High-throughput characterization of transcription factors functions

Description:

Transcription factors (TF) control most cellular responses and many of them act as direct sensors of signal metabolites to induce physiological adaptation. However, TFs are usually characterized through their output regulatory targets and we frequently lack information on their input signal, how it modulates their activity, and how signals are integrated into regulatory networks. Consequently, it is still challenging to accurately predict cellular responses to changing environments, an important limitation in many fields of biological research. This gap in understanding is due to the lack of effective methods for the global mapping and quantification of metabolite-TF interactions.

This project aims at developing a new method that will allow the large-scale investigation of metabolite-TF interactions, overcoming current methodological limitations. Briefly, the student will adapt a recent genome-wide DNA-binding assay to use as screening platform for metabolites effect on TF activity. After method development on selected TFs using qPCR, new interactions will be investigated at the genome scale using next-generation sequencing.

This project will involve molecular biology, protein purification, data analysis and next-generation sequencing approaches.

Duration: 3 or 6 months
Type: Experimental (wet lab) / Hybrid

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