A postdoctoral position is available to investigate the role of 14-3-3
proteins in the regulation of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase and nitrate
reductase, an enzyme which is located in the cytosol. 14-3-3 proteins
play a key role in coordinating multiple signalling pathways (see Aitken
1996, Trends Cell Biol. 6, 341-347) by serving as docking proteins for
receptors, kinases and phosphatases. In plants some 14-3-3 isoforms
make up the receptor for the phytotoxin fusicoccin (see de Boer 1997,
Trends Plant Sci. 2, 60-66). Plants have a 14-3-3 gene family with 6 to
10 members and it has been speculated that one isoform has more than one
function. Using a combination of biochemical, genetic and molecular
approaches we want to address the question which isoforms bind to (and
control the activity of) the ATPase and nitrate reductase respectively.
Since activation of root nitrate reductase also activates the ATPase,
14-3-3 dimers may mediate the ‘cross-talk' between these two enzymes.
The dynamic behaviour of 14-3-3 isoforms (viz. translocation within the
cell and docking to the respective targets proteins) will be studied by
means of Green Fuorescent Protein (GFP) constructs.
This project, is part of an EU Framework IV Biotech-programme entitled
‘Central Role in Adaptation of Fourteen Three Three proteins', and is
carried out by six international partners. In the lab you will be part
of a group of 3 postdocs working on 14-3-3 proteins in barley and
Petunia.
Candidates should have demonstrated experience and publications in
biochemistry/protein chemistry and molecular biology. Experience with
microscopic techniques is considered favourably.
The position will be for a period of 3 years in the Department of
Genetics, Section Plant Physiology of The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam,
The Netherlands.
Applicants should send (before July 10) a curriculum vitae, a brief
statement of research interest and names and phone numbers and e-mail
address of 3 references to:
Bert de Boer
Faculty of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Dep. Of Genetics, Section Plant Physiology
De Boelelaan 1087
1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Phone: 31-20- 444 7162
Fax: 31-20-444 7229
E-mail: ahdeboer at bio.vu.nl
PS: I am out of the country until July 5th, but after that I will be
happy to give more information about the position.
