Careers
Classon Laboratory
Postdoctoral Position
(1)
A postdoctoral position is available to investigate context dependent functions of the retinoblastoma proteins (pRB, p107 and p130) in tumorogenesis. Our research is aimed at understanding the complex roles of the retinoblastoma protein family in tumorogenesis. We are currently using biochemical and cell biological approaches to study the context dependent roles of this family in the process of transformation.
Our laboratory has previously established cells from mouse embryos deficient in the pRB family of proteins and our studies of these cells have revealed both overlapping and opposing biological functions for these closely related proteins. Specifically, this family of proteins seems to have overlapping functions in cell cycle control whereas they have opposite functions in the context of some differentiation processes. More recently, we have also found that pRB and p107 have opposing functions in Ras-mediated oncogenic transformation. Despite the frequent involvement of Ras activation and disruption of the RB pathway in a variety of human cancers, the vast majority of tumors do not exhibit both Ras activation and disruption of the Rb gene. Taken together, our findings indicate that pRB, is a necessary downstream mediator of Ras transformation, and in the context of an activated Ras pathway p107, rather than pRB, acts as a tumor suppressor.
Contact: Interested, motivated and enthusiastic applicants should have a PhD and/or MD degree, with experience in Molecular Bilogy, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related fields. Please send a CV with past research experience and contact information of three references to:
Marie Classon
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Bldg 149, 13th Street, Rm 7330
Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
1-617-726-7800 (tel) 1-617-726-7808 (fax)
classon@helix.mgh.harvard.edu
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