A challenging project to study the interplay of RNA-binding proteins and microRNAS with RNA m6A modifications in the regulation of genes involved in cancer

The SABNP laboratory is based in the University of Evry Val d’Essonne (UEVE), and is part of the University Paris-Saclay. This site is located in the heart of Evry, a city which is a big hub of biology and biotechnology research institutes and industries, including Genopole and Genoscope, the national sequencing centre. The laboratory brings together 4 teams of researchers and different technical approaches (cell biology, structural biology, Microtubule bench platform, transcriptomics) allowing the teams to carry out translational science, from laboratory research to drug development.

The mRNAs of many oncogenes are m6A modified in cancer cells, resulting in enhanced protein expression. However, the effect of m6A modifications on alterations of RNA structure and RBP/miRNA binding has not been sufficiently elucidated. From the subset of mRNAs which show three-way proximity between m6A sites and target sites of a microRNA and an RBP, we have selected a gene, which encodes a component of a metabolic pathway and is upregulated in estrogen-treated breast cancer cells. We propose to investigate whether specific m6A modifications of this mRNA alters the local secondary structure of the RNA and affects the binding of the RBP and the microRNA to the mRNA, thereby influencing its expression in breast cancer cells. Further we will investigate whether the altered expression of this gene as a result of m6A modifications and alteration in RBP/miRNA binding leads to metabolic changes in breast cancer cells leading to enhanced oncogenic potential.

We are looking for a sincere and motivated candidate interesting in doing a Master 2 internship. We are looking for the following:

• Experience of basic molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid extraction, (d)PCR, RT(d)PCR), cell biology (culture and transfection of cell lines) and biochemistry (protein extraction, Western-Blot analyses)
• Experience in a practical laboratory setup
• Ability to understand new techniques and implement them within the laboratory
• Mastery of Word, Excel, Powerpoint software
• Communication in English
• Reading and understanding of scientific articles in English
• Ability to record experimental data and protocols in a systematic manner