ESPCI web site
SMBP Laboratory (Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics), LPC CNRS-UMR8249/UAR2051
Laboratory: SMBP - ESPCI Paris - 10 rue Vauquelin - 75005 PARIS
Institution: ESPCI Paris -PSL
Location: Paris, France
Internship Duration: 5-6 months
Start Date: 03/2025
LABORATORY DESCRIPTION:
SMBP’s core research activity is developing new strategies for analyzing biological macromolecules and, more specifically, the study of proteins. The SMBP laboratory at ESPCI has an analytical platform specialized in proteomics, which is nationally labeled with state-of-the-art equipment in very high-resolution mass spectrometry and nanochromatography.
REQUIRED DEGREE: PhD
JOB DESCRIPTION
Obesity is a complex disease, altering the quality of life and life expectancy, for which innovative therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Our team pioneered the description of excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) resembling fibrosis in white adipose tissue (WAT) depots of patients with obesity. We then contributed to establishing WAT fibrosis as a critical determinant of WAT dysfunctions and clinical alterations, such as type 2 diabetes and impaired weight loss (WL). Our project aims to identify strategies stimulating WAT fibrosis clearance that could be used as an adjunct therapy during WL intervention to maximize outcomes. While much of the current scientific effort in the WAT fibrosis field is focused on pathways that regulate increased collagen production, here we will assess whether stimulating collagen degradation improves WAT fibrosis and glucose control in the context of WL. In addition, we propose, for the first time, to use mass spectrometry for the quantitative and qualitative characterization of WAT ECM proteins (matrisome) in order to identify matrisome alterations associated with WAT fibrosis remodeling. Together, ResOB will evaluate the contribution of collagenolysis in WAT fibrosis and identify other ECM elements as potential therapeutic targets.
The candidate will join a French consortium at the interface of analytical chemistry, proteomics, and clinical applications and will be more particularly involved in several tasks
- Study of pharmacological approach to limit WAT fibrosis and improve metabolic health upon weight loss from the proteomic point of view
- Characterization of the matrisome in the WAT from patients with obesity and in mouse models
REQUIRED PROFILE:
PhD in Analytical Chemistry with a focus on mass spectrometry and proteomics
Prior practical experience in this field
Practical experience in high-resolution nanoLC/MS would be appreciated, as would a background in biochemistry/biology
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
DURATION: 20 months
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please send your CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references to joelle.vinh (at) espci.fr
ESPCI: www.smbp.espci.fr
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