Epigenomic regulation of microglia fonctions during brain development

Description

Research theme:

Numerous studies suggest that dysregulations within the immune system during brain development might contribute to the emergence of autism spectrum disorders. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these dysregulations remain not well characterized to this day.

How the immune system participates to the development of the brain and preservation of its homeostasis. To achieve this, we study the development of the mouse brain using concepts in epigenetics (gene regulation), cell biology, and physiology.

We are seeking a trainee interested to join our team to perform an array of experiments with the ultimate goal to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms implicated in gene expression in microglia during brain development. This research program, unique in Canada, will lead to a better understanding of the role of the immune system to brain development and will enhance our comprehension of the etiology underlying autism spectrum disorders.

Training and learning experience opportunities:

Specifically, the trainee will investigate how disruptions in various signaling pathways in microglia during brain development in mice interfere with 1) epigenomic / transcriptional mechanisms underlying gene expression in microglia and 2) the cellular functions of microglia. The research program will also seek to determine the physiological consequences of these disruptions on neuronal development and the cognitive function of the brain (behavioral analyses).

In terms of technical skills, the trainee will acquire expertise with all the different aspects involved with numerous techniques in next-generation sequencing, including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq (see Gosselin et al., Cell, 2014; Gosselin et al., Science 2017). The trainee will also develop expertise with microscopy, behavioral analyses, data presentation, and manuscript preparation. Finally, the project will enable the trainee to acquire robust expertise with concepts relevant to the biology of the brain and the immune system, along with principles of epigenomics and transcriptomics.

Overall, it is expected that upon successful completion of this this multi-dimensional research project, the trainee will be prepared to either pursue successfully a Ph.D. or to perform advantageously in a competitive knowledge-based job market.

Research Field

- Autism
- Brain
- Microglia
- Epigenomics
- Transcription
- Bioinformatics
- Microscopy
- Mouse
- Behavior

Research Supervisor

David Gosselin

Research Environment

Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - CHUL

We are located within the Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - CHUL, which offers a very dynamic and friendly biomedical research environment. In addition, the center houses a large array of state-of-the-art equipment in sequencing technologies and confocal and electronic microscopy.

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

Information unavailable

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Doctorate in Molecular Medicine

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

Information unavailable

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Doctorate in Neurosciences

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

Information unavailable

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

Information unavailable

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Molecular Medicine with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

Information unavailable

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Neurosciences with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

Information unavailable

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,000 to $2,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Biomedical Science
- Medical Biochemistry
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Neuropathology
- Microbiology

Required Documentation

- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Names and coordinates for two references should also be provided.

Find Out More

David Gosselin
Professeur sous octroi adjoint
Département de médecine moléculaire
david.gosselin@crchudequebec.ulaval.ca