A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) participate in the coordination of cellular signalling. They directly interact with signalling proteins such as kinases, phosphodiesterases and protein phosphatases, direct them to defined cellular sites, and thereby facilitate local signal processing and integration. Our group is studying compartmentalized cAMP signalling in renal principal cells and cardiac myocytes. In cardiac myocytes, we have recently reported that AKAP18delta directly interacts with phospholamban. This interaction is crucial for the reuptake of Ca2+ from the cytoplasm into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

In projects, funded by the GoBio programme of the BMBF, the EU (project www.thera-cAMP.eu), and the DFG), we are seeking to identify small molecules that interfere with direct AKAP-dependent protein-protein interactions and to validate such interactions as drug targets. We offer a postdoc position to a candidate who is motivated to identify small molecules disrupting intracellular AKAP-dependent protein-protein interactions in cardiac myocytes and to characterise their effects in vitro and in vivo. The project requires a strong background in signal transduction, molecular and cell biology, and molecular pharmacology. The use of cloning techniques, protein biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy (laser scanning microscopy, FRET), and screening small molecule libraries utilizing high throughput assays is essential.
Please sent your application including a CV, publication list and references or names and addresses of two referees by e.-mail to:
Dr. Enno Klussmann:
Tel.: +49-30-94793 260 / 349
E.-mail: [email protected]