The RCGL and the RPFL are among the newer laboratories within the Center for Cancer Research. Both are located on the Frederick, Maryland campus of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The common mission of these two Laboratories is to generate insights into basic processes involved in cellular function that enhance our understanding of cancer and other disease processes. Towards this end, a variety of experimental systems and signaling pathways fundamental to normal and dysregulated cell growth and function are under investigation by RCGL and RPFL scientists.
Regulation of
Cell Growth Laboratory (RCGL)
Regulation of
Protein Function Laboratory (RPFL)
Currently, Principal Investigators (PIs) in these two groups include:
Former members include Nancy Rice, Ph.D., who retired from the RCGL in 2001, and Karen Vousden, Ph.D., who recently left her position as Chief of the RCGL to become the Director of the Beatson Institute in Glasow, Scotland. Allan Weissman, who is Chief of the RPFL, is serving as Interim RCGL Chief.
Recruitment is ongoing for the position of RCGL Chief (position description in PDF format) and will begin shortly for PI positions within the RPFL. Currently, most of the PIs listed above have immediate openings for outstanding postdoctoral candidates and some of these are listed below. Postdoctoral candidates interested in becoming part of a highly interactive and exciting scientific environment are encouraged to contact individual investigators.
Postdoctoral Positions Available:
The following groups, as well as others, have postdoctoral positions available
for candidates with an M.D. and/or Ph.D. In general, candidates should
have less than 5 years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
Dr. Jairaj Acharya. The long-term objective of the Acharya lab is to understand the complex interrelationship between phospholipid/sphingolipid metabolism and metabolic signaling in vivo. Intermediates of phospholipid (PL) and sphingolipid (SL) metabolism serve as second messengers for a number of signaling cascades including activation of G protein-coupled receptors such as adrenaline, thrombin, etc., as well as receptor tyrosine kinases by growth factors. These signaling cascades mediate a number of processes ranging from protein secretion to activation of apoptosis. Dr. Acharya's group uses a combination of genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches in Drosophila to understand the function of important proteins of PL/SL signaling in their normal cellular environment. Experience in working with Drosophila is preferred but not mandatory.
Dr. Ira Daar. The Daar laboratory focuses on the role of Eph receptor and ligand signaling pathways during amphibian embryogenesis. Particular emphasis is upon elucidating the mechanisms of cross-talk between the Fibroblast Growth Factor receptor and Eph signal transduction pathways. Applicants should have a strong background in molecular, cellular, or developmental biology.
Dr. Mark Fortini. The Fortini laboratory is interested in the molecular genetics of signal transduction, primarily in Drosophila. Specific areas under investigation include: the role of presenilin, nicastrin, and other gamma-secretase components in the proteolytic cleavage of the Notch receptor; trafficking and processing of Notch and other cell-surface molecules within the secretory apparatus; genetic screens for new molecules involved in developmental patterning and signaling; and analysis of fly gene homologs of human disease genes. Projects provide training in a wide variety of experimental techniques, including molecular biology, cell biology, confocal microscopy, Drosophila genetics, insect and mammalian cell culture, and biochemistry. Some experience in molecular biology or genetics is desirable.
Dr. Michael Kuehn. The Kuehn laboratory is particularly interested in the roles that protein modifications such as ubiquitin and SUMO play in vertebrate embryonic development. We have recently identified several developmentally expressed proteins that are candidate ubiquitylation substrates (J Biol Chem 277: 2897-907, 2002). These proteins are being analyzed by gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in cultured cells and in mice. In addition, analysis of a prenatal lethal mutation in the mouse SENP-1 gene, which encodes a protease involved in SUMO activation and deconjugation, is being studied as another avenue to understanding SUMO function in mouse development. This analysis involves phenotypic and molecular approaches to determine both the tissues and sumoylated proteins affected by the mutation. Together, these efforts provide a model for elucidating the critical roles played by ubiquitylation and sumoylation in human development and disease. In addition, the Kuehn lab also has a long-standing interest in the TGF-beta-related factor, nodal, which we discovered and whose role in early development we have extensively characterized (Development 128: 1831-43, 2001). Current projects involve conditional mutagenesis using the Cre/loxP approach, and the identification of nodal target genes in the early embryo.
Dr. Allan Weissman. The Weissman laboratory has an overarching
interesting in issues related to the biochemistry and regulatory role
of ubiquitin protein ligases in cellular functions. Specific areas under
investigation include: the role of ubiquitin protein ligases in endocytosis
and degradation of cell surface receptors; the molecular basis and components
involved in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation; the role of
ubiquitin protein ligases in cancer cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis;
and the use of this information in a molecular target approach to cancer
treatment. Additional studies are oriented towards the structural characterization
of RING finger ubiquitin protein ligases. A wide variety of techniques
in cell and molecular biology, imaging, signal transduction, and biochemistry
are utilized. A fundamental knowledge of molecular and cellular techniques
is a plus.
For additional information, please contact either:
Jennifer Wood, Administrative Laboratory Manager, RCGL: 301-846-
1251, or
Sheryl Moore Rudden, Administrative Laboratory Manager, RPFL: 301-846-1222
Office FAX: 301-846-1666
A service of the National Cancer Institute
