications and website: Science 381: eadd6696 (2023), PMID: 37499037 Science Advances 8: eabo0404 (2022), PMID: 35857842 Nature 597: 132-137 (2021), PMID: 34408321 Nature Cell Biology 23: 978–991 (2021), PMID: 34497368 Cell Metabolism 33: 94-109 (2021), PMID: 33159852 Science 369: 397-403 (2020), PMID: 32703873 Cell Reports 33: 108418 (2020), PMID: 33264628 Nature Communications 11: 348 (2020), PMID: 31953436 Nature Communications 10: 1495 (2019), PMID: 30940803 Cancer Research 79: 2220-2231 (2019), PMID: 30890618 Nature Communications 9: 4683 (2018), PMID: 30409970 Nature Communications 9: 1223 (2018), PMID: 29581427 Cell Reports 18: 3143-3154 (2017), PMID: 28355566 Molecular Cell 55: 15-30 (2014) (Cover Article), PMID: 24882209 Nature 493: 689-93 (2013), PMID: 23334421 Nature Cell Biology 15: 991-1000 (2013) (Cover Article), PMID: 23811687 Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108: 12851-6 (2011), PMID: 21768358 Nature Cell Biology 13: 310-316 (2011) (Cover Article); PMID: 21336310 Molecular Cell 37: 668-678 (2010) (Cover Article); PMID: 20227371 https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p20138 |
| Qualifications | Successful candidates should have a strong record of scientific productivity and extensive experience in a related field, including but not limited to molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, metabolism, stem cells, cancer, AAV gene therapy, neuroscience, and neurodegenerative disease. |
| Contact | To apply, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of three references to: Xiaolu Yang, PhD Professor, Department of Cancer Biology Investigator, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania 653 BRB 2/3, 421 Curie Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160 Email: [email protected] |
