InstructChromatin architecture has long been linked with regulation of gene expression, in particular via the organisation of chromosomes into topologically associated domains and apparent physical proximities between gene promoters and regulatory elements such as enhancers.
However, much less is known about how the dynamics of chromatin architectures in real-time. Instruct-FR Centre IGBMC has recently optimised a system for live imaging of specifically tagged genomic sites and have uncovered surprising locus-specific properties of chromatin diffusive properties.
The team also found that enhancer-promoter distance is affected much less than local diffusive properties when comparing transcribing and non-transcribing loci (manuscript in preparation), suggesting that chromatin dynamics may be an important yet largely unexplored facet of gene regulation.
A postdoctoral position is available in the Sexton lab (two years, with possibility to extend) to assess more systematically and mechanistically the link between chromatin dynamics and transcriptional regulation. Expertise in optical microscopy (especially live) and image analysis is highly desirable.
To apply, please send your CV (plus cover letter) to sexton@igbmc.fr
