Imaging cellular heterogeneity in nuclear RNA bursting triggered by Phosphate status variations

We aim to investigate the live variability of transcription (RNA bursting) between cells of the root during Phosphate homeostasis variation. Cutting edges cell biology approaches will be used such as combining whole-mount roots growing in a microfluidics system (enabling fine-tuning Pi parameters) and MS2/MCP labelling (providing live access to RNA molecules with a cellular resolution¹).

3D single molecule RNA FISH^1,2 is also used to validate the results obtained. Different algorithms (developed by start-up partners or partners) are used to track the nuclei and identify the transcription site. Live interactions between different regulating proteins will also be analyzed using new approaches developed by our team.

The project has three objectives: (1) Quantify the temporal variations of the nascent transcript levels in response to varying Pi status (depletion and refeeding); (2) Map the spatial specificity of responses within the different root cell layers (3) Quantify the contribution of transcriptional regulators candidates.

1          Hani, S. et al. Live single-cell transcriptional dynamics via RNA labelling during the phosphate response in plants. Nat Plants 7, 1050-1064 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-021-00981-3

2          Hani, S. et al. smFISH for Plants. Methods Mol Biol 2784, 87-100 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3766-1_6

Training benefits: acquisition of a broad experimental background in molecular biology, plant physiology, genetics and cutting edges cell biology approaches: 

- Live imaging of the transcription (using MS2/MCP technology) and access to new generation of fluorescent markers

-Dynamic live imaging of protein-protein interactions and signaling molecules

-Microfluidics for live access of molecular modifications taking place in root cells in physiological regulations

BIAM

Bioscience and biotechnology Institute of Aix-Marseille

"Generate knowledge and develop green solutions in the field of low-carbon energy
or environmental monitoring and protection"

BIAM is a Joint Research Unit that brings together CEA, CNRS and Aix-Marseille University (UMR 7265), located on two strategic geographical sites : the CEA Cadarache center in Saint-Paul-lez-Durance and the Luminy science faculty in Marseille.

Very good theoretical background in molecular and cell biology. Fluent in English.

Experience in the plant field would be a bonus.