Project description

The cellular cytoplasm is a highly crowded environment, with proteins and other biomolecules packed tightly together. This raises an intriguing question: How do vital biomolecular processes continue to function in such a dense environment, where molecules are constantly interacting and may even form clumps? The key might lie in the constant energy conversion within the cell, which helps keep molecules in motion. In fact, the cytoplasm is often referred to as ‘active matter,’ and we have recently proposed that metabolism plays an essential role in ‘agitating the cytoplasm’ (https://doi.org/10.15252/msb.202110822).

The challenge of understanding how cellular metabolism organizes the structure of the cytoplasm presents an exciting scientific opportunity. This project seeks to combine biochemistry and biophysics to investigate this question. The results could not only advance our understanding of diseases such as Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s, but also offer new insights for biotechnology and metabolic engineering.

As part of the project, you will have the chance to use cutting-edge techniques, including super-resolution microscopy (PALM, Smdm), single-particle tracking, machine learning, and latest state-of-the-art techniques for biochemical analysis. You will explore how active enzymes drive cytoplasmic motion and how this influences cellular function and life itself.

This is a unique opportunity to embark on a fascinating scientific journey, with the chance to shape the direction of the project based on your own expertise and interests. You will be working at the forefront of scientific discovery while receiving strong support from our well-established lab environment.

Additional specifications

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative candidate who is eager to contribute to this exciting field of research.