We study the epithelial mitogen 'lacritin' that targets syndecan-1 via a novel heparanase-dependent mechanism (J. Cell Biol. 174:1097-1106[2006]). Core protein binding initiates pertussis toxin-sensitive mitogenic signaling through PKCα, NFAT and mTOR (J. Cell Biol. 174:689-700[2006]). Pertussis toxin sensitivity suggests the involvement of a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). 

The successful applicant will begin by mechanistically addressing the signaling pathway between the lacritin GPCR and dephosphorylation of PKCα.  Tools available include: siRNAs (also unbiased screening), rescue cDNAs, ratiometric  calcium imaging, phosphoblotting, confocal microscopy, PCR and over 30 different lacritin and syndecan constructs with more under construction. 

The successful applicant will benefit from a Lacritin Consortium of collaborating labs from four area institutions.  Data meetings are held 3 – 4 times a year with Consortium undergrads, grads, postdocs and faculty.  Consortium clinical collaborations are targeting lacritin towards the treatment of dry eye, the most common eye disease.

Check out our website at http://people.virginia.edu/~gwl6s/home.html/Home.html.  If interested, send your CV and names of past advisors or mentors to Gordon Laurie at glaurie@virginia.edu.

New PhD grads with a strong grad school track record and an obvious thematic link with this research theme are especially encouraged to apply.  Position open Fall ‘09.  Experience in phophoblotting, cell culture and confocal imaging is helpful.  The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.