MINATEC

at LGMP, team "Interfaces between Materials and Biological Matter " (Professor C. PICART)
2 years post-doctoral fellowship from Grenoble-Institute of Technology
 
Summary of research project

at LGMP, team "Interfaces between Materials and Biological Matter " (Professor C. PICART)
2 years post-doctoral fellowship from Grenoble-Institute of Technology
 
Summary of research project
The objective of this project is to investigate the relationship between matrix stiffness, spatial presentation of this matrix and cell behaviour. More precisely, we aim to understand how cells respond to different types of stimuli by controlling the presentation of these stimuli. We are particularly interested in the differentiation of muscle cells, a process which is highly regulated and occurs in successive steps : initial adhesion, proliferation and cell migration and subsequent fusion. During past years, it was shown by the group of Prof Discher that mechanical properties of a synthetic matrix are of prime importance for mesenchymal stem cell differentiation 1. In addition, cells are also highly sensitive to the spatial organization of the underlying matrix onto which they are cultured.
In our group, we have developed and characterized during past years biomimetic films made of natural polymers, which can have controlled mechanical properties 2 as well as bioactivity 3. We have recently evidenced that the differentiation of muscle cells in myotubes and of embryonic stem cells 4 depends on the film properties and that a trans-differentiation in bone cells can be obtained when the film is loaded with an osteo-inductive growth factor 3.
In this project, we aim to study the combined influence of different stimuli on cell differentiation. Besides their ease of preparation and their versatility, the self-assembled films with controlled properties will be potentially applied in future regenerative strategies to guide stem cell differentiation or as coating for implantable biomaterials. 4
 
Scientific Environment. The "Interface between Materials and Biological Matter group" belongs to the LMGP laboratory (http://www.lmgp.grenoble-inp.fr), which is located in the Minatec Campus. There are many facilities around, both within the building (AFM, infrared spectrometer, fluorescence microplate reader, ESEM, microscopes, cell culture room, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, quartz crytal microbalance) and on the Polygone campus (including CEA biology department and IBS “Institut de Biologie Structurale”). The project will be performed in collaboration with D. Peyrade from the LTM, Grenoble.
 
CANDIDATE background. We are looking for a highly motivated student who is interested to work in an inter-disciplinary group and on an interdisciplinary project, at the interface between (bio)materials science, biophysics and cell biology. The candidate is expected to have a PhD in Biophysics, Bioengineering or Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
 
CONTRACT :
APPLICATION : please send a CV + motivation letter + name of 2 referees (with phone number + email address) to catherine.picart@minatec.grenoble-inp.fr
 
REFERENCES
1. Engler AJ, Sen S, Sweeney HL, and Discher DE.  Matrix elasticity directs stem cell lineage specification. Cell 2006. 126:677-89.
2. Ren K, Crouzier T, Roy C, and Picart C.  Polyelectrolyte multilayer films of controlled stiffness modulate myoblast differentiation. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2008. 18:1378-1389.
3. Crouzier T, Ren K, Nicolas C, Roy C, and Picart C.  Layer-by-Layer films as a biomimetic reservoir for rhBMP-2 delivery: controlled differentiation of myoblasts to osteoblasts. Small 2009. 5:598-608.
4. Blin G, Lablack N, Louis-Tisserand M, Nicolas C, Picart C, and Puceat M.  Nano-scale control of cellular environment to drive embryonic stem cells selfrenewal and fate. Biomaterials 2010. 31:1742-50.
5. Boudou T, Crouzier T, Ren K, Blin G, and Picart C.  Multiple functionalities of polyelectrolyte mulitlayer films : new biomedical applications. Adv. Mater. 2010. 22:441-467.