Hosted by:
Federico Rossi
University of Siena, Italy
Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment
https://smartcells.unisi.it/
Project Specification
Project Summary
The Smart Cells group has experience in characterizing far from equilibrium complex phenomena including communication in chemical and biochemical networks of oscillating microdroplets, manipulation of stimuli-responsive membranes and self-division processes of giant vesicles. We recently intercalated a photo-switchable amphiphilic molecule into the phospholipid scaffold of an artificial cell to obtain control over the shape dynamics and permeability of the membrane. The azobenzene-based molecule bears a Zn2+-complexed 1,4,7-triaza-cyclononane (TACN) head group that displays light-controllable intermolecular cooperativity for the complexation and, eventually, the catalytic transphosphorylation of molecules containing phosphodiester bonds.
In this project, we aim to create catalytic pockets in the membrane of a synthetic cell that can be controllable by light triggers to couple the membrane dynamics with the transphosphorylation of nucleic acid condensates.
We expect to: (1) Synthesize different photo-switchable amphiphiles bearing the TACN head group to be intercalated into membranes; (2) Establish control over the dynamics of condensate growth mediated by the membrane interface; (3) Obtain synergistic effects between changes in membrane morphology and the growth dynamics of the condensates.
The project will include secondments at the Max Plank Institute in Germany (Dimova group), at the CNRS in France (Marques group) and at Tel Aviv University, Israel (Sorkin group).
Selected References
- Rossi, F.; Ristori, S.; Abou-Hassan, A. Multiscale Approach for Tuning Communication among Chemical Oscillators Confined in Biomimetic Microcompartments. Acc. Chem. Res. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00232.
- Albanese, P.; Cataldini, S.; Ren, C. Z.-J.; Valletti, N.; Brunetti, J.; Chen, J. L.-Y.; Rossi, F. Light-Switchable Membrane Permeability in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14 (12), 2777. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14122777.
- Miele, Y.; Medveczky, Z.; Hollo, G.; Tegze, B.; Derenyi, I.; Horvolgyi, Z.; Altamura, E.; Lagzi, I.; Rossi, F. Self-Division of Giant Vesicles Driven by an Internal Enzymatic Reaction. Chem. Sci. 2020, 11, 3228–3235. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC05195C.
Standard duties and responsibilities of the DC
For the 36 months of employment contract the doctoral candidate (DC) will be required to work exclusively on the MSCA programme. In all cases, all duties and responsibilities will be clearly outlined in the DC personal Career Development Plan, as determined in the early stages of the project between the DC and their supervisory committee.
Candidate Specification
Qualifications
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Applicants should hold or expect to attain, as a minimum a MSc, or equivalent, in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Physics, Bioengineering or related area. |
Knowledge and Experience
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Research project carried out in at least one of the above disciplines. | Some experience in organic synthesis. |
| A demonstrated knowledge of at least one of the following: physical chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, biomolecular condensates, lipid chemistry, organic physical chemistry, far from equilibrium complex systems |
Skills and Competencies
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English. | |
| Evidence of interest, aptitude and research experience in the above disciplines. |
Application
- Before applying, please check the eligibility criteria HERE
- Applications should be submitted by email to: federico.rossi2 [at] unisi.it
Further information
For any informal queries, please contact Federico Rossi by sending an email to federico.rossi2 [at] unisi.it