Albert Einstein Cancer Center

JOB DESCRIPTION:  

 

PXR, an adopted orphan receptor, is a key mediator of gene expression that controls drug (xenobiotic) metabolism and carcinogenesis.  Aberrant activation of PXR results in unpredictable drug levels and toxicities. Research focuses on defining the mechanism of action of drug inhibitors to an orphan receptor, PXR.  The methodologies involve use of functional gene expression assays, proteomics and genetic (yeast and bacterial-two hybrid) screens for identification of binding targets on PXR.   

A second project in the laboratory involves determining the molecular mechanism of PXR activation/inhibition.  PXR is known to bind to coregulators (e.g., SMRT and SRC-1) that modulate its activation when the receptor is tethered to its cognate ligand.  This project will focus on describing the functional significance of newly found protein-protein interactions of PXR that implicates action of chromatin remodeling complexes as well as other cell cycle proteins.  The methodologies involve use of in vitro protein interaction studies, deletion mapping, transcription assays, and functional studies in novel animal model systems.     

Applicants required to have a Ph.D or M.D/Ph.D with expertise in molecular biology and preferably yeast assays.