Call For Expression Of Interest For Msca Postdoctoral Fellowships At Unige – N. 33 Characterizi[] GENOVA

Call For Expression Of Interest For Msca Postdoctoral Fellowships At Unige – N. 33 Characterizi[]
Genova
Liguria, GENOVA

Department of Experimental Medicine - DIMES Call for Expression of Interest for a joint application under the upcoming Call for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 The University of Genoa, UNIGE, located in Genoa, ITALY, welcomes postdoctoral researchers of any nationality, with an excellent track record, to apply to the European Commission Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025. Our University has been a beneficiary of several MSCA-PF in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. The Marie Sklodowska Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship is a funding scheme of the European Commission's Horizon Europe Research & Innovation programme, dedicated to excellent research promoting international mobility, as well as interdisciplinary and intersectoral exchanges. The MSCA fellowship grant provides a competitive salary plus mobility and family allowances if applicable, as well as a contribution to cover research, training and networking costs. The research projects will have 2- or 3-year durations. Selected candidates will be provided with special support for proposal writing and development. The University of Genoa will organize in May the fifth edition of the Masterclass MSCAUniGe. Selected candidate researchers will have the opportunity to attend a 2-day online intensive training and coaching course on how to write a successful proposal. This masterclass is a pathway of support to candidates and their supervisors in preparing project proposals, including prescreening activity of the draft proposals and the organization of dedicated B2B meetings, by the European Research Office of UniGe, National Contact Point and other experts. The masterclass will take place in May and June 2025 , with the first online training session scheduled for the 8th May 2025. The B cell receptor (BCR) is crucial for B cell development and function, playing a key role in hematologic diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and autoimmunity. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the BCR signaling are now essential in treating hematologic disorders. However, TKIs are not curative, as targeted cells undergo clonal evolution, leading to drug resistance and relapse (R/R), often with more aggressive disease. A key gap in knowledge is the intracellular signaling cascade (ISC) and cellular outcomes in the context of isotype-specific BCR stimulation. Indeed, the distinct roles of BCR isotypes IgM and IgD have been largely overlooked. Recent studies have shown that, though co-expressed on the same B cells and carrying identical antigen-binding sites, these isotypes are functionally divergent. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), IgM and IgD exhibit distinct clinical and biological consequences, yet the mechanisms underlying their differential regulation remain unclear. Notably, R/R cells may not harbor mutations in direct drug targets or key signaling components, suggesting alternative resistance mechanisms. While genomic and epigenetic alterations contribute to disease progression, other factors must be at play. One potential mechanism is cellular hysteresis—cells retaining a "memory" of prior stimuli via shifts in homeostasis, including post-translational modifications (PTMs) and metabolic by-products. In this context, CLL, the most common adult leukemia in Western countries, is characterized by CD5 B cell expansion, with IgM and IgD co-expression in>90% of cases. While TKIs and BCL-2 inhibitors show efficacy, CLL remains incurable. Resistance is not always linked to target mutations, and therapy can drive Richter's transformation (RT) into aggressive lymphomas. CLL BCRs modulate redox and kinase/phosphatase balances, influencing cellular responsiveness, yet the roles of IgM and IgD in these processes remain unexplored. Focusing on CLL B cells, we aim to: Identify mechanisms by which IgM- and IgD-BCRs drive divergent cellular responsiveness and disease aggressiveness. Elucidate cellular hysteresis mechanisms, mediated by PTMs from prior BCR activation, that influence subsequent responsiveness. Research Group The Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment, fostering innovative, interdisciplinary work. The department provides cutting-edge technological resources and human expertise, ensuring a strong foundation for successfully executing this research project. The team is composed of experienced researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students, all dedicated to advancing the study of B cells, with a particular focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Our collective expertise spans immunology, cellular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics, creating a multidisciplinary environment where diverse perspectives drive innovative discoveries. This dynamic and collaborative setting provides an excellent opportunity for new team members to learn from seasoned experts, contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking research, and develop their own scientific careers in a supportive and well-resourced environment. Another key aspect of this team is the close collaboration with three leading hospitals in the city of Genova —IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Ente Ospedaliero Ospedali Galliera, and IRCCS Istituto Gianna Gaslini — all of which have established partnerships with the supervisor. These institutions offer access to state-of-the-art equipment, hands-on training opportunities, and invaluable interactions with top physicians, facilitating both sample collection and the clinical interpretation of data. The Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) at UNIGE, along with the nearby IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, provides access to an extensive range of state-of-the-art core facilities, ensuring that researchers have the resources needed to conduct high-impact studies. These facilities include: Animal Facility – Fully compliant with national and international animal treatment standards, including a dedicated section for immune-suppressed animals. Imaging tools include IVIS fluorescent imaging, X-ray system, and a 3T MRI scanner for mouse imaging. Proteomics & Histology – A well-equipped proteomic core facility, cryostat instruments, and standard immunohistochemistry tools. DNA Sequencing – including an Applied Biosystems Hitachi 3130x Genetic Analyzer, ION S5 (Thermo Fisher), and Illumina NGS platforms (MiSeq and NextSEQ 500). Flow Cytometry & Cell Sorting – Access to advanced cytometry tools such as FACS cytofluorimeters, two FACSAria II sorters (Becton Dickinson), an Imaging Flow Cytometry system (ImageStream, Millipore), and a well-maintained cell and tissue bank. Molecular & Cellular Biology – Fully equipped labs for cell culture (BL-2 conditions), fluorescence microscopy, centrifugation, bacterial culture, PCR techniques (dedicated clean rooms and sterile hoods), and spectral confocal microscopy. Additional Specialized Equipment – ELISA Multiscan and ELISPOT readers, spectrofluorimeter, ECM830 BTX-Genetronics electroporator, Neon transfection system, real-time PCR instruments, RoboSep cellular separator, and Luminex technology (MAGPIX). For MSCA-PF 25 call (opening foreseen on 9th April 2025), at the deadline for the submission of proposals (10th September 2025), postdoctoral candidates shall have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience and must not have resided or carried out their main activities in Italy (for European Fellowship) or in the Third Country of the outgoing phase (for Global Fellowship) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the abovementioned deadline. More info on MSCA PF at the following link: J-18808-Ljbffr